3D Repo is celebrating award success having scooped two honours at the Construction Computing Awards. Presented with the ‘Cloud Technology of 2018’ award for its digital construction platform, 3D Repo, as part of the I3P consortium with partners Atkins, Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald among others, also achieved ‘Health and
It is not just the actual fitness equipment that is vital for fitness and the comfort of your clients when they are working towards their fitness goals. Just as important is ensuring the flooring for each area is right for specific training areas, getting the right specialist flooring will help
Demand for housing in the UK’s capital has never been higher, as such there are a number of development projects underway. A major development project taking place along the River Thames will see a collection of high-quality and it is PRS & affordable rent built incorporating modern mechanical, electrical and
Global independent inspection expert Bureau Veritas has announced the strategic appointment of building control veteran, Dave Allen, who will head up the business’ construction-focused division. As business unit director, Dave will lead the 80-strong team across the building control, fire engineering, structural and construction management disciplines. The move comes at
Since we experienced the economic recession, work and productivity within the construction industry had slowly increased. Thought, as productivity increases, so does the competition; more construction companies compete for work so firms need to make sure that they are acquiring the right equipment for the right job at a competitive
2G Design and Build, the construction and interior design company based in Birmingham, have revealed two of their latest projects. 2G provided build services for Nocturnal Animals, the latest concept offering by The Wilderness in Birmingham, and design and build services for the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull. Nocturnal Animals,
Saint-Gobain Weber has introduced weberpral MF to join its widely established and popular range of high quality, monocouche renders. This fine texture, through-coloured render achieves a smoother, finer and more contemporary, modern aesthetic while providing an excellent weather and algae resistant decorative finish. weberpral MF is a one-coat, ready mixed
British Steel Pension Fund has reportedly tasked consulting firm CBRE with the sale of a refurbished office in Midtown, London. The UK firm is said to be listening to offers around £93 million. British Steel was privatised in the 1980s, later merging with a Dutch company to form Corus. The
Gemma Price has been appointed head of property management at residential property manager urbanbubble. With more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of business sectors, Gemma joins the Manchester-based business from her role as head of operations at Recom Solutions and a director at Hardcastle and Hogarth
When it comes to doing high-access DIY work, it’s almost instinctive to reach for a ladder. A scaffold tower seems like something you’d see on a construction site or in a warehouse. So, why should you think about swapping tools? Scaffold towers can be extremely useful around the home, saving
3D Repo is celebrating award success having scooped two honours at the Construction Computing Awards. Presented with the ‘Cloud Technology of 2018’ award for its digital construction platform, 3D Repo, as part of the I3P consortium with partners Atkins, Balfour Beatty and Mott MacDonald among others, also achieved ‘Health and Safety Software of 2018’ for the newly released SafetiBase risk tracking feature. “These awards offer recognition for the significant developments we have introduced in 2018,” commented Dr Jozef Dobos, CEO and founder of 3D Repo. “To win Cloud Technology of the year in a sector that embraces cloud-based software, and where some of the largest players already have a cloud-first strategy, is a major achievement and one that we will build on in 2019.” “SafetiBase, part of the latest version of our BIM platform, offers a collaborative way to share and use Health and Safety information and project risks, associating them directly to the model,” continued Dobos. “It is currently being trialled on some landmark projects so to get recognition with this Health and Safety Software award is enormously encouraging.” 3D Repo was presented with the two awards by the Construction Computing Awards Master of Ceremonies Chris Cowdrey, former England cricket captain, at a black tie event on the 15th November. Attended by more than 200 BIM and digital construction industry professionals, the ceremony was held at the Radisson Blu, Portman Square, London. SafetiBase is a cloud-based repository which uses existing best of breed solutions, including 3D Repo’s award-winning BIM platform, to improve risk management. Supported by a consortium of leading innovators in the infrastructure sector, including Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald, Laing O’Rourke, Costain, Bentley, HS2, Tideway, Innovate UK through the Knowledge Transfer Network and I3P, SafetiBase conforms to the newly published specification for ‘collaborative sharing and use of structured health and safety information using BIM’ (Publicly Available Specification PAS 1192-6). 3D Repo’s cloud based BIM platform allows users to access the latest 3D models and make real-time changes and informed decisions online. Often described as an online knowledge base, the 3D Repo platform is different from other collaboration tools as it uses a component-based database – meaning that information is live, useful and accessible throughout the entire project lifecycle. New users are being encouraged to try the 3D Repo platform, complete with SafetiBase, with a free starter account at www.3drepo.org
It is not just the actual fitness equipment that is vital for fitness and the comfort of your clients when they are working towards their fitness goals. Just as important is ensuring the flooring for each area is right for specific training areas, getting the right specialist flooring will help clients and customers get even more from their work out, and encourage them to keep coming back. Gyms are expected these days to offer a huge range of activities to suit all their clients’ needs and workout styles. In fact being able to offer more services to clients will keep your gym ahead of the game in a very competitive market. And the same type of flooring is not appropriate for each exercise. Strategize each dedicated workout zone and then select the appropriate flooring Different workouts have very different flooring requirements, and so you will need to divide the gym into dedicated zones for the activity. As an example, you might pick flooring for your cardio and cycling area that can support the machinery, such as rowing machines, exercise bikes and treadmills, and will need high resistance and anti-slip functionality. Whereas the heavyweight’s area will have to be highly durable and resistant to damage, especially as this area is very often subject to many dropped weights as clients push themselves towards their goals. In addition, you will want to diffuse the noise and vibrations to not disturb the yoga class, this becomes even more significant if the heavy weights area is on the upper floor. Then there is the areas of high traffic, corridors, reception areas and so on. The high volume of footfall needs to be durable and easy to clean. And for the wet areas, shower rooms, changing areas, pool and saunas, for example, you need to have the most hygienic and anti-slip which is very major but not necessary for the acoustic reduction properties. Specialise the equipment free zones as well for the best use For the area reserved typically for group-x classes are usually highly active classes which need ease of movement across the floor but also be, Non-slip and durable. However, rubber flooring you would use in other areas wouldn’t work. On the other hand for martial arts, where participants are often falling and exercise barefoot, you would then want to consider a different type of flooring, perhaps even changeable flooring for areas that require dual use. Something such as tatami flooring you can ensure reduced impact and excellent grip for the feet. This is vital for the safety of the participants to avoiding injury while practising karate, judo or kung fu. For some exercises, you may even want to consider some kind of thermal insulation. This would be ideal for exercises for balance, meditation, yoga and tai chi – but almost certainly would not be welcome in some of the other gym areas! Not just a floor, Prama makes the floor part of the fun of exercise Gamifying exercise is one of the hottest trends to work out, especially for those wanting to get the whole family involved in a healthier way of life – and one of the best new ways to do this is through the Prama system. It makes exercise interactive, becoming a cross between a disco, a playground and a gym. The touch-sensitive floor, the lighting and the music are all timed to be truly immersive, it can be set to different patterns to suit every fitness levels of all ages and fitness. This is vital for reaching new audiences and members for your gym. And it is exclusively available from Pavigym, the sole manufacturer of floors particularly dedicated to the fitness industry. Pavigym Gym Flooring has the knowledge and experience to design and create floors for gyms across the world. So it comes to you for designing your gym, by making sure you speak to the experts.
Demand for housing in the UK’s capital has never been higher, as such there are a number of development projects underway. A major development project taking place along the River Thames will see a collection of high-quality and it is PRS & affordable rent built incorporating modern mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services. Parker Bromley, the building services contractor on the site, has specified Spelsberg’s innovative IBT system of junction boxes. Parker Bromley is a well established, family owned business specialising in MEP systems. As part of the London development project it has been tasked to deliver embedded MEP solutions including heat recovery (MVHR), smoke ventilation and fire alarm systems as well as an ‘Energy Centre’ to service each apartment block. It was tasked with minimizing installation time to help keep the overall development project to deadline. Jody Parker, Director at Parker Bromley, explains the challenges involved: “Concrete construction is a fast, effective and aesthetic method for building apartment blocks such as the ones being built here. However, when casting panels onsite it is important that considerations are made for the necessary wiring and electrical connections. We chose to specify Spelsberg’s IBT system of junction boxes, which fit to the metal formwork before the concrete is poured. When the concrete is set and the formwork removed, the face of the IBT housing is visible. All the required housings and conduits are then in place, ready for cabling and installation.” A key element of the IBT system is the integral sealing, which prevents concrete fines from getting inside the electrical components. This uses a patented diaphragm system which, after the conduit is inserted, returns to its original position and provides strain relief and sealing without the need for special grommets. Conventional housings do not have such a seal, a sealing arrangement would have to be fitted in-situ, a difficult and costly process. The IBT products are made from halogen-free, high-temperature resistant material which is designed for a long, trouble-free life. The range is available in a wide range of sizes. With more and more projects now requiring extra low voltage (ELV) transformers for LED lighting, loudspeakers and network communications cables, Spelsberg has also developed the complementary IBTronic range. ’Jody continues: “We first approached Spelsberg at the recommendation of another one of their customers. We knew the solutions we were looking for, we just needed to find a supplier that we could trust to deliver quality housings to the right time frame. The customer service from Spelsberg has been perfect, helping us to stick our company ethos of total customer satisfaction.”
Global independent inspection expert Bureau Veritas has announced the strategic appointment of building control veteran, Dave Allen, who will head up the business’ construction-focused division. As business unit director, Dave will lead the 80-strong team across the building control, fire engineering, structural and construction management disciplines. The move comes at an important time for the construction industry, as the spotlight falls on the critical need to review the entire approach to fire safety following the Grenfell tragedy. Dave brings with him 34 years’ experience following a leadership and integration tenure with Stroma and 18 years at Butler & Young, some of which as the company’s Managing Director. This comes after dedicating the best part of 15 years to a local authority role at the start of his career. He will now deploy his considerable expertise and clarity to lead the charge on championing a best practice approach to construction compliance. As the secretary of The Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI) and actively involved with the Construction Industry Council (CIC), he is ideally placed to share the latest industry insights, cascading from a strategic Government level both internally and with customers who are looking for the highest levels of competency and professionalism in construction compliance. Commenting on his new position, Dave said: “After a great grounding in a local authority building control roles, I’ve established a reputable career in the private building control industry and have vast experience at a strategic leadership level, as well as on-the-ground experience of working on large projects across a range of sectors. My work with the ACAI also means I am involved at the highest level of the discussions around how to make much-needed improvements to how the industry and customers approach and fire safety. “Bureau Veritas, as a leading global inspection body and health and safety expert is therefore an ideal fit, as it allows me to utilise my experience, both in a leadership and industry-expert capacity, and really champion the critical need for giving construction compliance the level of importance it needs. The Grenfell tragedy really highlighted some of the major gaps in the industry and, whilst there is no quick fix, there is a lot to be done. Being part of such a large and well-placed organisation is the ideal place to influence real change and it is my aim to bring both my valued team and Bureau Veritas customers on this crucial journey with me.” Ken Smith, chief executive officer at Bureau Veritas, adds: “With his invaluable industry experience, there was no-one better to head up our construction-focused division and I have no doubt that he is going to support our global capabilities within the construction industry and be instrumental in driving our ambition to be the UK’s number one compliance partner. I am also certain he is going to make real strides in influencing the future of building control and have a positive impact not only internally but for our customers and the wider industry in general.” To find out more about Bureau Veritas please call 0345 600 1828 or email info@uk.bureauveritas.com. Alternatively, please visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk
Since we experienced the economic recession, work and productivity within the construction industry had slowly increased. Thought, as productivity increases, so does the competition; more construction companies compete for work so firms need to make sure that they are acquiring the right equipment for the right job at a competitive price. With more firms soaking up the market, demand and prices for equipment also start to increase – increasing contractor operating costs. Hiring construction equipment If a company is working on short-term, or one-off project, it is usually better to hire equipment for the amount of time, that’s required. The reason for this is that it benefits the firm’s cash flow, as they are not making a significant one-off payment. Also, the firm does not have to absorb long-term repair, operating, and storage costs for the equipment being hired. Although, from 2012 to 2015 the price in rental costs of cherry pickers, forklifts and earthmoving machines, was set at 5.5% and between 2015/18 this is set to grow by 1.9% at 7.4%. This suggests that renting equipment isn’t getting any cheaper anytime soon. However, construction firms can make a saving when renting when the equipment is specifically utilised for a required job. Hiring the wrong equipment, or equipment that does not fit for the purpose, can be costly for a construction as it wastes time and money when working to deadlines. This is why construction firms are now more and more reliant on third-party services that can help assist them in getting the right equipment that will aid the performance of a job in the most cost effective and efficient manner. For example, Reconomy – specialists in servicing recycling solutions for the construction industry – can help firms with caged tipper and site equipment hire that allows them to rent based on the client’s specific on-the-job requirements, so that the equipment is rented at a cost-efficient price for the right job. Planning a project-specific ethos Rentals for specific projects are desirable for a lot of reasons, as the can save the firm time and money when working on a job that may not be repeated. Whilst being tailored to the requirements of the job, they can provide the highest amount of utilisation possible, based on each machine that is rented if it is used properly. Additionally, if a company has more than one job going on at the same from, then they don’t have to incur the same logistical cost as those who purchase their own equipment and move it from site to site. This makes project planning less time-consuming – as those foreseeing the completion of a job can account for the specific nature of the equipment needed, as the nature of each job changes. However, the annualised price growth of buying equipment from 2012 – 2015 to 2015 – 2018 had dropped by 0.5% from 10.1% to 9.6%, this is still 2.2% more than the projected forecasts of annual rising rental costs. What this suggests, is that construction firms will need to establish whether the equipment they purchase will be able to perform all the necessary jobs on-site through the course of the machine’s lifetime. If it can’t perform a specific task, or a container isn’t fit for the job, then the firm could waste capital on purchasing tasks. It is more than likely that when it comes to more project-specific construction – firms will be more willing to rent a machine that benefits the bespoke nature of a job, rather than purchasing a machine that is less specific in its job-scope and specification. Sources: http://www.tcsconstruction.ca/advantages-of-renting-construction-equipment/ https://www.ibisworld.com/media/2015/07/27/renting-vs-buying-factors-to-consider-when-sourcing-equipment-and-machinery
2G Design and Build, the construction and interior design company based in Birmingham, have revealed two of their latest projects. 2G provided build services for Nocturnal Animals, the latest concept offering by The Wilderness in Birmingham, and design and build services for the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull. Nocturnal Animals, on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham’s city centre, is the second venue conceived by Alex Claridge. 2G Design & Build were contracted to carry out all of the building works on the 80’s pop-culture-inspired project which takes in a 42-cover fine-dining restaurant and a 60-cover cocktail bar. The 2G team, which takes in project managers, electricians, plumbers and joiners, sourced all fixtures and fittings to bring the bold and adventurous concept to life. 2G were tasked with sourcing specialist third party suppliers including steel work designers who 2G collaborated with to create a show-stopping steel gantry staircase which is wrapped around the cocktail bar. The team were also responsible for sourcing lighting and materials throughout the scheme, including neon signage, floor to ceiling voile curtains, an impactful blue stone for the cocktail bar and expansive book matched marble table tops. Alex Claridge, Chef-patron said, “We handed a very brave, bold and detailed brief to the 2G team and they delivered against it on time and on budget. With a project like this attention to detail is paramount; the result is something that’s unparalleled in the city.” For the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull, 2G Design and Build were tasked with designing and delivering a traditional British gastropub with a subtle nod to Indian culture. The space itself, previously the Saddlers Arms, was a typically British pub abundant with heritage and original features, which provided a hotbed of inspiration for the scheme. Central to the design process was the integrity of the pub’s original architecture, this was achieved by restoring dado rails, adding dark wood flooring and exposing as much brick as possible. Bespoke light fixtures, copper accents, ornate tiling and botanical elements were layered and juxtaposed whilst additional splashes of colour, within the furniture and artwork, reinforced the Indian theme throughout. Ajay Kenth, Director at The Tap & Tandoor said, “From the bespoke lighting to the sensitive refurbishment of the original building, the Tap and Tandoor has a thoroughly charming and unique ambiance that we’re thrilled with.”
Saint-Gobain Weber has introduced weberpral MF to join its widely established and popular range of high quality, monocouche renders. This fine texture, through-coloured render achieves a smoother, finer and more contemporary, modern aesthetic while providing an excellent weather and algae resistant decorative finish. weberpral MF is a one-coat, ready mixed cementitious render suitable for most types of brick or blockwork. It’s through-colour, one coat characteristics allow fast and efficient application with shorter programme periods, contributing widely to site efficiencies and earlier completion of ground works. weberpral MF requires little maintenance and decoration is not required. This decorative and functional render is manufactured from fine grade aggregates with a grain size of 0.15mm compared to around 2.2mm grain sizes in standard renders. The finer texture makes it especially suitable for the creation of fine ashlar cuts and quoin detail. “weberpral MF is filling a gap in our range,” says Tracey Dempster, Marketing Director, Saint-Gobain Weber. “It is a best-selling render product in France and we feel confident there is a strong and committed market here in the UK.” Formulated for spray application by render pump for faster application, weberpral MF can be applied up to 28mm thick in two passes. It can also be applied manually. Supplied in a 25kg bag coverage of 25kg/m² can be achieved when applied at a finished thickness of 15mm. weberpral MF is available in four key colours – Chalk, Ivory, Silver Pearl and Cream. Colour samples are available on request. For more information about this product, or for technical support including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.uk.weber A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
British Steel Pension Fund has reportedly tasked consulting firm CBRE with the sale of a refurbished office in Midtown, London. The UK firm is said to be listening to offers around £93 million. British Steel was privatised in the 1980s, later merging with a Dutch company to form Corus. The combined entity was then taken over in 2007 by the Indian steel operator Tata, however by late 2017, Tata’s UK arm declared it was no longer able to support the pension scheme – one of the UK’s largest – without becoming insolvent. To that end, its remaining members transferred over to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), a government-backed pensions lifeboat. Now, as the scheme attempts to further secure its future, the British Steel Pension Fund has announced plans to sell a major property based in the UK’s capital city. 15 Fetter Lane, which British Steel Pension Fund acquired 40 years ago, is a large office building, located between the West End and the City of London. The property benefits from keystone local amenities and public transport with Blackfriars (Circle and District lines) and Chancery Lane (central line) underground stations and City Thameslink over ground station and Farringdon Crossrail (as of 2019) all within a short walk. Meanwhile, the accommodation itself provides 54,126 square feet of Grade A refurbished space. According to PropertyEU, the pension fund has commissioned global consultancy CBRE to oversee the sale. The overall passing rent for the property stands at 57.90 per square foot, while being multi-let to six office tenants with an average unexpired lease term of 9.1 years. Current tenants come from a range of sectors, including charities, legal firms and recruitment agencies. CBRE is now looking for offers in excess of £9.5 million. Commenting on the sale process, James Beckham, a Managing Director at CBRE, said, “Being adjacent to the New Street Square Campus and only a short walk to Farringdon Crossrail, this location has everything going for it. We expect to receive good interest in this prominent freehold asset.” CBRE recently also oversaw the sale of a large residential site in North Leigh to UK housing builder Countryside. CBRE’s UK development team in Manchester was appointed to market the scheme in February 2018, and was acting on behalf of the North Leigh Park Group.
Gemma Price has been appointed head of property management at residential property manager urbanbubble. With more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of business sectors, Gemma joins the Manchester-based business from her role as head of operations at Recom Solutions and a director at Hardcastle and Hogarth Ltd. Prior to her three years at Recom, the new starter spent seven years at commercial property group Bruntwood in a head of property role. She said: “Choosing urbanbubble was an easy choice for me, not only is the company at a very exciting point in terms of business growth, it also has a very strong values culture and a customer centric business where the customer is at the very heart of it. “Customer service is what I am passionate about, so there is a genuine fit between my own personal aspirations and those of the business.” Based at Sevendale House in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, urbanbubble recently expanded its property management activities outside the North West of England by securing further nationwide Build to Rent (BTR) schemes with Legal & General. Michael Howard, founder and managing director of urbanbubble, added: “Gemma brings with her a veritable wealth of experience in the property sector and we’re excited by what she can bring to her new role. We have every confidence that Gemma will be a great asset to urbanbubble.” Driven by urbanbubble’s increasing nationwide reach and growing number of units under management, forecast to almost double from 8,000 to more than 15,000 by 2021, the fast-growing firm expects to see revenue rise to £6m in the year ending June 2019.
When it comes to doing high-access DIY work, it’s almost instinctive to reach for a ladder. A scaffold tower seems like something you’d see on a construction site or in a warehouse. So, why should you think about swapping tools? Scaffold towers can be extremely useful around the home, saving time and making things easier – particularly when it comes to larger DIY projects and renovations. Compared to a ladder, scaffold towers are much safer to use over long periods of time and allow you to carry more tools while you work. When is a scaffold tower a better choice? Ladders are good for quick jobs that require a lot of moving around, such as clearing gutters or hanging a few simple decorations. Scaffold towers, on the other hand, offer a stable platform from which more complex jobs can be carried out. If you anticipate working for more than 30 minutes at a time, will need two hands to effectively complete the task or expect to use multiple tools or heavy equipment, a scaffold tower is the safest way to go. Of course, it may be that the work you are doing doesn’t require the use of any high-access equipment. Cleaning windows, for example, can often be done from the inside level or with the use of high-reach poles. Where to get a scaffold tower You’re beginning to think that your safest option is to use a scaffold tower, but you don’t want to invest in a new piece of equipment that you might only use once. What are your options? Fortunately, there are companies that specialise in refurbishing second-hand scaffolding towers, offering you adequate safety without paying a premium price. One thing to be aware of though – don’t try and save money by buying a cheap tower that won’t actually be suitable for the job you’re doing. Look carefully at height, weight and surface recommendations before purchasing. Take a look at this full range of second-hand towers from Precipitous Ltd. Scaffold tower set-up The most important thing when working with a scaffolding tower is ensuring that it has been set up properly for the task at hand. This involves checking the structure is sturdy and reading through the manufacturer’s guide for use. The person responsible for building, dismantling, inspecting and working from a scaffold tower must have the appropriate training, knowledge and experience to do so. They should be familiar with what to look for when checking its stability, and have the necessary competence to understand the basic safety steps of working at height. Carry out a risk assessment Before conducting any work at height, it’s important to carry out a risk assessment to identify potential issues and the safest way of working. Although a scaffold tower is one of the more secure ways to work at height, working off the ground always carries risks. Could the work be carried out from ground level? Will people beneath your working area be safe? What is most likely to affect you while you work? This document comprehensively covers all the aspects you might not immediately consider. Safety tips for scaffold towers Here are some of the key things you must do while setting up or working from a scaffold tower: Always work from the appropriate instruction manual Carefully follow the manufacturer’s guide to setting it up Never place a tower on top of other structures or objects for additional height Ensure the scaffold tower guard rail is properly installed and secure – do not work without fall protection Avoid standing on a platform while erecting or dismantling the tower without proper protection When is a ladder the better choice? If your task isn’t going to take very long, or will require a lot of repositioning, a ladder will be much more efficient so long as it’s being used safely. Just like a scaffold tower, make sure that you’re using the right tool for the job – a roof ladder for doing roof work, for example. The fact that a ladder is more portable, lightweight and easy to store are certainly advantages, but try to use each tool for the right reasons – not just because one is less hassle.