One of the UK’s leading specialist interior fit-out contractors has completed a milestone 16-storey contract at Edwardian Hotels’ new flagship super boutique hotel in London. EE Smith Contracts, which has been carrying out work for Edwardian Hotels Ltd for the last 35 years, opened its factories on the Clarendon Industrial
If you have a commercial property that needs to be removed to make way for a new construction project – or if you are selling the land and need to ensure that the building does not remain in place, demolition is a popular option. Demolition is a huge task with
The Briton brand is synonymous with the best in door controls and exit hardware and Allegion is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed, end-user focused Briton website. Following updates to their brand style, the new Briton website boasts a streamlined, modern design and concentrates on providing customers
The past year has seen us all spend a lot more time in the kitchen, but how does the design of our kitchens reflect who we are?Quintain Living – the award-winning rental management company with thousands of homes at Wembley Park – has plenty of experience when it comes to
The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information
Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation
Windows and doors by Kawneer feature on apartments at Greenwich Square. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for a primarily residential building at the heart of the redevelopment of London’s Greenwich Square for their aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire-resistant and sustainability credentials. Kawneer’s AA®543 open-in windows and
After the massive strikes throughout plumbing companies across the UK earlier this year, many homeowners have been left wondering how to handle emergency boiler servicing if it happens again. Bluewater Plumbing, a North London based plumbing and heating company, has a secure and effective solution for these situations. Introduced earlier
Omega PLC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Batchelor as Head of Major Projects from 16th August 2021. Paul brings to Omega over 10 years of kitchen industry and main contractor experience in the contracts sector having worked with Moores Furniture Group, Lendlease and LOCOG who prepared the
There are several government proposals on the table signalling a transition from where we are today to net zero 2050. Technical solutions have not been decided, but there is talk of certain technologies favoured for carbon reduction – among these are hydrogen-ready boilers and heat pumps. In the short term,
One of the UK’s leading specialist interior fit-out contractors has completed a milestone 16-storey contract at Edwardian Hotels’ new flagship super boutique hotel in London. EE Smith Contracts, which has been carrying out work for Edwardian Hotels Ltd for the last 35 years, opened its factories on the Clarendon Industrial Estate in Leicester 24 hours a day during peak capacity to help create London’s largest new luxury hotel, The Londoner. The Londoner, which has been designed in collaboration with Toronto and New York based design studio Yabu Pushelberg, has been branded as the world’s first super boutique hotel and its highly-anticipated opening is due this month. (September) There are 350 guest suites with views over Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square over 16 storeys which also includes six food and beverage outlets. There is also a two-screen cinema, a 1,000 capacity pillarless ballroom and an event space for corporate hire or private parties with a bespoke half honed half polished green marble floor and unique, fabric clad wavey walls. The Londoner features an area called The Retreat which has a swimming pool, private cabanas, a detox juice bar, hair and nail salon, treatment rooms and a gym. There is also The Residence which features three exclusive bars and eateries which are open 24 hours a day for exclusive use to meet every hotel guest’s needs. The hotel is home to £5 million worth of art throughout the building to enhance the boutique style experience within the west end district of London. The work has involved finishes on the project from all over the world such as 350 lava stones from Italian volcanos. Neil Bottrill at EE Smith Contracts said it had been fantastic to work on helping to create The Londoner. He said: “We have continued our 35-year relationship with Edwardian Hotels by collaborating on their super boutique flagship, The Londoner. “When this first-of-its-kind ‘iceberg’ hotel opens, it will be the largest hospitality opening in London post-Covid. “This has been a very collaborative project that we were chosen for due to our in-depth understanding of Edwardians’ expectations, standards and their way of working. “There were 78 finishes schedules across the project whereas we usually have a maximum of three which highlights the scale of this project. “We have shown our innovation and adaptability in the manufacturing of bespoke joinery for each of the 350 suites which was made possible by operating 24/7 from our Leicester HQ. “Covid did interrupt completion but the finished result is absolutely stunning and the opening of The Londoner will definitely give a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry.” Krishma Singh Dear, of Edwardian Hotels London, added: “Edwardian has worked with EE Smith for 35 years on all of our refurbishments. “We therefore know that EE Smith is able to produce a high-quality fit-out that withstands the test of time. “The Londoner was a project that was extremely complicated in terms of its detailing and scale. We believe EE Smith has done a fantastic job and we are all proud of the finished product.”
If you have a commercial property that needs to be removed to make way for a new construction project – or if you are selling the land and need to ensure that the building does not remain in place, demolition is a popular option. Demolition is a huge task with a huge array of issues that need to be considered and accounted for. Everyone involved in a demolition needs to understand how the project is going to be managed, what is going to happen, and what is expected of them. Safety and efficiency are absolutely essential, so it is vital to understand the relevant steps that need to be taken to manage it properly. Here we take a look at how to prepare your commercial property for demolition. Work with specialists The first thing to say is that each demolition is unique and will have specific needs and restrictions. It’s a great idea to work with demolitions specialists who have taken on similar projects, and understand what needs to be done. Given the inherent risks and dangers associated with demolition, you must put in place every possible precaution to keep workers and the public safe. Working with professionals who have been entrusted with similar projects in the past can give you the peace of mind that you are following the correct procedures. Communicate with everyone involved A crucial part of a successful demolition is clear communication throughout. Misunderstandings and assumptions can leave essential tasks unfinished, and people in the wrong place at the wrong time – these are the last things that you want during a demolition. Ensure that everyone involved uses all of the same lines of communication throughout the process. It can also help to schedule regular meetings with the key people who can then pass on the information to those who need it. Communication is also important for the perspective of liaising with relevant authorities regarding the matters of demolition. Local authorities, owners of adjacent properties and anyone else who might be affected need to be contacted, and a plan developed around their needs. Conduct relevant surveys Having surveys carried out is a legal obligation with demolition work. These surveys look at the building and demolition plan to find any risks that could affect the project. The first and most important survey is known as an R&D (or, Refurbishment and Demolition) and was previously known by the name Type 3 asbestos survey. This survey uses ‘intrusive and destructive methods to allow (the surveyor) to gain access to difficult-to-reach areas such as roof voids, wall interiors, solid floors and under crofts’ in order to establish whether any asbestos is present in the building. If this is the case, it would need to be removed before demolition can take place. You also need to have a dilapidation survey to assess the condition of the structure. This type of survey gives you a good understanding of any existing damage or existing concerns that could affect the demolition. Consider deconstruction as an alternative The method of deconstruction is more expensive than a traditional demolition – but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a popular alternative for some property owners. There are a number of reasons that some are opting for deconstruction – not least because it hugely reduces the risks and dangers involved. Additionally, it is the case that some of the cost of deconstruction can be recouped by selling the materials after the work has been completed. In a deconstruction, parts of the building are taken apart one at a time. It has the potential to be more environmentally friendly too – as materials are able to be reused rather than destroyed. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but it is worth considering. Final thoughts Carrying out a demolition project means following health and safety laws closely and doing everything by the book. Carrying out a safety assessment is your first step, before moving on to actually planning the demolition and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day. Work directly with contractors who you trust and that can show you the credentials and experience of carrying out similar demolition works in the past. Getting it wrong can not only be extremely costly and time-consuming but can also put people at risk and leave you liable.
The Briton brand is synonymous with the best in door controls and exit hardware and Allegion is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed, end-user focused Briton website. Following updates to their brand style, the new Briton website boasts a streamlined, modern design and concentrates on providing customers with improved functionality and a wide collection of essential resources. The website brings together the full product portfolio of Briton Door Controls and will be updated frequently to ensure users have access to the latest information in a bid to assist users throughout the product selection process. Adopting a user-friendly navigational system, the website will act as a central resource hub and will include detailed product listings with features and specifications details, downloadable certification information, and a refreshed set of supporting product datasheets and literature. In addition, a new automatic Door Closer Calculator and useful product selectors will further help users by recommending the most suitable products for their projects. Pete Hancox, Country Manager at Allegion UK comments: “With more than 100 years of history, Briton is a trusted brand with a reputation for providing an extensive range of high-quality products that are fully certified and built to last, and we felt it was time the brand’s web presence embodied that. With that, we’ve created the new Briton website, detailed with fresh branding and one that works much harder for our customers, with improved usability and a comprehensive portfolio of the Briton door controls range. “We wanted to make it easier for people who know and use Briton products to access the information they need throughout their journey, from product selection through to installation and maintenance. Our hub of resources is something we’re extremely proud of, and we believe it will consistently support Briton customers for years to come.” Highlights of the new website, which went live on 3rd September include an updated design, extensive product support resources and streamlined user experience across all devices. Following the launch, Allegion is now proudly inviting users to view the website and its new content, including the latest installation guides and maintenance toolkits on all Briton door controls. For more information, visit: www.briton.co.uk.
The past year has seen us all spend a lot more time in the kitchen, but how does the design of our kitchens reflect who we are?Quintain Living – the award-winning rental management company with thousands of homes at Wembley Park – has plenty of experience when it comes to designing kitchens to suit all sorts of chefs. From the design and layout to the individual appliances that are included, the kitchen design in each building tells the story of that particular property. “The kitchen is the heart of the home and the right kitchen design can be a powerful contributor to that. We are delighted that each of our buildings at Wembley Park provides its own individual kitchen style, which is a key element of each apartment’s appeal for many of our residents.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living Take Canada Gardens, designed and managed by Quintain Living, for example. A building designed around family living, with lush green gardens, a children’s playpark and playroom, a clubhouse and allotments, its kitchens have been designed with family cooks firmly in mind. The British country vibe is given an urban twist, with modern composite stone tops offset by shaker door fronts and antique brass ‘D’ handles. Some apartments feature open wall units, so that kitchen items can be displayed for visual interest, while the exclusive penthouses feature copper finish extractor hoods, pendant lights, marble style countertops, and large, American-style fridge freezers. Without question, these are kitchens for producing hearty family meals aplenty, with wine fridges to raid when the kids have gone to bed. The design of the kitchens in Ferrum, by way of contrast, speak to the more experimental chefs – those who take a more eclectic approach to the dishes they serve. Ferrum is the ideal home for those looking for a Brooklyn-style loft with a London lifestyle, from its state-of-the-art gym to its superb rooftop social spaces. Its kitchens mirror the building’s warehouse-feel, with industrial details in the wall shelves provided for microwaves, solid wood worktops for warmth and black finish handles and white tiles keeping the design contemporary. The shaker style door fronts are a nod to vintage design, while the mix of integrated and non-integrated appliances gives a loose, relaxed feel. Over in Quintain’s Landsby building, on the other hand, the modern Scandi design feels far more precise and orderly. One of the earlier designs of Quintain Living’s apartments, Landsby’s kitchens are all about sleek lines and clean, contemporary finishes. From the fully integrated appliances to the composite stone worktops, these are kitchens that provide a calming space for chefs to work with meticulous attention to detail – no recipe is too tricky to be tackled in a Landsby kitchen! Flat colour doors and drawer fronts in soft tones with a matte finish complete the look. Quintain Living’s latest launch, The Robinson, takes things in another direction. The homes are pitched to appeal to younger professionals, with kitchens designed accordingly – these are the ideal places for those just starting out on their culinary adventures and with the enthusiasm to match. There are six different kitchen colour palettes throughout the building, all of which feature bright, playful hues. “We had great fun with the design of the kitchens in The Robinson. These are kitchens made for trial and error – for simple pasta dishes, late-night nachos and the gradual refinement of blossoming culinary skills. The Robinson’s apartments feature exposed concrete in the ceiling and columns, so we used the bright kitchen colours and wood laminate worktops to warm up the look and feel. The resulting kitchens exude welcome and encouragement for budding young chefs.” Fossey Arora And then there are the kitchens at Beton. The entire building is awash with cool, confident design, from furniture co-designed with the likes of Ercol, Muuto and Hay to its ‘broken plan’ social spaces, cinema room and pool table. Situated at the heart of the action in Wembley Park, with shopping, dining and experiences all around, it is perhaps unsurprising that Beton’s kitchens are so well suited to stylish entertaining. Their design has a two-tone finish, with dark lower cabinets and wood finish wall units to bring warmth. They add to the vibrant apartment interiors, which are alive with bright pops of colour. The composite stone used for the worktops and splash backs has a graphic texture, which fits the building design beautifully, while the copper finish handles deliver the kitchen’s own burst of colour. Thanks to Quintain Living’s partnership with Samsung, all homes available since late 2017 have featured Samsung kitchen appliances. Other features, meanwhile, are decided on a property-by-property basis. In The Robinson, for example, the cookers are web-enabled, along with the washing machines and dryers, while the penthouses in Canada Gardens feature smart fridges.For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927.
The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023. MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the GB market. The Government announcement stated; “Businesses must prepare for the end of recognition of the CE mark in GB and affix the UK marking using a UK-recognised ‘approved body’. Our intention is to end recognition of the CE mark by 1 January 2023. Current rules will remain in place until legislation is laid to end recognition of the CE mark. Businesses should comply with the new UK regime, as soon as possible. This includes use of the UK mark in GB. To allow businesses time to adjust, some CE marked goods, that meet EU requirements, may continue to be placed on the GB market. However, we intend for this arrangement to end on 1 January 2023, and businesses should ensure they are prepared for the new system before it comes into effect after we have laid legislation.” On hearing the confirmation, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer commented: “Though we anticipated there would be an extension, we are relieved that the extension period has been confirmed, giving companies an additional twelve months to comply with UKCA marking.” Over the last two years, the GGF has been in discussions with MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on the issues (testing and certification) around the continuous implementation of the Construction Products Regulation and CE marking post–Brexit. The concerns raised by the GGF still remain and the Federation is constantly pushing for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that would be accepted by the EU27 before the legislation expires at the end of next 2022. David Borland continued, “The EU has refused to recognise test evidence for AVCP3s (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance 3) since 1st January 2021 if supplied by a UK testing body. This will still mean additional testing costs for UK businesses notwithstanding the possible backlog of products to be tested. So whilst we are relieved for the extension, we remain cautious about the future of testing and certification for UK products. On behalf of our Members, we will continue dialogue with Government and hope for a smooth transition to UKCA marking.”
Visitors going to the Nationwide Windows & Doors stand F33 at Housing 2021 will see the very latest improvements to make windows and doors smart. Fingerprint is Nationwide’s app to provide lifetime traceability of certification, components and installation through QR codes. It provides full product traceability from manufacture and installation and continues throughout its lifecycle. Alongside Fingerprint, Nationwide is showing Kubu for perimeter security and Ultion for state-of-the-art locking. “These latest innovations make windows and doors smart,” says Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows & Doors. “Fingerprint will revolutionise the management of maintenance and service calls. An installed product’s history can be accessed by scanning a permanent QR code to instantly show proof of certification and product specification such as hardware or glazing details. Critical maintenance data is available for housing stock, offering opportunities to significantly reduce management time. “As part of our commitment to improving communities, housing and homes, we have a prize draw for visitors downloading the Fingerprint app before or during the show, with a donation of £1,000 to the winners chosen charity or community scheme.” Visitors to stand F33 will be able to use all the latest smart technology for themselves and enjoy a FREE coffee. To find out more visit www.nwd.co.uk
Windows and doors by Kawneer feature on apartments at Greenwich Square. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for a primarily residential building at the heart of the redevelopment of London’s Greenwich Square for their aesthetic, acoustic, thermal, fire-resistant and sustainability credentials. Kawneer’s AA®543 open-in windows and AA®540 fixed lights feature in the stairwells of Block 3 – a seven-storey, garden-courtyard block of 325 apartments for Mace Developments that was masterplanned by Make Architects and delivered by KDS Associates. In addition, Kawneer’s AA®543 windows, AA®540 series of fixed lights and AA®545 doors are coupled together on all elevations and complemented by the thermally superior AA®720 doors and fixed lights on the ground floor entrances. Work on the £80 million building by main contractor Mace took almost three years and delivers a 6,895m2 mix of studio and one- to three-bedroomed units, 292m2 of commercial space, and basement parking for 195 cars and 600 bicycles. Part of Phase 3 of the £250 million regeneration of a three-hectare brownfield site, Block 3’s build of concrete frame also utilised off-site methods, with prefabricated bathroom and utility pods. Nikhil Raj, Associate Director with KDS Associates, explained that Make Architects had been responsible for the whole masterplan of the site which included Block 3 that was developed to Stage 3 level. He said: “The original scheme was not commercially viable, therefore Mace development appointed KDS to rationalise and optimise the Make Architects’ original scheme. KDS assisted Make Architects in submitting an NMA by adding another storey and an additional 42 units to the existing scheme. Upon receiving a successful approval on NMA, KDS were appointed by Mace Developments to deliver Block 3. “We needed a slimline and robust look, along with the benefit of better acoustic and thermal performance. Aluminium also played an important part as we wanted to earn some additional BREEAM points.” He added: “I have worked with Kawneer products before, so it was no surprise that they delivered on their promise again.” Greenwich Square was a stalled development on Government brownfield land for more than 10 years before Mace, as principal equity investor, worked through the complex issues with a special purpose joint venture company, to finally unlock the site. The team brought together the numerous stakeholders involved to channel energy around a common purpose – to create a new community for east Greenwich that delivered 50% high-quality affordable housing as a key focus. The vibrant new destination comprises 686 new mixed-tenure homes and a community hub with facilities including a leisure centre, library, health centre, adult education college and shops, all planned around an attractive town square. One of the first schemes in the UK to make use of the “Buy now, pay later” land initiatives, the creative social housing model included a pre-sale to L&Q of 314 of the residential units and a commercial transaction with the council for the funding and future management of the Greenwich Centre. Phase 1 comprised 361 apartments, maisonettes and town houses as well as the public square, GP surgery, leisure centre, public library and retail space, while Phase 2 added 325 studios and one- to three-bedroomed apartments (239 private and 86 affordable). Sustainability was integral to the design of Greenwich Square, from the design of the apartments and townhouses to the facilities provided for residents. All the homes are designed to Code Level 4 Fabric First for sustainable new homes as well as meeting the Building for Life Silver Standard and CEEQUAL “Very good” for landscaping and public realm works. Nikhil said: “The key requirement was amendment to Approved Document B. This was not officially published at the time of registering with Building Control, therefore a lot of design changes were anticipated to future proof the building. The project that is delivered is robust and fully compliant in line with the latest amendments to Approved Document B.” Richard Blakeway, Deputy Mayor for housing, land and property for the Greater London Authority, said: “Greenwich square is a great example of GLA brownfield land being used to build much-needed housing of an excellent quality with fantastic public facilities to boost the local community.” Greenwich Square won the gold award for best mixed-use development at the What House? Awards in 2015.
After the massive strikes throughout plumbing companies across the UK earlier this year, many homeowners have been left wondering how to handle emergency boiler servicing if it happens again. Bluewater Plumbing, a North London based plumbing and heating company, has a secure and effective solution for these situations. Introduced earlier this year, Bluewater Plumbing’s ‘Comfort Club’ is designed for savvy homeowners who prefer to identify and prevent potential issues before they become a problem rather than fix emergencies when a crisis suddenly arises. Compared with ordering each emergency repair individually when the need arises, a subscription to the ‘Comfort Club’ programme gives clients more convenient, ongoing assistance, as well as offering more cost-conscious clients greater certainty about the fees involved. By subscribing, clients get considerable time and money savings. Offering services from all major boiler companies, ‘Comfort Club’ is an annual subscription which makes keeping your boiler and heating systems in check a breeze. ‘Comfort Club’ plans include: annual boiler service with service parts flue gas analysis central heating magnetic filter clean central heating chemical inhibitor gas pressure test repairing the boiler & broken parts heating controls radiators & radiator valves gas and heating pipework Bluewater Plumbing clients also benefit from fast-tracked emergency servicing, as well as special offers for new boiler installations if the old one is beyond repair.
Omega PLC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Batchelor as Head of Major Projects from 16th August 2021. Paul brings to Omega over 10 years of kitchen industry and main contractor experience in the contracts sector having worked with Moores Furniture Group, Lendlease and LOCOG who prepared the Olympic Stadium for London 2012. In his new role at Omega Paul will lead the effective delivery of major projects across the UK, ensuring a first-class service to Omega’s customer base. As well as strengthening the team, Omega invested to double its stock holding and increase its warehouse and production capacity to support its ambitious growth plans. Paul said of his appointment; ‘I am delighted to be joining Omega at this exciting time and (I) am looking forward to working with the team and our clients to deliver Major Projects in accordance with Omega’s industry leading standards of safety and service.’ Katy Snow, National Head of Contract Operations at Omega said of Paul’s appointment; ‘We’re excited to welcome Paul to the Omega family at such an important time for the company. I’m certain his experience in the contracts industry will deliver our plans to increase major projects for 2021 and into the future.’
There are several government proposals on the table signalling a transition from where we are today to net zero 2050. Technical solutions have not been decided, but there is talk of certain technologies favoured for carbon reduction – among these are hydrogen-ready boilers and heat pumps. In the short term, it is likely we will see carbon free gases such as hydrogen and bio methane introduced into the current gas grid, neither of which would require home appliances to be replaced. However, should the hydrogen blend exceed 20%, which it eventually will, a hydrogen-ready boiler would need to be installed. 100% hydrogen blend may not be possible for another 10 to 15 years, so in the interim it is likely that government policy will legislate only hydrogen-ready boilers can be placed onto the market from as soon as 2025 – effectively future-proofing existing homes in the UK. Positively, hydrogen-ready boiler installations are simple and straight forward. They connect to the existing gas grid, look like any boiler we see today, the installation process is the same, and will run on natural gas until hydrogen becomes available. At this point, it takes an hour of an engineer’s time and two or three components before the boiler is ready to run on 100% hydrogen. I expect some social housing providers might wish to move forward with this before hydrogen comes online. Heat pumps are another solution to reducing carbon. They are not the easiest of technologies to install, as changes will generally need to be made to the heating and hot water system, as well as the very fabric of the property. While some are pioneering these technologies into existing homes, others may wait until government policy becomes firmer. There may be a middle ground where a gas boiler is supplemented by the installation of an air to water heat pump, a hybrid system which is very common in parts of Europe. We expect there to be various solutions, if not already there, available over time. The general trend of the country, in fact, the world, is to reduce carbon – this is one of the biggest challenges that anybody with housing stock faces. Martyn Bridges is Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch
