Innovative processes have been used in the co-design of Finland’s new Hospital Nova, using BIM models and involving over 350 staff As the first completely new hospital to be built in the Central Finland Healthcare District since the 1970s, Hospital Nova aims to be the one of the most modern
The Mick George Group, a Cambridgeshire based Construction specialist which operates two sites within the Leicestershire region has landed a multi-service construction package worth circa £20m for works to be completed at Magna Park Lutterworth, Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. The contract represents yet another high-profile project that
Grosvenor Europe, which manages Liverpool One, has appointed a revised leasing team as part of its commitment to support the city’s shopping centre through what it calls a “difficult time”. The new leasing team will see CBRE acting on the retail leasing, while Savills will act on the food, beverage
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park
As businesses plan their return to work following months of coronavirus restrictions, Bureau Veritas has launched a new service to help construction firms meet the robust health and safety standards required to safely restart their operations. It comes as the UK government prepares to end the coronavirus lockdown by drawing
The engineered timber industry has been founded on the principles of advancing sustainable building technology. Led by innovators such as B&K Structures, the use of timber technology in UK construction has undergone a renaissance in recent years which has greatly increased the use of ground-breaking products such as cross laminated
Balfour Beatty VINCI today announces the appointment of Michael Dyke as Managing Director, responsible for providing strategic leadership for the delivery of its HS2 main civil engineering contracts between the Long Itchington Wood Green tunnel to the West Coast Main Line tie-in, worth a combined total of c. £5 billion.
The latest job market data from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that job vacancies plummeted by 78.4% in the construction sector in April, when looking at month-on-month data. The study looks at job market activity throughout April, comparing the findings with the previous month and year to build an understanding of how the UK job
The development of new technologies has brought numerous innovations in the field of interior decoration. Epoxy resin-based 3D floors can be used in all interiors and space types, both commercial and residential. For ease of maintenance, they can also be found in production facilities. Whether you want to refresh your
Cushman & Wakefield has launched Indego, a new white label service for office landlords and investors looking to create bespoke flexible workspaces in the UK. Indego is a customisable service that encompasses design & build, marketing, sales and on-site operations offered under a management agreement with Cushman & Wakefield. The
Innovative processes have been used in the co-design of Finland’s new Hospital Nova, using BIM models and involving over 350 staff As the first completely new hospital to be built in the Central Finland Healthcare District since the 1970s, Hospital Nova aims to be the one of the most modern and efficient hospitals in Europe. With a planned opening in late 2020, the project is an entirely new building type and concept compared to traditional hospitals, with a target to cut traditional operating costs by 10%. Virtual visits Due to the ambitious nature of the project, the project team wanted to involve staff in the design of the hospital to ensure it would meet everyone’s needs. “Our objective was to engage hospital staff in the project before construction had even started, by allowing them to visit the building virtually,” explained Mikko Jylhä, Project Director, Hospital Nova, Central Finland Healthcare District. “Right from the early stages we wanted to share the new designs, collaborate with the building’s future users and gather vital feedback for the design process.” Streamlined BIM workflows Hospital Nova decided to use Tridify to convert their BIMs into virtual models, as it was quick and easy to update the models with ongoing changes. Tridify’s automated service processed the architect BIM files into 3D interactive models, saving the hospital a lot of time and effort. The VR solution involved building a hospital demonstration space next to the construction site, for both the staff and the public to visit. Facilities included a virtual space where staff could use VR goggles to explore the future hospital and an auditorium where others could follow the virtual experience on a large screen. The response from staff was impressive, with over 350 registering to be involved in the design process with many using the virtual model. At the height of its use there were several visitor groups per day, including members of the public interested in seeing what the hospital would look like. In 2019 alone there were over 3,000 visitors to the showroom. Due to its ease of use, Nova’s own project team were able to operate the demonstration space without the help of any external specialists. They were also able to use the Tridify virtual model to create their own videos and images for use in other promotional and educational activities. Design feedback Staff have been able to explore the future building using the virtual model and provide feedback in the early design stages. Various different clinical and operational teams were able to make plans for new facilities based on their virtual visits, the model helping people to understand the design and if space was adequate for the planned functions. “Many different staff groups were involved, ranging from clinical staff, consultants, doctors, nurses and laboratory staff,” explained Jylhä. “Gathering feedback from so many different groups who would be using the building was invaluable in helping shape its design. Changes were made to the architect plans based on feedback. The result being an improved hospital which avoids any expensive alterations once the hospital is complete.” With construction now in its final stages and a planned opening in late 2020, the virtual model is currently being used by staff to test the hospital signage and ensure the smooth flow of different users around the site. This will allow further cost savings to be made as any changes can easily be done in the design phase. Staff are also becoming familiar with the new premises even before entering the building. BIM to web publishing Hospital Nova is now starting to use Tridify to publish the 3D model to mobile devices via the web, to help communicate the design to additional stakeholders. The hospital is also planning on using the virtual model throughout the hospital’s lifecycle in facilities management. “Using virtual reality for hospital co-design on this scale is rare so we are proud to be at the forefront of such developments, seeing how it can help shape the hospital so it functions as efficiently as possible, for both staff and patients. An efficient design is critical as it helps guarantee the delivery of the best quality and economically efficient healthcare in years to come,” concluded Jylhä.
The Mick George Group, a Cambridgeshire based Construction specialist which operates two sites within the Leicestershire region has landed a multi-service construction package worth circa £20m for works to be completed at Magna Park Lutterworth, Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. The contract represents yet another high-profile project that the firm is concurrently engaged, and will see the business complete various enabling, stabilisation, demolition, environmental and facilities management works on behalf of Gazeley, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks. Through various initiatives, the scheme seeks to expand the existing 9 million Sq. Ft. of floor space to 16 million Sq. Ft in the coming years. Development has begun on three speculative logistics and distribution units totalling 525,400 Sq. Ft. which will be available for occupancy in Autumn 2020, while a further unit of 746,500 Sq. Ft (subject to planning permission) is also be being planned. In total Magna Park South, Lutterworth could accommodate 2.8 million Sq. Ft with build-to-suit options available in a range of sizes. Magna Park Lutterworth benefits from excellent transport links to the rest of the UK, with 59.3 million people, or 85% of the UK population, within four hours’ truck drive-time of the development, owing to its easy access to the M1, M6 and M69 motorways.
Grosvenor Europe, which manages Liverpool One, has appointed a revised leasing team as part of its commitment to support the city’s shopping centre through what it calls a “difficult time”. The new leasing team will see CBRE acting on the retail leasing, while Savills will act on the food, beverage and leisure leasing, with both working alongside incumbent, Metis Real Estate. Commenting on the revised team, Alison Clegg, director, asset management, Grosvenor Europe, said in a statement: “To maintain Liverpool One’s success, it is imperative we have the right team to help navigate through the significant changes the industry is facing. The experience, reach and passion demonstrated by CBRE, Savills and Metis is the perfect combination to maintain Liverpool One’s long-term success and vitality.” This news follows a number of leading UK and international brands signed for new stores at Liverpool One in the first three months of this year, including MAC Cosmetics, Penhaligon’s, Kiehl’s, Virgin Holidays for its largest store in the UK, and premium British sportswear pioneer, Castore, which will open its first store outside of London in Liverpool later this year. Mark Disney, executive director, retail, CBRE, added: “Liverpool One is one of the best-known and highly regarded mixed-use destinations in Europe. Its positive impact on the region, and UK industry as a whole, is well-documented and we are delighted to be part of the team to move it forward even further.” Steve Tregenza, co-founder of Metis, commented: “We have been involved in Liverpool One since before construction began, and retaining our brief across all aspects of the leasing is a very proud moment for the business. We will work alongside CBRE and Savills, complementing their expertise with our unique understanding of the destination, the city, and the strong regional operators for whom Liverpool One is perfect.”
Surveying and property management company Scanlans has been appointed to manage a development of office buildings at Thorpe Park in Leeds. The Pentagon comprises six, two-storey buildings totalling about 25,000 sq ft. The buildings are owned by companies involved in construction, property development, financial services and financial planning. Thorpe Park has been developed by Scarborough International Properties and its joint venture partner Legal & General and includes a 900,000 sq ft business park alongside homes, shops and green space. Michael Willans, senior property manager at Scanlans’ Leeds office, said: “We are delighted to win the instruction for the commercial estate management of The Pentagon area of the Thorpe Park business park. “The Pentagon plays an important part in the thriving regional business hub. We are excited to implement our property management services and look forward to getting involved in the management of the buildings for our client, Pentagon Management Services.” Scanlans has also recently secured an agreement to manage 68 energy-efficient homes at the Ironworks development in Holbeck Urban Village.
As businesses plan their return to work following months of coronavirus restrictions, Bureau Veritas has launched a new service to help construction firms meet the robust health and safety standards required to safely restart their operations. It comes as the UK government prepares to end the coronavirus lockdown by drawing up guidelines for the safe return of employees to different working environments. According to latest reports1, the guidance, which has yet to be published, will differ according to each company’s operating environment. It will, however, seek to maintain social distancing, variable shift patterns, encouragement of continued homeworking and strict hygiene practices. As such, committed to helping the construction industry navigate the current conflicting advice on resuming operations, global health and safety expert Bureau Veritas has developed its new ‘Return To Work Assurance’ solution. The service provides a voluntary, independent assessment of a firm’s COVID-19 readiness to re-open their business premises, with a statement of assurance issued on completion that can be displayed on its website and at its properties. The scheme covers best practice measures required by firms to meet the local and international standards on managing coronavirus risks in the workplace. These include hygiene, disinfection and cleaning assessment, social distancing best practice, personal protection equipment requirements as well as employee specific risk assessment. Ken Smith, UK Chief Executive at Bureau Veritas UK, said: “As we emerge from lockdown, which is currently in its sixth week, for almost all businesses across the UK, the urgent priority will be how to get back to work as quickly as possible and with appropriate health, safety and hygiene measures in place to protect their employees and their clients. “Safely restarting business amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic remains unchartered territory for many, especially construction sites. That’s why, we’ve created our Return To Work Assurance solution to aid business owners, property managers and employers to put in place hygiene, safety, maintenance and regulatory processes that will ensure a safe working and trading environment.” One of the key challenges for firms planning on resuming operations, says Bureau Veritas, has been deciphering conflicting advice on appropriate health and safety measures required in the workplace, which is impacting organisations operating across multiple countries in particular. Ken adds: “With many nations across the world having their own policies, regulations and standards on managing coronavirus risks, this can leave many multinational organisations confused as to the correct action to take. Luckily, as a global leader in compliance operating in more than 140 countries, our Return To Work assurance scheme can provide solutions tailored for specific sector and geographical needs. We’d urge all our new and existing client to make use of this fantastic new service.” To find out more about Bureau Veritas’ Return To Work Assurance Solution, call 0345 600 1828 or visit: https://share.hsforms.com/1tTRe4h7IQZOBHtRBmdDDfg2z02a
The engineered timber industry has been founded on the principles of advancing sustainable building technology. Led by innovators such as B&K Structures, the use of timber technology in UK construction has undergone a renaissance in recent years which has greatly increased the use of ground-breaking products such as cross laminated timber (CLT). Here Managing Director of B&K Structures, Andy Goodwin discusses the proposed building restrictions and the unintended consequences. Leading architects such as Foster and Partners and Waugh Thistleton have realised exceptional award-winning buildings, creating a new legacy in outstanding timber architecture but we are now at a point in time where the proposed building regulations could restrict the use of a material which has the potential to help in the battle against climate change. Existing buildings and new construction accounts for nearly 40% of our national carbon dioxide emissions. CLT is now widely acknowledged as having a vital role to play in reducing CO2 emissions and crucial to reaching net-zero carbon targets. Somehow CLT, as a robust, fast, clean and sustainable construction method, has been put into the same category as dangerous highly combustible cladding systems. Many of us involved in the industry are baffled how we arrived at this place. A blanket ban that is not based on building physics or scientific fact, is seen as a quick fix but the unintended consequences will be far reaching. Every building material in some way is susceptible to fire whether it melts, warps or explodes but it is knowing how it performs that is crucial. Tests prove CLT has fire resistance of 90 – 120 minutes and greater than that if additional coatings are applied. The UK Government is currently seeking views on the ban of the use of combustible materials in external walls of buildings, with any changes affecting all new residential buildings with floor levels above 11m (circa 4 storeys). This proposal comes despite a significant amount of UK innovation in the use of engineered timber systems such as glue laminated timber and cross laminated timber. Together with sustainability, safety is of paramount importance to the team at B&K Structures and we have found a way to ensure our structures are both safe and sustainable using a hybrid approach. We support stronger measures regarding the safety of building, but the current proposal could impact the ability to construct with timber as a primary structural material. Alongside ACAN (Architects Climate Action Network), we are calling for responses to the consultation to help oppose this new legislation from affecting construction innovation. www.architectscan.org/safe-timber About B&K Structures Through careful design detailing and value engineering, B&K Structures is able to offer the best possible offsite manufactured construction solutions, ensuring a smooth integration for follow-on trades – delivering award-winning, environmentally and sustainable projects on time and to budget. B&K Structures has worked with some of the UK’s most renowned clients to develop outstanding buildings with sustainable credentials. For more information on their product portfolio and full range of services go to www.bkstructures.co.uk
Balfour Beatty VINCI today announces the appointment of Michael Dyke as Managing Director, responsible for providing strategic leadership for the delivery of its HS2 main civil engineering contracts between the Long Itchington Wood Green tunnel to the West Coast Main Line tie-in, worth a combined total of c. £5 billion. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Michael is a proven leader responsible for managing large infrastructure projects, programmes and businesses across multiple geographies and sectors. Most recently, he was Chief Executive Officer for eight2O, the water alliance that brought together Thames Water and seven other global contracting and consulting businesses. Michael Dyke, Balfour Beatty VINCI Managing Director HS2, said: “This is a particularly exciting time to be joining Balfour Beatty VINCI, having received Notice to Proceed for the main works civil engineering contracts last month. I look forward to working alongside HS2 and our expert people and supply chain partners, to safely and successfully deliver this critical piece of national infrastructure.” Balfour Beatty VINCI, a long-established joint venture between two global infrastructure leaders, was awarded two main works civil engineering contracts worth a combined total of c. £5 billion in July 2017. The joint venture subsequently received Notice to Proceed in April 2020, marking a major milestone in Britain’s largest regeneration project which will create thousands of employment opportunities, dramatically increase rail capacity and support the economic growth of the UK.
The latest job market data from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that job vacancies plummeted by 78.4% in the construction sector in April, when looking at month-on-month data. The study looks at job market activity throughout April, comparing the findings with the previous month and year to build an understanding of how the UK job market is fairing right now. The data shows that construction job numbers also dropped by a staggering 83.1% year-on-year. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “We’re trying to support UK businesses as much as possible right now, but everyone is feeling the financial effects of the current crisis. Thousands of companies have put a pause on their hiring plans until there’s more certainty in the market and the pandemic is having an impact on the construction industry. “All we can do now is prepare for the recovery and hope that business confidence picks up over the next few months when lockdown restrictions eventually ease. Unfortunately, there’s no light at the end of the tunnel at this stage, especially as we move into the thick of the spring/summer period, which tends to be quieter for hiring anyway.” Despite more Brits being out of work or placed on furlough in April, CV-Library’s data shows that application numbers also dropped significantly last month; down 34.7% in the construction sector when looking at month-on-month data and by 36.5% year-on-year. In addition to these findings, the job board also explored the application to job ratio on its site and found that this increased by 276.7% in the construction industry in April, compared to the previous year. This means there is more competition amongst candidates for the roles that are available. In fact, CV-Library’s data shows that there were an average of 60 applications per construction role in April 2020, as opposed to just 16 in April 2019. Biggins concludes: “Unfortunately, organisations have had to make some tough decisions over the past six weeks, with ONS figures revealing that two thirds of businesses have placed staff on furlough. While these professionals might not be actively looking for work right now, especially at a time when there’s so much uncertainty, we do expect application figures to pick up in the coming months and clearly there is already increased competition for jobs.”
The development of new technologies has brought numerous innovations in the field of interior decoration. Epoxy resin-based 3D floors can be used in all interiors and space types, both commercial and residential. For ease of maintenance, they can also be found in production facilities. Whether you want to refresh your old floors or are in the process of building your home from scratch, epoxy coatings are one of the more and more prevalent trends in interior design. However, it is not just the beauty and quirky appearance that sets these floors apart. Although it may not be the cheapest solution, the epoxy surface has many advantages that make it worthwhile to install it in your house or office in the long run. You can find more on making this material on this web source. You can even use this type of coating on your walls and furniture (countertops, tables, beds). Durable Floor Protection Floors that have a 3D effect are not only beautiful but also very strong and sturdy. Epoxy as a material is wear-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about moving furniture or dropping things that can scratch the floor. Epoxy resin belongs to the category of warm surfaces (like parquet) and has all the characteristics of solid floors. It means that this material has a high degree of thermal insulation. You don’t have to put a rug or carpet on. That makes this resin-based material the right choice for rooms and facilities that require constant temperature (children’s room, bathroom, hospitals, labs, etc.). This 3D surface has smoothness and resistance to mechanical damage. When the epoxy is installed correctly, its color and shine will not fade over time. It’s also highly resistant to harsh chemicals, acids, and cleaning agents. It also has a high limit on compressive and flexural loads. You can freely place massive furniture or any heavy load on it. Attractive and Polished Look These floors owe their attractiveness to the chemical composition of the basic ingredient, which is resin. Its chemical composition is such that it permits the mixing of various pigments to obtain the desired color and structure of the surface. A floor structure can be done depending on aggregates in the mixture. Their proportion determines the final appearance, which can be a completely smooth surface with a high polish or a rough, matt covering. In most cases, industrial epoxy flooring reflects the light, so the room looks brighter. You can customize the color of the epoxy floor by painting the underlayment. Aggregates added to every layer provide it with the subtle and glossy finish, which gives the 3D effects and makes the surface look even more attractive. This process requires some hard work and some particular materials, so it is best to hire professionals to do the job right. Slip-Resistance Since this floor consists of several layers (from 4 to 6, although two are sufficient in residential buildings), the degree of protection of the concrete below is very high. Because concrete is abrasive, it can start to crumble over time. The epoxy surface prevents that from happening. Also, floors with resin-made coatings are not slippery, although, at first glance, they seem too polished. In fact, they have a relatively high degree of friction with a surface that touches it. These are safe to use in children’s rooms, kindergartens, schools, etc. Ease of Maintenance The reason why most commercial buildings have epoxy floors is that they are easy to clean and do not absorb fluids. When a large number of people are walking around, they bring all kinds of dirt. When mixed with moisture, it hardens and creates stubborn layers of debris. But that can’t happen on the polished surface of the epoxy floor. Any dust and dirt that gets caught in there are easy to wipe away with a damp mop. Also, epoxy surfaces do not absorb liquids. There’s not even a chance of oil or any greasy stains to stay on it. So think about installing this coating over the concrete or tiles in your garage or workshop. The liquid remains on the surface and is easily removed with a cloth. Floors made of this type of resin have no fugues, which makes them hygienic and resistant to the appearance of mold. For this reason, you can also incorporate epoxy coating into the shower cabin. It will create the effect of deepness, and bring you the feeling like you’re in a pool. It’s easy to maintain and does not change its appearance due to moisture exposure. Epoxy Installation Requires Flooring Experts Almost every construction job has a DIY form. However, not each of them is feasible to do without professional tools and expertise. Epoxy is quite demanding to install, so even seasoned DIY-ers seek help from experts. The primary reason is that they use professional equipment in their work that is necessary for floor installation. Also, knowledge of the material and experience are on the contractors’ side. Epoxy is not a finished product that can be purchased at the store and does not have its DIY option. This material takes at least one day to harden and dry. If you try to replace it with some cheaper alternative, you won’t get the same effect. This resin-based material is made up of multi-component systems that have their mixing and application rules, which is not something you can make at home. For a non-skilled person, this procedure would require a lot of learning and training, and this would take too long. On the page below, read why you should consider hiring contractors to install the epoxy floor in your facility: https://furnacefriend.com/benefits-of-hiring-epoxy-floor-contractors-oh-professionals/. Epoxy coatings can look amazing and bring warmth to the rooms. It’s available in a variety of styles; it all depends on your idea and requirements. Its sparkly look and sleekness can make space really stand out, especially when the resin is mixed with some attractive color. The deep shine, when the flooring is done professionally, gives a fantastic finish and a
Cushman & Wakefield has launched Indego, a new white label service for office landlords and investors looking to create bespoke flexible workspaces in the UK. Indego is a customisable service that encompasses design & build, marketing, sales and on-site operations offered under a management agreement with Cushman & Wakefield. The proposition is new for the office market but follows principles which are already well established in the hotel industry. It will meet the demand from office owners to create a flexible workspace solution without operational complexities. “Indego enables our clients to meet the rapidly growing demand for flexible workspace and the improved returns it offers – on their terms.” – Emma Swinnerton Head of Flexible Workspace EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield Indego lead Indego is led by flexible office sector expert, Emma Swinnerton, who joined Cushman & Wakefield in April 2018 to provide strategic advice to operators, landlords, investors and new entrants on how to respond to the changing dynamics of the flexible office market. Prior to this position, Swinnerton held the role of Global Commercial Director for Spaces & New Formats at serviced office giant, Regus. Swinnerton said: “Cushman & Wakefield has been at the forefront of the evolving office market for many years and our investment in Indego demonstrates where we believe this exciting sector is heading next.”