UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for a 692-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham city centre, on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office. The plans, lodged with Nottingham City Council at the end of last week, propose the demolition of
Shared spaces have the power to transform homes and workplaces in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. With property prices rising and chronic loneliness affecting people of all ages, the demand for collective living was already growing. Throw social distancing and remote working into the mix, and it’s no surprise
Network Space completes Raven Locks with over half of the scheme already under offer Construction of Raven Locks, a 172,000 sq ft speculative industrial scheme in Salford, has completed, with three units already committed or under offer and strong interest in the remaining space. The 14-acre site on Ravenscraig Road
The NHBC has announced a U-turn on its decision to insist all fire frames must be installed and sealed at the pre-plaster inspection stage. The amended guidance was published in a new technical update and comes after The British Woodworking Federation, representing the concerns of its members and their clients, responded to a
Following the recent planning approval of a new mixed-use student accommodation development in central Brighton, developer McLaren Property reveals what the local community can expect from the scheme. Located on London Road, within Brighton’s regeneration area, the development will see an outdated building being replaced with new sustainable retail units
The Government introduced the Fire Safety Bill in March 2020 as a first step to deliver the Government’s commitment to implement the Grenfell Tower Phase One Report recommendations. The Fire Safety Bill clarifies under that the Fire Safety Order, owners and/or managers of multi-occupied residential buildings (the “responsible person”) must
Mobile Mini, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has recently installed defibrillators at every one of its sites across the UK. This includes all branches, support centres and the company headquarters located in Stockton-on-Tees. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device
Humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes, from cheap, cartoon-shaped styles to expensive, massive machines. Did you know that you can actually have a humidifying component installed into your HVAC system? There are pros and cons to every type of humidifier. Find out which choice is right for you and
2-loop fire control panel connects up to 252 devices EN 54-23 compliant alarm devices and dedicated peripherals Time-saving tools such as auto configuration and on-board web server License free programming With the launch of the new version of the fire protection system, Cerberus FIT, Siemens Smart Infrastructure expands its offering
A digital construction consultancy is working with some of the country’s leading social housing organisations, architects and developers in a Government-led initiative to ensure there is never a repeat of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Operance is providing both practical expertise and software to the Golden Thread Initiative (GTI), a collaboration
UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for a 692-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham city centre, on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office. The plans, lodged with Nottingham City Council at the end of last week, propose the demolition of the current disused and significantly degraded building, which has been vacant for nearly 20 years, and the construction of a new contemporary scheme, varying from 12 to 15 storeys in height Situated on the corner of Bath Street and Cowan Street, the development – named the Bendigo Building – is adjacent to St. Mary’s Rest Gardens and will consist of a mix of modern studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and disabled studio rooms. The scheme will also incorporate a range of indoor amenities such as a spacious residents lounge and reception area, gym, study and games rooms, as well as fully landscaped courtyard garden with outdoor seating, recreational and outdoor exercise equipment, basement parking for 55 vehicles and 312 cycle storage spaces. Two commercial units, located on the ground floor have also been proposed as an additional amenity for residents and the neighbouring community. The development is conveniently positioned within easy walking distance of Nottingham city centre, Nottingham Trent University, Sneinton Market and the main food and entertainment quarter, with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham train station also readily accessible via public transport. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone in our proposals for the re-development of this significant site in Nottingham. The city is a key UK hub for higher education, with an ever-growing student population. As a business with a local presence, we recognise the substantial contribution that young people make to its potential. They bring energy and vibrancy to the area, draw in private investment, boost local businesses through discretional spend, support the day and night-time economy, and add to the ongoing city-wide regeneration initiatives. “With the number of full-time students expected to increase by approximately 28% in the next few years, there is a clear requirement for more dedicated student spaces where young people can live, study, and play together. The Bendigo Building will cater to these needs while also freeing up traditional housing stock, allowing homes to return to their intended family use – responding to the aspirations of many local residents. “We would like to thank Nottingham City Council’s planning team for their support and feedback with the scheme to date as well as the local community for engaging with us constructively during the public consultation stages. We’ve also worked closely with our partners – architects RG&P, engineers HSP Consulting and planning experts PD&G – who helped us to shape the proposals submitted last week.” The well-considered scheme also contains sustainability features, such as air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels and electric vehicle charging points. It endorses green methods of travel in and around the city by encouraging cycling, walking and use of nearby public transport – all of which promote the health and well-being of students and cleaner air in central Nottingham. James Mulcare, head of residential capital markets at Godwin Developments, said: “Nottingham is one of the UK’s higher education hotspots with its leading universities attracting a growing number of students year-on-year. In the last few years, the full-time student population in the city has surpassed 63,000 and is growing faster than any other UK university destination. At the same time, independent evidence indicates that there are at least 25,000 young people who are unable to access PBSA – highlighting the robust demand for student living in the city and the clear requirement for dedicated schemes like the Bendigo Building.” Stephen Pratt, co-founder and board director at Godwin Developments, added: “More and more domestic and international students come to the city of Nottingham, seeking outstanding education and good quality accessible student living. We are confident that the Bendigo Building with its prominent location and high amenities provision will be popular with young people and will deliver attractive long-term returns to investors seeking to capitalise on the strong local PBSA market.” Once underway the Bendigo Building will create around 300 jobs during the construction phase – and 40 full-time positions when fully operational. Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of other residential schemes across the country, including the recently announced 23-storey development in Sheffield city centre, ‘The Meridian’, which will see the creation of a 336-apartment BTR scheme, and the recently submitted planning application for a 116-unit BTR urban village scheme in Ely. The developer is also working on projects such as a suburban BTR scheme in Doncaster which will create 60 BTR homes, as well as two residential schemes in Nottingham which will provide 102 family homes. For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.
Shared spaces have the power to transform homes and workplaces in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. With property prices rising and chronic loneliness affecting people of all ages, the demand for collective living was already growing. Throw social distancing and remote working into the mix, and it’s no surprise that the need for physical togetherness has become more urgent than ever. As the definitions of ‘home’ and ‘workplace’ become increasingly blurred, there is unprecedented demand for spaces where people can come together to share experiences and resources. All Together Now is the first book to address the challenges and opportunities of designing co-living and co-working spaces for modern living. Written by experts in the field of shared live and work space, interior designer Naomi Cleaver and design journalist Amy Frearson, this wide-ranging book showcases a multitude of ways in which architects, designers and developers can create stylish, healthy and efficient ‘co-spaces’. Amy Frearson said: “Co-living and co-working offer very real solutions to many of the problems we face today, both as individuals and as a society. Sharing doesn’t have to mean compromise; it can help us live more efficiently, healthily and sustainably, without limiting our choices and comforts.” Naomi Cleaver said: “The pandemic has intensified questions about how we live and work together, and how we use resources. It has given us the chance to think hard about the society and environments we need if we are to thrive as individuals throughout our lives.” Working as a practical and inspirational guide, this extremely timely book offers a diverse range of architecture and interior design solutions for collaborative spaces. It draws from Naomi Cleaver’s own experience in the industry, as well as an array of richly illustrated case studies from around the world. Including both new-builds and conversions, examples range from a Dutch nursing home that doubles as a student residence, to a retreat for digital nomads in Bali. The book also features a foreword by award-winning architect Sadie Morgan OBE, founding director of architectural practice dRMM and chair of the Quality of Life Foundation, who herself grew up on a commune and still considers it her home. Sadie Morgan said: “Through their exhaustive research, Naomi and Amy have been able to interrogate some of the most pertinent aspects of communal design. Ideas of different degrees and different models of sharing; the question of independence and its complex relationship with solidarity; the longevity and power of intergenerational living. These are just some of the themes expertly illustrated throughout the book.” Author, Consultant and Presenter Michelle Ogundehin, said: “All Together Now explores our relationship with ownership and place. Certainly, a more flexible housing model than mortgage-based purchase or deposit-based rental is way overdue. Imagine instead a living and working community built around like-minded people, regardless of age, who value freedom, diversity and sustainability, alongside the ability to easily upgrade or downsize as need and means dictate. A model for the future built around IRL connections. A model for the future that recognises that sharing and community are at the heart of all good societies. This is the very timely message of this important book.” All Together Now is not just a book for architects and designers, but for anyone interested in exploring new models of living and working and learning how to make the most of them. This highly engaging read includes a best practice toolkit, offering practical advice to any designer working at any scale.
Network Space completes Raven Locks with over half of the scheme already under offer Construction of Raven Locks, a 172,000 sq ft speculative industrial scheme in Salford, has completed, with three units already committed or under offer and strong interest in the remaining space. The 14-acre site on Ravenscraig Road in Little Hulton offers six units in total; three detached and self-contained ranging from 29,500 – 61,000 sq ft, along with a terrace of a further three units ranging from 11,000 – 19,000 sq ft. The units currently under offer total over 100,000 sq ft and almost 60% of the site. Network Space Development Director Joe Burnett said: “We have seen a great level of interest in the scheme which is testament to its quality and desirable last-mile location, as well as the depth in the market for this type of industrial space. We already have occupiers lined up for three units with further deals in the pipeline so expect the site to be fully let very soon.” He added: “By bringing this long-standing brownfield site back into use it will bring a positive socio-economic impact to the region by creating timely job opportunities for the local workforce that has been hit by the pandemic.” Raven Locks is situated in Little Hulton on the outskirts of Salford, within 2 miles of both Junction 3 and 4 of the M61 and close to Junction 15 of the M60. This gives easy access to Manchester city centre, Manchester International Airport and on to Liverpool and the south. The scheme provides high quality warehouse space, extensive secure yards, dedicated car parking and electric vehicle charging along with office accommodation and amenities. The larger units offer 10 metre eaves height, dock level access doors and trailer parking. Raven Locks is one of a series of developments being delivered by Network Space Developments across the North West. Architects on the scheme were AEW Architects and construction was undertaken by Portal Construction NW. Asset and property management services have been provided by industrial asset management specialists NSM. NSM is also appointed as agent, along with JLL and DTRE. Further scheme details are available at http://ravenlocks.co.uk/
The NHBC has announced a U-turn on its decision to insist all fire frames must be installed and sealed at the pre-plaster inspection stage. The amended guidance was published in a new technical update and comes after The British Woodworking Federation, representing the concerns of its members and their clients, responded to a directive issued by the NHBC in November, and which came into effect in January, which was a requirement to install and seal all fire door frames at the pre-plaster inspection stage. We considered this a backward step for the industry. Within this, NHBC introduced the rule that all fire frames should be installed, have the fire stopping materials put in place between the frame and the wall, and be sealed at the pre-plaster inspection stage to demonstrate the product had been affixed to the partition correctly. Up until then, NHBC inspectors had visited properties at the pre-plaster stage. The next time they inspected was when the house was almost complete, with all doors fully installed and painted. This meant that the second inspection was too late to verify the correct installation of fire frames, but the first was too early. Unfortunately, the NHBC was not willing to add an additional visit to inspect the doors after the plaster but before the architraves were fitted. The change caused house builders and door set suppliers to raise concerns as it was impossible to supply door sets, which offer greater control over the production of the assembly and potentially the performance of the completed fire door assembly. This was despite fire safety being in the spotlight more than ever and door sets widely being seen as the way forward to ensure compliance and improve safety. Door leaf manufacturers insist that doors are not on-site during wet trades and high levels of moisture. Having door leaves on site at the pre-plaster stage, was required by this new rule, but this could have influenced any product warranty and, potentially, their effectiveness at withstanding fire. The updated advice now offers three options for installers and contractors, which help maintain both the high levels of safety offered by door sets and testing for integrity: Option 1: Fire door frames installed at pre-plaster stage: This was the original requirement from the update in October 2020 and is still a valid option. Option 2: Fire door linings installed at pre-plaster stage Fire door linings could be plywood or part of the fire door set provided by the manufacturer or supplier. The lining would be installed at pre-plaster to allow the fitting of the frame at a later stage of the build process. The fire door frame should fit tightly within the plywood lining.* Option 3: Fire door frames installed after pre-plaster Fire door frames can be installed post-plaster and architraves not fitted until satisfactory inspection by NHBC has been completed. Once installed, the site manager would notify their Building Inspector that the door set is ready for inspection. The Building Inspector would then inspect the door frame installation on their next visit to site, thus negating the need for a separate inspection. The NHBC is also conducting a trial to assess the viability of accepting UKAS-accredited installers (third-party certificated) as an additional option. This would be in line with the BWF Fire Door Alliance Mission statement, which is; To ensure that only third-party certified fire doors, installed by third-party certified installers, should be used in the UK. Kevin Underwood, Technical Director for the BWF, who worked closely with British Woodworking Federation Fire Door Manufacturer members and some of their clients, said: “We are very grateful that the NHBC has taken our concerns and comments on board and have looked again at its guidance.” “The three options now give much more flexibility and allow for fire secure door sets to be fitted and inspected at the appropriate time, rather than making it all-but impossible to use them.” “It demonstrates that consultation with industry on these types of decisions, intended to further improve quality and safety, is essential.” *Installers must ensure that the certification for the door/door set allows this type of installation. If you are unsure please check with the door manufacturer/supplier.
Following the recent planning approval of a new mixed-use student accommodation development in central Brighton, developer McLaren Property reveals what the local community can expect from the scheme. Located on London Road, within Brighton’s regeneration area, the development will see an outdated building being replaced with new sustainable retail units and student apartments. McLaren Property is working alongside Morgan Carn Architects and engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) to deliver the five-storey build, which will feature 156 student bedrooms with a reception area and communal interior and exterior spaces. New retail units will make up the ground floor of the development, presenting an entirely refreshed shop frontage which holds a prominent position among London Road’s high street stores. Part of the New England Quarter and London Road Development Area, where regeneration is actively encouraged by Brighton & Hove City Council, the new scheme will see the former Marks and Spencer site completely transformed – complete with a 24/7 security presence to manage the building. As part of the environmentally friendly design, the building will achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Excellent’ and will feature solar panels on a green roof. Further sustainable features include air source heat pumps as its primary heat source and planted outdoor spaces – including trees – which will be maintained using recycled rainwater. The development will also be car-free and have cycle route access and storage spaces. The demand for quality, affordable student accommodation in Brighton continues to be a pertinent issue, with only 25% of the city’s student community living in purpose-built student housing. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, students have a preference towards living in dedicated accommodation with larger living spaces, premium Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and communal areas, rather than living in HMOs (housing of multiple occupancy), McLaren Property says. The new purpose-built London Road development could also free up some of the many former family homes that have been converted into HMOs to house students, potentially allowing local residents to stay in Brighton and attracting new house hunters to the area. Midlands-based HWA has been appointed to provide structural engineering to the project, with construction due to begin in Mid 2022. Dan Bailey, director at HWA, said: “We are really pleased to be working with McLaren on the London Road development following planning approval – transforming what is currently an inefficient and underutilised site into much-needed student accommodation and fresh new retail units. “The site presents a great opportunity to enhance the local area and contribute dramatically to the ongoing regeneration efforts on both sides of the site. We have been involved with the planning and design for this build since the beginning, working with McLaren Property, to provide our civil and structural engineering expertise to this scheme through the pre purchase and pre planning project stages.” David Atherton, development director at McLaren Property, said: “We are very excited about the potential for this development – to contribute positively towards the regeneration of this important area within the city. “Removal of the existing building means Providence Place Square can finally become a welcoming and successful inner city green space to be used by local residents. Students contribute vitally to the local economy and by occupying purpose-built student accommodation rather than HMOs, there is an opportunity to free up those local houses to local families. “High quality design is at the heart of every project that we undertake and McLaren Property, together with our consultant team, is committed to delivering buildings that help drive positive change.” Brighton’s student population sits at almost 34,000, with the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex proving to be popular choices for studying. The new city centre London Road development lies just one mile away from the University of Brighton’s main city campus.
The Government introduced the Fire Safety Bill in March 2020 as a first step to deliver the Government’s commitment to implement the Grenfell Tower Phase One Report recommendations. The Fire Safety Bill clarifies under that the Fire Safety Order, owners and/or managers of multi-occupied residential buildings (the “responsible person”) must manage and reduce the risk of fire for the external walls of the building and the entrance doors to individual flats. The House of Commons considered the following amendments on Wednesday, 24 February: Risk-based guidance about the discharge of duties under the Fire Safety Order (two amendments tabled by the Government) Duties of an owner and manager (tabled by Labour) Public register of fire risk assessments (tabled by the Liberal Democrats) Prohibiting the costs of remediation being passed on to leaseholders (tabled by the Liberal Democrats) Risk-based guidance about the discharge of duties under the fire safety order This amendment has been made by Government and it delivers advice from fire safety operational experts to bring the Fire Safety Bill into force on a single date for all buildings. This amendment also ensures that risk-based guidance, which will be issued by the Secretary of State, supports an all at once commencement of the Bill. By taking this approach, the Bill will commence as early as possible after Royal Assent, which means building owners or managers for the highest-risk buildings should take urgent action to update their fire risk assessments. Proof of compliance or a lack of compliance with the risk-based guidance can be used in legal proceedings. Duties of owner and manager This amendment seeks to include, in primary legislation, four new duties on building owners and/or managers. The fire at Grenfell Tower was a tragedy and we are working to ensure that it does not happen again. The Government is, and always has been, committed to delivering the recommendations made in the first phase of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report. This was a manifesto commitment. However, this amendment is unnecessary as the Government is already putting in place the building blocks to enshrine the Inquiry’s recommendations in law. Between July-October 2020, the Government undertook a three-month consultation exercise where views were sought on how to deliver the Inquiry’s recommendations and to strengthen the Fire Safety Order. Over 200 responses were received to the consultation. The Government is concerned that this amendment ignores over 200 responses received to our Fire Safety Consultation. Our approach has been supported by the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, among others, and it is crucial that we consult with experts to make sure the right changes are made and can be delivered. It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that: The Government is going back on its commitment to deliver the Inquiry’s recommendations This amendment alone ensures that the Government acts on its commitment to deliver the Inquiry’s recommendations This amendment accelerates the timetable to deliver the Inquiry’s recommendations Public register of fire and risk assessments This amendment will mean that members of the general public will be able to access fire risk assessments for all buildings that the Fire Safety Order applies to. This includes residential buildings, schools, hospitals and prisons. The Government is concerned with the security issue this poses, particularly if this information is accessed by anyone with malicious intent, such as criminals and terrorists. The Government’s position is that information contained in a fire risk assessment should only be accessed by the residents who occupy that building or by others with a legitimate reason to view it, such as fire and rescue services. That is why our Fire Safety Consultation included proposals for building owners and/or managers (the “responsible person”) to provide vital fire safety information to residents, including the fire risk assessments on request. Prohibiting the costs of remediation being passed on to leaseholders The Government supports the intention to protect leaseholders from remediation costs but disagree that the Fire Safety Bill is the right vehicle to address this issue. On 10th February, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a five-point plan to help protect hundreds of thousands of leaseholders from the cost of replacing unsafe cladding on their homes. With an unprecedented £5 billion investment in building safety, (including £3.5 billion announced today (10 February),) the Housing Secretary has already confirmed to the House of Commons that the Government will fully fund the cost of replacing unsafe cladding for all leaseholders in residential buildings 18 metres (six storeys) and over in England. This will ensure funding is targeted at the highest risk buildings in line with longstanding independent expert advice and evidence, with Home Office analysis of fire and rescue service statistics showing buildings between 18 and 30 metres are four times as likely to suffer a fire with fatalities or serious casualties than apartment buildings in general. Lower-rise buildings, with a lower risk to safety, will gain new protection from the costs of cladding removal with a generous new scheme offered to buildings between 11 and 18 metres. This will pay for cladding removal – where it is needed – through a long-term, low interest, Government-backed financing arrangement. Under the scheme, no leaseholder will ever pay more than £50 a month towards the removal of unsafe cladding. This will provide reassurance and security to leaseholders, and mortgage providers can be confident that where cladding removal is needed, properties will be worth lending against. Further details on the Housing Secretary’s announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-bring-an-end-to-unsafe-cladding-with-multi-billion-pound-intervention
Mobile Mini, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has recently installed defibrillators at every one of its sites across the UK. This includes all branches, support centres and the company headquarters located in Stockton-on-Tees. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm of someone suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) who is unconscious, unresponsive or not breathing properly. If required, it can send electric shocks to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm and is used in conjunction with CPR to treat cardiac arrest. Mobile Mini employs approximately 370 members of staff in a variety of roles all over the UK. The business has built an incredible reputation for the quality of its solutions and products but never forgets that its people are the most valuable asset. The defibrillators that are now installed on the Mobile Mini sites are the Heartsine 360P models and are designed to provide fully automatic shocks as required. This model utilises a defibrillation method of biphasic waveform with impendence compensating and escalating energy. The pads are contained within a removable carry case and there is no need to plug into an external power supply. The equipment has mostly been installed in supervised areas and is kept on a secure hanger at an accessible height, so they are reachable by the disabled. Instructional steps are needed for an AED to be used effectively, but this is made easy with full-automation capability. Operation involves just two steps, turning the device on and sticking pads to the patient’s chest. The advanced technology within the AED monitors heart rhythm and then decides if to shock, when to shock and at what power to shock at. The equipment is capable of instructing users when it is required to deliver a shock, indicated by a green readiness light, and also talks through the entire process as it undertakes each step. Staff training on using this equipment effectively is also set to be conducted soon, removing any confusion or stressful decision making in a potential emergency. The British Heart Foundation advises, that for every minute it takes a defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce by up to 10%. The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest jumps from just 6% to 74% if a defibrillator is deployed within 3 minutes. Chris Watcham, Health and Safety Director at Mobile Mini UK says “We are very proud to say that life-saving equipment is now on-hand for every staff member at our branches all over the UK. Whilst purchasing a large quantity of defibrillators requires a significant investment, we understand how important this is. The well-being and safety of our employees, clients and customers remains our number one priority and we have begun exploring the procurement requirements for some clients who have expressed interest in following our lead.” The defibrillators have been provided to Mobile Mini by AADEFIB, a Lincolnshire based operation that has provided over 1000 of these life-saving machines to businesses and communities throughout the UK. Andrew Deptford who owns AADEFIB, says, “Emergencies can happen when least expected, so every company needs to take preventative steps seriously. These defibrillators are rugged, reliable and I consider them to be amongst the best value and most user-friendly machines available. They are built by the company that supplies around 70% of the UK’s Ambulance and First Responder crews. It is fantastic that Mobile Mini has rolled these out across all of their UK locations as this shows a genuine desire to provide the safest workplace imaginable. It has been a pleasure dealing with the professionals at Mobile Mini.” In addition to ensuring the best possible environment is provided for its employees, Mobile Mini applies the same mindset towards supporting its suppliers, ensuring payments are made quickly and fairly, even throughout the recent unprecedented health crisis. The business has gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure all suppliers are paid faster than the industry average, with the majority receiving funds within 17 days over the last 12 months.
Humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes, from cheap, cartoon-shaped styles to expensive, massive machines. Did you know that you can actually have a humidifying component installed into your HVAC system? There are pros and cons to every type of humidifier. Find out which choice is right for you and your home. Adverse Effects of Dry Air There are many perks of whole house humidifiers. Firstly, you need to figure out if a humidifier is necessary for your environment. An easy way to test the humidity in your home is by purchasing a small detection device. These are usually inexpensive and can tell you the percentage of humidity in your space. Generally, you want the percentage to be around 30 to 50. After you exceed 50, the chances of mold growth greatly increase. If you’re dealing with dry air under 30 percent humidity, you should look into upping the moisture in the air around you. Dry air can cause physical and structural effects, including: Dry skin Irritated nasal passages Scratchy throat Chapped lips Respiratory issues Increased static Peeling wallpaper and paint Increased heat usage If you’re in a dry environment, the air will feel colder, prompting you to crank up the heat. This not only wastes more money and energy, but it also adds to the dryness in the air. If you’re feeling or noticing any of the above issues, it may be time to look into a humidifier. Portable Vs. Whole House Humidifiers There are several different types of humidifiers, each with positive and negative attributes. Some of the most common include: Central (or whole home) Cool mist (ultrasonic) Warm mist (evaporators or steam vaporizers) Combination (with air purification) With so many options on the market, it may be difficult to choose. You may have heard that portable humidifiers are prone to mold growth. This is one of the drawbacks of a separate machine. According to Stanford researchers, portable humidifiers need to be cleaned every three days. Otherwise, you could be doing more harm than good. Bacteria thrives in moist areas, and if your humidifier isn’t cleaned, it can turn into a breeding ground. If you choose a portable version, you must keep on top of maintenance. Otherwise, harmful mold spores can be released into the air. Mold can damage your health and property, sometimes more than dry air. Humidifier systems that are integrated into your HVAC system mitigate this risk. They often come with automatic regulated systems that detect the moisture in the air and adjust accordingly. While the whole house system still needs to be cleaned, you can do so annually rather than every three days. Additional Humidifier Uses Dry air can affect many unexpected areas of your life. Along with the aforementioned negative effects, low humidity can lead to other issues. For instance, if you have musical instruments made of wood, wood flooring, or other valuable wood furniture, it can crack due to a lack of moisture. Furthermore, if you have trouble sleeping, white noise of a humidifier can help. Many people sleep with a white noise machine or fan. Why not use a central humidifier and work on alleviating other troublesome issues at the same time? There are many surprising benefits of adding moisture to the air. Just make sure you do so knowledgeably and maintain the integrity of your home and body.
2-loop fire control panel connects up to 252 devices EN 54-23 compliant alarm devices and dedicated peripherals Time-saving tools such as auto configuration and on-board web server License free programming With the launch of the new version of the fire protection system, Cerberus FIT, Siemens Smart Infrastructure expands its offering for the small to medium-sized buildings market. Various small to medium-sized buildings can now be covered with a simple and cost-efficient solution. Cerberus FIT maximizes fire safety, thanks to greater functionality and enhanced productivity for those working on protecting the buildings. The intuitive interface as well as the auto configuration tool allow the technician to install, commission and maintain the system in a fast, easy and reliable way. With the delayed alarm function staff will be informed first to identify what an alarm is about in order to assess the situation. This ensures business continuity and reduces disturbances to occupants of smaller buildings such as small-to-medium sized hotels, kindergartens or nursing homes. Safety and business continuity in every situation The Cerberus line offers a broad portfolio of detection and alarming devices including pre-configured Cerberus FIT device to choose from: from fast and reliable fire detectors to configurable alarming devices (including EN 54 compliant sounder and voice sounder beacons) which enables smart evacuation. The newest portfolio member, the updated Cerberus FIT fire protection system now allows for second loop, supporting a maximum number of 252 addressable peripherals and devices, such as detectors as well as alarm devices. Compared to one loop panels with only 126 addressable peripherals, the second loop offers more possibilities to wire devices to the panel. All detectors and peripheral devices have an integrated line separator. In case of an interruption, the loop turns into two stub lines while making sure the system is running. This significantly increases the safety of building occupants and ensures business continuity. Because every device is also powered by the loop, less wiring is needed, enabling the customer to achieve cost-efficiency. Intuitive and easy operation The new version of the Cerberus FIT control panel comes with an intuitive interface, including LED indicators with self-explanatory icons and an easy-to-read display. This avoids extensive training and allows facility staff to perform simple operational tasks on their own, without the help of experts. Thanks to its auto configuration feature, the Cerberus FIT control panel detects and automatically reads-in all connected devices, providing immediate and simple operation. The integrated ‘Panel Configurator’ enables the configuration to be changed quickly and easily on a PC or laptop, without additional software. Cerberus FIT is an EN-compliant fire protection system. It is approved and certified by the independent certification body LPCB and can be used in accordance with the application standard DIN VDE V 0826-2. The new Cerberus FIT version will be available globally, maximizing the fire safety of smaller buildings as well as enhancing the productivity of everyone involved in their protection. For more information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, see www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure For further information on Cerberus Fit, please see www.siemens.com/cerberus-fit
A digital construction consultancy is working with some of the country’s leading social housing organisations, architects and developers in a Government-led initiative to ensure there is never a repeat of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Operance is providing both practical expertise and software to the Golden Thread Initiative (GTI), a collaboration of industry professionals launched to trial Government proposals on the “golden thread”. The golden thread is a digital way of working to enable a systematic, controlled approach to the management of building safety information throughout the design, construction, refurbishment and management of occupied buildings. It was one of the key recommendations of the Hackitt Report into the failures that led to 72 people losing their lives in the Grenfell tragedy. The process will produce an audit trail of information about a building, the decisions made about it and who made them. In doing so, it will provide increased accountability and ownership of decision-making through the design, build and occupation phases. Sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the purpose of the GTI is to bring together industry professionals to work collaboratively for the benefit of the built environment and to trial methods of producing a standardised digital golden thread for building safety information that will satisfy the requirements of the future Building Safety Bill. The eight-month initiative, led by housing association L&Q on behalf of the MHCLG, launched in November and is split into specific working groups. Participants from the GTI will produce a report for the Government later this year revealing the findings of its work, sharing lessons learned, and potential options on implementing a digital golden thread. As a leading digital estates software developer and consultancy practice, Operance was invited to join the GTI and is represented across several of the working groups. The company is developing its own pioneering software to define, coordinate and audit building operations and maintenance (O&M) information. Scott Pilgrim, Chief Product Officer at Operance, is a member of the GTI’s Information Management Platform working group. He said: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise with the GTI to help transform the construction industry, making buildings safer and protecting lives. “Our vision to create a digital golden thread is completely aligned to that of the GTI. A disaster like Grenfell must never be allowed to happen again and for that to happen, it’s imperative leading industry professionals come together in this way to drive fundamental and lasting change. “As well as being able to provide our own insights through this forum, Operance’s participation in the project means we can listen and learn from all of those involved to understand fully what the industry needs. “This will be a huge benefit to the development of our platform, ensuring it is truly revolutionary.” Operance’s new information management platform, Operance O&M, is a purpose-built desktop-application to define, curate, audit and maintain information about a building from design to occupation. Accurate and easy to understand building and asset information will be shared with owners, operators and occupiers via the pioneering Operance FM mobile-application, providing users with crucial detail in real-time. With this building information in the palm of their hand, users can easily search, share, update and utilise their data to operate and maintain their facilities, whilst managing risks and continuously developing the golden thread. Both the Operance O&M and Operance FM applications are currently in beta-testing with a full release planned for the summer. Operance is offering a limited number of social housing associations and other organisations the opportunity to test the software and help shape features to suit their needs. To help social housing associations get ready for the new legislation and begin digitalising their portfolio, Operance is also providing strategic digital transformation and Building Information Modelling (BIM) consultancy services to enable them to define and articulate their digital estate ambitions. Operance’s Digital Transformation Lead, Tom Oulton, one of the country’s leading BIM professionals, is a member of the GTI Project Management working group. He said: “We’re on the cusp of revolutionary change to the design, construction and management of our built environment. “Following Grenfell, we must take this opportunity to work collectively to ensure it’s never repeated. This is a chance to affect change that we must not let pass us by.” The Hackitt Review was published in May 2018 following an independent review of building regulations and fire safety at Grenfell, led by Dame Judith Hackitt. It included 50 recommendations on how to improve the design, build and operation of buildings and facilities to make them safer and more efficient. A public inquiry into the Grenfell disaster is ongoing. The first phase focused on the factual narrative of the events on the night of 14th June, 2017. The second phase of the inquiry is examining the causes of these events, including how Grenfell Tower came to be in a condition which allowed the fire to spread the way it did. Any social housing association or other organisation that would like to take part in the beta test of the Operance software can register their interest by emailing beta@operance.app. The Operance team is also available to provide advice and guidance about the implementation of the golden thread and what it will mean for the construction industry. Email info@operance.app to get in touch or, for more information, go to www.operance.app or follow @OperanceApp on Twitter or Operance on LinkedIn. Any organisation that would like further information about the GTI should contact the Programme Manager Kirsty Villiers by emailing kvilliers@lqgroup.org.uk