By Matt Jarratt, Operations Lead at Procure Plus This October, damp and mould will be impossible to ignore. Damp and Mould Action and Awareness Week (20–26 October 2025) falls just days before Awaab’s Law comes into force on 27 October – a law that sets strict deadlines for tackling damp and mould and puts real weight behind the call for change. Change is underway. Across the sector, we’re seeing landlords take a more proactive approach to damp and mould, establishing specialised teams that respond quickly, carry out in-depth surveys, and put long-term solutions in place. New tools, from targeted treatments to safe monitoring methods, mean residents and operatives aren’t exposed to risk while larger works are planned. Crucially, these teams are trained to go beyond quick fixes, tackling the root causes and securing lasting improvements. At the same time, landlords are increasingly leaning on specialist contractors for more complex works, especially where enhanced ventilation is needed. Through Procure Plus, we’ve already procured around £20 million of works in this area, with contractors working hand-in-hand with ventilation suppliers to design solutions that actually last. An increased focus on tackling damp and mould has also seen Procure Plus facilitate 6,603 ventilation measures and commission 32,470 stock condition surveys in the last year – giving landlords detailed insight into their housing portfolios. This demand is creating jobs and upskilling opportunities for people previously distant from the labour market. Every framework we deliver is designed to maximise social value – from helping people into work and addressing skills shortages, to improving systems and supply chains so clients get the best results from every pound they spend. This is procurement with purpose. The conversation is also shifting to what happens after the repair. More landlords are building in return visits to check if treatment has worked, while others are installing sensors that monitor conditions in real time. That means no more waiting for a problem to return before taking action – landlords can see what’s happening in homes as it happens. The message from Awaab’s Law is clear: act fast, act responsibly, and put tenant safety first. Landlords are listening, and that’s positive. The challenge now is making these proactive approaches business as usual – with the skilled workforce, the right tools, and the frameworks in place to deliver safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WindowMaster brings the outdoors-in at the National Gemstone Centre The National Gemstone Centre is a ground-breaking jewellery boutique, exhibition space, and training facility set against the stunning backdrop of Derbyshire’s Carsington Reservoir. A benchmark in environmentally-friendly design, the building is the brainchild of pioneering-jewellers, C.W. Sellors (Sellors), which commissioned the project with a very specific brief. At its core, the centre needed to serve as a model for sustainable specification, wellbeing-centric design and community integration.  Whilst the core objective was to unite its design and manufacturing operations and showcase its most luxurious pieces in a brand-new showroom, and important secondary aim was to maintain harmony between the building’s purpose and its idyllic setting. As a proudly Derbyshire-based business, it was keen to ensure it remained a source of pride for the local community and not detract from its scenic beauty. This meant the project architects, the award-winning Evans Vettori, needed to select the very latest, lowest-impact and energy efficient materials, fittings and finishes. It was felt this would go some way to achieving the brief’s three criteria, and provide staff and visitors alike with maximum comfort throughout the interiors. Yet success could only be guaranteed if this ethos extended beyond structural and decorative elements, to the very services and facilities specified, ensuring every detail aligned with the building’s intended embodiment of nature and community. So, the brief also extended to the services and utilities, particularly the site’s ventilation systems.  Keen to evoke the centre’s unspoiled, rural setting, Sellors wanted to ensure a steady flow of fresh, clean countryside air within the building, bringing the benefits of the surrounding nature indoors. After considering a range of different options, the project team agreed to introduce a natural ventilation system, which could be programmed and automated to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate throughout the centre efficiently. This inevitably led them to WindowMaster, one of the world’s leading natural and mixed-mode ventilation specialists, who joined the project during September 2023, to supply and install a new cutting-edge, low energy natural ventilation control system. With a proven track record on commercial projects including: Space House, London, a modernised, sustainable, Grade II-listed office building and St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Derby, the UK’s first Net-Zero carbon biophilic school, Evans Vittori was impressed by WindowMaster’s ability to create healthy, happy, and productive indoor environments. When WindowMaster understood the blended requirements of the space, particularly an incorporated manufacturing facility it realised pureplay NV would not be adequate on its own. Alternatively, it recommended a strategy that combined high-quality components to amplify the naturally cool air of the Derby countryside. This was achieved through six of its market-leading WMX 826-1, 400mm window actuators. Devices that respond to monitoring factors such as CO2, temperature and humidity. By opening and closing windows to within millimetre-perfect precision, it meant the building could facilitate the flow of fresh air in, whilst taking stale air out. Working in conjunction with WindowMaster’s Motorlink® automated technology, users could achieve accurate window precision, without running the risk of over-ventilating or compromising their indoor comfort. This was especially important given the presence of on-site acid and ammonia-based chemicals used by jewellers, making the rapid removal of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) essential for safety. Backed by WindowMaster’s trademark NV Embedded®, a cloud-based decentralised Control System, Sellors were empowered to monitor and control of indoor environments in real time. Synched seamlessly with the National Gemstone Centre’s building management systems (BMS), it delivers optimum indoor air quality (IAQ), room temperature and energy efficiency, all year round. Commenting on the fitout of the natural ventilation system, David Brown, WindowMaster’s Sales Director, said: “With such beautiful surroundings, it was important for this building to capture a sense of nature by involving the surrounding open countryside. Thanks to WindowMaster’s NV Embedded Control system, the building occupants will have controlled clean fresh air, helping them stay alert & comfortable. John Evans, Evans Vettori, the project’s architectural lead says, “To enable control of the high-level clerestory glazing in the central atrium space, the project required fully-automatic actuators to be discretely integrated into the frames. The windowmaster system fulfilled the brief and the motorlink technology enabled a connection to the BMS for synchronised operation and feedback.” To find out more about WindowMaster’s market-leading smoke and ventilation solutions, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cities across the country remain full of empty or underused buildings. These aren’t just missed opportunities; they’re failures to meet the pressing social need for more local resources and spaces. Across the UK, retrofitting these properties is becoming a larger priority. Instead of tearing down the past, communities and councils are reimagining it. Architects and developers, backed by digital design tools, are unlocking the social potential of neglected buildings to create new hubs for education, inclusion and public life in areas where they are most needed. From derelict warehouse to community anchor One example is the transformation of a once-derelict warehouse on Great Patrick Street in Belfast. It has been reimagined as a vibrant, purpose-built youth facility serving three community organisations: Include Youth, VOYPIC and Viable Corporate Services. Previously abandoned and in disrepair, the two-storey industrial building was one of the few remaining structures in an area that had been overtaken by student housing developments. Determined to retain its original character while giving it new life, the client secured planning consent to convert the site into a hub for youth support services. But what initially seemed like a straightforward conversion quickly revealed deeper structural and logistical challenges, such as ensuring there was enough natural light entering the building. Natural light was a particular issue because of the long, narrow floor plan. To address this, a triple-height lightwell was introduced at the building’s core. Using Archicad’s sun study feature, the team could understand how daylight would move through the space and assign room uses accordingly. Interior finishes were tested digitally to maximise brightness and create a welcoming atmosphere for young people using the facility. To manage the complexity of the retrofit and meet a tight delivery timeline, Doherty Architects created a detailed 3D model of the existing building using Graphisoft’s Archicad. This allowed the team to work within the irregular geometry of the warehouse and design bespoke interventions that would enhance usability without compromising character. The warehouse now houses a mix of private offices and shared spaces, with flexible layouts that allow the charities to collaborate and adapt the environment to suit changing needs. Acoustic zoning, sensory rooms and dedicated activity areas ensure that the building supports users of all ages and abilities for years to come. A Victorian reservoir becomes a science hub In Nottinghamshire, a long-abandoned Victorian reservoir has been transformed into a planetarium and science discovery centre by architecture practice Anotherkind Architects for the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS). The aim was to create a landmark STEM facility to improve educational outcomes in an area with historically low engagement in science, while preserving a unique piece of heritage architecture. MSAS acquired the site in 2014 with the ambition of turning the observatory into a regional education hub. Despite early setbacks, including the original contractor going into administration, the team, backed by Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund support, took the project through planning, funding and delivery. To help communicate this vision and secure funding, Anotherkind used Graphisoft’s Archicad to develop a fully integrated 3D model of the design. These were shared using virtual reality and BIMx, allowing stakeholders, investors and the public to walk through the proposed space. “It helped people who weren’t familiar with the designs understand the complexity of what we were doing,” explained architect Dan Kilarski-Marlow. The reservoir itself is a 25-metre-diameter underground chamber, seven metres deep, with challenging geometry. Using Archicad’s renovation filters and mesh modelling tools, the team coordinated the complex integration of new and existing elements. Contractors used BIMx onsite to visualise and interact with the design, reducing reliance on printed plans and improving construction accuracy. Reusing the Victorian structure significantly reduced embodied carbon, and all excavated earth was retained and reused on site. The new facility includes a green roof, EV charging points, cycle storage, and infrastructure for future solar panels, combining heritage reuse with sustainable urban design. Since opening in late 2024, the centre has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, hosted dozens of school groups, and created learning opportunities through a volunteer-run café operated in partnership with a local college. In total, the project has delivered more than £2.9 million in quantified social value, with the majority of spend and labour sourced from within the region. Unlocking civic value through reuse These projects show how intelligent reuse of our existing buildings can drive inclusive regeneration. Both buildings were initially seen as liabilities, structurally awkward, financially uncertain and spatially complex. But with the right mix of community commitment and digital collaboration, they became platforms for shared social, educational and cultural value. This is not just about architecture, it’s about equity. Thousands of similar buildings across the UK are unused, ignored or awaiting demolition, while people struggle to access basic services and social infrastructure. Local authorities and developers must take stock of these assets. A full audit of estates, supported by digital design and retrofit strategies, could help address community requirements without the need for new land or heavy infrastructure. Learn more about Graphisoft’s architectural software on the website https://www.graphisoft.com/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With the unprecedented rise in cloud-computing and AI, the need for data centers and supercomputers is booming. This astronomical output of artificial brain activity demands enormous amounts of power that quickly convert to heat as these mega-computers process billions of “thoughts” per second. The natural consequence is the proliferation of giant cooling towers alongside new data centers, with backup chillers kicking in for hot summer months and going idle during cold weather. Whatever the season, taking proactive steps to fight corrosion is critical to maintaining a healthy system long-term. Cortec® Corporation shares insights on why and how to win the battle. The Problem with Corrosion in Cooling Water Systems Preventing corrosion in data center cooling water systems isn’t just for looks. Corrosion weakens the metal walls of piping and equipment, creating holes over time, shortening the service life of the cooling system, and increasing downtime for repairs—not to mention the potential for water damage from leaks. In addition, corrosion debris threatens to clog the system or “poison” the water by raising the levels of iron or other metals in the chemistry profile. By avoiding these problems, corrosion prevention can ultimately save significant time, expense, and the headaches that go with them. Corrosion Protection During Operation Although corrosion inhibitors are a standard part of water treatment programs for active chillers or cooling towers, they are sometimes overlooked due to a lack of communication or awareness. If facilities find that a corrosion inhibitor is missing, they can add M-640 L or a similar additive. This “building block” for water treatment formulations offers comprehensive protection thanks to the presence of both contact and Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors, which protect metals below and above the water level. It is also an excellent replacement for silicates, phosphates, and nitrite-based compounds where disposal restrictions apply. Corrosion Protection During Seasonal Layup Whereas the use of a corrosion inhibitor during operation is the normal practice, preservation of chillers or cooling tower systems that sit idle during cool weather is less widespread than it should be. With their normal water treatment program inactive, these components are also at higher risk of corrosion from residual moisture or condensation as temperatures and humidity fluctuate. Where temperatures stay above freezing, data centers may prefer to keep chillers on standby via wet layup with Cortec’s VpCI®-649, a robust corrosion inhibitor package for wet or dry layup. If freezing is a concern, water treatment professionals can drain the water after applying VpCI®-649, or they can apply the Cooling Tower Frog® to an empty chiller. Both treatments include Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse throughout the void space and form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces as long as the system remains closed. When temperatures climb high enough to warrant a return to service, the cooling water systems can easily be restarted without having to remove the product first, all while avoiding complications from corrosion during layup. Stay Cool and Fight Corrosion With cloud-computing and AI only promising to get bigger and place more and more cooling towers and chillers on the horizon, now is the time to equip data center managers and water treatment service providers with the tools and knowledge they need to minimize corrosion headaches and help data centers “keep their cool” when it comes to corrosion. Contact Cortec® for further guidance on winning the war on corrosion during the next season of cooling water system operation or layup. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Urban living often presents the challenge of optimizing limited space in homes and apartments. Sliding door kits offer a versatile solution, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in compact environments. This article explores how sliding door kits can transform urban living areas into more flexible and efficient spaces. Living in a city often means dealing with limited space, which can be a significant hurdle for many. As urban areas become more crowded, the need for efficient space utilization becomes essential. One effective way to address this issue is through the use of Sliding Door Kits. By replacing traditional doors with sliding mechanisms, you can maximize floor space and introduce a new level of flexibility to your home layout. Sliding door kits blend seamlessly into various design styles, providing a modern and practical approach to managing space effectively. Enhancing home layouts with sliding door kits Efficient space utilization is crucial in urban homes where every square foot counts. Sliding door kits play a vital role in enhancing living areas by allowing more adaptable room layouts. Unlike conventional doors that require ample swing space, sliding doors slide along tracks, making them ideal for tight spaces. This not only frees up room for furniture but also allows for creative interior design possibilities, making your home feel more open and inviting. Sliding door kits provide an elegant solution to privacy concerns in shared spaces without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. They can be used to divide open-plan areas into functional zones, such as creating separate living and dining areas or partitioning off a workspace within a larger room. The ability to open or close off spaces as needed offers unparalleled flexibility, catering to different occasions and moods. By embracing sliding doors, you can effortlessly transition between open and intimate settings in your home. Moreover, sliding doors contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of your living space. Available in a range of materials, from glass to wood, they can complement any interior style. Glass sliding doors allow light to flow freely between rooms, enhancing the sense of openness and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Wood or frosted glass options provide additional privacy while maintaining an elegant look. Maximizing available space with sliding door kits Sliding door kits offer numerous benefits that are particularly valuable in urban settings where maximizing available space is key. They help create a more open and adaptable environment by eliminating the need for traditional hinged doors that consume unnecessary floor area. This makes them an ideal choice for small apartments or homes where every inch matters. One significant advantage of sliding doors is their ability to merge indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. When installed between a living room and balcony or terrace, they create an uninterrupted visual flow that extends your living area beyond its physical boundaries. This is especially beneficial during warmer months when you wish to enjoy fresh air and natural light without compromising on indoor comfort. Sliding doors also enhance accessibility within your home by providing wider openings that accommodate movement with ease. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with mobility challenges or families with young children who require more space to maneuver safely. Practical applications of sliding door kits in urban homes Sliding door kits can be employed in various practical applications throughout urban homes to divide spaces effectively while adding aesthetic appeal and functionality. For instance, they are perfect for creating temporary partitions between bedrooms and bathrooms or transforming large rooms into separate sleeping quarters for guests or family members. The aesthetic versatility of sliding door kits makes them suitable for modern urban homes seeking both style and practicality. Whether used as closet doors or pantry enclosures in kitchens, these systems offer streamlined solutions that enhance organizational efficiency without compromising on design integrity. Their sleek profiles allow them to blend harmoniously into contemporary interiors while offering customizable options such as mirrored panels or decorative patterns tailored to individual preferences.

The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building and world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper, has marked its practical completion, bringing to an end the three-year construction programme which has seen the building come to dominate the city’s skyline. The £110 million Built to Rent building is backed by global real estate investor, City Developments Ltd of Singapore (CDL), and developed by MEPC, the specialist development management arm of Federated Hermes, working with main contractor and high-rise specialist Midgard, part of the JRL Group, to deliver the building. Managed by Allsop, the 49-storey, 155 metre tower, features 370 spacious new homes with incredible views across the city – and beyond – and will welcome its first residents from early September. An elegant and true landmark on the city’s skyline, The Octagon has been sustainably designed by Birmingham-based award-winning architect practice Howells and has been built to the same ethos, drawing heavily on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and lean production methods throughout the build. The building is an integral part of the city’s £1.2 billion Paradise estate which has been developed by MEPC, the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes on behalf of its clients. As a mixed-use destination with contemporary new restaurants and leisure amenities as well as unrivalled connectivity, Paradise has become an essential destination for the city and region. The Octagon’s 360-degree design ethos openly addresses each part of the city and offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, all of which enjoy spectacular views through the 10.5m wide windows on each elevation. The dedicated residents-only amenities of the lower and upper ground floors include features designed to enrich everyday life, including a stylish resident’s lounge, a private dining area, co-working spaces and a fully equipped gym, together with concierge services and a retail unit. Neil McGinty, director at CDL, said: “Today is another key chapter in the story of The Octagon. Our original investment was recognised as one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments made in the UK regions in recent years, and that investment has now come to fruition as we prepare to welcome our first residents. This moment underlines our commitment to Birmingham as a world-class, international destination with a strong regional economy and an exceptional future. “The Octagon is moving Birmingham into a new era of city centre homes in terms of both quality and location. We’re offering some of the finest city centre homes ever seen in the UK and establishing a powerful narrative for the city. With a world-first design and highly sustainable ethos, The Octagon is already an important part of the city’s skyline.” The original Paradise masterplan always envisaged a tall building at the northern apex of the site, which The Octagon fulfils with flair. Ross Fittall, Commercial Development Director at MEPC, said: “The practical completion of The Octagon marks another milestone moment not just for this building, but for the wider Paradise estate. Welcoming new residents to Paradise is a key achievement for all of us dedicated to creating a true mixed-use destination in the heart of the city. “After more than three years of hard work, led by main contractor Midgard with a long list of local sub-contractors as well as a specialist supply-chain and professional team, including project managers Quantem, we can all now see how impactful The Octagon is to the city. “Providing much-needed high-quality city centre homes and offering a range of spacious residences from one bed to three beds, The Octagon has wide appeal. Visible from many miles away due to its location on the Birmingham Ridge, it is and will remain an icon for the city, as well as a great place to live.” The construction of The Octagon has involved hundreds of specialist workers achieving class-leading quality and finish to the final product. Kevin Keegan, director of main contractor Midgard, said: “Everyone who has worked on The Octagon is proud to have delivered this iconic landmark for the city. From utilising Modern Methods of Construction, supporting the local supply chain and working extensively with apprentices and trainees, this project has been a great example of collaborative working across the design, delivery and construction teams.” With the input of Howells as both Paradise masterplanners and designers of The Octagon, the estate is benefiting from both the practice’s wealth of expertise and its local background. Dav Bansal, partner at architects Howells, said: “This milestone moment for The Octagon underscores the building’s journey from just a bold idea that challenged the norm to becoming a superlative new home for hundreds of people in the civic heart of Birmingham. We are incredibly proud of the meticulous work we have put into this building and every innovation that has gone into delivering it. Paradise is about adding to the life and vitality of the city centre, and by providing 370 new healthy and spacious homes, we’re making the most of what the city has to offer.” The Octagon apartments are available to rent for a minimum of twelve months with rents starting at £1,400 per month for a one bed, £1,995 per month for a two bed/two bathroom and £4,925 per month for a three bed/three bathroom penthouse. For further information on the apartment rentals, contact the lettings team on 0330 236 9810 visit https://www.theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk/ or email info@theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Gateway 2 is a mandatory checkpoint for higher-risk buildings to comply with the Building Safety Act. While it came into force a while ago, with the timescales involved in planning, many developers and M&Es are only now facing the challenges it brings. Here the experts in providing utilities connections for high-rise and complex projects, Power On, provide an insight into how best to approach the new process.    Stringent rules for high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals  The Building Safety Act introduces a more stringent regulatory framework in design and construction specifically for new high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals, which are 18 metres or more in height, or at least seven storeys. Crucially, it requires developers to submit detailed plans, including fire safety and structural integrity assessments, before any construction work can begin.   Proving compliance prior to construction  Gateway 2 requires a full technical design submission, which includes detailed and dimensioned substation layouts, diagrams of high- and low-voltage networks, cable route and riser layouts. The utilities design team plays a critical role in preparing the technical information and can also assist architects, builders and developers in ensuring they are providing the right initial information to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of the whole process.   Non-compliance risks  The risks of non-compliance with Gateway 2 include delays, refusal of permission to construct or occupy the building and, ultimately, enforcement action. Failure to obtain approval at Gateway 2 can bring a costly halt to construction.   Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director, Power On, says: “Many M&Es are still sketchy on the precise needs of Gateway 2 when it comes to high-rise buildings. This is not surprising as many are only now going through this process for the first time. Taking expert advice on the requirements from a utilities point of view can enable the process to progress smoothly and efficiently.”  Gateway 2 Enabling Service  Power On works directly with developers and M&Es to ensure they have the required design aspects for fire safety fully in place and is now providing a Gateway 2 Enabling Service to assist developers and M&Es in the process. This includes a system for navigating the deliverables to ensure that all parties are aligned and that timelines will be met.   Ensuring the right information is delivered to the utilities company in the first place, in order to get the right outputs, can prove problematic and may hold up the whole process. Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service ensures the correct input and, therefore, the correct outputs. Depending on required timescales, Power On can at the Gateway 2 stage supply the entire design pack or, the individual parts of the design that are vital to the particular project to enable a fast turnaround on the essential elements.   Neil Fitzsimons concludes: “Put simply, we know what we need from the developer and M&E to enable us to efficiently provide the details to pass Gateway 2. We can make the complex simple.”   For more information on Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service, please enquiries@poweron-uk.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals