Air conditioning innovator, Weatherite, celebrates 50 years in business. West Bromwich-based, Weatherite, has racked up 50 years of operation, a milestone that reflects the strength, stability, and success only a few companies ever achieve. Founded in 1972 by current Chairman John Whitehouse, Weatherite’s early days of business were carried out from
Hayfield has made a significant investment in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across six of its live development sites, as the multi-award-winning developer targets a turnover of £150m during 2022. A panelised system utilising large aircrete blocks is being used at five Hayfield developments, while a trial of Structural Insulated
A major makeover underway at a building located at the foot of the Millennium Bridge, between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, has been secured with EnviroHoard™ sustainable hoarding from Panthera Group as the first part of a contract for multiple site services. Millennium Bridge House was originally completed
Over 500 Spectus casement windows and 100 French doors were specified in a new £10m development of 75 new residential properties, providing a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes in Blackpool. Troutbeck Crescent on Mereside, sits in a prominent position which is visible from the main motorway connection when
Renters looking to spruce up their space are being offered expert advice and temporary decorating tips on how to do so without damaging the property. The moving experts at LOVESPACE are advising renters on the best ways to decorate their properties without risking the loss of their deposit. Rental agreements can differ
The gas serves an important purpose in households and even in commercial establishments. It’ll enable you to utilize several appliances in your home, such as the furnace and cooker. However, unmanaged gas is hazardous with exposure to the atmosphere. This exposure happens due to leaks through gas pipes. You must
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free
The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key
Ambitious future plans, special events, spotlighting members’ achievements and memorable celebrations throughout the British Association of Landscape Industries’ 50th anniversary year. April 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), and as this season is all about fresh starts, it seems only fitting that the
Built on a site that once housed a popular public house dating back to the 1800s, The Astley in the Northern Quarter of Manchester is a beautiful residential development offering 135 privately rented sector apartments. The architect wanted to incorporate a number of brick details to enhance the design quality
Air conditioning innovator, Weatherite, celebrates 50 years in business. West Bromwich-based, Weatherite, has racked up 50 years of operation, a milestone that reflects the strength, stability, and success only a few companies ever achieve. Founded in 1972 by current Chairman John Whitehouse, Weatherite’s early days of business were carried out from a sun lounger with his late business partner, Lou Simmonds, and over the last 50 years as John recalls “it’s been quite a journey”. Its defining qualities over the past five decades have been a combination of ability, agility, flexibility and responsiveness, and proof that thriving, not just surviving, is a true test of grit in business. The company began life selling Diakin air conditioning equipment and as John recalls his first ever order “was a job in Combe Abbey and was designed, installed and wired by us and worth £585.” Weatherite soon began rapidly expanding by selling more HVAC equipment, so much so, that six years later the company moved to larger premises and started its journey into manufacturing its own equipment. “This was a game changer when we received an order for a huge fan-coil unit order for local office block “Midland-House” in Halesowen – a £250,000 job. It considerably improved cashflow and helped us ride out the peaks and troughs in the AC market.” Then came the 80s when Weatherite built its first free-cooling telephone exchange cooling unit for telecoms giant BT– still one of its flagship products, albeit somewhat evolved, 42 years on. The company continued to supply over 15,000 units across the UK, first in the Midlands, then Manchester and Wales. But it was as London got to grips with the digital exchange that work really started to take off for Weatherite. “That’s when we seriously got into manufacturing as a business. When BT called, we sprang into action, designing and testing within three weeks,” he said. Another significant milestone in the mid-80s came when Tesco made its was first order for a ‘packaged’ Rooftop Air Conditioning Unit. “We had been making regular trips to Daikin’s Japanese factories and became increasingly impressed by the quality and detail of their equipment,” said John. “We soon realised that we had a number of well-trained engineers in the factory to give us the ability to manufacture our own bespoke designs. “Tesco and Marks & Spencer grabbed us by the collar and took us aboard the retail express train. We moved premises again and doubled the workforce to cope with the expanding demand as they were both developing their sales floor areas and needed air conditioning. Needless to say the 90s were a period of considerable growth and Weatherite also acquired DLT Shopfronts & Shutters Ltd, as part of an opportunity with Tesco. Now named Weatherite Aluminium Solutions Ltd, the company works for many major UK retailers and contractors delivering bespoke manufacturing solutions for commercial security systems including shopfronts and high end curtain walling systems, windows and doors. Weatherite’s free cooling and AHU systems were being manufactured at an extraordinary rate during this period before the decades of trigeneration, power generation, heating and cooling which then moved towards the more user-friendly “energy centres”, driven by Tesco’s need for onsite energy – a demand that quickly widened to other supermarkets. In the early 2000s, Weatherite started working with JLP, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Next, Primark and continued to grow its retail portfolio. In 2006 Weatherite moved into larger premises to cope with further demand for its expanding HVAC product solutions. A concerted push to target the data centre market was made in 2008 with its extensive knowledge (through BT) of IT mission critical cooling techniques, ensuring the company continued to expand. In 2012, the company celebrated its 40 years in business and grew its data centre business with clients including Virtus, EE, Equinix, Vodafone, Virgin Media, to name a few. As well as telco and retail, the company further expanded into other sectors including leisure, pharmaceuticals, and health. Weatherite was soon recognised as the UK’s largest independent manufacturers of bespoke HVAC equipment in all sectors and won its largest ever single data centre order valued at over 12 million euros, as well as industry awards along the way. Today the business turnovers over £34 million as a Group, primarily through Weatherite Air Conditioning, which represents the major proportion of that turnover with about £25 million. Like many other businesses, the company has encountered some major obstacles over the last few years but working with organisations which operate within a mission critical environment has meant the company continues to thrive. “We survived the effects of the pandemic in good shape and are looking forward to an interesting market in very interesting times, said John. Weatherite has recently doubled the size of one of its existing factories and continues to invest in new manufacturing equipment and storage areas to counter-manage the global shortage and price hike on raw materials. There are many who will affirm that John’s entrepreneurism, leadership, and willingness to take a risk on ideas are the major reason for the company’s success. “We never walk away from a problem. If we’ve got a problem, we solve it satisfactorily,” says John. However, it takes more than one person to make a successful business and marking the five-decade milestone is an opportunity to both reflect on its past and to look forward to its future. John’s son, Tim, has also worked at the business for the past 25 years and John believes an emphasis on family helps when it comes to retaining staff. “There’s a big difference between being a family business and being part of a multi-national. There is a bigger sense of belonging. We have a lot of people who have worked at the company for a long time – our staff retention is excellent and somewhere between ten and fifteen people have one or more family members working here out of a workforce of 209,” he said. “We would like to think that our continued success can be attributed
Hayfield has made a significant investment in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) across six of its live development sites, as the multi-award-winning developer targets a turnover of £150m during 2022. A panelised system utilising large aircrete blocks is being used at five Hayfield developments, while a trial of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) is underway at another scheme. The introduction of MMC is accelerating Hayfield’s build timeframes, delivering greater programme and cost certainty, while alleviating the risks of material and labour shortages. Andy Morris, Managing Director of Hayfield said: “Making a significant investment in MMC is a fundamental strand of our ESG strategy. We are creating programme efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions, while continuing to deliver beautiful, handcrafted homes to our customers. Some developers opt for modern exteriors when using MMC, but our architecture is far more traditional in style, as that’s what our customers prefer. “The panelised system we are using at five Hayfield developments is the closest MMC alternative to traditional brick and block masonry construction. It is enabling us to improve build pace by seven weeks. This is not only increasing our production rate and assisting with our growth plans, it is also opening up more land opportunities. To demonstrate our commitment to MMC and offsite construction, I am thrilled to report we have established an internal MMC committee to explore and review further opportunities.” The panelised ‘I-House’ MMC system is being utilised at Hayfield Park in Bromham and Hayfield Lakes in Clophill, which are both in Bedfordshire. It is also being installed at Hayfield’s two live Buckinghamshire schemes; Hayfield Walk in Hanslope, and Hayfield Oaks in Woburn Sands. The fifth live scheme selected for this MMC approach is Hayfield Grove in the Worcestershire village of Hallow, which is the housebuilder’s first EPC-A rated development. An alternative MMC trial utilising SIPs is underway at the final phase of Hayfield Place in the Bedfordshire village of Silsoe. Hayfield is proactively installing air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, EV fast-charging points, 100% renewable energy, and fibre optic broadband into all new and upcoming developments, in line with its zero-carbon-ready specification. The new investment in MMC is in line with Hayfield seeking to deliver 350 homes during 2022. The company is gearing up to construct 500 homes annually, supported by a portfolio of sites to enable visible production into the future.
A major makeover underway at a building located at the foot of the Millennium Bridge, between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, has been secured with EnviroHoard™ sustainable hoarding from Panthera Group as the first part of a contract for multiple site services. Millennium Bridge House was originally completed in the late 1980s following demolition of the previous site and is set to be redeveloped by contractor ISG after approval by The City of London Corporation. Along with the sustainable site hoarding solution, Panthera Group will provide a variety of site services for the duration of the project. This includes the internal fit out for welfare facilities such as ISG offices, subcontractor offices, toilets, changing rooms, showering facilities and a canteen along with a security hut at the entrance. The £65 million project included a stipulation to redevelop the building sustainably by embracing circular economy, carbon reduction and resource efficiency principles. To that end, ISG worked with Piercy and Company Architects on a design to retain the majority of building structure whilst reconfiguring the internal layout to optimise space for retail facilities, offices, a roof level restaurant and roof. A new façade will embrace natural light and create energy efficiency throughout the building. One of the overall objectives of the project is to achieve BREEAM RFO 2014 (Excellent) which means sustainability compliance in the supply chain is key. Robert Ingram, Managing Surveyor at ISG, opted to work with Panthera Group on the project; “I have worked with the Panthera team for over 10 years and have always found them to be extremely professional and collaborative in their approach. It made sense to use EnviroHoard™ for our perimeter hoarding as it is a verified net zero carbon solution. Panthera was wholly supportive during the tender process; providing the environmental assessment and generally offering a great service to our project teams. Phase one works are underway and this includes the first elevation of EnviroHoard™ which is looking good. Phase two is imminent and will involve the site set up services.” EnviroHoard™ offers many commercial as well as environmental advantages. The flexible, modular system is quick to install and can be easily relocated as and when required.
Over 500 Spectus casement windows and 100 French doors were specified in a new £10m development of 75 new residential properties, providing a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes in Blackpool. Troutbeck Crescent on Mereside, sits in a prominent position which is visible from the main motorway connection when entering Blackpool. Formerly the site of 81 run down flats built in the 1960’s, the demolished site was secured for the development of the new social housing properties. The development of: • 19 one-bedroom apartments• 18 three-bedroom houses• 27 two-bedroom houses• 2 three-bedroom accessible properties• 9 two-bedroom accessible properties Had required over 500 windows to complete. The contract for the work was awarded to Spectus Approved Window Contractor Jade Windows, thanks to their exceptional track record of working on several prestigious commercial projects. Spectus Windows and Doors Meet the Commercial Requirements Spectus casement windows and French doors were specified for the project. All products were manufactured in Spectus’ Elite 70 bevelled system. The Elite 70 bevelled system has all the technical credentials for high-quality commercial applications. It can achieve a Window Energy Rating of Band A++ and U values as low as 0.8W/(m2K). In this project, the windows and doors were manufactured in anthracite grey to the external face with white internally to create the modern appearance of an aluminium window but at a more sympathetic price point. All products were manufactured to PAS24:2016 standard. The high-quality development also included the installation of several externally glazed ceramic glass panels by Jade Windows to provide a point of interest at an attractive pricing point. With over 500 windows and 100 French doors needing to be installed on a busy construction site, effective project management was essential. Jade Windows liaised with the project contractors and all trades on site to ensure fabrication and installation ran smoothly and on schedule. Initial site clearance began in September 2019 in preparation of construction on the 2.3-hectare site. The installation by Jade Windows took a total of twelve months with exacting standards and precision project management evidence at every level. Now the project is complete, Blackpool has a new flagship development of 75 high-quality, affordable homes. Ryan Fozard, Sales Manager at Jade Windows commented: “The new site has been completely transformed. The modern houses and flats boasting gardens, balconies, and car ports now provide a high standard of accommodation for residents and sits within an attractive environment that integrates with the surrounding area. We are delighted to have worked on this project and once again, the quality and reliability of the Spectus product range has delivered at every level. This is a flagship development for Blackpool and we are proud of the finished results.”
Renters looking to spruce up their space are being offered expert advice and temporary decorating tips on how to do so without damaging the property. The moving experts at LOVESPACE are advising renters on the best ways to decorate their properties without risking the loss of their deposit. Rental agreements can differ from landlord to landlord and it’s fair to say that some are more willing to agree to cosmetic changes than others. For those seeking to make home improvements but are struggling because of limits within their tenancy agreement, there are plenty of ways to make temporary changes without damaging the property. From stick on flooring to removable radiator covers, the options are endless when it comes to adding personality to rented properties. “It’s important that before you make any changes to a rented property ask your landlord for permission – no matter how small the decision may seem,” said a spokesperson for LOVESPACE. “There is often an assumption that landlords won’t let you make changes to the property but this isn’t always the case. Whether it’s just a lick of paint or a nail in the wall, it’s always worth asking. If the landlord thinks it might make their property more valuable then they’re more than likely to say yes. Even if your landlord does refuse any changes to the property, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your space with simple furnishings.” Here are LOVESPACE’s decorating tips on sprucing up a rental property: Adhesive strips When you want to avoid banging nails into the wall and potentially causing damage, adhesive strips could be the answer. These strips are perfect for picture frames, holding LED lights in place and even keeping cables organised. If you’re worried about hanging a larger item like a mirror it’s best to pair it with a statement piece like a tall vase and lean it against the wall. This might not seem like the most glamorous method but it can make for an eye-catching feature that is different from the norm. Soft furnishings Cushions, curtains and throws are perfect for adding pops of colour to any room – although they are the most obvious choice. Choosing bed linen, bathroom towels and even tea towels to match the surrounding area are more unique ways to add depth to a room. Try matching bed linen with the shades of the carpet or curtains to create a sleep haven. Removable wallpaper and flooring When you don’t have the option of painting walls or changing flooring, it can feel difficult to give the property any personal touch. This is where the beauty of stick-on wallpaper and flooring comes in. The adhesive backing allows easy application and removal on most surfaces. With online and instore retailers stocking designs from boho chic and art deco, to floral and industrial, there is a solution to bring personality into any property. Change handles When renting it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make major changes to key areas of the house like the kitchen. So, if the kitchen is looking dated it can easily be transformed into an inviting space by simply changing the handles. Chrome details can add a modern edge to kitchen cupboards and should be fairly easy to change using a screwdriver. Add greenery Plants can quite literally breathe new life into a lacklustre room. Choose peace lilies which can thrive in low light conditions (perfect for flats) or opt for some succulents which require little maintenance. Not only can plants make a space more aesthetically pleasing but they also have lots of health benefits too. They can purify the air, relieve stress and improve concentration – perfect for those who work at home. Radiator covers In some cases, not even a lick of paint can save an ugly radiator, so that’s why it can be best to cover them up completely. Radiator covers can transform a metal eyesore into a unique focal point of the room. Most wood covers can slip over a radiator without the need for any DIY. These covers can get expensive depending on the size and material, so for a more affordable alternative opt for a radiator wrap instead. Rugs Whether you have a cold vinyl floor or just a carpet that needs covering up, rugs are one of the best temporary decorating tips. As well as covering up any unwanted flooring mishaps, rugs are a great way of zoning certain areas. Use circular rugs under circular dining tables to make them more inviting and help to separate the space from the kitchen. Shop secondhand When moving into an unfurnished property, there is an opportunity to add personality to every room. Buying items brand new can be expensive, whereas you can pick up second hand items for a more affordable price and sometimes even for free. Online marketplaces are a goldmine for preloved furniture and there are some unique pieces just waiting to be found. Clear the clutter If the furniture in your new property doesn’t quite match your decor plans or you’ve simply got too many belongings, popping it into storage can help to provide you with a blank canvas. Storing winter clothes, unwanted furniture and other seasonal items is a great way to achieve a minimalistic look and one of the easiest decorating tips. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
The gas serves an important purpose in households and even in commercial establishments. It’ll enable you to utilize several appliances in your home, such as the furnace and cooker. However, unmanaged gas is hazardous with exposure to the atmosphere. This exposure happens due to leaks through gas pipes. You must take note of these leaks and have experts look into them and perform repairs. Leaks could lead to explosions should someone unconsciously light a matchbox or start a fire. How will you know there’s a gas leak? This article highlights the tell-tale signs of gas leaks on your property; read on and look out for these signs: Odor Like any other gas, all gases in your home are colourless and have no smell. Due to the dangerous nature of natural gas and propane in your home, manufacturers have developed ways to help you identify a gas leak by smell. They add a sulphurous substance known as methyl mercaptan. This substance gives the gas a Sulphur or rotten egg smell. Therefore, should you encounter this smell in your home, seek emergency gas repairs services. As you wait for their arrival, leave your home for safety. Hissing Sound In general, a hissing sound is a sign of leakage. You’ll experience a hissing sound if you blow air into a pipe or straw with an opening. A gas leak also presents itself by hissing as it flows through your gas pipes. The hissing sound originates from the speed at which gas is flowing. If the sound is loud, it’s a possible sign of an extensive leak. Whether loud or mild, you need to be wary and call in the experts for an inspection. Dying Plants Plants require oxygen and water to grow. They’ll start deteriorating, dry up, and eventually die without these. How will your plants show you there’s a gas leak? If your plants suddenly start dying, yet you’ve done your part in taking care of them. To rule out other causes, look out for patterns. For gas leak causes, you’re likely to see only a given area experiencing drying up, with the surrounding areas having healthy plants. Dying plants in a given area show there’s an underground gas leak. The gas absorbs any oxygen and moisture from the soil. It causes the drying up of the plants. Another tell-tale sign is if the plants turn yellow or rusty brown. It’s good to note that you can also use your indoor plants to detect gas leaks. Here, you’ll also experience the sudden death of your potted plants for no reason. Most will wither and turn brown. Bubble Formation There are situations when you can’t identify any tell-tale signs of a gas leak in your home. Therefore, you can perform certain tests regularly to check the condition of your gas pipes. One of the common tests used for gas leaks is the bubble test. Start by making a mild soap solution; dishwashing soap is preferred. Take a sponge, dip it in your solution, and wipe your gas pipes’ surfaces. After doing this, watch out for any bubbles that’ll form. Bubbles are an indication of a gas leak. Once you note this, take the necessary precautions like leaving your home and calling in experts. Dry Patches On The Ground Dry patches on the ground can help you identify gas leaks if you live in an area prone to rain. In such an area, the ground is always wet most of the time. Therefore, if you start observing dry patches on normally wet ground, consider performing an inspection on your underground gas pipes. As previously stated, gas will absorb moisture from its surroundings. For this reason, you’ll witness the dry patches. Health Complications Natural gas isn’t only harmful to plants; it’s also harmful to human beings and animals. Therefore, excessive exposure to natural gas in your home can lead to certain health complications. One tell-tale sign is frequent headaches and dizziness. As previously stated, gas tends to absorb any oxygen in an area. It’ll do the same in your space, which causes headaches and dizziness. How do you distinguish between gas leaks and normal health issues? It’s simple: if you leave your home and the headache and dizziness stop, it shows your home is the issue. Besides dizziness, the gas is also likely to affect your skin. Prolonged exposure to harmful gases can cause you to develop pimples, which might become blisters with time. Discoloured flames Your home’s gas furnace relies on natural gas to heat your home. When functioning normally, your furnace ignites with a luminous blue flame. Your furnace will burn with a yellow non-luminous flame if there’s a gas leak. Since this is hardly noticeable without being keen, observe your furnace as you utilize it regularly. Conclusion The content above has discussed ways to identify gas leaks on your property. And with the sensitivity of gas leaks, consider adopting the tips to keep your property safe. As good practice, it’s best to perform gas pipe inspections every six months, whether or not there are signs of gas leaks. Also, refrain from handling any gas leaks independently. Please leave the work to the experts for safety reasons.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has joined forces with the sector’s leading research body BSRIA to produce a comprehensive free guide for the use of refrigerant gases in building services. The new publication has been written by BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox and is available now for free download from the BSRIA Bookshop. It has been prepared to help consultants, specifiers, facilities and project managers, installers and end users deal with a period of considerable change for the industry as legislation and tightening environmental and performance targets combine to increase restrictions on how refrigerants are used and what gases will be allowed in the future. The increased use of heat pumps and greater focus on climate change mitigation, including the need to address overheating in buildings, means industry professionals are faced with greater design and installation challenges and opportunities to adopt new practices, which are covered in the guide. ‘Refrigerants in Building Services’ (TG 21/2022) includes information and advice on: * Current environmental and health and safety legislation affecting refrigerants * Forthcoming changes to legislation * Energy efficiency issues * Commonly used refrigerants * Applications including DX coils, chillers, split systems, VRF/VRV systems and heat pumps * Sources of further information. The two bodies were keen to work together to promote best practice across the sector and to fully explain the implications of stringent cuts to the use of HFCs and other bans as part of proposals to strengthen the European F-Gas regulation. The UK continues to ‘mirror’ the regulation, despite its departure from the EU, and the latest proposals from the European Commission include an acceleration of the current phase down process in 2024. This could be followed by a ban on the use of HFCs with global warming potential (GWP) of 150 and above in many split systems and heat pumps from 2027. “The timing of this guide is crucial,” said Fox. “There is so much change going on in the industry and there is a danger that people will be bamboozled by all the current and proposed legislative changes. If people are confused, they can end up simply ignoring their obligations with extremely unfortunate consequences. “We were, therefore, very keen to work with BSRIA on a document that would be both informative, practical and relevant to building engineering systems designers.” Fox added that the new guide reinforced the importance of people being properly trained and holding up-to-date technical and health & safety qualifications to work with both traditional and alternative refrigerants. This is particularly important because many HFC replacement refrigerants are mildly flammable, he pointed out. It also reminds end users that they should only employ F-Gas registered firms to remain legally compliant and to achieve their environmental goals. BESA manages the UK’s primary F-Gas register REFCOM and offers F-Gas Awareness training via its online Academy. BESA and BSRIA will also be jointly presenting a webinar on May 3rd featuring Graeme Fox and BSRIA publications manager, David Bleicher. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the new guidance, understand its wider context and why it is such a timely and important publication. To book your webinar place click here www.theBESA.com
The unique design of a new double-faced sports stand that works seamlessly for both Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the rugby league Super League club Leeds Rhinos posed a unique set of challenges for ironmongers Em-B and architects DLA in Leeds. Security, public safety, and access control were all key considerations throughout, all on a project specced to the highest standards of design and finish of the hospitality industry. The unique concept of a double-sided, jointly owned stand posed double the amount of challenges for Em-B who were appointed following a successful project on Headingley’s East Stand 15 years ago. Two clients, two architects, two designers with completely different needs to deal with, plus the demands of different door suppliers to coordinate. Em-B was tasked with coordinating all these different elements, acting as technical consultant for door hardware and access control throughout, checking compliance across the piece and bringing the project together. The Emerald Headingly Stadium is home to both the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, both of whom had very differing needs and requirements for the project in terms of security, accessibility, and aesthetics. Em-B worked on both sides of the stand including boxes, changing rooms, hospitality areas and concourses: a complex brief. The owners, Caddick Group, brought in Em-B as the result of previous successful projects, bringing them in at a very early stage of the process to consult on security and access control. The project had been planned by architects DLA for six years. The spec, especially for the hospitality areas, was exceptionally high. The client wanted the directors’ suite to have the finish of a high-end boutique hotel rather than a sports stadium, combined with high levels of security for corporate and players’ entrances. “Em-B worked closely with us to manage all of the hardware requirements for the complex Headingley stand project. We have worked with Em-B in the past and knew we could rely on them to deliver the outcomes we wanted.” said Chris Wilson, of client Caddick Construction. The project was a complex one with different requirements from the cricket and rugby clubs – from high security access control to high-end hospitality areas across both sides of the stand. Em-B coordinated two architects, two designers, steel door and shutter manufacturers to deliver an end product that looks great, works seamlessly and is totally compliant with all the regs.” Em-B is a thriving, well-established architectural ironmongery practice and supplier of door solutions based in Leeds established in 1998. The firm regularly win awards for its architectural ironmongery schemes on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, working for household name architects and clients. Em-B’s success is built on working as a true partner within the construction process from drawing board to installed product and beyond.
Ambitious future plans, special events, spotlighting members’ achievements and memorable celebrations throughout the British Association of Landscape Industries’ 50th anniversary year. April 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), and as this season is all about fresh starts, it seems only fitting that the Association planted its roots in the Spring of 1972. Since then, the Association has flourished into the UK’s leading Trade Association for landscape professionals. Remaining true to its core values to support, promote and inspire its members and be leaders of an environmentally, ethically, and commercially sustainable landscape industry, the Association has grown to close to 1,000 Accredited members including landscape contractors, landscape architects, garden designers, suppliers and training providers. Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of the Association said, “We are incredibly proud of the Association’s growth and achievements over the course of the last 50 years. Our members are at the heart of all that we do, and it has been imperative that we continually evolve and adapt to the growing membership base and their changing needs.” As part of the 50th celebrations, the Association has unveiled a commemorative logo to mark this momentous occasion and has an exciting annual plan of celebrations and activities to come. The Association will be shining a spotlight on members’ achievements and celebrating their successes, with special events and talks planned, plus a gala dinner due to be held in the Autumn. Different initiatives will be undertaken to raise money for selected charity partners and a host of special prizes and gifts will be given away to members as a thank you for their continued support. Wayne said, “We have an exciting events and activities programme lined up to share and to celebrate with our members the fantastic work they do, and have done, over the past five decades.” In 2021 the Association underwent a brand transformation and invested in its digital channels to ensure it strengthened and adapted its position for the future. Looking forward, this year will see the launch of a new business strategy for 2022-2025 that will outline ambitious plans to carry the Association forward, building on its already solid foundation. Wayne added, “Having seen a delay in setting the strategy for the next three years due to the pandemic, this review and reset is now complete and members will be informed of the fresh approach that the board and colleagues at BALI have developed to ensure the Association is fit for purpose.” The Association has vowed to never stop growing, advancing forward and adapting to the changing times. These past 50 years have shown how rooted the Association has become in its core values and we look forward to leading the way in the landscaping industry in the next 50 years and beyond.
Built on a site that once housed a popular public house dating back to the 1800s, The Astley in the Northern Quarter of Manchester is a beautiful residential development offering 135 privately rented sector apartments. The architect wanted to incorporate a number of brick details to enhance the design quality of the building. IG Masonry Support provided a number of products to ensure the finished building met the aspiration. The Astley is an eight to fourteen-storey development which comprises stunning apartments at the corner of Port Street and Great Ancoats Street. The apartments range from 430 sq ft one-bedroom accommodation through to 900 sq ft three-bedroom apartments, with the ground floor offering a reception area and residential lounge. Around 6,000 sq ft of commercial space is also provided. As well as the upper levels offering scenic vistas of the city and Peak District, there are communal roof gardens on the elevation facing south-west. The main contractor engaged IG Masonry Support and requested its teams to develop a range of brick slip products to achieve intricate brick detailing on the exterior of The Astley apartment block. Going above and beyond to fulfil this demand didn’t stop there; IG also provided a huge amount of design support prior to engagement in terms of drawings and sample products. On all its projects, IG Masonry Support strives to exceed customers’ high expectations in terms of quality. The Challenge The main challenge that this project posed was in terms of the ground floor deep brick soffits which required a detailed design to be developed by a masonry specialist, in conjunction with the design team. The architect and design team produced the design intent, with IG Masonry Support providing detailed design and input including a selection of brick bond pattern set-outs. A header bond pattern was chosen for the outside edge of the soffit and a stretcher bond pattern on the soffit panels. To achieve the detailing required for the deep soffit reveal, IG created a series of interlocking brick slip soffit panels that could be simply installed on site to create the agreed visual appearance. As the prefabricated units were manufactured offsite and delivered complete with the bricks bonded, the lightweight panels facilitated fast and efficient installation. Consequently, this allowed an uninterrupted continuation of brick on the underside of the first floor. Elsewhere, numerous brick soffit solutions had to be created to accommodate a variety of different sized window and balcony openings across The Astley’s exterior. The smallest window opening was 0.9 metres in length. The largest windows on the façade required a continuous brick soffit that spanned over 4.5 metres in length. Furthermore, the largest openings over the balconies spanned 3.7 metres in length. IG’s Brick Slip Lintels achieved the brick soffits over the smaller span openings and IG employed welded masonry support and its B.O.S.S. (brick on soffit system) units for the larger openings. On the window and balcony openings, the header bond has helped to differentiate the soffit from the brickwork on the main façade. The Solution On this project, IG Masonry Support has demonstrated the breadth of its product range and ability to design and supply a range of solutions. Living up to its reputation as an innovative solution provider, IG Masonry Support offered both seamless designs and service. As well as designing all the masonry support, lintels and brick soffit products, IG took time to attend site regularly and provide the installation team with training and support to ensure products were fitted correctly. Further proof of its commitment to quality, IG Masonry Support was sent a consignment of brick identical to the ones used onsite to ensure the prefabricated components blended effortlessly with the façade’s brickwork. To achieve the details traditionally, onsite labour would have been a time-consuming task that required brick cutting and additional skill. Moreover, when achieving the deep reveal around the ground floor, the utilisation of IG’s brick slip soffit panel instead of traditional methods negated the need for mechanical lifting. IG Masonry Support’s lightweight brick slip panels utilise 25mm brick slips to reduce the weight of the installation. As it is supplied in 1/2m2 panels the system not only eliminates mechanical lifting, it is quick and easy to install. A stunning development, the presence of IG’s seamless and quality brickwork support solutions has ensured this modern apartment block truly stands out from the crowd in Manchester’s bustling Northern Quarter. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News
