Södra Wood was delighted this month to sponsor the undergraduate architecture students’ timber workshop at The Cass, London Metropolitan University. The construction workshop is an annual event for the School of Architecture, taking place in February each year. Second year architecture students travel offsite to Mudchute Park and Farm, where they
A collaboration between a national trade body and academia has developed a working formula which could transform the way damp is managed in homes. The Property Care Association (PCA) and the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE) are carrying out a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Structural drafting is the foundation of any construction project. The ideas in our mind are given life in the form of drawings. Computer-aided tools are invaluable to architects and engineers in creating precision drawings or illustrations. The structural industry has embraced software to help in the creation of engineering drawings.
Working on projects in a greenhouse is extremely enjoyable and can be a very rewarding past time. With so many different things to do and tasks to complete, you can set yourself some challenging yet achievable goals and teach yourself something new every day. From growing your favourite veg, to
Mineral canopies and metal baffles and tiles feature at the organisation’s new-look HQ. The world’s leading commercial property and real estate services adviser has used a hat-trick of systems from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions to enhance the interiors of its refurbished headquarters. Some 600m2 of Armstrong’s VP-500 custom vertical metal baffles,
Due to both advances in technology and current cultural tastes, architects and interior designers are using more glazing in their projects than ever before. However, there are safety and legal obligations to consider when using the material – for example, the application of glass manifestations. Although the application of manifestations
The construction of Congleton Link Road started today at an event attended by Cheshire East Council’s leader councillor Rachel Bailey, transport minister Jesse Norman MP, and Congleton MP Fiona Bruce. The £90m project is seen as a major economic driver for the town, with the potential to create 3,000 jobs,
Entries are now open for the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards supported by Headline Sponsor Green-tech. The largest landscape industry awards in Europe returns on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane London and BALI Registered members can now download the 2019 Entry Guidelines at baliawards.co.uk
Level 3 Construction students at Cambridge Regional College (CRC) have been offered an opportunity to gain valuable work experience with a major local employer. Willmott Dixon, one of the UK’s largest construction companies with a regional office in Cambridge, spent the day at CRC interviewing students on a Construction Management
Following on from the inaugural exhibition in October 2018, the Bristol Housing Festival’s (BHF) first two projects are now underway. Demonstrating innovation in technology, community building and land use, these projects are being made possible by the multiple partner collaborations on each scheme. Jez Sweetland, Project Director of BHF “I
Södra Wood was delighted this month to sponsor the undergraduate architecture students’ timber workshop at The Cass, London Metropolitan University. The construction workshop is an annual event for the School of Architecture, taking place in February each year. Second year architecture students travel offsite to Mudchute Park and Farm, where they get to learn more about working with natural construction materials. Last year the workshop was awarded a prestigious ‘Excellence in Structural Engineering Education’ Award. This year’s timber materials were donated by Södra Wood. Jeremy English, Sales Director at Södra Wood, commented: “We’re really pleased to be able to help with this workshop. Timber is something we are passionate about – it is fast becoming the construction material of choice, enabling quick, versatile, efficient and sustainable construction. It’s brilliant to see the future generation of architects working with wood and getting first-hand experience of the many benefits that it has to offer the construction environment.” George Fereday, Senior Lecturer at The Cass, London Metropolitan University, said: “Thank you to Södra Wood for sponsoring our workshop this year, it is something the students really enjoy every year. It is a great way for the students to learn how to work with the materials and gain valuable skills needed for their future careers, and it also allows them to fully immerse themselves in working with natural materials. We are pleased to know that our materials this year have come from a really sustainable timber source.” For further information about Södra Wood please visit www.sodra.uk
A collaboration between a national trade body and academia has developed a working formula which could transform the way damp is managed in homes. The Property Care Association (PCA) and the University College London Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (UCL IEDE) are carrying out a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to look into the issue of moisture in buildings. Following a two-year research project the partners have made a break-through which is now ready to enter market development, to create a tangible diagnostic tool to tackle excess moisture levels. Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “This is an exciting stage in the project, which could eventually have a significant impact on the quality of air indoors for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and internationally. “We have discovered that we can analyse conditions within a building in order to understand precisely why it is out of balance in terms of its moisture levels, and then prescribe the correct solutions to address the issue. “Of significance is the fact that we also have the potential to predict conditions, so properties can be protected proactively. “There’s a real demand for this solution and the PCA’s membership has supported its development both financially, and by enabling the research team to tap into its expertise to create this new, revolutionary diagnostic technique. “We are now looking for partners and investors to bring these innovative discoveries to the next stage. “Left unchecked, resulting problems from excess moisture can include poor air quality, condensation, dampness and mould. “These are issues which can affect people’s quality of life and it is important to establish why the situation is becoming more and more common.” In recent years, the PCA has reported a surge in the levels of excess atmospheric moisture in properties across the UK, with the trade body reporting that many of its 400 members are encountering higher levels of humidity in homes than ever before. The research project was launched to look into this changing environment in UK homes and has involved detailed studies into the condition of almost 60 properties across the UK, covering moisture production and analysis, to ensure accurate calculations. Dr Paula Lopez-Arce is the KTP Associate for the research project and has more than 18 years’ experience gained in the built environment. Dr Lopez-Arce, said: “We believe this has been one of the largest, most practical and challenging environmental monitoring projects of its type undertaken in UK homes”. “Measurement devices including environmental sensors have been placed into different types of dwellings to measure conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity as part of the activity. “The data we have received has helped us to build a picture of the issues surrounding excess atmospheric moisture across a mixed portfolio including flats, bungalows, terraced and detached houses in different regions, to cover a representative mix of property types. “From additional data from questionnaires and survey forms, it has also taken into consideration the key factors that can have an impact on a building’s performance, such as occupant lifestyles and some of its features. “It’s an exciting project and the end solution could have a transformational impact on the condition of homes worldwide, ensuring healthier environments and finding better solutions from the consequences of excessive indoors moisture levels.” A video produced by the PCA, which is available to view below offers a comprehensive insight into the issue of air quality in homes. www.property-care.org
Structural drafting is the foundation of any construction project. The ideas in our mind are given life in the form of drawings. Computer-aided tools are invaluable to architects and engineers in creating precision drawings or illustrations. The structural industry has embraced software to help in the creation of engineering drawings. Most importantly, the drawings specify each construction detail to the contractor and thus help avoid blunders and bad execution of the approved design. This article on AutoCAD for Architects give you a great feel for what can be done by a beginner. Architectural drawings Architectural drawing is the technical drawing of a building project. Architectural plans include the working drawings, schedules, floor plans, foundation plans, and roof plans. Architectural plans demonstrate not only the location of the building but also the details of where the building parts will be placed. With the help of a computer-aided software such as AutoCAD architectural drawings describe precision methods, as well as materials, colors, and texture to be used in the construction project. Structural drawings Structural drawings are technical drawings that show details of the structural elements. The drawings provide information that includes the strength of the various structural components, structural materials, size, grade, and also the placement of reinforcement. A structural analysis is crucial as it helps evaluate whether the structural design has what it takes to withstand internal and external stresses as well as the forces expected for the design. CAD software is invaluable for the creation of precision structural drawings. Electrical drawings Electrical drawings refer to technical drawings that provide detailed information about power, lighting, and communication of construction or any engineering project. CAD software can help in the design of any type of electrical drawings including circuit diagrams and drawings, circuit panels, electrical schematic drawings, an electrical blueprint for floors, electrical grid systems, as well as any electrical engineering diagrams. Electrical diagrams save time in that they help professionals anticipate problem areas such as wet spots, tight spaces, or sharp corners. The professional can plan for the areas in advance. The drawing also helps in reducing costs as you can shop once for the entire project. Also, the drawings can reduce or eliminate the risk of injury as the professional can anticipate the areas that have the potential for injury. Plumbing and sanitary drawings These are drawings that show the location of the sanitary, fixture, piping for water supplies, and how to connect the fixtures. Plumbing drawings are essential for any construction project as they show how to bring water to the building for human consumption, and how to remove wastewater from the structure. Finishing drawings Finishing drawings are the drawings that show the finishing and the appearance of the building. They include details of tiles, marbles, etc. Finishes usually are the final part of a construction project, and they are used for both internal and external elements. Finishing drawings are necessary as they form the part that people see and usually perceive the quality of the building. A competent CAD software can help bring out the best appearance and protection of a building project.
Working on projects in a greenhouse is extremely enjoyable and can be a very rewarding past time. With so many different things to do and tasks to complete, you can set yourself some challenging yet achievable goals and teach yourself something new every day. From growing your favourite veg, to experimenting with seasonal plants, you can get lost in your own world of gardening and put your energy into something fantastic. For greenhouse beginners, it may seem like a minefield, with lots to know and even more to remember, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you start as you mean to go on and prepare properly, you’ll have everything you need to succeed with your greenhouse projects! 1. Light Sources First things first, before you get stuck into planting seeds, you need to ensure you have the right lighting. Lighting is an essential feature within the greenhouse, as you need both artificial and natural light to help your plants grow to their full potential. During the spring/summer time, you want as much natural light as possible flowing through into the greenhouse, however autumn/winter often requires a little more artificial light if you want to continue your projects into the colder seasons. There are lots of greenhouse lighting products available on the market, so it’s best to do a little research to find the best type for your greenhouse. 2. Greenhouse Heating Another essential feature within the greenhouse is heating. There are so many benefits to having heating in your greenhouse, especially during the winter months, but it’s important to know which is best for you. Professional gardeners would often recommend using electric heaters, as you find that they’re the most efficient and easiest to use. Depending on the size of your greenhouse, you need to ensure that you have the right amount of heating flowing through, to ensure you’re getting the most from this feature. Image Source: Two Wests & Elliot 3. Seeds to Start With After a few months of having your greenhouse, you’ll realise just how beneficial it is when it comes to growing certain produce and plants. Greenhouses come with many benefits, especially when the colder weather sets in, so it’s worth taking advantage of this and using your greenhouse to its full potential. For a beginner, the best seeds to be planting in your greenhouse are potatoes, broad beans, runner beans and peas. These will also be the most rewarding, as there’s nothing quite like growing your own produce and then going on to use it in your cooking. It’s important to remember, before you begin to plant your seeds, that you need to have the right equipment in order to do so. Stock up on containers, fertiliser, soil and the necessary gardening tools to ensure you have everything you need for the projects ahead! 4. Watering Schedule One thing that many greenhouse beginners often forget is when to be watering the seeds. Whilst it goes without saying that you need to water your plants frequently, it’s actually extremely beneficial to create a watering schedule. Having something to work with as a constant reminder will really help you to get into the routine of watering your plants on time and at the right times, as different plants can require different watering times and amounts. Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Mineral canopies and metal baffles and tiles feature at the organisation’s new-look HQ. The world’s leading commercial property and real estate services adviser has used a hat-trick of systems from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions to enhance the interiors of its refurbished headquarters. Some 600m2 of Armstrong’s VP-500 custom vertical metal baffles, 3,250m2 of Optima L circular and custom-shaped canopies, 150m2 of DH-700 black mesh metal clip-in tiles, and 130m2 of C Profile suspension system were specified for the CBRE’s new-look offices in Milan for their form and function. The design of the offices is inspired by the modern principles of activity-based working, a revolutionary concept that replaces allocated seating layouts with a more flexible approach to the working environment, with the aim of improving productivity through continuous and efficient interaction between employees. For this reason, the new offices in the CBRE headquarters were protagonists of an aesthetic re-design project inspired by the values of innovation, wellness and flexibility, which perfectly mirrors the company’s global strategy, “Workplace 360”. According to the principles of Workplace 360, hierarchical barriers have been completely lifted in favour of sharing, improving accessibility and exchanging ideas. The working environment is completely open with unassigned seats which can be booked daily through users’ smart phones. In addition, specific areas are dedicated to those who need silence and focus as well as relaxation and wellness. Based on this concept, an in-house CBRE team, supported by Efrem Milia, an interior designer with Milan’s EMA Design Studio, has influenced and defined the functional and organisational aspects. This cooperation allowed CBRE to intervene in each decision, both technically and decoratively. The result is an exclusive and carefully refined 2,500m2 venue inspired by the historical areas of Milan – the first floor echoing the Navigli canal area, the second the Brera art district, and lastly, the sixth the fashion district. The decision to leave part of the ceiling with exposed building service elements determined the need to intervene with elements that delivered both aesthetics and acoustics. And this is where the CBRE looked to Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, due to their extensive range of products and their ability to create tailored solutions that satisfy any project’s need. In this case, a different Armstrong solution has been chosen for each floor of the renovation, with each providing an aesthetic solution, capable of integrating itself with the space and the different surrounding materials while creating comfortable working environments. The 3,250m2 of Optima L white mineral canopies, in [tbc]diameter circles and bespoke squares with two rounded corners, contributed to shaping the common areas on the first floor. These elements feature originality and modernity as well as acoustic support. Canopy ceilings combine aesthetics with acoustic performance aimed at ensuring a higher sound absorption ratio compared to a continuous ceiling with the same visible surface. The sound is absorbed both by the front and the back surface of the panel. This significantly contributes to the reduction of reverberation time and increases the intelligibility of speech. For the second-floor offices, Armstrong’s design team conceived a special broken-line pattern for the micro-perforated black mesh metal ceilings. These are ideal for installations in open-plan spaces where it is necessary to reduce noise pollution. A solution that creates an extremely dynamic visual effect, it is available in individual and multiple configurations, thanks to the C Profile suspension system that allows a tidy and clean alignment of the elements. Lastly, on the sixth floor, in addition to the white baffles, C Profiles of different sizes have been used to embellish, through light and shade, the ceiling of the “Multipurpose Room”, a multi-functional room with different space configurations and a huge art wall. Head of project management Alberto Cominelli said: “The office is no longer just a work space. It has actually become a company’s hallmark, where spaces are designed to bring inspiration, exchange ideas and create innovation. Only by creating a comfortable environment equipped with facilities dedicated to the people is it possible to increase engagement and motivate staff. Interior designers are more and more inspired by home and hotel designs, bringing an unprecedented breath of innovation to the world of offices.” Armstrong area sales manager Jordan Brocchi added: “We would like to thank CBRE and architect Efrem Milia for trusting our solutions and involving us, giving value to the potential offered by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions in terms of personalisation. “Now more than ever we are witnessing an increasing number of requests from architects and interior designers for support in the design of highly-customised solutions, to free their creativity in line with the rapidly evolving current trends. The requests are extremely diverse and to best respond to them, Armstrong has boosted its structure with a team of dedicated and highly-qualified engineers.”
Due to both advances in technology and current cultural tastes, architects and interior designers are using more glazing in their projects than ever before. However, there are safety and legal obligations to consider when using the material – for example, the application of glass manifestations. Although the application of manifestations is often seen as a formality and a “box to tick”, they can represent a great opportunity as a canvas for design and branding – providing many more benefits than simply complying with the requirements of red tape. What are glass manifestations? In March 2018, a news story surfaced that employees in tech giant Apple’s futuristic glass headquarters (Apple Park, in California) kept walking into glass walls and doors and injuring themselves. At least three people hurt themselves badly enough to need emergency medical assistance in the space of a month, due to Apple’s use of glass which had been specially treated to achieve a perfect level of transparency. Some staff members started to affix sticky notes to a few of the more troublesome glass walls so that people could tell where they actually were, although these were later removed as not being in keeping with the spirit of the building’s design. “We’ve had people bump into the glass,” admitted Apple’s vice president of real estate at the time. “That’s a problem we are working on right now.” In a way, those sticky notes were a basic form of impromptu glass manifestations. In the UK, it is a legal requirement that large glass doors, windows and walls in public places and work environments are clearly identifiable as such – in some circumstances this can be achieved with the placement of conspicuous door handles and so on, or else with the implementation of glass manifestations. Modern manifestations are generally appliances of frosted film that are added to glazing to render it clearly visible to nearby individuals. These treatments also confer an additional safety benefit in that if the glass is struck with enough force to break it, the film will often to some extent hold the glass shards together and prevent the shattered pane from spreading everywhere. There is no specification in the regulations as to a particular design that manifestations are required to have, but they must “[contrast] visually with the background seen through the glass (both inside and out) in all lighting conditions.” Glass manifestations must ideally be clear enough that individuals with visual impairments can easily identify glazing installations in their environment, and they are a health and safety requirement under Regulation 14 of the 1992 Workplace Regulations and also section K of the HM Government Building Regulations. In other words, if somebody were to walk into an unmarked sheet of glass and hurt themselves, the business responsible could be liable for legal difficulties. As well as fulfilling legally-mandated health and safety obligations, however, manifestations can also represent an opportunity to do something interesting with the glazing in a construction or workplace design project. Using glass manifestations for branding Glass manifestations seen in public spaces quite often take the form of nondescript patterns or dots, but there is plenty of opportunity to design just about anything to do the job. Even the government’s Building Regulations state that you can “provide glass doors and glazed screens (including glazed screens alongside a corridor) with … manifestation in the form of a logo or sign, a minimum of 150mm high (repeated if on a glazed screen).” In short, if your glass manifestations are a generic pattern of abstract shapes, it’s possible that you may be missing a chance to build your brand. With a little creativity, stylised glass manifestations can become a bold branding statement for your building or business and can elevate your glazing from something utilitarian and functional into something that communicates your company’s values – ultimately building positive brand associations. There are a wide variety of things that could be printed on glass manifestations. The business’ logo is an obvious choice – and for a predominantly glass-fronted building, manifestations could even represent the main signage for the establishment. For an internal space, glass panels could be styled with the company’s branding colours in order to properly blend into the interior design (or accentuate it). Alternatively, the manifestations on the glass could carry slogans, navigational directions, inspirational quotes or other text for the benefit of employees or the public.
The construction of Congleton Link Road started today at an event attended by Cheshire East Council’s leader councillor Rachel Bailey, transport minister Jesse Norman MP, and Congleton MP Fiona Bruce. The £90m project is seen as a major economic driver for the town, with the potential to create 3,000 jobs, 2,400 new homes and 20 hectares of new employment land to attract new businesses, all of which could deliver £13m into the local economy. It’s a big change to the landscape and to mitigate the impact, the council are planting over 10 hectares of woodland and shrubs including 381 new trees, 16km of hedgerows, 33 hectares of new grassland and creating six new ecological ponds. In the opening year, in the rush hour, journeys across Congleton are expected to take about six minutes less than currently and air quality assessments show there will be some significant improvements throughout the town centre including Rood Hill and West Road. The route for the link road will run to the north of the town, south of Eaton. It will link the A534 Sandbach Road, near its junction with Sandy Lane, to the A536 Macclesfield Road, near its junction with Moss Lane and provide a new crossing at the river Dane. It will also create improved road connections to both Congleton Business Park and Radnor Park Trading Estate. The scheme attracts strong local support – with calls for a bypass around the town going back 30 or 40 years. Cheshire East Council is contributing £24m towards the construction project, with the balance coming from central government and developer contributions. Councillor Bailey said: “I am delighted that we are beginning this very important road scheme for our borough today. I’m also thrilled that we were successful with our business case, which has resulted in £45m of the project funding coming from government funds. “This council started developing a proposal for a new road around Congleton to match our growth plans back in 2012 and what we have achieved here is a scheme that doesn’t just enable our development plans; it complements, shapes them and levers in over £20m of private sector transport investment into Cheshire East.” “This is the biggest capital project the council has ever done; and it is a credit to the strategic infrastructure team and all those involved that we have managed to deliver this scheme from just a concept in 2012 to where we are today, about to start work, just a few years later, I know it has been challenging at times. This must be some sort of a record for a highway scheme, some of which can take 20 years to deliver.” Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton said: “This new link road will not only lead to fewer accidents and cut congestion in Congleton; it will take lorries out of the town centre and improve air quality for residents. “The road will improve connectivity right across east Cheshire by improving links to Manchester airport, the M60 and the M6. It would also improve connectivity to the rail network, particularly the inter-city connection at Crewe. This road is much wanted, much needed and will future proof the development of Congleton for generations to come.” Transport minister Jesse Norman MP said: “Cheshire and Warrington have among the best performing economies in England and this scheme will help maintain that dynamism. The Link Road will not just cut journey times; it will improve air quality for residents. “Our focus on investment in the North isn’t just about our great Northern cities; it’s also about connecting the towns and communities. The new housing and job opportunities will also boost the area’s economy and support our broader commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.” Leo Martin, managing director of civil engineering at GRAHAM said; “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Cheshire East Council to construct this important project that will bring economic and social regeneration to Congleton. Our experience completing complex highways projects throughout the UK will be instrumental in ensuring completion of the link road is to the very highest standards.” Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways said: This is yet another important step in improving the connectivity of our road network in the borough. We will work with residents to address any worries during this build process but safety has to be paramount and, whilst short-term disruption in the local area is inevitable, the road will benefit Congleton for years to come.” The road is due to open to traffic in late 2020. Latest news from the site can be seen on the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/congletonlinkroad
Entries are now open for the 43rd BALI National Landscape Awards supported by Headline Sponsor Green-tech. The largest landscape industry awards in Europe returns on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane London and BALI Registered members can now download the 2019 Entry Guidelines at baliawards.co.uk and enter their scheme(s). BALI Registered members can take advantage of this year’s Early Bird discounted rates, with the first deadline for Registered Contractor, Registered Designer and Group members set for 24 April 2019. The Early Bird deadline for International, Affiliate Exceptional Service and Employer Excellence categories is 5 June 2019. For 2019, one new category has been introduced, International Award – UK-Based Registered Member, which is for BALI Registered members who are registered in the UK but have delivered a landscaping scheme overseas. Along with a number of band changes in other pre-existing categories, the exciting introduction and revisions were based on feedback from members and the BALI Awards adjudication panel. The 2019 BALI National Landscape Awards is expected to be as big and as grand as previous years with over 1,000 members, guests and VIPs attending the 2017 and 2018 ceremonies. Adjudicators, led by the Chair of the Adjudication Panel John Melmoe, will be visiting eligible schemes between June and August and the 2019 BALI National Landscape Award winners will be announced in September. Final adjudication to determine this year’s Principal, Special and Grand Awards will take place at BALI Landscape House at the end of August. Commenting on this year’s Awards, former Managing Director of six-time Grand Award winner Willerby Landscapes, John Melmoe, said; “The BALI Awards ceremony in 2018 was a runaway success and now the team at BALI Landscape House are turning their focus to 2019. It is credit to the members of BALI who have made the Awards into the most prestigious event in the industry calendar. A key way to showcase your company’s capabilities is to submit an entry into this year’s Awards. The entrants should be fully focused on submitting flawless projects, highlighting the significant contribution of your staff and the underlying desire for your company to excel. It would give me and my fellow adjudicators great pleasure to see you at this year’s Awards in December. Good luck with your entries.” BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills is also looking forward to seeing if the high bar already set on quality can be raised even higher in 2019; “Ever since the Awards were first launched over 40 years ago the standard of entry has improved tenfold. This is testament to the quality of work delivered by our BALI Registered members, and, the overall quality of judging which helps BALI identify which individual or company is deserving of a prestigious BALI National Landscape Award.” BALI would like to thank those sponsors who have already committed to this year’s Awards: Green-tech Bourne Amenity British Sugar TOPSOIL CED Stone Group Crowders Nurseries Derbyshire Aggregates Easigrass Europlants UK Fresh Horticultural Careers Green-tree Topsoil Ground Control ICL Group idverde Johnsons of Whixley Landscape Institute MCM (SE) Provender Nurseries Ransomes Jacobsen Reesink Turfcare Van Den Berk Nurseries To view and/or download this year’s Entry Guidelines, check all Early Bird deadlines and enter a scheme visit baliawards.co.uk.
Level 3 Construction students at Cambridge Regional College (CRC) have been offered an opportunity to gain valuable work experience with a major local employer. Willmott Dixon, one of the UK’s largest construction companies with a regional office in Cambridge, spent the day at CRC interviewing students on a Construction Management course in preparation for them taking part in the company’s work experience programme. The ten students made such a good impression during interview that they have all been offered a place on the programme. Natalie Sidey, Wilmott Dixons Regional community engagement officer, said “We were really impressed by the attitude of the students and how engaged they are in their course. They said it was the best decision to enrol at the college and spoke really positively about the course, expressing very clear ideas about what roles they wanted to pursue in Construction, Site Management, Surveying and Design in particular.” Phillip Grimshaw, Lecturer in Design & Construction at the College, was clearly delighted for his students, saying “Employer engagement is very important and the students really value this kind of exercise. Willmott Dixon staged a series of interviews with our learners giving them the opportunity to gain vital experience and help prepare them for the work environment”. Cambridge Regional College has some of the best construction facilities in the region with professionally-qualified and experienced tutors. Past students have gone on to study architectural technology, project management, quantity surveying and building surveying at universities including Anglia Ruskin University, Westminster, Plymouth and Leeds. Students can also go straight into work in the busy construction sector or choose to become an apprentice, for instance on a civil engineering apprenticeship.
Following on from the inaugural exhibition in October 2018, the Bristol Housing Festival’s (BHF) first two projects are now underway. Demonstrating innovation in technology, community building and land use, these projects are being made possible by the multiple partner collaborations on each scheme. Jez Sweetland, Project Director of BHF “I am delighted that these first two projects of the Bristol Housing Festival demonstrate our commitment to innovation, collaboration and learning together. These projects show how we can create prototypes that we believe will help us learn how we build healthy communities and contribute solutions that may help start to tackle the challenges of our housing crisis.” ZEDPods in St. George This ZEDPods development proposes 11 homes over the Chalks Road carpark, adjacent to St George Park. It pioneers a way to create an 100% affordable and low carbon housing development over an existing land use, a car park in this case. A ZEDPod is a new concept in high-quality, rapid build, modular low energy homes that can use air rights above existing land within city centres, such as car parks. The ZEDPod apartments can be raised above existing car parking spaces, which continue to be available for public parking. The homes have been optimised for energy efficiency and the lowest possible running costs, with solar panels to generate renewable electricity in the day, quiet running heat pumps for low energy heating, controlled ventilation which recovers usable heat from inside the building whilst bringing in fresh air, triple glazing, LED lighting and energy efficient appliances. This environmental and socially focused development will deliver much needed affordable housing in the area for young professionals and others at risk of housing crisis. By creating a mixture of tenures, a new community model will be created to ensure that the support networks are in place for the tenants. The scheme will offer something truly innovative, a first for the city and of its kind in the UK. The development rethinks existing land use, often in central locations, demonstrating a new possibility in helping solve the housing crisis, whilst at the same time providing beautiful, low carbon housing. This project is a collaboration between Bristol Housing Festival, ZED Pods Ltd, a Bristol based Housing Association, the YMCA, Bristol and Bath Regional Capital and Bristol City Council. A public consultation for the scheme will be held on the 1st March 2019 at the Beehive Centre, BS5 7AW between 3pm – 8pm. There will be a chance to meet members of the project team and learn more about the proposals. Dr Rehan Khodabuccus, Operations Director of ZED Pods Ltd. “We are excited to have started the planning process and hope to be working with Bristol City Council to deliver 11 Pods to help key workers, and young people with affordable new homes” Bill Dunster OBE, Design Director at ZED Pods Ltd said “I’m very pleased that after designing these new homes we can, if planning is agreed, make a real difference to people in this community, with no loss of car parking space” LaunchPad The LaunchPad development is an innovative modular accommodation solution for young independent adults, ready for a new start in life and will be located on the car park at the bottom of Alexandra Park, Fishponds BS16. The Project will be for young people moving on from supported housing as well as students from Bristol University. Together, they will be making use of their shared skills to self-manage the scheme. The 31 new homes will create a mixed community which supports the young residents’ journey to independent living. It will also bring students together with other young people to create a better sense of community amongst those who are passionate about connecting with others and proactively building a new community. LaunchPad has been made possible through collaboration between 1625 Independent People, University of Bristol Students Union, The University of Bristol and United Communities. Oona Goldsworthy from United Communities says; “By investing in LaunchPad, United Communities and our partners are saying, ‘there is a different way to provide homes’, quickly, on land that otherwise wouldn’t be used. These modular homes will create a brand-new mixed community, which after 10 years can be moved to another location”