Although the deadline for the UKCA certification process has been pushed to 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings are being told to start now with getting products tested amidst a shortage of approved testing facilities in the UK. The advice, from Warringtonfire, a leading testing, inspection
Balustrade manufacturer, Neaco, is urging construction companies to be wary of compromising safety in managing the extra cost of new regulations requiring a second staircase on tall buildings. The government has been consulting on a plan to force developers to include two staircases in their designs for all new residential
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power
Watco and Tor Coatings have joined forces to offer a wider choice of high-quality coatings for every surface of a building, which is something that isn’t available anywhere else on the market. Combined the specialists have almost 150 years of experience and can offer a wider range of products and
New provisions of the 2022 Building Safety Act came into force on 1st April 2023, including a duty to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review, facilitating improvement in the competence of industry and building inspectors, and a duty to establish a system for the giving of building
Merson Group are set to provide 4 major installations at East Bank cultural quarter in east London. Merson Group, one of the UK’s largest signage companies, has announced the completion of the brand-new V&A East Museum signage at the new East Bank cultural quarter on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and
Supported as a route to more efficient and sustainable construction, modular construction is an evolving sector that offers the industry progressive benefits, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Recognised as an emerging model in modern methods of construction (MMC), modular construction is an industry on the rise, albeit one
Although the deadline for the UKCA certification process has been pushed to 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings are being told to start now with getting products tested amidst a shortage of approved testing facilities in the UK. The advice, from Warringtonfire, a leading testing, inspection and certification company, warns that manufacturers who opt to wait run the risk of finding themselves with nowhere to test their products, as there are only a handful of UKAS-accredited testing facilities in the UK. Accredited testing to enable UKCA marking can only be issued by an approved body listed on the UK government’s database. Under the UK Construction Products Regulation, from 30 June 2025, manufacturers of structural timber fasteners and fixings within the scope of the UK Designated Standard BS EN 14592 must successfully complete the testing process by a UK based laboratory for any product to be placed on the UK market. This also applies to any products undergoing a chance in specification. Ben Sharples, Commercial Lead at BM TRADA and sister company to Warringtonfire, said: “UKCA marking is very important for the construction industry, as it symbolises that the product being used conforms to the relevant standard and is a mark of integrity. It is very important that fasteners and fixings manufacturers do not get lulled into a false sense of security with this extended deadline on UKCA marking. “There are only a few UKAS-accredited bodies in the UK that are able to test fasteners and fixings, of which Warringtonfire is one of them, that will then allow you to go on and achieve UKCA certification. Manufacturers need to be aware that any products on the UK market after the June 2025 will need to have this testing completed. This goes for products undergoing a change in their specification too. For instance, fasteners and fixings that have a change in design or coatings, will also need to be re-tested to gain the UKCA marking and confirm their stated performance.” To help accommodate the rush for testing, Warringtonfire has launched its state-of-the-art Fastener Testing Laboratory, which is located in High Wycombe. The laboratory can undertake assessments of performance for structural timber fastener and fixing products, so that manufacturers can UKCA mark them to BS EN 14592. Accreditation for the laboratory was achieved thanks to the expertise of its technicians as well significant investment into high-calibre testing equipment. The facility includes a universal testing machine for compression and tensile testing, a series of bespoke testing rigs, and conditioning rooms for structural timber samples. The organisation will offer a range of geometric and mechanical testing procedures for dowel type fasteners from a particular group of structural timber fixings, comprising of nails, screws, staples, dowels and bolts. The laboratory can also test steel fixings used to create joints between timber components or to attach other materials to timber. UKCA certification became mandatory for all new construction products placed on the market in Great Britain as of 1 January 2021, as the UK transitions away from the EU-recognised CE Marking. The original cut-off date for UKCA marking for all applicable construction products placed on the GB market was 1 January 2023, before being pushed to the new date in 2025. “Although many manufacturers have successfully achieved UKCA certification, a sizeable number have not,” said Ben. “Lead times for testing are long, and laboratory availability is in short supply. The longer the delay in getting the process started, the more likely manufacturers are to be caught out, and this then affects them being able to sell or launch their new products. Our advice is to get in touch as soon as possible, to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any disappointment down the line.” To find out more about UKCA testing for structural timber fasteners and fixings, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/testing-services/non-fire-testing/fastener-testing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balustrade manufacturer, Neaco, is urging construction companies to be wary of compromising safety in managing the extra cost of new regulations requiring a second staircase on tall buildings. The government has been consulting on a plan to force developers to include two staircases in their designs for all new residential blocks above 30m in height, a proposed step which has already been adopted by London mayor, Sadiq Khan, for planning applications in the capital. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the extra fire safety measure could cost developers around £1.6bn over a decade, prompting concerns that some companies will use cut-price solutions that are not reliably tested to meet fire safety compliance. With the government consultation envisaging a very short transition period, new developments are being encouraged to prepare for the change now. Having worked on balustrade specifications for high-rise buildings throughout the UK, Neaco believes that time and cost pressures could lead to flawed decisions in the design of staircases. Ryan Bainbridge, Technical Lead at Neaco, said: “The direction of travel appears to be heading towards a mandatory two staircases and a coalition of industry professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Building, have joined fire chiefs in calling to extend the rule to residential buildings above 18m in height. Many developers will be busy revising their designs and assessing the cost of the change. In some cases, there could be an incentive to reduce cost with economy solutions, but that carries a risk as many of these solutions are not rigorously tested with third-party data and supporting documents. “For example, balustrade and other staircase elements must achieve the required fire classification to BS EN13501.Those credentials must be certified by a credible third party – in other words, an independent and authorised testing body. If a balustrade manufacturer has not invested in third party certification and instead tests its products in-house, it cannot be relied upon to supply a genuinely compliant solution.” The introduction of more robust oversight under the Building Safety Act will throw a spotlight on decisions made at the design stage whenever safety issues arise. In that context, a lack of diligence in specification could expose developers to costly remediation measures. Alan Green, Managing Director at Neaco, said: “Under the terms of the Building Safety Act, the new Building Safety Regulator will apply evidence-based regulation of high-rise buildings, so everyone in the supply chain should be mindful of the importance of data which is independently sourced and documented. We all have a responsibility to maintain standards and compliance, particularly in relation to fire safety. Credible and reliable product testing is vital to that collective cause.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its introduction in 1987. It has since been used in over 60 countries globally, with the system being known for its reliability, fast installation and overall durability across multiple REHAU product ranges. “We first introduced the compression sleeve jointing technology at a trade fair in the 80s,” explains Colin Pearson, Sales & Marketing Director for REHAU Building Solutions UK. “While it was seen as a gamechanger then, it continues to be a highly effective solution for contractors to this day. Whether used for heating and plumbing, underfloor heating systems or district heat networks, its robust and watertight configuration has allowed the system to remain highly effective across multiple vital applications.” The Everloc™ connection technology uses the compression sleeve to create a permanently tight connection between the pipe and the fitting, with no O-rings or other sealants, producing an independently certified cavity-free joint. As the pipe itself is the sealant, the installation is immediately ready for pressure testing and a simple visual inspection is sufficient to know if the connection meets professional standards. “Robust, reliable and swift installations remain huge priorities for contractors worldwide,” concludes Colin. “The enduring popularity of the compression sleeve, especially in areas such as ensuring drinking water quality, is therefore very understandable. “Yet even given its trailblazing design and effectiveness, it’s still heartening to know that the technology remains a go-to solution globally and has passed this landmark. Fittings are a key element in drinking water and heating installations, among others. The function of the compression sleeve is largely responsible for its quality, and we will continue to improve the system to ensure its reliability for the next 35 years.” To find out more about REHAU’s compression sleeve and its applications, click here for plumbing and here for district heating. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solution from MK Electric and Trend Controls integrates outlet-level electricity use monitoring into a building management system for visibility into previously unknown power consumption MK Electric and Trend Controls have launched one of the first fully integrated commercial solutions for effective remote monitoring and control of plug-in sources of power consumption for the UK buildings market. Connected Power, the first collaboration between the two Honeywell brands, is designed to easily allow building and energy managers to monitor their site’s use of small power — which can account for more than 25 percent of a building’s energy.[i] Comprising smart plug sockets and connectivity hubs from MK Electric, the Connected Power solution allows businesses to gain visibility into their buildings’ energy usage, remotely power down unused sockets and automate functions such as scheduling, grouping and alarms. Data is available down to an outlet level, providing more robust information and control of energy use in a building along with other site energy data such as heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) and lighting use. The Connected Power solution has been deployed at several test sites across the UK. Energy efficiency was seen in a number of different building locations by powering equipment only when needed, with evident energy savings once scheduling was applied through the Connected Power solution. The Connected Power system is also brand agnostic and can be seamlessly integrated into any existing BACNET-based building energy management system (BEMS) for a fully detailed overview of its energy use. Additionally the system will run as an effective stand-alone solution in buildings without the ability to offer a full BEMS integration. The innovation comes at a time when many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their electricity usage amid the rising cost of energy. Switching to Connected Power plug sockets can help save energy consumed by plug-in devices, by allowing businesses to remotely control sockets and set up alerts, alarms and schedules to power down sockets outside of core hours. “The impact of small power in a commercial setting can quickly add up, and there are often hundreds of small power devices in an office building, hospital or educational setting that are left on when not in use,” explained Steve Kenny, vice president and general manager, MK Electric. “By working with our colleagues from the Trend team, we can better provide building and energy managers with not only insight into their small power energy use – which was typically unknown – but also allow them to control it, giving them the tools they need to fully manage plug-in power usage.” Stefano D’Agostino, general manager at Trend, added: “The problem many businesses encounter is that small power loads — the sockets providing electricity to everything from computers and printers to portable space heaters and device chargers — don’t fall under the scope of their BEMS. We are changing that with Connected Power, giving businesses even greater visibility into their site’s energy profile for the first time.” Connected Power sockets are the same size as standard plug sockets, allowing for easy retrofits. Each hub wirelessly connects to up to 50 sockets and as many as 50 hubs can feed data back to a single BMS or supervisory system, giving a total capacity of 2,500 sockets or 5,000 individual outlets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watco and Tor Coatings have joined forces to offer a wider choice of high-quality coatings for every surface of a building, which is something that isn’t available anywhere else on the market. Combined the specialists have almost 150 years of experience and can offer a wider range of products and solutions rooted in technical expertise to help facilities managers ensure the smooth running of fast-paced operations. As part of the partnership, site surveys will be offered before, during and after the project. In addition, annual site surveys will allow regular inspection of projects that have been completed as well as surfaces in nearby areas. The dedicated technical team will then provide a report of required maintenance work and will work with professional contractors as needed, to ensure repairs and surface defects are fixed – allowing warranties to be extended for ongoing protection. Commenting on the partnership’s origin, Chris Budd, Sales Director at Watco shared: “We realised that by joining forces, we could offer customers the technical expertise and solutions they would need for an entire building and all of its surfaces, as well as enhanced warranties for larger projects.” He continued: “On top of this, our customers can now speak to just one member of the joint team for advice. This will be of huge benefit to busy facilities and premises managers because by using one contact and one supplier for the needs of the entire building envelope, they can enjoy a more streamlined process, as well as extended warranties on the products specified for a job.” Together, Watco and Tor Coatings will be able to offer technical support to each customer, take the time to understand the project and recommend exactly which solution should be selected, while remaining on hand during and after every application. The joint offering includes coating and solutions for floors, roofs, walls, balconies and more. Ian Birch, Commercial Director at Tor Coatings added: “We hope that by offering our wider range of solutions, and increased contact with regular site visits, we will be able to make recommendations which will ensure the longevity of coatings across all surfaces, prevent further damages, and save our customers money in the long-term. This means that our customers will sleep at night with the peace of mind that their facility, and their finances, are safe – with no nasty surprises – and will be for years to come.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New provisions of the 2022 Building Safety Act came into force on 1st April 2023, including a duty to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review, facilitating improvement in the competence of industry and building inspectors, and a duty to establish a system for the giving of building safety information[1]. What’s more, full implementation of the Act is due by October 2023. So, those responsible for the safety of high-rise buildings in England must register with the new Building Safety Regulator and have their building safety regime in place by this time, or face investigation and potential prosecution. But what are the recommended methods to create an effective building safety regime in higher-risk environments such as high-rise? The ‘golden thread’ approach was outlined by Dame Judith Hackett in her report, ‘Building a safer future’. The ‘golden thread’ is a tool to manage buildings as holistic systems, and allow people to use information to safely and effectively design, construct and operate their buildings. It is both the information that allows you to understand a building, and the steps needed to keep both the building and people safe, now and in the future. Paul Thompson, BIM Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solution, explains: “There has been some progress made in the built environment towards achieving positive changes in culture, and the introduction of the new Building Safety Act provisions and Building Safety Regulator registration should help to accelerate change at a faster rate. “BIM has the ability to create greater transparency and produce this ‘golden thread’ of information, allowing building elements such as doorsets to be managed through a single platform – from specification to installation and ongoing inspection. “BIM applications also help to lock in positive behaviours from the very start of a project and support an increase in trust and confidence that safety is paramount throughout a building’s specification, construction and maintenance.” With this in mind, ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ BIM application integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist fabricators to develop complete door requirements that meet building regulations. Product information, performance data and budget information are captured within the BIM design environment. Through real time, collaborative working, these designs can be validated for compliance, functional performance, and aesthetics plus presented as 3D views that can be fully re-integrated into the overall project design. With linked internal systems, ASSA ABLOY use this final schedule of information to manufacture the complete doorset solution including the leaf, frame and all specified hardware. Paul adds: “This is a unique collaborative tool for all project stakeholders, helping to minimise costs and streamline the data sharing process throughout the entire project lifecycle – from the initial design, right through to construction, delivery, asset management and beyond.” An extension to Openings Studio™ is now widely used in the industry, which offers a mobile app that directly accesses this data for use during the door installation process, ensuring full validity of the finished product prior to project completion. The app also offers an easy to use ‘check box’ system to carry out and capture detailed inspections based on the specific details of each door included in the schedule. This report validates if a door has remained compliant, or identifies what elements need to be corrected or replaced to return the product to the standard required, providing full traceability and ownership of all changes at all stages. This means the doorset is managed as a holistic compliant solution and connects all components through a single platform. This eliminates the risk that doors are pieced together as an assembly of parts from various sources or maintained and repaired as a collection of individual parts. To find out more, please call 0845 071 0882 to speak with an experienced Project Design Consultant, email ukspecification@assaabloy.com or visit www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/specification. [1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/362/made Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Merson Group are set to provide 4 major installations at East Bank cultural quarter in east London. Merson Group, one of the UK’s largest signage companies, has announced the completion of the brand-new V&A East Museum signage at the new East Bank cultural quarter on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. The illuminated letters, each standing six metres high and weighing around 1.5 tonnes each, took a cumulative 3 months to build in Glasgow-based Merson Group’s design and production facility, before they arrived in London for their three-day install. The complicated 3D designed steel structures were clad with aluminium before the edges and perimeters were bronze powder coated to remain in harmony with the façade of the building itself. To allow for optimum illumination, a white polycarbonate facing with internal lighting using LED modules were also incorporated. There were multiple challenges for the Merson design and build team, but the most critical was to ensure that the structures connected with the building exactly and that the signage could be maintained safely from the rear whilst they sit 40 meters up on the ledge where they now stand. Robert Murray, Chief Design Officer, said: “I’m truly proud of what the entire Merson design and implantation team have achieved here, especially Senior Designer, Ross Cloughley. Merson Group seek out these landmark projects because we have the expertise to deliver. V&A East will be one of the world’s leading arts and culture institutions and we are delighted to be a small part of the journey.” East Bank is a new powerhouse for innovation, creativity and learning on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is a unique collaboration between world-leading universities, arts and culture institutions that will create 2,500 jobs, generate £1.5 billion for the economy, and open up opportunities for everyone who visits, lives, and works in east London. Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development at London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “The new signs are a wonderful addition to these incredible buildings. What’s particularly pleasing is that we’ve been able to draw on the skills and talents of companies from all across the UK, like Merson’s, to deliver this amazing legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games”. V&A East Museum is the first of four East Bank buildings to which Merson Group are supplying external signage this year. The high-level letters at the University of the Arts London (UAL) were also completed last month whilst the low-level letters will be installed shortly. Likewise, signage at Sadler’s Wells East is on track to be installed in May. The BBC’s building is also set to have external signage installed in the second half of this year. With over 250 employees across two sites in UK and one in Europe, Merson Group has a global footprint when it comes to signage. Servicing clients such as Aston Martin, Lotus, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, and most recently the Crossrail Elizabeth Line – Merson Group have a long history of providing high quality signage and wayfinding solutions across several sectors. Merson Group are experts and sector leaders in wayfinding signage in the UK. They also provide signage for Network Rail, Heathrow Airport, Spurs FC, British Land & Crown Estates. To find out more, visit: www.mersongroup.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems were once rudimentary, modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements, resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture. The push for smarter buildings has played its part too. In fact, according to a 2022 report, the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026, with global market size estimated to hit $201.16 billion by 2031 – and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (omitting another global pandemic). In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control solutions, introducing the use of mobile credentials, cloud control and even bio-metric systems. As such, the specification process for access control hardware continues to become more nuanced, and for architects in particular, there’s an increasing challenge to ensure all design objectives are met. With this in mind, how can professionals strike a balance between seamless integration and design? Aesthetic choices For many decision makers, access control is viewed as an efficient and flexible route to securing their building. But more than that, it has become critical to the operative performance of our built environment, where from residential settings to commercial space, the adopted use of interconnected systems is further boosting accessibility, functionality and security. Take modern hotel environments for example. According to a 2022 report, 56% of hospitality consumers expressed locking and unlocking rooms using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience. From Wi-Fi infrastructures to cloud services, technology has almost become synonymous with a hotel guest’s experience and is designed to improve their stay. Where digital access control systems are adopted, guests can interact with the premises independently, streamlining their access to essential entry points while safeguarding rooms against unauthorised visitors. Similarly, hotel operators benefit from enhanced building security and increased traceability, not to mention improved business efficiency and higher guest ratings. However, while security and accessibility are frequently top of the agenda when it comes to specifying hardware, from an architectural perspective, a solution’s aesthetic is just as valuable and plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Often, door hardware can feel like the finishing touch to a design project, and so, careful consideration must go into consistent design choices that make a positive impact on the building’s aesthetic. Ultimately, better-quality aesthetics enhance environments by making them more welcoming. Again, hospitality is a good case in point, where hotels must ensure their environment is visually pleasing as part of the service quality offered to their guests. However, a survey on urban design revealed 40% of architects find incorporating security measures into new developments without impacting aesthetic appeal a key design challenge. With this in mind, architects and design teams can be forgiven for past frustration towards the unattractive and cumbersome access control systems that were once in their infancy. In reality, today’s systems offer a much more seamless design, and with end users placing value on key elements such as accessibility, fire safety and reliability, it’s now possible to incorporate a solution that works for everyone. Combining value and visuals Upon recognising today’s access control systems promote functionality and seamless installation without compromising aesthetics, there’s a growing demand for comprehensive, single-package solutions across many contemporary projects. As a result, architects and designers are increasingly met with questions on door hardware and access control and must keep up to date with the latest solutions that are available. As such, the initial design stage provides an opportune period for architectural teams to consider the needs of the end user in relation to access control systems. From a building’s security elements to its flow of movement, there are various objectives to reflect upon, and architects must look to develop their knowledge on access control solutions to ensure all end user objectives are met, and all while considering the final aesthetic. Naturally, projects can often benefit from greater collaboration and architectural professionals are urged to lean on the expertise of manufacturers where required. By working closely with trusted manufacturers early in the process, teams can incorporate the latest technology into buildings at the initial stages of design, as opposed to being an addition later in the process. In many cases, manufacturers now offer bespoke access control solutions too, each designed to adapt around the end user’s needs while working with the architect on a design level. Through greater collaboration and the use of tailored solutions, architects are given the ability to choose consistent finishes and materials that fit the planned aesthetic, removing the need to try and match across various suppliers later down the line. Seemingly, access control will continue to play a larger role in building design as the industry progresses. And while the adoption of new technology may inherit an element of uncertainty for some, by introducing tailored solutions with seamless integration at early stages of the design process, architects can rest assured that their proposals address core challenges such as security and fire safety, while keeping their aesthetic vision intact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and flexible access to power or data sockets, style is at the heart of Incara which presents a vast range of functions and style to suit any interior. Easy to install, Incara is Legrand’s most flexible range of power solutions to date. From flush, in-desk disk-shaped contemporary sockets through to on-desk power and data connections, Incara has been designed to fit within any workplace furniture requirement. The range offers wireless charging, USB Type-A and C inputs and multiple colour schemes, while it can be designed with a mix of international power sockets if required. Additionally, Incara allows companies the possibility to take control on the presentation of the product, with bespoke branding options available. Manufactured from high-quality materials, Incara can fit in with the latest trends to meet the most challenging workplace requirements. This is achieved thanks to its configuration with a vast range of Legrand’s Arteor™ modules, which ensures a stylish, reliable and versatile solution is supplied. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK & Ireland’s power distribution ranges, said: “We are always searching for ways to manufacture solutions that meet the modern day needs of post-pandemic ways of working. With Incara, we have created a unique proposition for spaces that have desires for a high-end and flexible power solution. Whether being designed for a modern office, library, university or an airport lounge, Incara provides our most stylish and flexible solution to date.” As with all Legrand products, Incara boasts robust and durable qualities, helping to contribute to a more sustainable world. All packaging is made from recycled materials wherever possible, while Product Environmental Profiles (PEP) are available, providing a reference tool to measure the environmental impact of the product. Incara is also CE and UKCA marked, ensuring quality and compliance with legislation. Paul Martin added: “We are confident that Incara not only meets the needs of today’s workers, but it is also futureproofed for ever-evolving technology changes. Our R&D team remain dedicated to manufacturing solutions as sustainably as possible, and with Incara, we have delivered. When you add our renowned customer service commitment to the mix, we are in a unique position to deliver an unrivalled solution to meet the needs of all – whether installers, designers or end users.” The full range boasts eight products, with multiple variations includes: For more information, visit https://www.legrand.co.uk/products/power-distribution/incara/.
Supported as a route to more efficient and sustainable construction, modular construction is an evolving sector that offers the industry progressive benefits, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Recognised as an emerging model in modern methods of construction (MMC), modular construction is an industry on the rise, albeit one that’s still in its infancy. In broad terms, the concept is often described as the process of constructing a building in a controlled, off-site setting, before being transported and assembled at its intended destination. In 2019, modular construction was reported to be worth £753m in the UK market and was projected to grow by 14% between 2020 and 2024. Globally, the numbers are much higher, valued at $72 billion in 2020 and predicted to reach over $175 billion by 2025. Its growth – although slower in the UK – can be attributed to the needs of modern markets, where modular initiatives are praised for their ergonomic and environmental benefits, as it produces buildings at a more efficient rate and lower cost – and often with more sustainable materials. Efficient production At its core, modular construction shares many similarities to any construction project, where under controlled conditions, teams use the same materials and design to the same codes and standards as conventional developments. Yet, for many, modular construction provides answers to some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Britain’s housing crisis for example, is exacerbated by a shortage in homes, unaffordable rents and rising purchase prices, and coupled with modern carbon initiative targets, there’s a need to find a swift and sustainable solution. Currently, only 15,000 modular homes are built in the UK each year, despite modular construction presenting itself as a viable MMC. But, as experts suggest, the potential is far greater, and the production of over 75,000 modular homes is considered a fair target to aim for, with the Homes England programme now aiming to construct 25% of affordable homes using MMC. By manufacturing structural components off-site (at the same time groundworks and foundations are completed on-site), the process of modular construction can offer various sectors (such as residential housing) a more flexible and cost-effective option – not to mention, one that’s completed in a much quicker time than traditional methods. In fact, where the turnaround time of projects is concerned, building in an off-site setting is said to reduce construction times by up to 30%, with total development time halved. From a sustainability perspective, the quicker delivery of development projects is also contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. With less time spent on site and less manufacturing machinery used, total pollution is moderated in pre-set factory environments. Already, UK studies have also found that up to a 90% reduction in materials can be achieved with modular building methods. And as more sustainably sourced materials are used to create better energy efficient buildings, construction’s green initiatives appear evermore achievable this way. Staying on track When it comes to the production of our built environment, the speed and sustainability benefits modular construction offers will continue to turn the heads of decision makers who recognise efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Yet, as the method continues to advance, those involved in the procurement of modular components and materials must continue to give considered thought to the supply, transportation and design process of projects to truly unlock its potentially progressive benefits. With a constant flow of components, from structural modules right through to hardware products, decision makers must continue to factor how building materials may interact with each other upon completion of projects. Where reliability and functionality are concerned, the specification of construction products is crucial and decision makers have a responsibility to ensure all materials and products are fit for purpose throughout the entirety of modular construction developments. The supply chain is often simplified for modular construction projects, and with various regulations to follow and an assortment of construction products to keep track of, the onus is on a smaller team of decision makers to make conscious choices that meet all of a project’s regulatory requirements. With this in mind, modern manufacturers and professional bodies are working to support professionals throughout the decision-making process. As part of the Building Safety Bill’s regulatory framework, the Golden Thread of Information has been developed to provide more complete and detailed product information in the form of comprehensive product datasheets and installation guides. The Golden Thread of Information encourages greater collaboration and education and can provide invaluable and transparent information on product performance and testing throughout the completion of modular projects. Enhanced traceability will lead to more informed and consistent product choices, and it is imperative decision makers remain informed if they aim to deliver complete and efficient buildings. If the acceptance of modular construction continues to ascend, we may shortly see a shift of landscape within the construction industry. The environmental and cost saving benefits are evident. But to effectively tap into the progressive benefits modular construction has to offer, the importance of specification must be widely understood. After all, safety, functionality and reliability will always remain unremitting themes in construction, regardless of method.
