PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, has entered into an agreement with Wentworth Clean Power Limited (WCP) to bring a £230 million, state-of-the-art, waste-to-energy project to Teesside. WCP, developers of advanced waste-to-energy projects in the UK, together with its partners, will develop, finance and deliver the project on Dockside
2020 Art of Building photography competition now open… The world’s biggest photography competition for the built environment, the Art of Building, returns on 12 October 2020. Each year the competition attracts thousands of entries, as keen amateurs and experienced professionals battle for international recognition and two £1,500 cash prizes.
The high performance, reliable and easy-to-install Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System from Brett Martin has been specified for a new housing development in Tutshill, Gloucestershire, the village where JK Rowling spent her childhood and which inspired many Harry Potter books. Located in the stunning Forest of Dean, on the
Industry has a huge opportunity to attract the emerging generation, according to new research released by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) today. The Future of the Workplace report, produced by ACE’s group for emerging professionals as part of their contribution to the Future of Consultancy campaign, urges our
If you have a wealth of experience as a full time employee in the construction sector, the chances are you have contacts across the industry. This could enable you to break free from your employer to set up on your own. Launching a business within the construction sector can be
A major west London regeneration scheme has unveiled a new plan to build more than 25,000 homes – despite admitting it has no land and little cash. The Old Oak Park Development Corporation, backed by the Mayor of London, is Britain’s biggest development, based around a huge new interchange station
Leading consulting engineer Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has assisted in the completion of phase one of The Oaks – a significant student development close to the University of Warwick. The building, known as Oaks 1, is located less than a kilometre from the University of Warwick to the south west
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the development of a 53,000 SQ M unit at Heidenheim Logistics Centre. The 53,000 SQ M development is fully leased to an international e-commerce company. Construction began in August 2020 and the warehouse is expected to
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the leading trade association for UK landscaping professionals, has teamed up with BALI Registered Affiliate Vectorworks UK to offer garden designer members an exclusive membership benefit package worth over £2,500 per year, aptly named BALI Blueprint. BALI is delighted to be working closely
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of
PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, has entered into an agreement with Wentworth Clean Power Limited (WCP) to bring a £230 million, state-of-the-art, waste-to-energy project to Teesside. WCP, developers of advanced waste-to-energy projects in the UK, together with its partners, will develop, finance and deliver the project on Dockside Road, to the south of Teesport Commerce Park. The advanced project, which will be named the Teesport Renewable Energy Centre, will sit on a 9-acre footprint and create between 250-300 full time jobs during construction, with a further 40 permanent jobs created when the plant becomes operational – which is expected to be in the second half of 2024. The sustainable plant will utilise a variety of waste streams, characterised by rigorous environmental credentials, and employ proven technologies from first-class providers, positioning PD Ports, and the Tees Valley, at the forefront of the clean energy sector. Michael McConnell, PD Ports Group Property Director, said, “We are delighted to have signed this agreement to bring such a large and important investment to the Tees Valley and look forward to working with WCP and its partners to progress the project and bring the waste-to-energy plant to fruition. “This huge private investment from outside of the UK further demonstrates our trusted and proven track record when it comes to delivering large-scale projects, investments and real jobs to the region, whilst reinforcing our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.” The plant, when complete, will have an annual capacity of 300,000 tonnes of feedstock and deliver an electrical output of 30 megawatts – enough to power up to 27,000 homes with the potential to provide decentralise energy to existing and planned industrial users via combined heat and power. Philip Spanos, CEO of WCP, commented, “WCP is truly delighted to enter into this partnership with PD Ports for the development of such an exciting project on their land. “PD Ports is an extremely supportive, mature and experienced landowner, who fully understand the complexities of developing such projects. “WCP looks forward to playing its role, alongside PD Ports and local stakeholders, in contributing to the realisation of the immense potential of the Tees Valley as host to this project and the pool of highly skilled labour for its construction and operation. “We also hope, through the guidance of Redcar and Cleveland Council as the Local Planning Authority, to contribute actively to the local area.” James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said, “This announcement is such welcome news on many levels. Attracting such investment at this time of global crisis is a testament to the strength of the region and these jobs are so important to our community. “Our collective commitment towards Net Zero remain a top priority and this project will bring us closer to delivering a more sustainable and greener economy for the future. We hugely congratulate PD Ports and everyone involved with this development – it will be a huge morale boost for our area.” The next steps for the project is to hold discussions with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, the local Planning Authority, to formulate, prepare and submit a full application for consideration so that construction can commence. Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Mary Lanigan, said, “This is a major investment proposal which has the potential to bring the kind of high quality jobs we need, subject to planning approval. We have a world-class port in our borough and it is wonderful to see its owners, PD Ports, securing further inward investment for our region. “I’d like to congratulate both WCP and PD Ports and, as a very business-friendly authority, we look forward to continuing to work with everyone concerned.” Throughout negotiations, which have taken place over the last 18 months, PD Ports was advised by Jacksons Law Firm whilst WCP was advised by Slater Heelis LLP, Manchester.
2020 Art of Building photography competition now open… The world’s biggest photography competition for the built environment, the Art of Building, returns on 12 October 2020. Each year the competition attracts thousands of entries, as keen amateurs and experienced professionals battle for international recognition and two £1,500 cash prizes. Last year’s winners included Alexandr Bormotin, from Ivanovo in Russia, who won the Public Choice Award for his incredible futuristic image of a new underground train station in Moscow, entitled Metrostation, and Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz, a professional photographer from northern Spain, who was awarded the Judges’ Prize for capturing Hemisferic, a science museum in Valencia, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The competition is free to enter and open to anyone aged 18 or over. Entries can be made from 12 October 2020 until 15 November 2020. Up to three photographs per person may be entered. Winners will be announced on 26 January 2021 following the voting rounds. There are two awards to be won: the £1,500 Judges’ Prize, chosen by the judges, and the £1,500 Public Choice Award chosen by the public through an online vote. Entries will not be accepted outside of the advertised closing date or if they are embedded with borders or locks. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of the CIOB and part of the judging panel for this year, said: “I am proud to be involved again this year in my second CIOB Art of Building competition. Every year I am inspired by the beauty that the public see in the world’s structures, and I greatly look forward to seeing what’s submitted this time. As someone who can’t resist taking photos of buildings, construction sites and architecture, I know there must be lots of people out there with amazing and stimulating images to share.” For more details about the competition and to enter, log on to www.artofbuilding.org The competition can also be found on Instagram at www.instagram.com/charteredinstituteofbuilding About the CIOB’s Art of Building: Art of Building is an annual international photography competition run by the Chartered Institute of Building. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Art of Building is free to enter and entries are welcome from anywhere in the world. Pictures can be taken on any style of equipment, but they must be in digital format. Art of Building 2020 timeline: Open for entry – 12 October 2020 Closed for entry – 15 November 2020 Public vote begins – 7 December 2020 Public vote ends – 11 January 2021 Winner announced – 26 January 2021
The high performance, reliable and easy-to-install Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System from Brett Martin has been specified for a new housing development in Tutshill, Gloucestershire, the village where JK Rowling spent her childhood and which inspired many Harry Potter books. Located in the stunning Forest of Dean, on the banks of the River Wye near Chepstow, Birch Grove includes 45 new three, four and five-bedroom family homes all built to a high-specification for discerning buyers. In order to achieve the desired performance and aesthetics, housebuilder ButlerWall Homes chose a comprehensive and cost-effective range of rainwater and drainage systems which met their demands for quality, durability, low maintenance and ease-of-installation. The specification across these family homes included Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System comprising a 112mm Half Round Gutter and 68mm Round Downpipe in Classic Black. Significantly lighter than traditional cast iron rainwater systems, Cascade is much quicker, easier and safer to install at height, helping to offer the developer huge savings in terms of on-site installation costs. The system also features external fixing lugs designed to facilitate the use of power tools, further speeding up installation. Fascia boards in Foil Black were also supplied by Brett Martin to provide a seamless match across the rooflines of the homes. In addition to the popular Classic Black colour specified on the Birch Grove Development, Cascade is also available in a further seven heritage colours including Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Chartwell Green, Olive Green, Graphite Grey, Sandstone and Porcelain White – all of which cater to the subtle nuances of local vernacular architecture. The complete colour range delivers the traditional appearance of real cast iron with the convenience of modern plastic materials. Cascade is also UV stabilised for a maintenance-free system that will stay looking great and working well for years, and comes with a 10-year guarantee. The development also saw the installation of Brett Martin’s underground drainage systems including the new Adoptable Access and Inspection Chamber Assemblies. Using a reputable manufacturer such as Brett Martin offers far more than the quality and versatility of the product itself – they provide superior technical support, detailed installation instructions and maintenance guidelines to ensure rainwater systems perform exactly as promised. With this fabulous new village development now complete, Brett Martin’s Cascade Cast Iron Style Rainwater System and a range of underground drainage solutions have met the aesthetic and performance requirements of the developer whilst ensuring a fast, efficient and economical installation.
Industry has a huge opportunity to attract the emerging generation, according to new research released by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) today. The Future of the Workplace report, produced by ACE’s group for emerging professionals as part of their contribution to the Future of Consultancy campaign, urges our industry to make the most of its pivotal role in building society’s future, arguing that it has a unique appeal which can meet the emerging generation’s strong sense of purpose and values. Through a series of in-depth interviews with emerging professionals, business leaders and clients, the report has gathered insights on changing attitudes and aspirations, as well as workplace cultures and internal business structures in the built and natural environment. The timing of the project has also provided a snapshot of how the sector has been adapting – in real time – to the impact of COVID-19. To help achieve the necessary shift in workplace culture that will ensure the industry can successfully attract and retain emerging professionals, the report proposes a Workplace Promise to clearly establish a baseline for a new relationship which will outline what can be expected from employers. In return, it will also outline what is expected of employees if they are to progress to leadership roles within their company. Building on the foundations of this ‘promise’, the report has also outlined eight principles to help create a healthy and thriving workplace and suggested the introduction of ‘role families’ to develop new promotional pathways. The research recommends a vital role for ACE in supporting all members adapt, but especially for SMEs and around key issues such as diversity and inclusion. Commenting on the report, ACE’s chief executive Hannah Vickers said: “As the designers of society’s future, our industry is better-placed than many others to appeal to the best of the emerging generation. We can often meet their sense of purpose and values through the projects we work on, but where many have struggled in the past is in creating environments which attract, support and retain them. “The report will help businesses tackle these issues head-on and offers practical suggestions to nurture a workplace culture that enables whole organisations to thrive. “We cannot meet the challenges outlined by ACE’s Future of Consultancy campaign for a better-connected, technology-first approach to the design, development and operation of the built environment, without the next generation being fully on board.” Commenting on the research, ACE Emerging Professionals chair Georgia Hughes said: “We’re delighted to input into the vital debate around the future of our industry. The report’s findings demonstrate what many already know anecdotally – if given the right projects to work on and in the right environment, emerging professionals are extremely driven, productive, caring and passionate, and are a great asset for any forward-thinking company. Our recommendations, including around a new Workplace Promise between employers and the next generation, will help businesses create a framework to fully realise their potential.”The Future of the Workplace report is available to view now
If you have a wealth of experience as a full time employee in the construction sector, the chances are you have contacts across the industry. This could enable you to break free from your employer to set up on your own. Launching a business within the construction sector can be lucrative. The industry is booming even during these surreal global pandemic days and you could be the master of your own professional destiny. However, there are pitfalls that you need to avoid to make a success of your construction startup. Take a look at these three things that you should do to ensure business success. Pixabay – CC0 License Legal Stuff In the construction industry, you need to adhere to a whole host of legislation and regulations. As the industry is a little more dangerous than the usual office-based working, you have to look after your staff and protect them from accidents. This is why it is vital that you find professional indemnity insurance with the right business coverage for your industry. It’s crucial that you can find the right representation should you discover a negligence claim being made against you. Seek out professional advice to ensure that all of your documentation is above board. File it away and keep it safe so should any audit take place, you have the information to hand and can demonstrate your compliance. Funding To ensure that your cash flow remains buoyant at all times, you need to have funding avenues available to you. Think about seeking advice and money from an angel investor. You could choose to use a well-designed business plan to pitch to a business angel. These individuals have a lifetime of experience and are at the top of their game within the construction sector. You might want to start a bricklaying business, an office interiors outfit, or an insulation company. Find the business angel with the relevant experience. They will have money to invest in what they see as profitable ventures. Get suited and booted, know your gross from your net, and have your financial figures to hand. Your business plan needs to show off just how appealing your venture is. With any luck, they will invest time and money, and experience in your startup. Pixabay – CC0 License Staffing Working out the sort of staff you need for your startup is necessary to ensure its success. Hire too many people and you waste money. Think about how you will recruit. You could choose to go down the recruitment agency route. These companies have an excellent caliber of candidates on their books and are industry-specific. Alternatively, you could recruit on your own. Advertise in relevant publications and online before longlisting, shortlisting, and interviewing. Start slowly and only recruit the members of staff that you need. Anything else can be outsourced as and when you need a business function fulfilling. This can save you money, secure your cash flow, and keep your business financially efficient. If you are eager to start a business within the construction industry, follow this guide to ensure success.
A major west London regeneration scheme has unveiled a new plan to build more than 25,000 homes – despite admitting it has no land and little cash. The Old Oak Park Development Corporation, backed by the Mayor of London, is Britain’s biggest development, based around a huge new interchange station which will link HS2 to Crossrail. But the scheme’s first vision for a new neighbourhood in Park Royal collapsed after the corporation submitted false information in a £250 million funding bid to Government. Old Oak claimed that local business Car Giant, a used car dealership to the east of the planned station, had agreed to relocate so houses could be built on its site. But although Car Giant had expressed an initial interest in the project, talks had since broken down, and the company had no plans to move. Losing a quarter of a billion pounds in funding sent the corporation back to the drawing board – but leaders now have a new plan, with homes primarily to the north and west of the station. The new scheme relies more heavily on publicly owned land from Network Rail or HS2, including work sites and disused sidings. Old Oak aims to build 13,670 homes in the next decade, and 25,680 in total. Land to the east of the station will be developed into an “innovative industrial area” with multi-storey business units, new storage facilities, and an electric car plant and sales centre for Car Giant, according to corporation plans. Old Oak chairwoman Liz Pierce admitted the corporation was currently in the “unenviable” position of not owning land and needing significant new funding from Government and the private sector. But failing to develop the area around the new HS2 station would be a “massive missed opportunity,” she said. “If we’re not thinking about it, somebody else will be – and dare I say opportunist developers will pop up with very suboptimal proposals to make a quick buck out of the land that’s become available,” she warned the London Assembly yesterday. “We’re still seeing this as a major regeneration project that will deliver not just housing numbers but a new neighbourhood of London,” Ms Pierce told the budget scrutiny committee. Corporation leaders said housing developers were still interested in the area, despite the coronavirus downturn – and the scheme would bid for cash from a new Government housing fund set to launch in the coming months. Bosses were optimistic that the project – originally set up by Boris Johnson during his time as Mayor, and now supported by London Mayor Sadiq Khan – will get Treasury backing. But London Assembly Conservative leader Susan Hall, who chairs the budget scrutiny committee, warned that Old Oak has “a recent history of underspend and under delivering”. She said: “You have always had confidence, but that’s not always been backed. You’ve always had good plans but it’s delivery we’re looking for in this committee.”
Leading consulting engineer Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has assisted in the completion of phase one of The Oaks – a significant student development close to the University of Warwick. The building, known as Oaks 1, is located less than a kilometre from the University of Warwick to the south west of Coventry city centre, and was developed by McLaren Property, together with project managers Stace and Corstorphine + Wright Architects . The project was forward funded by Student Roost who now operate the Accommodation. Formerly the site of an office building, Oaks 1 brings 378 new student rooms to the area in a mixture of 288 cluster bedrooms and 90 studios, which are within convenient walking distance of the university’s main campus. The scheme also benefits from over 6,800 sq. ft. of amenity space; comprising an open plan common room and games room, gym and virtual training areas, study areas and social spaces, and has provided significant contributions towards the sustainable transport infrastructure in the area. HWA supplied civil and structural engineering services from feasibility and planning stages to phase one of the project. Phases two and three which include two further buildings – Oaks 2 and Oaks 3 – is currently under construction, and would deliver a total of 1,000 student rooms and studios. The Oaks is the only purpose-built student accommodation scheme adjacent to the University of Warwick. Demolition works for phase one began in September 2018, with McLaren Construction starting the main build contract the following month. Completion was ahead of the expected completion date – ready for the 2020/21 academic year. Dan Bailey, director at HWA, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our long-standing working relationship with McLaren Property and the rest of the supply team on this significant project in Coventry. “As the only purpose-built, large-scale student accommodation in the area, this will provide much-needed, quality rooms and studios for students to enjoy as they attend the University of Warwick. The accommodation couldn’t be in a better location, bordering the main campus with everything students need within easy reach. “We’re proud to be continuing our work in the Midlands, particularly in these challenging times, and look forward to seeing the next phase of the project progress.” From its head office in Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential across the country.
GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces the development of a 53,000 SQ M unit at Heidenheim Logistics Centre. The 53,000 SQ M development is fully leased to an international e-commerce company. Construction began in August 2020 and the warehouse is expected to complete in August 2021. It will have a clear height of 10 M, increased floor loading capacity, 110 dock doors, as well as 285 car parking spaces. Heidenheim Logistics Centre is centrally located to the east of Baden-Wuttermberg, one of the most established logistics locations in Europe. It benefits from direct access to the A7 motorway, enabling Stuttgart, Augsburg, Nuremberg and Munich to be reached in less than 2 hours of drive time. Michael Gerke, Senior Development Director at GLP, said: “”The industrial area “Am Rinderberg” is the ideal location for our project. The immediate proximity to the A7 motorway, the central location in southern Germany between Stuttgart and Munich and the excellent support of the city of Heidenheim a.d. Brenz were decisive factors in the choice of location.”
The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the leading trade association for UK landscaping professionals, has teamed up with BALI Registered Affiliate Vectorworks UK to offer garden designer members an exclusive membership benefit package worth over £2,500 per year, aptly named BALI Blueprint. BALI is delighted to be working closely with one of the world’s leading Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software providers, Vectorworks UK. The partnership sees BALI Associate Designer and Registered Designer members gain access to an exclusive range of dedicated services, sophisticated learning & development tools and training opportunities. If fully utilised, the BALI Blueprint package can save thousands off the bottom line for businesses and individuals who are looking for support from their trade association. BALI’s Chief Executive Wayne Grills commented: “Improving the membership benefit provision for designer members was one of our priorities. Many of our designers commented in this year’s membership survey that they wanted more design-specific support from BALI. By partnering with Vectorworks UK, our members now have access to a complete range of support services, from free training sessions with a landscape specialist to 5% off the price of a perpetual licence* to their leading Landmark software. Garden designers are an integral part of the landscaping industry and play a vital part in supporting our association. I am delighted to be able to provide them with an exclusive membership benefit that also provides a flexible learning environment, and I look forward to strengthening our relationship with Vectorworks UK in the months and years ahead.” The new membership benefit package is available in two stages. For Associate Designer members, BALI Blueprint offers an introduction to the world of Vectorworks UK. The perfect entry-point for any garden designer looking for an all-in-one program designed specifically for landscape professionals. This unique package is tailored towards assisting learning and development of key design skills and knowledge of sketching, modelling, and documenting any size project using their world-class and award-winning Landmark software. For Registered Designer members, there is BALI Blueprint+, a significantly upgraded package providing the perfect solution for any garden designer looking to hone their skillsets with this complete Vectorworks UK experience. The BALI Blueprint package for Associate Designer members, in full: 30-day free trial of Vectorworks software. This includes any of its software packages, including its popular Landmark, developed specifically for garden designers looking for a simple all-in-one CAD, BIM, sketch, draw and illustrate solution Free watermarked version of Vectorworks software for students for the duration of their studies, worth £2,445 per year if choosing the Landmark perpetual licence 40% off a perpetual licence of Landmark for graduates, if purchased within 12 months of their graduation date. That’s a saving of £978 off the annual fee *Exclusive 5% discount off the price of a perpetual licence of the Landmark software for any garden designer who hires an apprentice. This is a saving of £122.75 Exclusive opportunity to attend Vectorworks UK user groups. User groups are VIP sessions that are not available to all Vectorworks customers. The groups provide specialist insider knowledge of the software which you can pass on to your client Introducing BALI Blueprint+, exclusively for Registered Designer members Access to all of the above, plus; Four exclusive complimentary training sessions, held quarterly, with a landscape industry specialist, worth £495 per session with members voting on topics they want to cover Exclusive complimentary BALI Blueprint+ Bitesize lunchtime sessions, held on the last Friday of every month, with an industry specialist lasting 30 minutes. This is the equivalent of £450 in support time Commenting on the partnership, Vectorworks UK’s Landscape Specialist Katarina Ollikainen said, “We are very excited about this opportunity to work together with BALI – the emphasis on further education is something we strongly believe in and want to support. To create the framework for a continuous dialogue with members will set the base for a deeper understanding on how to manage projects of all sizes. It will also help with the promotion of sustainable design and push the value of Biodiversity Net Gain and wildlife friendly decisions to the forefront of the design process. We will concentrate on best practices and workflows, as well as dive deeper into the understanding of how to produce precise drawings and 3D models, both for clients and for use on site.” BALI designer members can now access BALI Blueprint or BALI Blueprint+ in their member’s area on the BALI website by logging in at bali.org.uk. This will include details of how to access the perpetual licence discount or how to book onto the free training where this is available. Garden designers are encouraged to speak to the BALI team during FutureScape Virtual 2020 on the 17th-19th November, where BALI will be exhibiting and Vectorworks UK are headline sponsors.
Market-leading guarantees and technical support, in addition to pitched and flat roofing requirements made BMI the top choice when it came to refurbishing Crowngate Apartments in Birmingham. Built in 1912, the Crowngate building has a Grade II listed façade and was originally a clothing factory before Midland Heart, one of the region’s leading housing associations, converted it into 120 residential flats in the 1980’s. Midland Heart asked roofing contractor Hodgson Sayers to survey both flat and pitched roofs on the multi-storey building and advise whether repair or replacement was needed to meet current building regulations. In turn, Hodgson Sayers invited manufacturer BMI to survey and provide specifications for renewing the flat and pitched roofs because the poor condition of the existing roofs ruled out repair as an option. A BMI flat roofing system comprising areas of BMI Sealoflex liquid waterproofing and BMI Icopal bituminous waterproofing and insulation was specified for the flat roofs, and BMI Redland Cambrian tile on the pitched roofs. The Welsh-made Cambrian tile slate replicates the original slate roofing, and so meets Birmingham City Council’s conservation policy whilst offering a robust modern material that withstands severe weather conditions. “Midland Heart chose BMI because it not only met the design brief, it provided support and on-site supervision throughout the project,” said Rob Kraska, Senior Contracts Manager (planned), Midland Heart. “The BMI SpecMaster service also provides a 15-year guarantee for further reassurance. The use of Redland’s Cambrian tile slate also enabled us to meet conservation guidelines and, because it is made from recycled Welsh slate, our own environmental criteria.” He explained that the housing association had previously used different manufacturers for the flat and the pitched roofing which had caused issues, usually at the point where the two different systems met, and delays while responsibility for repair was established. “BMI Icopal and BMI Redland systems work perfectly together as they complement each other technically with the bonus of looking good. Furthermore, BMI has taken full responsibility for the design of all construction details to ensure the systems are streamlined.” The £1.2m project, which took over a year to complete, involved stripping the existing waterproofing back to the deck, repairing damaged areas and installing an insulated three-layer bituminous system. The work included dealing with the common issues of raising upstands, water checks and altering outlets and other penetrations. There were more unusual challenges too as some of the confined areas meant alternative build-ups and products had to be found. For instance, a new gutter layout had to be designed for the inner court yards to remove standing water and the complexity of the top gutters meant Sealoflex liquid waterproofing was deployed to ensure the installation was waterproof. Sealoflex was also used in conjunction with bitumen to seal the window cleaning rig support structure. “One of the greatest challenges was carrying out this lengthy project with the least disruption possible to the 180 Midland Heart tenants living in the flats,” added Kraska. “The contractors had to maintain safe access for residents at all times and strictly adhere to their own working areas. Scaffolding had to be constructed around the exterior of the apartments so that the construction team could access the different roofs, and also provide an edge protection to the entire building. “It was also essential that large quantities of roofing material were removed safely and transported quickly from the site as there is very little on-site storage and the building lies between two busy roads on the edge of Birmingham’s bustling Jewellery Quarter.” John Sayers, director of Hodgson Sayers, said: “Working together the project was carried out and completed within the required timescale. We have worked with BMI on various projects over the years and we were comfortable with the proposed products and the capability of its site team. Hodgson Sayers has a strong reputation for quality and to maintain that reputation we need to install high quality materials and BMI`s products certainly fit the bill.”