Technology has transformed many different industries within the last few years and this is starting to become true for the construction industry. Nowadays, technology has paved the way to increase the efficiency and accuracy of projects whilst reducing the amount of manual labour that is required. As such a key
What’s the big deal about thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)? If you live in a new build or have had a recent central heating boiler replacement you will have one on every radiator in your home – it’s the law. But what do TRVs actually do and (why) are they a
Industry leading training provider, Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations.
Nottingham-based consulting engineers Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has been appointed to work on a major £20M student accommodation scheme on Westwood Way, Warwickshire. The site of the planned 380-bed student accommodation project is currently occupied by an office building, which has been vacant for more than four years. When works
MC Construction has completed a revamp of the reception and business conference area at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel. The £500,000 project creates a new welcome experience for guests at the 148-bedroom, four-star hotel in Spinningfields. The scheme involved renovating the hotel reception, lobby, conference foyer and bar
Innovations are crucial in every industry for supporting business growth and success. Here Jake Sinna, vice president of international sales at surface preparation specialist National Flooring Equipment, explains why innovative technologies are important in surface preparation. When electrical engineer, George De Mestral and his dog returned from a hunting
Watford Borough Council has granted planning consent for the first phase of its £1.6 billion regeneration masterplan for Watford Junction. When complete, the masterplan will create just under 3,000 dwellings, 75,000 sqm of commercial space, 6,000 sqm of retail, two primary schools and a range of community uses. The 4,338
Law firm, Sintons has continued to build its national reputation in healthcare through its latest major NHS framework appointment. The Newcastle-based firm, one of the UK’s leading specialist healthcare advisors, has been appointed to the legal services framework of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHSSBS), a body which provides business
More than 40,000 construction workers worldwide can now see through walls with their smartphone. The new Dalux Field app can show a mix of reality and 3D construction models much like the HoloLens. “It has great potential and both workers and clients are excited”, says Digital Manager from Willmott Dixon
Target Healthcare REIT has acquired two award winning luxury care homes developed by Octopus Healthcare for Aura Care Living. The deal, covering Aura Care’s Stratton Court in Cirencester and King’s Lodge in Camberley, also resulted in CEO and founder Linda Lloyd acquiring sole control of Aura Care Living. Mike Adams,
Technology has transformed many different industries within the last few years and this is starting to become true for the construction industry. Nowadays, technology has paved the way to increase the efficiency and accuracy of projects whilst reducing the amount of manual labour that is required. As such a key time in the industry, it is worth taking a look into the future to see what could be in store for construction over the coming years. Augmented and Virtual Reality One of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of augmented and virtual reality. We are already seeing this being used in some places, but it will become a key part of the construction process in the coming years. Augmented and virtual reality will help to provide a detailed overview of the entire project and prevent costly mistakes which will also result in fewer delays. Next Generation Equipment There will also be the introduction of next-generation tools and equipment which will greatly improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of various tasks throughout the construction process. Construction can be a dangerous industry and one where human error has always been a huge concern, but these next-generation tools will cut down on errors and make sure that projects are completed properly. The transition to these tools will be made much easier with the equipment that is constantly being developed today from places like SGS Engineering. Changing Workforce It is understandable that people will have concerns about machines replacing jobs in the construction industry as more and more technological advances are made, but it is important to remember that the industry will still require intelligent and skilled workers that can utilize this technology and see the big picture. Labour shortage is a key problem at the moment, but the new demands of the industry will mean that there are many long-term career options in this industry for the skilled and technologically capable up and coming generation. Green Construction There is currently a huge focus on green technologies in a global bid to reduce the impact of global warming and this is something that the construction industry needs to pay attention to. It is very easy to see sustainable materials and environmentally friendly construction methods being the norm in the near future to meet the inevitable tough environmental regulations. Improved Public Image The construction industry does not have the best public image right now with many viewing it as a pre-historic industry which is resistant to change. When new technologies, new tools, a changed workforce and green construction is introduced, this will all change and it will be seen in a completely different light by the general public.
What’s the big deal about thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)? If you live in a new build or have had a recent central heating boiler replacement you will have one on every radiator in your home – it’s the law. But what do TRVs actually do and (why) are they a good idea? If your radiators don’t currently have TRVs fitted, should you get a plumber in and do the necessary? What’s the benefit of a TRV? Thermostatic radiator valves are one of several heating controls that allow you to control the heat in your home more efficiently. Assuming you have a typical central heating system consisting of a centralised boiler and a thermostat, a TRV fitted to each radiator allows you to regulate the air temperature locally. The ability to ‘zone’ your home allows you to keep it toastier in, say, the sitting room while you’re watching TV, and cooler in the bedroom, creating a more comfortable environment all around your home. Unused rooms can have the heating turned right down or off altogether. Being more efficient in your use of energy is a great way to make savings on your utility bills. Depending on your lifestyle, the efficiency of your radiators and the level of insulation in your home, energy savings could be as high as 40%. How does a TRV work? Thermostatic radiator valves are self regulating, able to control the flow of hot water into a radiator. Inside the valve head is a capsule with a sensor made from either wax or liquid that expands and contracts depending on the ambient air temperature. When the temperature changes, the sensor causes a pin in the valve body to move to open/close the valve so that more/less hot water flows the radiator. Liquid is generally considered to be more responsive than wax, and the price of these models will reflect this. How much does it cost to install TRVs? Basic TRVs will set you back somewhere in the region of £10-£30 each, plus installation costs. Available from plumbing merchants, they can be fitted quickly by a professional and shouldn’t require any maintenance. Once installed, simply turn the heat up or down as required. However, if you wish to go beyond the ordinary and install designer TRVs, perhaps to complement your gorgeous designer radiators or feature heating appliances in your home, there’s no shortage of choice. TRVs come in various designs, both modern and traditional, angled or straight to fit your particular radiator and room set-up. For inspiration, The Designer Radiator Company specialise in beautifully crafted and unusual designer radiator valves in a huge selection of metal finishes – including brass, nickel, chrome and pewter – perfect to add the finishing touches to your interior design. Have a look at their online store here. Where not to put a TRV Misreading the temperature in the room can affect operations, which is why it’s not a good idea to put a TRV in draughty places, particularly near windows and doors. Bathrooms can also be a problem since the heat produced by the bath or shower can cause the valve to shut off just at the moment when you need the heat from the radiator to keep your bathroom nice and toasty, and to fight off condensation. The other place where a TRV doesn’t make sense is in the same room as your main heating thermostat. Your room stat is linked directly to the boiler, so having a TRV in the same room will cause the two to fight for control. If the TRV goes, your boiler may shut down and the heating in the whole house will be off. Are TRVs worth having? In a domestic property with multiple radiators heating rooms of different levels of traffic, thermostatic radiator valves are definitely worth having – that’s why the government is actively encouraging TRV use across building regulations. Do your bit for the environment by heating your home with greater consideration. Heating the areas you use and not wasting energy unnecessarily will help you achieve energy and money savings, while maintenance free TRVs should mean they operate flawlessly for many years.
Industry leading training provider, Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which form the basis of the updated BS7671:2018, will require significant retraining for all UK electricians. It is due for publication in July but the major changes to the previous edition have already been announced, and they look set to have a big impact on the UK’s 265,000 electricians and electrical fitters as well as the organisations that employ them. DTL says many operatives will need to attend a three-day course, rather than the one-day refresher courses that have previously sufficed after an update was released.This could place a huge operational burden on organisations employing multiple electricians. DTL is recommending that only those who have gone through 17th Edition third amendment training in the past six months will be eligible for a fast-track one-day course. However, with all new installations having to be designed to meet the new standard from January 2019, DTL says the stakes are too high to risk skimping on training. Chris Wood, CEO of the training company, said: “The new regulations reflect the changing technological, regulatory and political environment. For example, there are new introductions covering energy efficiency, electric car charging and the way that wiring should be supported to protect it from a building collapse in the event of fire. There are many other changes, which amount to a very significant evolution in the regulations. Clearly, the fallout from a non-compliance event could be immensely damaging for any organisation that employs electricians. So the new edition is sure to have major implications when it comes to training people to ensure that the regulations are met.” DTL answers FAQs here: www.developtraining.co.uk/blog Visit www.developtraining.co.uk/training/electrical to book on to an 18th Edition training course www.developtraining.co.uk
Nottingham-based consulting engineers Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has been appointed to work on a major £20M student accommodation scheme on Westwood Way, Warwickshire. The site of the planned 380-bed student accommodation project is currently occupied by an office building, which has been vacant for more than four years. When works start towards the end of 2018, the building will be demolished to make way for the new sustainable residential scheme to be built. The Oaks, which received planning permission in April, is due for completion for the 2020/2021 academic year. HWA has been chosen to work on the scheme on behalf of McLaren Property to provide advice and a range of engineering services, including civil and structural engineering and pre-planning engineering services such as ground investigation, transport planning and flood risk assessment. Dan Bailey, partner at HWA, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with McLaren Property having worked on numerous student accommodation schemes across the country since 2013 with them, which is why we are very pleased to be working with the team again on this exciting bespoke project. “This is an interesting residential project within the education sector that incorporates a historic watercourse running through it. The watercourse has dried up but needs to be maintained throughout the development in case flows are able to be restored, meaning it has become an interesting landscape feature. “Both Coventry and Warwick University continue to see an increased demand for student accommodation, so we are pleased to be able to help fill that gap in the market locally and to be helping to deliver a high-quality scheme.” The Oaks will feature a number of social learning spaces as well as fitness facilities, onsite bicycle storage, excellent pedestrian links and easy access to local bus services when complete. Bruce Ruddle, development director at McLaren Property, said: “We are delighted that planning permission for our new student accommodation scheme on the site of 1 The Oaks has been approved by Coventry City Council. “The building has been vacant for several years and we are looking forward to regenerating the site and providing high quality student accommodation close to existing educational establishments. “It is anticipated that construction of the scheme will commence later in 2018, with the scheme expected to be completed for the 2020/2021 academic year.” HWA is also working on a number of other high-end projects in the West Midlands, including two other student accommodation projects in Birmingham, a distribution park and church in Dunchurch, and is currently undertaking roof inspections on a commercial premise in connection with PV solar panel installations. The firm, whose head office is located on Walkers Yard, Nottingham, delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential across the country.
MC Construction has completed a revamp of the reception and business conference area at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel. The £500,000 project creates a new welcome experience for guests at the 148-bedroom, four-star hotel in Spinningfields. The scheme involved renovating the hotel reception, lobby, conference foyer and bar area to create an open-plan space, a more relaxing check-in environment and a ‘Power-Up Pod’ workspace with charging points for laptops and mobile phones. Salford-based MC Construction was chosen as the contractor in a tendering process, partly because it makes a point of employing local people, which the V&A also does. The V&A, which lies on the banks of the River Irwell, is housed in Grade II listed buildings constructed in 1844 as warehouses. The exposed original brickwork, cast-iron columns and vintage wooden beams were retained as part of the upgrade. Peter Hill, the hotel’s general manager, said: “Manchester is an ever-changing city – the opening of the nearby St John’s Quarter is close with three new residential blocks at the Slateyard also opening right across the river next year. “This means the requirements of the guests we welcome through our door are changing. At the V&A, we always want to be a hotel that is ready for the next few years, and so, with this refurbishment, we as a hotel are also changing so that we continue to meet their requirements. “We are particularly proud of this refurbishment too, as we have kept the 19th century feel of the original building but have added all the 21st century amenities our guests expect. Our guests are at the centre of everything we do, and we’re sure they will find everything they need as part of our new welcome experience.” David Lowe, managing director of MC Construction, said: “The Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel is a prestigious addition to our growing client base in the hospitality sector and it was great to be recognised in the selection process for our commitment to sourcing local labour. “This successful project follows on from contracts such as the multi-million pound upgrade at Chancellors Hotel at the University of Manchester, and we look forward to further strengthening our presence in the sector in the future.” The architect for the scheme was 3D Reid, and SDA Consulting was the quantity surveyor and project manager.
Innovations are crucial in every industry for supporting business growth and success. Here Jake Sinna, vice president of international sales at surface preparation specialist National Flooring Equipment, explains why innovative technologies are important in surface preparation. When electrical engineer, George De Mestral and his dog returned from a hunting trip in 1941, he noticed several spiny seeds stuck to his clothes and the dog’s fur. Close investigations of the seeds led to his invention of sticky strips, which were patented under the name Velcro in 1955. Although it took more than a decade, De Mestral’s innovative idea brought him huge success. Innovation is also important in the surface preparation industry. There are three main reasons why it’s important to maintain an awareness of the updates in the field and spot the innovations that will benefit your business. Competition The construction industry is highly competitive — the number of construction firms in Great Britain increased to a record high in 2016, according to the Office for National Statistics. In addition, due to improvements in transport links, communication platforms and economic developments in other countries, competition is emerging from further afield. The increase in competition is not a bad thing. It means that the industry standard is consistently being driven to improve. However, it does mean you must keep one eye on your competitors to ensure that you don’t fall behind. There’s more to innovation in surface preparation than using the most advanced, intelligent and powerful machines. It’s also important to consider the customer’s continually evolving needs. Customer fashions, expectations and economic pressures are never static and businesses can gain a competitive edge by adapting their equipment and processes to suit the current customer demands. In general, contractors can expect that by using the latest technology, the quality of their surface preparation work will be higher. Businesses can improve their reputation even further by demonstrating high productivity. Productivity For five decades before the recent economic downturn, the average output for each employee in the UK rose by approximately two per cent per year, according to the Office for National Statistics. This growth has now slowed to an average of 0.5 per cent per year, giving rise to an industry challenge commonly referred to as the productivity puzzle. To increase their productivity, surface preparation contractors must make sure they are using the best machines for the job. For example, National Flooring Equipment’s scrapers run with a greater torque than those of its competitors — almost double in some cases — which translates to greater productivity. In particular, the company’s 5700 battery ride-on scraper and 6280 Commander hydraulic walk-behind scraper demonstrate very high torque and therefore productivity. Many other industries, especially manufacturing, are looking to automated equipment to increase productivity. It’s possible that the surface preparation industry will follow suit in the future, which would allow National Flooring Equipment to further increase the productivity of its machines. Facing challenges There are some common challenges that surface preparation contractors face. For example, following the repair of a cracked concrete surface, contractors often find that the repair concrete de-bonds from the substrate. The reason for this is insufficient or ineffective surface preparation prior to making the repairs. Another challenge is that some flooring materials are notoriously difficult to remove, requiring extremely powerful machines. Scrapers with a greater weight make stronger contact with the floor and are ideal for these applications. Most of the practical difficulties that contractors face with surface preparation jobs can be overcome by using high quality, well maintained and modern machinery. National Flooring Equipment’s customers receive personalised face-to-face advice on how to overcome their individual challenges, as well as tips on getting the most out of their machinery. On top of the face-to-face service, the company’s YouTube channel provides video tutorials giving information about how to use its machines. What does innovation look like? Dual lift ride-on scrapers are one of the most recent innovative technologies in the surface preparation industry. The angle of the blade allows the machines to be much lighter and more productive than alternative scrapers, helping contractors to tackle the productivity puzzle. The 5700 battery powered ride-on scraper pairs dual-lift functionality with a high torque, giving extremely high productivity. National Flooring Equipment does not rely on Velcro for its success but is constantly introducing more recent innovations to its product portfolio. The company is currently working with some of its customers in the US to develop the next generation of surface preparation technology that will reset the market. The specifics of the new technology remain a well-kept secret for now, but contractors should certainly watch this space.
Watford Borough Council has granted planning consent for the first phase of its £1.6 billion regeneration masterplan for Watford Junction. When complete, the masterplan will create just under 3,000 dwellings, 75,000 sqm of commercial space, 6,000 sqm of retail, two primary schools and a range of community uses. The 4,338 sqm first phase, located in a prime position on St Albans Road, will be developed by GS8, the design-led residential and commercial property developer, and will comprise a 146 unit, mixed-use development. Work is scheduled to start on site by the end of 2018, with phase one expected to complete towards the end of 2020. In addition, Berkeley Homes is undergoing public consultation for a separate site in the area at St Albans Quarter, reflecting a growing confidence in Watford among developers. Nick Fenwick, Deputy Managing Director of Place Shaping and Corporate Performance, Watford Borough Council, said: “This development marks the beginning of our Watford Junction Masterplan and will set the tone for future regeneration work. We are committed to transforming Watford into a place where current residents and future generations can call home and where local businesses thrive. “The current site overall has a mixture of uses and land ownership and there is a firm commitment to regenerating and developing this area, including future improvements to the station. There will be some landmark buildings including several taller buildings over 20 storeys closer to the station. “GS8 have done a tremendous job in bringing together a number of land owners and driving the development forward. Similarly, Berkeley Homes have started in earnest with its community consultation and we will be working very closely with them to shape the scheme.” Ben Spencer, Director at GS8, commented: “We are delighted to be delivering the first phase of the much-anticipated Watford Junction Masterplan. There is a need for new affordable housing in Watford which is why 25% of the development will be available for affordable and social rent with a small element of shared ownership.” GS8 St Albans Road development The GS8 St Albans Road development of one, two and three-bedroom properties, comprising four buildings, ranging from three to 11 storeys, will have integrated features that will enable residents to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on bills. The site will include c. 330 sqm of commercial space, 16 car parking spaces including 10 car club bays, cycle parking, and a children’s play area, with improved public realm access and landscaping. The Grade-II listed Old Station House – formerly the waiting room for rail travel which saw the likes of Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert pass through its doors – will be converted into an artisan tap room and community exhibition space, bringing one of the town’s last remaining breweries, Pope’s Yard, back to Watford.
Law firm, Sintons has continued to build its national reputation in healthcare through its latest major NHS framework appointment. The Newcastle-based firm, one of the UK’s leading specialist healthcare advisors, has been appointed to the legal services framework of the NHS Shared Business Services (NHSSBS), a body which provides business support services to the NHS with the aim of delivering efficiencies and increased quality. Following a competitive tender process, Sintons has won a place on the organisation’s legal services framework for the first time, which will see it being able to provide services to NHS Trusts and other bodies across the country. Sintons has been appointed to all eleven lots tendered by NHS SBS covering legal practice areas including NHS governance and public law, primary care, mental health law, employment law, commercial, property, construction, IT, corporate finance and PFI/PPP projects. The appointment will be initially for two years from June 1, 2018, with an option to extend for a further two years. This follows last year’s appointment to the North of England NHS Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) which works with more than 80 high-level NHS organisations across England. Amanda Maskery, partner and head of NHS healthcare at Sintons, said: “Our team has worked hard to build its reputation in the healthcare sector, and we have become trusted specialist advisors to NHS Trusts, GPs, dentists and other healthcare organisations across the UK. “Our latest appointment to the NHS SBS legal services framework is a further endorsement of our capability, expertise and genuine understanding of the complexities of the NHS, which very few other law firms can rival. “We are delighted to be working with NHS SBS in supporting them to achieve their ambitious cost savings targets for the NHS, and our healthcare team is well equipped and ideally placed to assist.”
More than 40,000 construction workers worldwide can now see through walls with their smartphone. The new Dalux Field app can show a mix of reality and 3D construction models much like the HoloLens. “It has great potential and both workers and clients are excited”, says Digital Manager from Willmott Dixon Construction, who tested the augmented reality on four projects. The new Dalux app is leading the way worldwide in showing 3D construction models with augmented reality (AR) on smartphones. The software company – who targets the UK as one of their main markets – has now made their solution available to all modern Android and iOS phones. This means that the tens of thousands of construction workers at companies who already use Dalux, like Willmott Dixon Construction, can see a mix of reality and the 3D model depending on their location and what they are looking at – by simply pointing the mobile camera at various elements in an ongoing construction. Digital Manager at Willmott Dixon Construction Limited, Andrew Gamblen, has tested Dalux and the augmented reality on four projects varying in size from 4 to 25 million pounds. – The technology is absolutely brilliant. It is very easy to use and can be accessed on a large number of devices – making it much easier for everyone on-site to visualize exactly what we are building, Andrew Gamblen says. International interest Dalux co-founder Bent Dalgaard reports that construction companies from all over the world have been calling Dalux to hear about their new groundbreaking technology. – Earlier, it was only one type of Android phone that could show augmented reality. Now it is open to a huge workforce, so we expect to see augmented reality spread fast in the construction industry, says Dalux co-founder Bent Dalgaard. Willmott Dixon Construction: Dalux has great potential Willmott Dixon expects to be more efficient and experience less issues on-site because workers can see where each element should be, how they should look and be installed – all in real-time. It can also help solve issues a lot quicker, since it is always clear who is responsible for each task on each element in the system. – The workers on-site are excited. Even though not all are using it every day, they still check each time something has been installed and see if there are any issues. They no longer have to run back and forth to the office, Andrew Gamblen says. Since most people outside the construction industry struggle with imagining how a building will eventually look by seeing 2D-drawings, Willmott Dixon is experiencing enthusiasm from clients who have been using Dalux to see what their contractors are building for them and how far they are in the process. – We work with a lot of information heavy construction models and if a system cannot handle large amounts of data we have no use for them. Dalux displays everything in a fast, simple and stable application, Andrew Gamblen says. The company behind the AR-technology, Dalux, has grown from 20 to 55 employees in one and a half year and is present in 100 countries with the UK as a key market. Dalux was highlighted in the GO Initiative of the Year Award as the BIM solution used when Armagh Campus won the GO Award for Procurement Innovation in May 2018.
Target Healthcare REIT has acquired two award winning luxury care homes developed by Octopus Healthcare for Aura Care Living. The deal, covering Aura Care’s Stratton Court in Cirencester and King’s Lodge in Camberley, also resulted in CEO and founder Linda Lloyd acquiring sole control of Aura Care Living. Mike Adams, Chairman of Octopus Healthcare, said: “Octopus Healthcare’s development financing expertise has enabled Aura Care Living’s bold vision to redefine later life living to become a reality. “Together we have redefined the luxury category in care homes and retirement apartments while also delivering attractive returns to Octopus’ clients. We wish Linda and the team every success as Aura Care Living enters into its next stage of growth with Target Healthcare REIT.” Linda Lloyd, founder and CEO of Aura Care Living, said: “A creative and entrepreneurial partnership between Octopus Healthcare and Aura Care Living has successfully delivered two visionary new luxury care homes. “I am looking forward to developing the business in partnership with Target Healthcare REIT as we continue to pursue our mission to fundamentally change expectations for living later in life while ensuring the best care is available to residents.” Octopus Healthcare, one of the UK’s leading healthcare property developers and investors, currently manages more than £1.2bn of healthcare investments across a number of platforms, with a focus on three core areas: GP surgeries, care homes and retirement housing.