Kenneth Booth
McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

Three new senior roles have been announced within McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division. Operations Director – Luke Arnold, Divisional Director – Darren Harding, and Regional Commercial Director – Adam Craven, have been appointed to positions within the Midlands and North team as part of its continued growth strategy. Luke

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New Remote Engine Disable/Enable on Bobcat Machine IQ

New Remote Engine Disable/Enable on Bobcat Machine IQ

Takes Security to the Next Level for Bobcat Customers Bobcat has added a new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the company’s Machine IQ telematics platform. The new feature allows customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app.  With Remote Engine

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Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East. Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a

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Glencar announces completion of £32.5M, 302,844 sq. ft multi-unit industrial development for Wrenbridge in Aylesford

Glencar announces completion of £32.5M, 302,844 sq. ft multi-unit industrial development for Wrenbridge in Aylesford

Being marketed as ‘Click Aylesford’ the six-unit development is situated at a strategic development site in Aylesford with three units pre-let ahead of completion . Glencar, a leading UK construction company known for its innovative and sustainable approach and who was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today

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M&S Accelerates Store Expansion with Ten New Sites

M&S Accelerates Store Expansion with Ten New Sites

Marks & Spencer is stepping up its store acquisition programme, securing ten new sites in prime locations to boost its retail presence. This expansion comes as the high street staple aims to push forward with its store rotation strategy, allowing the brand to refresh and strategically enhance its store footprint.

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Vistry Group to Develop 475 New Homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Vistry Group to Develop 475 New Homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Vistry Group, a leading UK provider of mixed-tenure housing, has acquired a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with plans to develop 475 new homes. The £140 million project will be located east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, providing a mix of affordable, private rental, and open market

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First phase of St Helier Harbour regeneration gets the go ahead

First phase of St Helier Harbour regeneration gets the go ahead

The Government of Jersey has granted planning consent for the first phase of the St Helier Harbour Regeneration This long-term project, led by Ports of Jersey, will renew ageing infrastructure and improve facilities for passenger and freight traffic to secure the viability of the lifeline port and its associated harbours

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Esh Construction developing first net zero homes for Thirteen Group

Esh Construction developing first net zero homes for Thirteen Group

10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Kenneth Booth

McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

McLaren Construction Midlands and North expands with trio of senior hires

Three new senior roles have been announced within McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division. Operations Director – Luke Arnold, Divisional Director – Darren Harding, and Regional Commercial Director – Adam Craven, have been appointed to positions within the Midlands and North team as part of its continued growth strategy. Luke Arnold will be working alongside managing director, Gary Cramp, to expand the Midlands and North business – developing into new sectors through public sector frameworks, alongside building the current teams to deliver success. He brings 25 years of experience to the role and will be concentrating on building and motivating high performing teams alongside maximising both operational and commercial performance within the region. On his new role, Luke said: “I am extremely proud of my client relationships and my ability to develop long standing relationships with supply chain and customers. With a wealth of experience across many different sectors of the industry, along with strong regional knowledge and long-standing customer and supply chain relationships – it’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with Gary and develop the Midlands and North region and I look forward to bringing new opportunities to the business.” Darren Harding will be responsible for the full day-to-day responsibility of all PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) schemes across the Midlands and North regions, continuing to build on the success of the contractor’s completed schemes, whilst building new high-performing site teams for opportunities in the pipeline. With over 40 years’ experience in the industry – relationship building will be a key focus of Darren’s new role – allowing him to build strong, professional connections to fortify teams and create new streams of work. On his new position, Darren Harding, said: “In my new role I will continue to reinforce my client relationships across the Midlands and North region, whilst pursuing a variety of varied workload opportunities. I thrive on the ‘team building’ aspect of my role by means of listening, nurturing, and encouraging all team members to take full ownership for their roles, which ultimately allows them to grow and develop, whilst allowing me to build professional and high performing teams. The future is looking very positive for the business with a full pipeline of new opportunities.” Regional Commercial Director, Adam Craven, will lead and oversee the commercial function within the regional business. Bringing over 22 years’ experience to the role, his position will include ensuring that consistent commercial performance is delivered across the board within the commercial team, at both pre-construction and delivery stages. Providing key technical skills in commercial governance and control including forecasting discipline, robust contractual knowledge and cash management, Adam will provide commercial and management support to the Regional Director to ensure that the financial performance of the region meets and exceeds profitability targets, as well as supporting the Group Commercial Director in all commercial activities across the region and wider business. Adam said: “I’m really delighted to be here, and excited for the future of the business. I will be pushing to support and develop our people and will be part of continued growth, ensuring it is done so in a sustainable and profitable way. Whilst the business has already demonstrated its success and resilience over many years, what really appealed to me and differentiates Mclaren Construction Midlands & North was the empowerment given to me  to influence and make a meaningful difference to an already successful business, as we seek those marginal improvements which will make all the difference. “With the quality of the existing skillset within the business, together with developing the right recruitment strategy, this will enable us to diversify our workload and allow for controlled, sustainable, and profitable growth.” Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are pleased to welcome Luke, Darren and Adam into their respective roles and are confident that their expertise and capabilities will drive the positive change we are spearheading, as part of the division’s growth strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Remote Engine Disable/Enable on Bobcat Machine IQ

New Remote Engine Disable/Enable on Bobcat Machine IQ

Takes Security to the Next Level for Bobcat Customers Bobcat has added a new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the company’s Machine IQ telematics platform. The new feature allows customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app.  With Remote Engine Disable/Enable, operators and owners can shut down their machine with a few clicks, deterring theft and aiding in quick machine recovery. Machine IQ, launched last year in Europe, allows connected-machine owners to monitor the health of their Bobcat machine and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security and performance. The new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature represents the first two-way update for the telematics system, allowing operators to both send commands to and receive data from the machine. Remote Engine Disable/Enable via Machine IQ can be activated in Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators and compact wheel loaders connected to the system. “Enabling advanced theft deterrence provides critical peace of mind for our Machine IQ users, and Remote Engine Disable/Enable allows our European customers to protect their equipment and allow only authorised usage. This feature also demonstrates our ability to interact with machines via two-way communication using telematics. Today marks another major milestone for what Bobcat continues to do – to empower our customers to accomplish more,” said Tomas Plechaty, Machine IQ Senior Program Manager at Bobcat EMEA. Simple and User-Friendly Available with Premium Machine IQ subscriptions, this innovative solution empowers customers to remotely prevent theft and unauthorized use in just a few clicks. If unauthorized use is suspected, customers can log into their Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ app to select the asset, and click ‘Remote Engine Disable/Enable’ in the sidebar. Only administrative users can access this feature, and all Remote Engine Disable/Enable activity is tracked in the asset’s history table. Upon executing the disable command, any attempt to start an engine in an off state will fail. If the machine is in operation, the engine will shift into de-rate mode. Benefits With Machine IQ, customers have 24/7 access to crucial machine information on their smartphones or computers. Equipped with this information, customers can optimize machine use and plan jobs for maximum profitability by keeping idle times to a minimum and tracking fuel consumption. Service planning is made easy with maintenance notifications, saving operators time and money by allowing them to efficiently schedule machine maintenance and manage job sites during planned downtime. Choosing the Right Package Dealers and customers can choose from two options: a Standard package with basic telematics and a Premium package with additional advanced features. According to Tomas Plechaty, the subscription options let users tailor their experiences and access the level of connectivity and insights that best suit their needs. “With a focus on simplicity for the user, we are confident that the packages will meet the needs of customers and dealers across the globe, and help them grow their businesses,” he said. Connecting to Machine IQ Machine IQ comes factory-installed with many equipment models and can easily be installed on compatible Bobcat machines in the field. Customers should contact their local dealer to check compatibility. Bobcat customers can access Machine IQ by visiting my.bobcat.com, creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, the mobile app for Machine IQ can be downloaded from Google Play/Apple Store. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

Pilbeam expands team to support talent development

Contractor Pilbeam Construction has strengthened its team with three new hires, boosting its ability to deliver high-quality construction projects across Sussex and the South East. Joining Pilbeam, based in Southwick, West Sussex, are Rob Lyons as assistant quantity surveyor, Benjamin Williams as assistant site manager and Sam Burchett as a carpentry apprentice. Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said: “This expansion demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for young people and quality craftsmanship. “We’re very happy to welcome Rob, Benjamin and Sam to the Pilbeam family. The skills they acquire with us will strengthen our ability to deliver excellent service across major heritage, healthcare and educational projects in the South East.” Rob Lyons, with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and experience in managing large-scale projects across Dubai and Oman, joins as assistant quantity surveyor. His responsibilities include procurement, contract management and cost control. Rob said: “It was Pilbeam’s reputation for quality and collaboration that initially attracted me. “The company is large enough to manage substantial, exciting projects, yet retains a close-knit culture that encourages teamwork.” Rob’s career began in council housing maintenance, later evolving into international project management – and he’s now eager to bring his expertise to Pilbeam’s diverse portfolio. Benjamin Williams brings a dynamic approach to site management, with expertise in health and safety, resource organisation and quality-focused project delivery. With a technology-driven perspective, Benjamin has already contributed to Pilbeam’s notable regional projects, including the restoration of Newhaven Fort. Currently working towards a Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, Benjamin said: “Pilbeam’s values align with my own. It’s a supportive environment where the company really invests in your professional growth. It took me a while to find my place in construction, but I believe I’ve landed on my feet at Pilbeam.” Sam Burchett, a carpentry and joinery apprentice studying at Brighton Met, has joined Pilbeam after a successful work experience placement. Previously a warehouse operative, Sam’s transition to carpentry and joinery reflects his dedication to mastering hands-on, creative work in a field he’s passionate about. Sam said: “From day one, the team has made me feel welcome and I’m learning so much in an environment that truly values its apprentices. I’ve always loved making things, so this role is the perfect fit for me.” For further information please visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Homebuilder Lovell raises £12,000 for north-east homelessness charity with successful golf day

Homebuilder Lovell has raised more than £12,000 for a homelessness charity by holding a fundraising golf day. The event was held on Thursday 5 September at Ramside Hall in Carrville, County Durham, in aid of Oasis Community Housing which helps homeless people and works to prevent homelessness across the north east and south east of England. The north east region of Lovell became a partner sponsor of the charity last year. Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships for Lovell, said: “Oasis Community Housing does incredible work in this region and beyond to help people who are at risk of or enduring homelessness.  There are many reasons why people find themselves facing such a terrible situation and this incredibly worthwhile organisation is there to help. “We are happy to support Oasis Community Housing again this year and our golf event was an especially fun way to do it. There were a range of activities, and it was a great chance for our staff and suppliers to get together. “We are glad to have raised thousands for the cause with our successful golf event and we know that the money will be put to very good use.” Oasis Community Housing has been running for 40 years. Over the past year it has supported more than 1,300 people. More than 230 individuals and families were housed in its Home 24/7 supported accommodation, while its Basis drop-ins provided 1,245 hot showers and helped people rough sleeping or in housing crises on 5,278 occasions. And 87 per cent of women helped by its Empower domestic abuse team said they felt safer afterwards. The golf day raised £12,115 including £8,500 in booking fees alone. The event was booked up in advance and attracted 88 players who made up 22 teams. Those attending included representatives from Lovell and Oasis Community Housing, contractors and suppliers from the construction industry as well as guests and partners. The day included a Stableford competition as well as prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive and putting. A ‘beat the pro’ challenge had a prize of a Mini for the weekend. Presentations took place at the end of the day alongside a barbecue. Extra funds were raised for the cause with a raffle featuring a range of prizes including golf vouchers for courses across the north east. Last year the north east region of Lovell raised over £15,000 for Oasis Community Housing and its 2023 golf day contributed more than £10,000 of that total. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar announces completion of £32.5M, 302,844 sq. ft multi-unit industrial development for Wrenbridge in Aylesford

Glencar announces completion of £32.5M, 302,844 sq. ft multi-unit industrial development for Wrenbridge in Aylesford

Being marketed as ‘Click Aylesford’ the six-unit development is situated at a strategic development site in Aylesford with three units pre-let ahead of completion . Glencar, a leading UK construction company known for its innovative and sustainable approach and who was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed construction of a new £32.5M six-unit industrial warehouse development, totalling 302,844 sq. ft, for long-term customer and leading property development company Wrenbridge and its funding partner Bridges at a strategic development site in Aylesford Kent, named ‘Click Aylesford’. The works saw the construction of all six warehouse units simultaneously, with each completed in shell form, including finished open-plan offices at first-floor level. The development took 52 weeks to build, with three units already pre-let before completion. The buildings have been constructed to Net Zero Carbon, are EPC A+ rated, and achieved the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. Speaking about the project, Roy Jones, Glencar Managing Director London and South, said: “We are very happy to once again successfully work with and deliver for our long-term and much esteemed repeat customer, Wrenbridge, on this development. Click Aylesford is an outstanding project where sustainability and strategic location really do ‘click’ together. The development offers contemporary, well-designed buildings built to the highest possible standards to ensure the impact on the environment is minimized. The buildings, by design, will bring over £500,000 per annum savings on energy bills across the entire scheme, equating to a saving of approximately £1.81 per sq. ft per annum. This is hugely significant for potential occupiers, with the new space already much sought after, which is reflected in the fact that three units are already let. I would like to pay special thanks to the excellent team that worked on this development, who have delivered another exceptional result that we can be proud of. We look forward to working together with Wrenbridge again and continuing our strong partnership.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GRAHAM appointed as construction partner for Greystar’s Stratford Mill residential development

GRAHAM appointed as construction partner for Greystar’s Stratford Mill residential development

GRAHAM has been appointed by global investment, development, and real estate management company, Greystar, as the construction partner for its Stratford Mill scheme. Backed by a £68.5 million debt facility arranged by Societe Generale, the project will regenerate a brownfield site in Stratford, East London, delivering high-quality housing and community amenities to the area. GRAHAM will lead the construction of 247 apartments, including 42 affordable homes funded by Sovereign Network Group (SNG), with completion expected in autumn 2026. The development will feature buildings ranging from two to twelve storeys, offering a balanced mix of residential and commercial spaces to serve the community. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the project will deliver both market-rate and affordable housing, commercial spaces, landscaped green areas, and modern amenities designed to enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster community connections. The Stratford Mill scheme reflects Greystar’s commitment to improving the provision of housing through sustainable, resident-focused development. Located near Stratford and Stratford International stations, the area provides excellent transport connections, with City Mill Lock and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within easy reach for residents. The project will feature a mix of amenities designed to promote wellness and a sense of community among tenants, underscoring Greystar’s focus on elevating the living experience. Dan Thompson, UK Managing Director, Development, Greystar, said: “We’re very excited to see our development at Stratford Mill progress, thanks to the debt facility secured from Societe Generale, our contractor GRAHAM and SNG who will forward fund 42 affordable homes. Greystar is dedicated to delivering high-quality housing across multiple communities.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, commented: “Stratford Mill will deliver much-needed homes with a strong emphasis on quality, and we’re thrilled to partner with Greystar on a development that combines smart design with a real focus on community. Our focus will be on delivering a high-quality, sustainable build that meets the demands of modern living while supporting the broader community objectives through affordable housing and green spaces.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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M&S Accelerates Store Expansion with Ten New Sites

M&S Accelerates Store Expansion with Ten New Sites

Marks & Spencer is stepping up its store acquisition programme, securing ten new sites in prime locations to boost its retail presence. This expansion comes as the high street staple aims to push forward with its store rotation strategy, allowing the brand to refresh and strategically enhance its store footprint. In its half-year report for the 26 weeks ending 28 September, M&S reported strong momentum, having opened two food halls within full-line stores and three standalone food locations. These new stores, averaging 14,000 sq ft—almost double the size of typical M&S food stores—allow for a wider range of products, and have exceeded sales targets by around 8%. The retailer is also advancing its refurbishment plans, with four completed renewals and another eight scheduled for the second half of the year. M&S’s renewed stores, launched in 2023, saw a 9% sales increase, underscoring the success of its “reshape M&S for growth” strategy. In addition, M&S trialled a smaller 7,000 sq ft store format in Sidcup, showcasing its full range in a more compact space—a pilot that yielded “encouraging” results. The eight new food stores opened in 2024 are projected to bring in annualised sales of £117 million. Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, commented on the positive impact of the strategy: “Both food and clothing have now delivered market share growth for four consecutive years. We’ve seen an increase in customer numbers, sales value, volume, market share, and profitability.” For the reporting period, M&S recorded a 17.2% rise in profit before tax and adjusting items, reaching £407.8 million. However, Machin remains focused on the future, stating, “The easy thing to do would be to celebrate these results, but there’s more opportunity for growth ahead, and that’s what drives us.” With a mix of new openings, store upgrades, and innovative formats, M&S’s latest moves signal a commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing customer experience across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry Group to Develop 475 New Homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Vistry Group to Develop 475 New Homes in Hinckley, Leicestershire

Vistry Group, a leading UK provider of mixed-tenure housing, has acquired a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with plans to develop 475 new homes. The £140 million project will be located east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, providing a mix of affordable, private rental, and open market homes across the Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes brands. Of the new homes, 30% will be affordable, 25% allocated for the private rental sector, and the remaining 45% available for purchase. All homes will be built using sustainable timber frame panels from the Vistry Works factory in nearby Bardon, Leicestershire, helping to speed up construction while lowering environmental impact. Each home constructed with this method will emit 14,460kg less CO₂ compared to traditional builds, significantly reducing the site’s carbon footprint. Vistry will also showcase their project at the upcoming UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) with a dedicated pavilion, where discussions on affordable housing, sustainability, and innovation will be held, further solidifying Vistry’s leadership in community-focused, eco-friendly housing development. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “This acquisition marks a major step in addressing the housing shortage in Leicestershire. The new site will bring high-quality, well-connected homes suited to a range of residents and life stages.” Richborough, a premier UK land promoter, facilitated the deal after securing planning permission in early 2024. Jordan Gresham, Group Disposals Director at Richborough, commended Vistry’s vision for the project: “We’re thrilled to see this development move forward. Special thanks go to our team and consultants, as well as to our late honorary director, Steve Louth, whose vision was key to this project.” This development promises to enhance housing availability in the region while advancing sustainable building practices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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First phase of St Helier Harbour regeneration gets the go ahead

First phase of St Helier Harbour regeneration gets the go ahead

The Government of Jersey has granted planning consent for the first phase of the St Helier Harbour Regeneration This long-term project, led by Ports of Jersey, will renew ageing infrastructure and improve facilities for passenger and freight traffic to secure the viability of the lifeline port and its associated harbours which have served the people of Jersey and visitors to the island for 250 years. The scheme,  by global urbanism and architecture practice Broadway Malyan, responds to an initial ‘sense of place’ study and extensive consultation process. The first phase of implementation will deliver a new harbourside environment, rooted in St Helier’s historic and cultural heritage, that will deliver significantly improved user experience and facilities for the local community and travellers. The proposals, centred on Elizabeth Harbour, include a passenger terminal, customs and inspection facilities and freight distribution centre within a significant area of waterside public realm, connected to St Helier via network of landscaped routes, that will extend the town’s green infrastructure. The masterplan locates the passenger terminal and linear park alongside Elizabeth Marina creating a waterfront destination with significant views over the Jersey coastline and towards Elizabeth Castle. Importantly, this strategy will see the removal of high concrete walls that have severed the port estate from St Helier town centre for the past 35 years. The linear park will extend existing active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists whilst also providing opportunities for rest and play. The passenger terminal takes a curved form that responds to the coastline, and its structure and materiality draw inspiration from the rich character of the port and sea transport. A modular approach has been developed for the building, using standardised components to enable future expansion if needed, and to maximise off-site manufacture with the aim of minimising the amount of energy used in the construction process. A passive design approach, including low and zero carbon technologies have been incorporated into the building. The façade uses just five repeatable elements resulting in paired back, highly-engineered appearance. Vertical fins project from the façade to shade the building’s interior and adding visual depth to the elevations when seen from a distance. Coastal views are preserved through solar controlled, low-emissivity glazing to help moderate the internal environment, combined with a system of mechanical façade openings that facilitate a mixed-mode ventilation strategy to reduce operational carbon to help meet Ports of Jersey’s net zero goal for harbour operations by 2030. All buildings feature biodiverse green roofs with integrated photovoltaic panels and are linked by a district energy network designed for future connection to water source heat pumps, utilising seawater from the harbour as the primary energy source to will further reduce the harbour’s carbon footprint. The public realm design significantly reduces material sent to landfill by repurposing the dismantled concrete walls as retaining structures and beneath landscaped berms that have been introduced to provide shelter from the wind and mounds that children can use for informal play. A significant area of existing paving will also be used alongside new material. To reduce waste, un-trimmed slabs will be laid with informal edges along soft-planted or gravel beds reminiscent of coastal boardwalks. The exterior spaces feature marine tolerant trees planted in a pinetum near the water’s edge with deciduous tree species planting in an arboretum towards the town. To activate the public realm, the design team proposes a series of art installations and sonic sculptures, including maritime flotsam and jetsam from redundant buoys to ships funnels to create a wayfinding trail from the town, through the site, culminating at a new observation pier. Team Client: Ports of JerseyArchitecture & Landscape Design: Broadway MalyanArchitecture & Public Art Strategy: WaddingtonSustainability, Building Services, Transport, Project & Cost Management: Mott MacdonaldStructural & Civil Engineering: HartiganSense of Place: Louise Browne Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Esh Construction developing first net zero homes for Thirteen Group

Esh Construction developing first net zero homes for Thirteen Group

10 properties at Kedward Avenue in Middlesbrough will be energy efficient and future-proofed for residents. Esh Construction is helping raise the bar for sustainable living in Teesside as it develops 10 net-zero carbon homes for Thirteen Group. Part of an £18 million development known as Kedward Avenue – one of three sites Esh is delivering for Thirteen in Middlesbrough – the new timber-framed homes will feature a raft of state-of-the-art technologies as the housing provider explores net-zero carbon opportunities in the region. Four bungalows and six semi-detached two storey homes will benefit from enhanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system. Photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points will also be installed externally. To proclaim a property as net-zero carbon, homes must undergo rigorous energy performance standards testing, to meet a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score of two or lower – a much higher requirement than the standard home requirement of 5 or under. Mark Binns, Operations Director for Esh’s affordable housing division, said: “It is a landmark moment for Esh Construction and Thirteen Group to be providing the net zero offer. The project marks a significant step forward in sustainable construction and underlines a shared commitment to delivering future-proofed and energy efficient homes. “These 10 properties won’t use gas, instead the MVHR system, and an air source hot water cylinder will be used to suck air into the properties, while photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging units will support the energy efficient home management plans.” To prepare the properties for net-zero carbon status, challenges around architectural and design aspects had to be navigated, as well as educating the project team on key protocols. While the remaining properties in the 105-home development will include standard 140mm insulation, the net zero properties include an additional 25mm of insulation bonded to the plasterboard to prevent cold bridging, while insulation depths beneath the concrete are enhanced from 100mm to 150mm. Door frame sizes had to be adapted to allow the MVHR units to be installed and wider pipework had to be catered for. Joy Whinnerah, Thirteen’s Executive Director of Development and Partnerships, said: “We’ve made a firm commitment to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050 and we know we need to innovate and invest to achieve that. “Use of this kind of technology in our homes can be a key part of our net zero roadmap. We’ll be monitoring the performance of these homes very closely so we can learn as much as possible about the effectiveness of the various net zero features and then apply that learning to future development. “Alongside that, we will of course be working closely with our customers to help them get the most from those features.” Mark added: “At Esh, we are on our own journey to become a more sustainable contractor and reduce our carbon emissions with a view to achieving net zero, therefore we are pleased to be supporting our clients with their own ambitions and targets on live schemes.” To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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