Archaeologists excavating a site in Berkshire have discovered an unusual Underground Monitoring Post (UGMP), dating back to the Cold War. The excavation, undertaken by Wessex Archaeology on behalf of Balfour Beatty as part of the Wokingham Borough Council’s Major Highways Programme, uncovered the post after an anomaly was spotted on
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), will launch the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners. FIS and the Steel Construction Institute
Black metal ceilings are a key feature of HSBC UK’s new headquarters. Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for key features in a next-generation UK headquarters building because they are the architect’s trusted brand capable of supplying a complete system. Armstrong’s B-L302 jet black custom-mesh metal planks were complemented by the
Leading UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has relaunched its custom tape offering, focusing on improved user experience through new technology as a part of the order process. The employee-owned business has also significantly expanded the range of packaging tapes that customers have available to brand. Businesses throughout the UK
As with most industries, evolving technology is changing the way that the construction industry operates. With engineers increasingly using software for architectural purposes, could we also see other roles within the industry change too e.g. robots performing manual tasks, or building design via virtual reality (VR)? In this article,
A new state-of-the-art £4million recycling ‘super site’ in Bristol is on track to be finished by the beginning of April. ETM’s new Turmec Materials Recovering Facility (MRF) is set to be the most efficient and effective plant in the South West processing construction and commercial waste and will be a
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m
Barings, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has unveiled the views from its Landmark Manchester, 180,000 sq ft office development which is currently under construction in St Peter’s Square. Set for completion in Q3 of 2019, the building will offer occupiers the largest available floorplates in
Following the news that Dawnus Group, a major construction firm based in Swansea with 6 regional offices and 44 construction sites is under administration, resulting in 700 people losing their jobs, ex-employees may now be asking themselves what’s next when it comes to either finding a new job or career
Vivalda, the UK’s largest distributor and fabricator of architectural cladding systems, has acquired six new ULEZ-busting HGVs to ensure it meets tough new emissions laws due to be introduced in London from April this year. Investing more than £300,000 in five Mercedes Benz Actros 2532L models and a DAF CF330
Archaeologists excavating a site in Berkshire have discovered an unusual Underground Monitoring Post (UGMP), dating back to the Cold War. The excavation, undertaken by Wessex Archaeology on behalf of Balfour Beatty as part of the Wokingham Borough Council’s Major Highways Programme, uncovered the post after an anomaly was spotted on the site’s preliminary survey results. The structure, part of a national network of 1,563 strategically placed UGMPs, was built for the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) in January 1961, part of preparations for the reporting of radioactive fall-out, should a nuclear strike occur. It is relatively uncommon to uncover the posts in such a way and archaeologists were surprised to discover that the monitoring post presented a further anomaly. “It is a fantastic find, made more unusual by the fact that it was also constructed back-to-front,” explains Wessex Archaeology Senior Research Manager, Dr Bob Clarke, an expert in the field of Cold War Archaeology. “These structures were built by local firms using prescribed blueprints, which in this case was misinterpreted by the builder. We suspected that an underground room may have survived even though the surface features had been demolished in the mid-1970s. It’s an extraordinary find as many of the sites connected with the Cold War are still secret.” This spot in the landscape was used as an above-ground observation post from 1936, and as a UGMP from 1961 until closure in 1968. Within the specially equipped and reinforced underground room, three ROC Observers (all volunteers) would monitor the effects of a nuclear attack on this part of the United Kingdom. Details of the power of the explosion, height above ground and subsequent radiation were reported to the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation (UKWMO), who, in turn predicted the results and issuing ‘Fall-Out’ warnings to the rest of the country. The site is located on the route of the Arborfield Cross Relief Road, which is part of the wider Wokingham Borough Council’s Major Highways Programme. Matthew Parkes, Project Manager on the Arborfield Cross Relief Road scheme from Balfour Beatty, who are constructing the road, said: “This historic discovery is yet another example of the great work, skill and insight of archaeologists, as well as the fine planning, attention to detail and brilliant connection and collaboration of the project team. It’s a thought-provoking experience, one which gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate how times have changed so significantly since the Cold War.” The remains of the structure will be removed prior to the construction of the relief road. In acknowledgement of this historic find and to mark its significance, Wokingham Borough Council and Balfour Beatty are planning to install a memorial stone at a date yet to be confirmed. The proposed memorial stone is to mark the location of the Observation Post, in partnership with local groups, Arborfield Local History Society, ROC Heritage Group and Arborfield and Newland Parish Council.
FIS, representative body for the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI), will launch the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide with a consortium of industry partners. FIS and the Steel Construction Institute have been working with the FIS Steel Framing Systems (SFS) working group and industry to update guidance for the sector. “SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall, it’s been around for over 20 years but its benefits are just being realised, which is why so many projects are using it, but there are problems being created because of a lack of planning and knowledge. It’s the first thing you see, but often the last thing that’s designed in a building, and that’s the issue. This development of this guide is a great example of how the supply chain can work together to share knowledge, support training and deliver quality, we are grateful to all involved.” Joe Cilia, Technical Director at FIS. SFS is seen as non-load bearing, not holding the structure up but it is supporting cladding, internal linings insulation and perhaps even services. There are significant implications should it fail, which could lead to the external cladding falling off. The report on the collapse of the brick cladding at Oxgangs Primary School Edinburgh on 29th January 2016 highlighted that there was a failure in the correct installation of a simple element -wall ties- and although there are no direct examples of this happening where SFS has been installed, it highlights the danger of ignoring the correct installation process. , this guide will help to ensure that everybody from designers to installers are clear about what is required. Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands B92 7AH Telephone 0121 707 0077 Email info@thefis.org Website www.thefis.org The guide will spread best practice, help raise standards and educate clients and installers, and because the sector is new there are still a lot of client’s, designers and installers who will benefit from an education process driven by the document. The guide will help avoid the issues caused by last minute changes. The guide is for anyone who designs and installs SFS infill walls, and anyone checking that the products are being correctly installed, such as a ‘Clerk of Works.’ It will help to raise standards, show clients what SFS is and how it works. It will get people thinking about what is expected of them, the design and the final installation. It will give installers the confidence to question designs and provide guidance to ensure the installation is as good as it can be. The document includes check lists as well as guidance that makes people stop and check that all the information that should be provided, is provided. As the landscape post-Grenfell develops, we envisage that it will be very different from the way in which buildings are being designed and constructed now, this guide will become the go to reference for all involved. The SFS working group meeting will be held at Plaisterers’ Hall Offices, London on 16 May from 14:00–16:30. This will be followed by the launch of the much-awaited Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems guide. The launch event will run from 16:30-18:00. Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. To register please follow this link: https://www.thefis.org/events/sfs-working-group-meeting/
Black metal ceilings are a key feature of HSBC UK’s new headquarters. Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for key features in a next-generation UK headquarters building because they are the architect’s trusted brand capable of supplying a complete system. Armstrong’s B-L302 jet black custom-mesh metal planks were complemented by the manufacturer’s Bandraster grid and Axiom blind box on levels 1 and 2 of the “university” reception, marketplace (canteen) and break-out areas for HSBC UK’s new headquarters at 1 Centenary Square at Arena Central in central Birmingham. They were selected by regular Armstrong users TP Bennett architects who, while referring to the client’s design guidelines, wanted at the same time to innovate to create a new kind of headquarters for HSBC UK to focus on retail banking and training for 2,500 people. Located on nine acres of a key regeneration area for the city and the former home of Carlton TV, the 11-storey, 210,000ft2 building with three basement levels is constructed of steel frame with rainscreen cladding and houses offices, the HSBC university, a staff gym, restaurant and café, and an executive suite with catering. Extensive landscaping and external public realm works help to create a new “urban meadow” and public square at what is now known as Bank Court for developers ACDL – a joint venture between Miller Developments and Pro Vinci Asset Management. The Armstrong systems form the main feature ceiling in the university reception area and the key break-out and collaboration areas and comprise 283m2 of 1210mm x 687mm metal planks with 71% open mesh area along with 193 metres of 100mm Bandraster unslotted exposed suspension grid and 272 metres of 100mm Axiom Blind Box transitions, both also in jet black (RAL 9005). TP Bennett associate director and interior designer Francesco Tidona said: “We specified the Armstrong systems because they are a trustworthy company who are able to provide a full system which is convenient as it includes the mesh tiles and the supporting structure as well the proprietary Blind Boxes which we integrated with linear luminaires.” They were installed for main contractor GallifordTry over two months by a team of 10 from specialist sub-contractor Taylor Hart, a member of Armstrong’s national network of approved Omega installers. Managing director Phil Lewis said: “The Armstrong products were excellent, incorporating a Blind Box to allow M&E to install lights into the system in place of the Bandraster grid in various areas. The system was easily built and the colour march was of a high quality for each of the components.” More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
Leading UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has relaunched its custom tape offering, focusing on improved user experience through new technology as a part of the order process. The employee-owned business has also significantly expanded the range of packaging tapes that customers have available to brand. Businesses throughout the UK are looking more to customised packaging that carry their brand and now customers can benefit from Kite’s custom printed tape tool – a simple, cost-effective way of personalising packaging. A key benefit of purchasing custom printed tape is the positive effect it has on brand reputation, as well as providing a further layer of security to make sure goods travel from A to B in the same condition they left the warehouse in. Kite’s new custom printed tape functionality offers a more user friendly and dynamic order process with three easy steps to create your desired customised tape and a simple reorder option for repeat order customers. Users can choose from a range of tapes, including Acrylic (PP), Hot melt (PP) and Vinyl (PVC), or for a more environmentally-friendly branded solution, customers can select gummed paper or Kraft paper tape. There are also three backdrop colours and widths available to choose from, letting customers find the right printed tape for their business. Brand building is an integral part of day to day business and packaging is often seen as an extension of the product that it contains, making it a very important element to take advantage of. With its low-cost brand awareness benefits and enhanced usability, Kite’s new custom printed tape creates a great customer experience and maintains the company’s focus on the best range at the best price. To find out more about Kite Packaging’s custom printed tape or for any other bespoke packaging enquiries, please visit kitepackaging.co.uk.
As with most industries, evolving technology is changing the way that the construction industry operates. With engineers increasingly using software for architectural purposes, could we also see other roles within the industry change too e.g. robots performing manual tasks, or building design via virtual reality (VR)? In this article, structure design software specialists, Oasys, investigate potential changes that could be on the way with regard to both builders and construction workers, as our world becomes more advanced with technology. Will jobs be under threat? This is a common question that is asked in the workplace, but the answer is never a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Technology will not steal our jobs, but just replace us as we shift roles. But how will this impact the construction industry? To understand, we need to have an oversight on statistics that have been released regarding this issue. Boston Consulting Group has said that by 2025, up to a quarter of jobs will be replaced by smart software or robots. This includes a range of professions, from factory workers to doctors, and even journalists. However, a study carried out by Oxford University has said that 35% of existing jobs in Britain are at risk of automation in the next 20 years. In terms of reduction in physical workers, there is a lot of uncertainty. However, this can be challenged if we start preparing early and encourage current and future workers to adapt to the changes. This could include advancing their own skillset with a focus on how they can do their job better with the use of technology. Evolving technology, evolving roles? With news that implies technology will replace physical workers, it is often forgotten that people need to manage this technology and make sure that it is operating correctly. It’s also left unmentioned that workers will need to use technology, and that leads us to the decision that in the construction industry, builders of the future will become programmers. Over the years, we have seen constant changes in the way we work, and the construction sector has been very accepting to new and innovative methods to make jobs easier. From hammers to nail guns, shovels to diggers — and now practical labour to programming. However, this cannot be achieved overnight. Programming is a topic that schools around the UK should be looking to implement into their curriculums as a core subject to keep up with the demand of jobs and to keep up with the constant changes in technology. If we’re teaching young people old ways, they will be useless when it comes to doing the work and there might not even be jobs available that match their skillsets. With the constant growth in technology surrounding construction, young people need to be prepared with the skills and this shouldn’t be up for debate. Like the studies discussed earlier, more jobs are at risk of being lost due to smart software and robots. Workers need to be as good as the technology. When it comes to a common piece of software that is used in construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an element that can be beneficial, as it allows the appropriate people to access all of the information about a project in one place. It can look at key stages of a project across the lifecycle of a job and provide the information that is needed. This can save both time and money for any construction company and allows builders to have a clear oversight. BIM can help illustrate the entire building, from starting processes to its demolition, and can even show how materials can be reused. This suggests that technology is taking over, and if people want to remain in the loop of having a career and developing personally with the changes, it’s best to start sooner rather than later. Sources: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33327659 https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/19/robot-based-economy-san-francisco
A new state-of-the-art £4million recycling ‘super site’ in Bristol is on track to be finished by the beginning of April. ETM’s new Turmec Materials Recovering Facility (MRF) is set to be the most efficient and effective plant in the South West processing construction and commercial waste and will be a zero waste to landfill plant. And after just two months, it’s almost up and running. After clearing the site for the installation, phase one of the build started in early January and included the waste screen, the largest part of the MRF, being lifted into place and the plant’s largest conveyor installed. The plant will have 26 conveyors to efficiently move the waste around the site. Phase two started in the middle of February when walkways and bays started taking shape. The entire MRF can be accessed safely via walkways, separating operatives from vehicles and the plant at all times. And with phase three almost complete, it makes for an impressive site. “We are very excited to see it up and running,” said Amy McCormack, Director of ETM Recycling. “People have constantly been asking us when it’s going to open, and it has already opened more doors in terms of clients who want to come on board.” Having spotted a gap in the market for such a facility, Amy researched and visited several plants and engineers over a two-year period and has worked closely with Turmec to ensure the plant was designed and built to meet its exact waste inputs, so it is completely bespoke to ETM’s needs. The build has not been without its challenges, not least because ETM had to completely redevelop their existing site, which meant demolishing offices and building new surrounding walls and concrete floors. Amy said: “We believe our position in South Bristol is key and allows us to respond quickly to our clients’ needs and covers a large area, so we didn’t want to move to a new site. “This meant that we had to continue to operate and process waste whilst building the new plant on a very tight site, which was hugely challenging. “It has been a big learning curve for all of us, but now it’s almost there we can’t wait to see it in all its glory.” For more information, visit https://recyclingbristol.com/ or telephone 0117 953 3654.
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m redevelopment was chosen by the Planning Department of Lincoln City Council as the overall ‘Outstanding Project’ of 2019, whilst a public vote placed it top in the commercial category. In naming it the ‘Outstanding Project’ the panel praised the design’s ability to maintain the heart and character of the existing art deco building whilst adding a modern aesthetic: “This modern extension to an academic building has real dynamism with bold modern materials and strong geometry which creates great contrast, whilst referencing the art deco design of the host building. The result is a prominent and sculptural focal point onto this busy junction announcing BGU’s presence.” As the Vice-Chancellor of BGU, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, noted, this union of history and innovation was vital to the University: “When it came to creating a new flexible teaching space we needed a building that would support our ambitions, and we wanted a team of architects who could make this a reality. The design by LK2 for Constance Stewart Hall perfectly captured this balance and our finished building provides students with cutting edge facilities to help them progress. We are incredibly proud to have been an integral part of the Lincoln community for over 150 years and it is immensely rewarding to see that the people of this city hold our campus in such a high regard.” Dale Lui, chief executive of LK2 Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded two fantastic awards for this iconic scheme which has transformed the cityscape. The extra special thing about this award is that the project was voted for by the general public, showing that people from the city of Lincoln appreciate the building’s design. “This project showcases the impact of good design in so many different ways. Acting as a ‘shop window’, the new building gives BGU’s campus greater prominence and promotes the university to the wider community. The design of the building has enabled us to create an ‘outward-looking’ part of the campus, inviting local people to see the university as part of their community.”
Barings, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has unveiled the views from its Landmark Manchester, 180,000 sq ft office development which is currently under construction in St Peter’s Square. Set for completion in Q3 of 2019, the building will offer occupiers the largest available floorplates in the prime core of Manchester City Centre, of circa 14,000 sq ft. Landmark Manchester will provide 14 floors of next generation office space above two basement levels. The building is being constructed with an offset core, enabling occupiers to benefit from large virtually column free floorplates to provide maximum efficiency and flexibility. Ian Mayhew, Managing Director at Barings, said: “Following the completion of over 100,000 sq ft of Grade A office lettings so far in Manchester City Centre this year, competition for available space is fierce. The average transaction in 2019 has been for around 20,000 sq ft which Landmark can easily accommodate. “Our careful assessments of the Manchester office market gave us the confidence to commit to delivering Landmark this year, as we knew that we would be hitting a supply-constrained market and would therefore have a real opportunity to help meet the demand for high quality space within the City. We’re in an advantageous position where we are able to offer occupiers a best in class office building with stunning views over the Manchester skyline, at a time when the Manchester office market needs it most.” Barings Alternative Investments (BAI), part of Barings LLC, is a 470+ associate team located across 11 countries that manages $48.5 billion in client capital. BAI seeks differentiated sources of returns by incorporating decades of investment experience in alternative assets offering investors access to a diverse range of opportunities across private equity, real assets, asset-based investments and the four quadrants of real estate. We serve as a trusted partner to clients, leveraging our global presence and robust origination capabilities to identify the most attractive risk-adjusted return opportunities. The Barings Real Estate team offers a broad range of investment opportunities globally across the public and private debt and equity markets. The team invests across all major property sectors with a focus on global relative value and trend-backed preferred strategies. About Barings Barings is a $303+ billion* global financial services firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients and customers. Through active asset management and direct origination, we provide innovative solutions and access to differentiated opportunities across public and private capital markets. A subsidiary of MassMutual, Barings maintains a strong global presence with business and investment professionals located across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Following the news that Dawnus Group, a major construction firm based in Swansea with 6 regional offices and 44 construction sites is under administration, resulting in 700 people losing their jobs, ex-employees may now be asking themselves what’s next when it comes to either finding a new job or career path. One potential new route could be to go self-employed. With a range of skilled tradespeople on construction sites such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, these trade professionals could potentially be raking it in if post-Brexit reports are to be believed that skilled labour will be in short supply if Britain leaves the EU. “This is a very difficult time for all employees of the Dawnus Group. If there is a positive to be taken out of this it is probably that these highly-skilled tradespeople now have the opportunity to become self-employed and further increase their earnings. “Recent reports state that post-Brexit Britain could see a slumber in the skilled labour force – highly-skilled tradespeople such as Dawnus Group employees now have the potential to fill that gap,” said Lyndon Wood, CEO, Moorhouse Group Ltd. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average annual salary of an electrician in the UK is £30,765 per year, a plumber earns £29,136, and a carpenter earns around £25,729. Go self-employed and experienced electricians can earn up to £35,000, with highly-experienced individuals having earning potential up to £42,000. Plumbers earn the most. They can charge up to £90 an hour by going self-employed, and so could potentially rake in £1,000 each week. Experienced electricians can earn up to £35,000, and highly experienced individuals up to £42,000. With the low costs of starting a business from home, these highly-skilled Welsh workers may, in the long-term at least, benefit from this unforeseeable opportunity to take their careers to the next, more profitable, level.
Vivalda, the UK’s largest distributor and fabricator of architectural cladding systems, has acquired six new ULEZ-busting HGVs to ensure it meets tough new emissions laws due to be introduced in London from April this year. Investing more than £300,000 in five Mercedes Benz Actros 2532L models and a DAF CF330 truck, the business has acted decisively to ensure unhindered access to sites across the capital. All the vehicles in Vivalda’s new, fully liveried fleet are Euro VI compliant, meaning that they will be exempt from tough new emissions fines levied on all cars, vans and lorries that fail the new Ultra Low Emission Zone standard for central London. Ben Jayes, managing director of Vivalda Group, which also includes the PURA Facades brand, said: “As a responsible business, these new regulations have been on our agenda for some time now, which has enabled us to plan ahead and invest in our new fleet. Obviously, the environment is important to us all, but so is business continuity and maintaining a competitive cost base for our customers. “It is concerning that so few businesses have apparently prepared for the ULEZ in London and similar schemes in other UK cities,” he continued. In fact, a survey carried out by the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association) last year highlighted the fact that more than half of SMEs in the South East were unaware of the impending low emission laws. Given such timing, this is going to cause many businesses real issues serving customers in London and other affected cities. Vivalda’s new liveried fleet will also futureproof the business from potential fines expected to be levied on polluting vehicles entering other UK cities, such as Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton, all of which have been mandated by the Government to introduce Clean Air Zones. Vivalda takes its environmental responsibility seriously, recently introducing a packaging recycling scheme to handle waste from the cladding fabrication process.