Volumetric offsite methods offer complete solutions to housing, hospitals, student accommodation, office buildings and schools. Amongst other advantages, volumetric offsite construction brings to the factory all critical activities linked to the structure, mechanical and electrical work as well as to the exterior and interior finishes, including special equipment. A Volumetric
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The
The Kilwaughter Lime Quality Department attended the Larne Business Awards at a gala dinner in Ballygally Castle Hotel on Thursday night. The annual event celebrated a range of outstanding business initiatives and top achievers throughout the local business community. Kilwaughter Lime was shortlisted for an environmental accolade because of its
Volumetric offsite methods offer complete solutions to housing, hospitals, student accommodation, office buildings and schools. Amongst other advantages, volumetric offsite construction brings to the factory all critical activities linked to the structure, mechanical and electrical work as well as to the exterior and interior finishes, including special equipment. A Volumetric approach ensures better quality control, but also limits the work to be carried on site to groundwork and foundations, connection to services, and minor finish work. As a result of this, volumetric offsite methods have the potential to help achieve a waste reduction of up to 90% on site compared to traditional construction. By bringing most trades within a controlled factory environment it has been proven that the generation of waste can be limited to less than 1.8% of the total weight of materials processed, and that appropriate recycling measures can limit the waste sent to landfill to less than 0.6%. Volumetric modular manufacturing is based on a lean design and procurement process that optimises the use of materials and ensures better management of resources. Utilising flexible modular construction systems, projects can be undertaken on designated sites that are unsuitable for conventional building developments. Offsite construction enables much of the work to be completed prior to delivery, controlling costs and minimising disruption on site. As a sustainable form of construction, modular buildings offer a unique approach to recycling. By reconfiguring used buildings they are able to breathe new life into existing structures, preserving the embodied energy from the original manufacturing phase and significantly reducing the use of materials. Modules are designed to be dismantled, relocated or recycled at any stage during their lifespan; this approach is integral to the build process, removing the requirement for demolition and in turn minimising the need for disposal in landfill sites. Prefabrication techniques produce a low-energy approach coupled with fast-track construction processes, both equating to minimised carbon emissions. Oliver Lowrie, Director for Ackroyd Lowrie is an architect and co-founder of Ackroyd Lowrie. He will be discussing ‘Optimising design for Volumetric production’ at Explore Offsite Outlooks. Oliver will be joined at Explore Offsite Outlooks by an outstanding speaker line-up that includes: Andrew Orriss, Sales Director – SIG360; Ben Lever, Future Skills Manager – CITB; John Eynon, Engagement Lead – BIM Alliance; Alan Clucas, Director – Explore Manufacturing – Laing O’Rourke… and more. For the full list of speakers go to: http://www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/2018-events/explore-offsite-outlooks/conference-speakers/ This one-day conference and exhibition will create a platform for clients and their professional advisers, contractors and project managers and offsite technology suppliers to network with industry experts to discuss the latest developments in digital construction for the offsite sector. The Explore Offsite Outlooks conference and supporting exhibition is taking place on 28 February 2018. Tickets cost just £125 + vat and includes entry into the conference and exhibition, lunch and refreshments. There will also be an optional guided tour of the BRE Innovation Park. To find out more or to secure your place at Explore Offsite Outlooks go to: www.exploreoffsite.co.uk/book
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The material is a thin layer of pure carbon that has a number of potential uses because it is light, tough, strong and a good conductor. MP’s on the Science and Technology Select Committee have recently questioned the progress being made into the commercialisation of graphene, after £120 million of public funding was invested into its research over the last five years. However, soon after the comments were made, Redcar-based Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) secured its first production order and commercial application of its “graphene nanoplatelets”. The deal with Century Composites will see the firm supply the graphene to strengthen a number of high performance fishing rods. Chief executive of Applied Graphene Materials, John Mabbitt, said the next supply deal was likely to be next year for a paint with improved resistance corrosion. The company’s graphene has been proven to significantly improve resistance moisture penetration. Mabbitt commented: “Graphene is not going to sell itself itself. You have to demonstrate to people what it can do in certain circumstances. We are providing a materials solution that improves properties or cost, competing against other materials. “There are between 25 to 40 companies around globally supplying graphene. They are a similar size and at a similar stage to us.” AGM’s patented process for producing graphene differs from most methods, which rely on splitting layers of graphite using chemical, mechanical techniques or putting energy into it. Instead, AGM’s process involves catalytically cracking alcohol and then reassembling the carbon atoms into the benzene rings which form the basis of the graphene.
The Kilwaughter Lime Quality Department attended the Larne Business Awards at a gala dinner in Ballygally Castle Hotel on Thursday night. The annual event celebrated a range of outstanding business initiatives and top achievers throughout the local business community. Kilwaughter Lime was shortlisted for an environmental accolade because of its ongoing sustainability schemes and was delighted to win the Best Environmental Business of 2016. The company takes pride in caring for local environment, and environmental considerations are an integral part of business practice. The company site is situated on the edge of the Antrim Plateau; this is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty; so the effect of our operations on biodiversity and the surroundings countryside has always been a major consideration for the company. Nearly 10 years ago a 50 acre area of land was set aside to reestablish an area of pristine native woodland and grassland, since then over 20,000 trees have been planted including Ash, Oak, Beech, Birch,Rowan and Alder. Kilwaughter Lime, in conjunction with the RSPB has installed a variety of nest boxes for thrushes, robins and tits. There is also a motion detection camera in place to determine if red squirrels are repopulating the area. Several tonnes of boulders have been placed strategically to provide habitat for smaller mammals and insects to colonise. The area is carefully managed to provide a natural habitat without letting it become overgrown, routine surveys are completed to monitor the variety of species of flora and fauna and to help develop the full potential of the woodland.