Suppliers are now able to bid for our newest framework offering, which specialises in helping clients across multiple sectors to manage their estates by procuring facilities management services. The Total Facilities Management Framework will run for four years, with a total estimated value of £814m and offering hard, soft or total
The POST Rotterdam building project is transforming the aging post office into a real gem as work continues on renovation and redevelopment of the esteemed property. To ensure the construction process on the busy Coolsingel boulevard flows safely and efficiently, the joint venture POST-Bouw, a combination of BESIX Nederland and
For the fourth year in a row, the ‘Our Teviot’ summer festival has yet again drawn together hundreds of residents in Poplar for a day of celebration and fun. The annual festival, with roots that originally go back to the 1970s, is one of a string of events arranged by
Contractor Clegg Construction is celebrating Yorkshire Day by reflecting on how the company is helping to shape the county. The Clegg Construction team has delivered multiple new build and refurbishment projects in Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, York and other parts of Yorkshire over the past ten to 15 years. And the
Travelodge Rotherham Central has created 20 new jobs Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, which operates more than 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially opened Travelodge Rotherham Central the group’s first hotel in Rotherham, and Rotherham’s first branded hotel. To mark the official opening of
Leicestershire based IMA Architects is pleased to announce that it has been appointed by discount supermarket Lidl GB to provide architectural services and advice on the construction of two new Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) in Gildersome, Leeds and in Belvedere, London. As experts in logistical warehousing architecture, IMA has worked
GTC is continuing to advance domestic heating solutions with the delivery and installation of its innovative Community Heat Hub at The Gateway, the Vistry Bexhill development in Sussex. The transformative replacement for gas meets the requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS) and is set to revolutionise the heating
A primary school and bowls pavilion in a South Wales village have switched to clean, renewable heating, but in an innovative way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales. Ffynnon Taf Primary School and the Pavilion at Taff’s Well Bowling Club in Taff’s Well, Wales, have had a bold
Thermal breaks specialist, Armatherm, was recently selected to play a pivotal role in the recent expansion of the Warren Conference Center at Framingham State University. Tasked with creating an energy-efficient and visually appealing ballroom addition, Lavallee Brensinger Architects turned to Armatherm’s cutting-edge thermal break technology to ensure optimal insulation and
Daniel Paterson, Director of Policy Make UK Modular said: “Make UK Modular warmly welcomes the proposed changes that the Government makes to the National Planning Policy Framework today – they will help deliver more truly affordable homes across the country. The reintroduction and strengthening of housing targets and the firming-up
Suppliers are now able to bid for our newest framework offering, which specialises in helping clients across multiple sectors to manage their estates by procuring facilities management services. The Total Facilities Management Framework will run for four years, with a total estimated value of £814m and offering hard, soft or total (combined) facilities management services to support sectors including healthcare, blue light, infrastructure, education and leisure. Hard facilities management will cover the provision of all works in relation to the maintenance and upkeep – both planned and reactive – of a building or wider estate, and will include aspects such as roofing, decorating, internal fittings and fixtures, mechanical services, general planned and reactive repairs. Meanwhile, soft facilities management will cover the provision of services in relation to the upkeep and security of a building or wider estate, covering aspects including cleaning, catering, hygiene, pest control, waste management and security. Jason Stapley, Chief Procurement Officer at Pagabo, said: “Everyone at Pagabo is excited that our latest invitation to tender has been issued and specialist suppliers have the opportunity to support a huge range of clients with their facilities management needs through this well-rounded framework. “Maintaining the highest standard of procurement compliance and being considerate of the pressure that many businesses are under while delivering quality work, we have made this tender period eight weeks instead of six because it falls during the summer holidays. We expect this will help many suppliers and maintain the high levels of interest that our frameworks usually receive.” The framework agreement is divided into six lots. This national framework is available for use across all UK regions and is split into the following areas: Each individual region will have seven suppliers, while three suppliers will cover the whole of the UK nationally, giving clients the option of up to 10 suppliers and supporting our commitment to SME inclusion across its frameworks. Following the tender period, evaluation and standstill process, the framework is expected to launch in October 2024 with Red Kite Learning Trust as the contracting authority. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The POST Rotterdam building project is transforming the aging post office into a real gem as work continues on renovation and redevelopment of the esteemed property. To ensure the construction process on the busy Coolsingel boulevard flows safely and efficiently, the joint venture POST-Bouw, a combination of BESIX Nederland and Rizzani de Eccher, is working with a customized portfolio of solutions from Doka Nederland. Saving valuable crane time, Doka’s self-climbing formwork, SCP platform and various lightweight formwork as well as flexible scaffolding systems are being optimised to ensure a secure work environment and improved onsite efficiency. The renovation and redevelopment of POST Rotterdam consists of a low-rise and 155-metre high-rise building. “For the low-rise, we delivered essential construction systems at an early stage of the project,” says Denick van Gemert, formwork instructor at Doka Nederland. “The high-rise is now under construction and our self-lifting formwork and work platform are playing a starring role in its continued development. These products are working in tandem with the Doka Framax Xlife wall formwork system, Ringlock scaffolding and other complementary products.” Hydraulic cylinders streamline operations The Doka platform SCP is circularly slotted to ensure workers are kept safe and protected in different weather conditions, even at great heights. It is also being used to make the walls of the cores, while the shear walls for each floor are made using the SKE50+ Framax Xlife formwork system. Both systems are self-climbing but optimise different technology. “For the SCP system, we use four stellar hydraulic cylinders that push the platform, formwork, material storage such as rebar and concrete pump to the next floor in one operation without needing a crane; And it all happens at the push of a button,” Denick explains. “The system rests on twelve brackets, three per cylinder, via cones in the wall. When climbing, the top two brackets disassemble the climbing bolts at each cylinder. Subsequently the cylinder slides out and the two brackets are anchored one floor up in the cone, next the climbing bolts on the lower bracket are disassembled, the cylinder retracts and it too is anchored one floor up. The beauty of this system is that on one corner we can simultaneously push the concrete pump, so there is no need to pour using a crane.” Lightweight systems reduce heavy lifting The Framax Xlife system also climbs automatically on POST Rotterdam’s high-rise, using the Doka SKE50+ system. Unlike the SCP platform, which moves up a floor in one movement, the SKE50+ system climbs in 30-centimeter increments via a total of eighteen small cylinders. The POST Bouw JV also relies on Doka systems for construction of the floors and columns. For example, the wet floors are being made with Dokadek 30, a manual formwork, and the columns with DokaXlight. “Both systems are lightweight and easy to move by hand negating the need for the contractor to use a construction crane.” Doka Nederland provided the protection screen Xclimb 60, a 12-meter-high safety screen over four floors that also climbs automatically. “At two points, this screen is equipped with a loading platform to ensure secure deliveries of materials,” says Denick. To add further security for workers the practical Doka Ringlock Scaffolding is used to secure the various openings in the floor, which are created by the staggered balconies that vary in height from one to three storeys. In addition, Ringlock is used as an access solution for the rebar works on the column and as a shoring system. Implementing digital tools from foundation to top level. Doka is embracing digital tools to increase efficiencies and maximized the use of Building Information Modelling, BIM, to drive formwork planning for POST Rotterdam. The use of digital 3D planning advanced workflows for rapid site preparation, and enabled streamlined formwork planning and execution. “This is a distinctive project that Rizzani de Eccher and BESIX are managing together in a successful partnership. To achieve the impressive transformation in the heart of the city requires advanced engineering and technical management skills. These are areas in which BESIX and Rizzani de Eccher both excel, but it is thanks to Doka’s engineering expertise in the design phase, high-quality systems, and digital know how it would be impossible to successfully manage this complex project. We appreciate the value of working with a single source for essential components of the construction process,” says Ferruccio Zappacosta, Construction Manager at the Post-Bouw JV. Once completed, the multi-purpose POST Rotterdam building will house a 5-star Kimpton-brand hotel, catering establishments, and 305 apartments showcasing a striking example of the mix between modern architecture and the rehabilitation of historical buildings. Doka continues to make a significant contribution the project by providing a suite of solutions to ensure the safe and efficient construction. “Soon we will be delivering a second Protection screen Xclimb 60 to support completion of the facade. Both screens are anchored to the steel structure already provided for the aesthetic shell.” Denick expects that most of Doka’s solutions will continue to be used until March 2025. “After that, all our products will be dismantled quickly and efficiently before being transferred directly to our site in Oss. Customer support is integrated in our service which means that until the project is finalized, we will regularly visit the site to confirm everything is going according to plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For the fourth year in a row, the ‘Our Teviot’ summer festival has yet again drawn together hundreds of residents in Poplar for a day of celebration and fun. The annual festival, with roots that originally go back to the 1970s, is one of a string of events arranged by award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Poplar HARCA, in consultation with Teviot residents. Resident input has been central to the regeneration of Teviot, helping to design the masterplan which will encompass new homes, green and play spaces, shops, community and faith facilities, alongside improved infrastructure. The work has shown how resident-focused placemaking can level up the physical environment while also furthering a sense of community and connection. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Our Teviot festival, held earlier this month. Over seven hundred residents joined together to take part in a host of activities. Youngsters delighted in the bouncy castle and enjoyed face-painting and balloon modelling, while family members of all ages chanced their arms at the coconut shy. They also participated in a blend of traditional and modern summer fete games, including hook-a-duck, tin can alley, Connect Four and Jenga. The busy festival also saw residents joining forces to create a community art piece, as well as engaging in mocktail making, sustainability activities and a range of family-friendly arts and crafts. Talented musicians added to the festivities, with three young performers and two DJs taking to the stage during the event. A karate demonstration and musical bingo also kept residents entertained throughout the afternoon. Hill’s mascots Jack and Billy the Bear were another hit, particularly with the very youngest attendees. Refreshments at the event ranged from sweet treats, courtesy of DJ and Daughter’s ice cream van and Leaders in Community’s sumptuous cakes, to an outstanding array of Somalian street food from the Women’s Inclusion team. Teviot Resident Laurice Debbici, who attended the festival, said: “The Our Teviot festival was a brilliant event. There were lots of free things for children to do and everything was affordable. It was a real chance for the community to come together. The staff were fantastic and always there when needed.” Cain Peters, Managing Director in charge of Special Projects at The Hill Group, comments: “What a glorious way to enjoy being part of the community here at Teviot and to celebrate the extensive regeneration consultation work that has taken place with the community. The Our Teviot festival has emerged as a highlight of the local social calendar, showcasing the value of resident engagement in every aspect of neighbourhood regeneration. We were delighted to see so many locals enjoying the day, as well as running activities, serving up delicious food and so much more. My thanks to all those who worked so hard to make the festival such a resounding success.” Paul Dooley, Director of Development and Regeneration, at Poplar HARCA said: “The Our Teviot summer festival was a real success. It was wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate and enjoy a day of fun activities. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped out on the day. “The festival is a testament to our ongoing commitment to investing in Teviot and ensuring that the community are at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to continuing working with residents and Hill as we move our exciting regeneration plans for the area onto the next stage.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction is celebrating Yorkshire Day by reflecting on how the company is helping to shape the county. The Clegg Construction team has delivered multiple new build and refurbishment projects in Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, York and other parts of Yorkshire over the past ten to 15 years. And the company continues to work on high profile schemes across the county. Managing Director at Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “On Yorkshire Day 2024, I’m proud to look back at the projects that we have completed in Yorkshire and to shine the spotlight on those that we are currently delivering. “Yorkshire Day is the perfect time to celebrate the county’s investment and economic development which is shaping the towns, cities and rural areas that we see today. “Clegg Construction is delighted to have partnered with a wide range of organisations to play a part in Yorkshire’s development and we look forward to continuing this in the future.” The company is currently working on three significant schemes in Leeds – the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, the £35m, 402-studio student accommodation scheme known as The Fabric Works, and Spinners Yard, a 185-apartment, 11-storey build-to-rent apartment development for Rise Homes. Notable past projects in Yorkshire which the company is proud to highlight include two commercial schemes at Calder Park, Wakefield, Hollis Croft student accommodation in Sheffield, and the refurbishment of Minerva House, a landmark building in the main business district of Leeds. More recently Clegg Construction has completed the Ironworks, a £28.7m, 11-storey apartment scheme in Sheffield, which recently won Regional New Build of the Year at the Yorkshire Energy Efficiency Awards; an exciting £5.9m renovation scheme to transform Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham into a community resource and education centre; Highfield Care Home near Tadcaster, a £9m, 65-bedroom new-build care home for Barchester Health; and a new four-storey, 188-bedroomed, Premier Inn in York on behalf of CBRE Investment Management. “Our experience of working in Yorkshire has included projects across a wide range of sectors such as commercial, leisure, education, residential, offices and student accommodation, and it’s pleasing to see how swiftly these developments have become an integral part of their communities,” added Michael Sims. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge Rotherham Central has created 20 new jobs Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, which operates more than 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially opened Travelodge Rotherham Central the group’s first hotel in Rotherham, and Rotherham’s first branded hotel. To mark the official opening of the 69-room Travelodge, an opening event was held on Monday, 22 July, attended by Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK Development Director, and Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The hotel is part of Forge Island, a major urban regeneration project, in a waterside setting, which also includes a cinema, restaurants and leisure businesses. Travelodge is the only hotel provider in the town, providing a brilliant base for those visiting this brand new destination, Rotherham or the surrounding areas. The opening of Travelodge Rotherham Central has also created 20 new jobs for the area. This hotel has been developed to Travelodge’s new premium design – which is the group’s most significant brand transformation to date. The new design includes a redesigned reception, next-generation rooms, and a number of sustainable building features. Sustainability has been an important factor when designing the hotel, which has a BREEAM Very Good rating and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of B. The hotel also includes a number of sustainable features such as PV cells (a non-mechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity) on the roof, aerated shower heads and taps in bathrooms and EV car charging points in the car park. Rotherham Central Travelodge also features an upgraded Bar Cafe, which offers an all day dining service and welcomes both hotel guests and passers-by, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus as well as light bites and an extensively stocked bar. Healthy options under 600 kcal, vegan and gluten-free dishes are all available. All of this is offered at great value, including the Unlimited Breakfast offer, where two kids under the age of fifteen eat for free. The Travelodge hotel was delivered by nationwide placemaker, Muse in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, enabling Travelodge to bring thousands of visitors to the area each year, who will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds in the local shops, bars, restaurants and attractions. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director, Travelodge, said: “We are delighted to announce that our first hotel in Rotherham has now opened its doors. With its new premium design and great location, I have no doubt that our hotel in Rotherham will be a strong addition to the area. We have a fantastic hotel team in place, and are already receiving very positive feedback from customers. “Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is doing a great job in investing to regenerate the town centre. Its funding support has enabled the delivery of this development, at a time when private sector funding is in very scarce supply. This will be of great benefit to the Rotherham community for many years to come. Forge Island is a great addition to the town centre and will support the existing shops and attractions, such as Rotherham United’s AESSEAL New York stadium, so there is plenty for Travelodge’s business and leisure customers to enjoy.” Cllr Read said: “We are delighted to welcome Travelodge to Rotherham, the first of our tenants to open on Forge Island. The development is the single biggest investment in our town for decades, with our town centre masterplan being a testament to the Council’s dedication to investing in Rotherham’s future. “We are well on track to officially opening Forge Island to visitors in 2024 and to delivering a fantastic town centre development which will not only benefit the economy but which will provide a fantastic leisure destination in the heart of the town. We thank the community for supporting us as we see this development come to fruition and as we continue to move forward with our plans to provide the kind of town centre that people can be proud of once again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leicestershire based IMA Architects is pleased to announce that it has been appointed by discount supermarket Lidl GB to provide architectural services and advice on the construction of two new Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) in Gildersome, Leeds and in Belvedere, London. As experts in logistical warehousing architecture, IMA has worked with Lidl GB since 2012 and has now been instructed on 10 RDCs for the company. In Belvedere, IMA is working with Lidl to rebuild and expand a 36,825m2 RDC. The company has been hired to deliver the RDC through the construction phase to completion. Anthony Day, Managing Director of IMA Architects comments: “Work is progressing well, and we are excited to be delivering another large-scale project with Lidl GB. The RDC specialises in storing and distributing food at both refrigerated and ambient temperatures and will become another vital part of Lidl’s distribution network in the south east when complete.” In Leeds, IMA, on behalf of Lidl GB, prepared the architectural designs and planning packs for the RDC for submission to Leeds City Council. The plans have now been approved and will see the creation of a 54,000m2 distribution centre on a 34.6-acre site in the southwest of the city, with good transport links to both the M621 and M62 motorways. Once complete, the new RDC in Leeds, will create around 400 jobs for people in the local area. The site is part of the retailer’s multi-million-pound investment plan to support its growing network of stores and foster local economic growth. Anthony Day, Managing Director of IMA Architects adds: “We are proud to be working with Lidl GB on both schemes and bringing forward both projects. IMA is currently active on over 20 logistics and warehousing projects across the UK on behalf of our clients, making new sites for businesses and employment opportunities for local people.” Mario Viduka, Construction Director at Lidl GB, said: “Our ambitious warehouse plans demonstrate our commitment to investing not only in our distribution network but the UK as a whole, and we look forward to working with IMA Architects to increase that capacity further.” IMA is an award-winning firm of architects based in Blaby, Leicestershire. The firm, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, has grown from a two-person team, to now employ over 20 members of staff and work with a range of FTSE 100 companies, such as Marks and Spencer, and global brands such as Lidl. The company is a proud Community Partner of Leicester City Football Club and a sponsorship partner of both Leicester Tigers RFC and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GTC is continuing to advance domestic heating solutions with the delivery and installation of its innovative Community Heat Hub at The Gateway, the Vistry Bexhill development in Sussex. The transformative replacement for gas meets the requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS) and is set to revolutionise the heating of new builds across the UK. The Vistry Bexhill development marks the second UK site to deploy GTC’s efficient and sustainable centralised heat network solution, following the successful trial of the Community Heat Hub last year at Taylor Wimpey’s Westfield Heath’s site in Suffolk. When assessed under the FHS, which comes into effect next year, carbon savings of 81% are predicted for the Vistry Bexhill development, when compared with individual gas boilers. Vistry, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, will use the GTC heat network solution on the Bexhill site to provide heat and hot water from a central source on the development, owned and maintained by a specialist company. Over a two-phase build, this will serve 801 houses, as well as a primary school, sports pavilion, community centre and retail units. While networked heat solutions have long been utilised in urban areas, the Community Heat Hub is the first product of its kind that is commercially viable and practical for low-rise, low-density sites. Building on the proven methods from its sister company, Metropolitan’s, extensive experience in high-density developments, GTC has committed to rolling out the innovative solution to low-density sites. John Marsh, COO at GTC, said: “Homeowners within the new Bexhill development will have a reliable supply of heat and water, all while having the peace of mind that their energy usage is at net zero. We are always looking for innovative solutions to decarbonise domestic heating, and the Community Heat Hub has proved to be incredibly effective in new developments. We look forward to welcoming our new customers to the net zero heat network.” Brendan Evans, managing director at Vistry Kent, said: “The installation of the Community Heat Hub at The Gateway is a significant step not only for residents living at the development but also for the wider goal of achieving net zero. “At Vistry, we are committed to achieving a 75 to 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions in new homes by 2025 compared to 2021. Cutting-edge low-carbon technologies such as this will play a key role in meeting that target. “We are proud to become only the second site in the UK to utilise this energy efficient heat network and look forward to working in partnership with GTC to roll out this technology to more of our new developments across the region.” The Community Heat Hub at Bexhill is estimated to save around 850 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in comparison to individual gas boilers in homes. If you’re looking for a heat solution that already meets the proposed standards outlined within the FHS and you want to partner with a company with innovation and market-leading expertise at its core, then please contact GTC via https://www.gtc-uk.co.uk/contact-us/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A primary school and bowls pavilion in a South Wales village have switched to clean, renewable heating, but in an innovative way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales. Ffynnon Taf Primary School and the Pavilion at Taff’s Well Bowling Club in Taff’s Well, Wales, have had a bold new heating system installed by Kensa, the UK-based Ground Source Heat Pump specialists, that uses naturally occurring heat from the only thermal spring in Wales – the historic Taff’s Well Spring. This unique water source heat pump system harnesses natural heat from the warm spring water, which emerges from deep beneath the earth at around 21o C, to provide the two council-owned properties with low-carbon heating and hot water. Using the innovative clean heating method instead of gas is expected to cut the school and pavilion’s carbon emissions linked to heating by close to 80%. It also demonstrated a way of using Kensa’s ground source heat pumps without drilling vertical boreholes to access heat energy stored in the ground. The bold idea of using the Taff’s Well thermal spring to heat buildings was initially proposed by the Friends of Taff’s Well community group, who were looking at other ways the historic spring could benefit the local community. This project follows other retrofit renewable heating installations completed in non-domestic buildings by Kensa. Using ground source heat pump technology the UK’s leading manufacturer and solutions provider has futureproofed heating and lowered carbon emissions caused by heat in multiple UK schools and council properties. The unique installation also highlights the versatility of Kensa’s ground source heat pump systems and forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council’s ambitious plans to decarbonise by 2030. How the system works: On Tuesday, 16th July, Kensa’s Dr Stuart Gadsden visited the site, along with representatives from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, to demonstrate to pupils from the Ffynon Taf Primary School’s Eco Committee how their new low-carbon heating and hot water system works. Dr Stuart Gadsden, Kensa Contracting Commercial Director, said: “This is an incredibly unique system and really demonstrates how versatile Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are. It was great to show the pupils how their exciting new heating system works and how it will reduce their carbon footprint. “Kensa has a proven track record of delivering the high efficiencies of ground source heat pump technology for numerous UK schools and local authorities, providing them with a futureproofed low-carbon heating system. “Using the historic Taff’s Well thermal spring as a renewable heat source is a brilliant example of how bold ideas can lead to something that benefits future generations. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and we were pleased to play our part in making it happen.” Ffynnon Taf Primary School Headteacher, Kathryn Price, said: “We are very excited about how Taff’s Well Thermal Spring has been utilised for the whole school community. Our Eco Committee thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the heat pump system and how this helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. We will continue to celebrate the success of the thermal spring installation in our community for many years to come.” Jon Arroyo, Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “We have an ambition to decarbonise the Council by 2030 and we understand there is no one solution to decarbonise our heating systems, so it is important that we look at what heat resources are around or under us. As a Council we see our role in exploring alternative solutions to help steer our businesses and residents in their journey towards a net zero future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thermal breaks specialist, Armatherm, was recently selected to play a pivotal role in the recent expansion of the Warren Conference Center at Framingham State University. Tasked with creating an energy-efficient and visually appealing ballroom addition, Lavallee Brensinger Architects turned to Armatherm’s cutting-edge thermal break technology to ensure optimal insulation and energy performance. The project, led by architect Jason Bennett, involved a meticulous design for the 10,800-square-foot addition that prioritized energy efficiency. Bennett’s wall detail included a critical thermal break at the base of the exterior masonry wall to maintain continuous insulation from the footing through to the foundation slab and up to the masonry wall. This innovative approach ensures the integrity of the building’s insulation, significantly reducing thermal bridging. To achieve this, Armatherm 500-200 structural insulation material was specified and installed at the base of the brick wall. Known for its superior load-bearing capacity and thermal performance, the Armatherm 500-200 material provided an uninterrupted thermal barrier without compromising structural integrity. The mason contractor, Marmelo Brothers, praised the product for its ease of use and effectiveness as a starter course for the brickwork. “Armatherm 500-200 material not only supports the weight of the wall but also ensures an uninterrupted thermal barrier, which is crucial for energy efficiency in modern masonry construction,” said Jason Bennett, Project Architect at Lavallee Brensinger Architects. “This feature is becoming a standard in the industry and promises to last the life of the building.” The installation of Armatherm’s thermal break solution will contribute to a warmer interior floor, significant energy savings, and a comfortable environment for the building’s occupants. The new ballroom space is set to be in use by the fall of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Armatherm continues to lead the industry with innovative thermal break solutions that meet the growing demand for energy-efficient construction. We are honored to have contributed to the success of this project and look forward to future collaborations that prioritize sustainability and performance. For more information about Armatherm and its range of thermal break products, please visit www.armatherm.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Daniel Paterson, Director of Policy Make UK Modular said: “Make UK Modular warmly welcomes the proposed changes that the Government makes to the National Planning Policy Framework today – they will help deliver more truly affordable homes across the country. The reintroduction and strengthening of housing targets and the firming-up of rules around green belt land is both overdue and necessary. “Yet even with the creditable changes being proposed today, the UK will need to use every available tool in its box, including manufactured building techniques, to build sufficient truly affordable homes at the pace our nation so badly needs. We need a growth in manufactured house building if we are to address the growing chasm in available construction skills, reverse the impact of a collapse in the number of SME builders, and ensure that the homes we build today will not need retrofitting tomorrow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals