People like to say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And you know what – they couldn’t be more right. No matter whether you want to have a social hub for your family, strive to increase the market value of your property or simply enjoy cooking, the
With over 125 years of experience in the construction industry, Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is looking ahead to a prosperous future with a forward pipeline of works of circa £90million in both the public and private sectors. The Derby-based construction group has been successful across all sectors, including education, commercial
Create the best prospects for sports with high-quality sport flooring. Why you might ask? Well, because sports floors are not just floors. The right floor can help athletes perform their best at all times. It gives the ultimate freedom of movement and ensures that every athlete can fulfill his/her full
The second stage of demolition works has commenced at HS2’s Euston station site in London. The HS2 project will see capacity doubled at Euston station with eleven new high speed platforms. New images released of the site show progress on the two 1970s towers at the front of the station.
UK Plumbing Industry Background In the UK, research has suggested that the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning installation industry generates approximately £16 billion in revenue and employs 149,098 individuals among 36,800 businesses. This year the industry is said to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.8%. It’s safe to
Conservatory and Glass Industry The conservatory and glass industry is on the rise in the UK. Many consumers opt for conservatories in their homes because It gives them additional space, and it helps them with personalising their homes. Their functionality is vast as they are used as a home office,
If your company produces hazardous waste at any point, then it is your responsibility to make sure there is a viable waste management system in place to deal with it. Failure to do so can result in damage to the environment and harm to human health. Hazardous waste can be
The revised plans to demolish the Copperas Hill Police Station and build a huge student accommodation instead look set to be approved. The vacant property – which has been dubbed a “wasteful economic resource” – was constructed in the 1970s and occupies a frontage along Copperas Hill and Moor Place.
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long
People like to say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. And you know what – they couldn’t be more right. No matter whether you want to have a social hub for your family, strive to increase the market value of your property or simply enjoy cooking, the kitchen is the room where your attention should be. Interestingly enough, all of the causes we’ve covered above could greatly benefit from a slight touch of affluence. Let us then take a look at practical ways to make your kitchen look more expensive that should be on the top of your next remodeling to-do list. Introduce marble elements In terms of interior design, marble stands for elegance and exclusivity. As you can probably guess, its price reflects these qualities. But there is a silver lining. If you want to make your kitchen look expensive, you don’t need to replace all the countertops with this material. Instead, you can just as well use pre-cut marble tiles to highlight some of the surfaces (countertop, walls or floors) and produce almost the same effect. The material works well with different color schemes. Let the matte loose If marble represents an expensive material that should be used sparingly, there is no good reason why you shouldn’t let loose and drown elements in dark matte colors. What are you going to get with this effort? Well, dark matte surfaces feature a certain streamlined look, heft and masculinity that lend them a modern, almost industrial look. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a much more pleasing visual solution than the cheap-looking glossy surfaces you had before. Work on the details We are talking about all the small items you usually don’t give too much thought to but have a tremendous impact on the overall vibe of a room. If you, for example, replace your door handles with some stylish pieces, you will be able to underline the look you are pursuing, make the doors look far more expensive and even draw attention away from some minor imperfections. Layer the lighting This small intervention requires relatively little effort and produces extraordinary results. Instead of your tired, flat look, you will split your fixtures in two groups – dim, ambiance lighting that gives the kitchen a very moody vibe, and task lighting that draws attention on your countertops, isles, tables and display pieces. If you go one step further and use visually pleasing fixtures like Edison bulbs and pendant lighting, you will only make the setting more exciting and opulent. Bring in the mirrors Mirrors are probably not the first thing that crosses your mind when you imagine an average kitchen, but we are not dealing with the average here. Much like in any other room, kitchen mirrors will visually expand the space and reflect natural light, making the room brighter and lending the room a touch of a modern, streamlined look. Adding them to unexpected surfaces like cabinet doors and the backsplash will go beyond this simple, utilitarian purpose and turn the whole idea into a bold design statement. Play with patterns If repainting the walls is the easiest way to make some room look fresh, introducing different patterns lends the space a great deal of personality and makes it more lavish. If you are willing to try out this option, covering sections of the walls with patterned tiles definitely makes the most maintenance-conscious option. Still, you should not rule out accenting your efforts with a couple of bold and cleverly-placed wallpapers. Shock and awe with unexpected vignettes This is, by far, the oddest design choice on this list, but also the one that will probably create the strongest visual impression. So, who says that your countertop can’t serve as a perfectly good spot to showcase a massive bust of some historical figure? Or that you can’t fill one of your shelves with vintage 1950s radios? Kitchen walls are just as good for displaying modern art like any other. The less obvious your choices are, the stronger impression you will make. We hope these seven suggestions of how you can make your kitchen look far more expensive than it is in a fun and exciting manner without spending excessive amounts of money give you some ideas. Of course, you can also use the tips we presented to develop some ideas of your own. Just roll up your sleeves and give your kitchen that long-overdue makeover. No matter what your motifs may be, even you will be stunned with the results.
With over 125 years of experience in the construction industry, Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson is looking ahead to a prosperous future with a forward pipeline of works of circa £90million in both the public and private sectors. The Derby-based construction group has been successful across all sectors, including education, commercial and residential. The family business – which was named as a top 10 contractor in the East Midlands by a recent construction industry survey* – has re-modelled the company to take into account the recent changes in the economy. This strategy has been beneficial as the business looks towards 2020 with a greater emphasis on the more buoyant markets of residential, facilities management and the logistics sector. Construction Frameworks also still play a significant part in G F Tomlinson’s business with a consistent client base and focus. In order to ensure it has the skill base and resources it needs to build on this strategy, G F Tomlinson continues to provide technical apprenticeships to many young people looking for a career in the construction sector, something they have done consistently for the last 40 years. Following in the footsteps of his recently retired father, Barry Sewards, group chairman and managing director, Andy Sewards said: “Having been established for over 125 years, we have a tremendous breadth of experience throughout the industry, with forward-thinking values to back this up. “We are now at a point in time where we are re-modelling the business to look ahead to the future, embracing new ideas to capitalise more on the buoyant sectors in the marketplace. This approach will ensure the company is well placed, providing greater opportunities for continued success for many years to come”.
Create the best prospects for sports with high-quality sport flooring. Why you might ask? Well, because sports floors are not just floors. The right floor can help athletes perform their best at all times. It gives the ultimate freedom of movement and ensures that every athlete can fulfill his/her full potential. But why invest in high-quality sport flooring as a sports association, high school or college? Well, the answer is perhaps not as straight forward as you might expect. Yet it is unbelievably simple. Great sport flooring helps prevent injuries and by preventing injuries you play a role in helping athletes grow with their sport. The key features behind floor safety You might not know a great deal about the technical qualities of sports flooring and, as a result, might beprone to opt for a cheaper option to cut costs – but don’t. Floor safety and performance are closely intertwined and below you can read the key factors behind the floors’ safety and technical properties. These are the key factors which Junckers, who has provided sport flooring since 1930, has identified as being highly important for the overall experience. Shock absorption Shock absorption is the impact of energy absorbed by the floor when landing after a jump. As a result, a shock-absorbing floor minimizes the risk of injuries particularly knee and ankle injuries. Friction The correct friction rating is equally important to prevent injuries, especially, with regards to ballplayers, where it is important the floor is not to smooth as this means ballplayers cannot move rapidly or change direction without slipping. Friction rating should be between 80 and 110 for sports involving any kind of balls. If the friction value is below 80 the floor is too smooth and over 110 it becomes too solid. In both instances, it increases the risks of injuries. Ball bounce Ball bounce refers to the balls’ rebound when hitting the floor. A good rebound increases the speed of the game and control over the ball. When buying sport flooring, you will see that the ball bounce is measured in percentage. This percentage is the rebound achieved by the sports floor compared to the rebound measured on a normal concrete floor. Vertical deformation Vertical deformation is an indicator of the floors’ ability to absorb shock. It depends on its flexibility when exposed to dynamic load/impact from light running.
The second stage of demolition works has commenced at HS2’s Euston station site in London. The HS2 project will see capacity doubled at Euston station with eleven new high speed platforms. New images released of the site show progress on the two 1970s towers at the front of the station. Four floors have already been removed from the office blocks. HS2’s early works contractor, a Costain and Skanska joint venture (CSjv), working with demolition sub-contractor McGee have wrapped the towers in an acoustic wrap designed to limit dust and noise. They have also stripped out the interiors leaving just the shell of the buildings. This progress has been reached over the last seven months. “HS2 has the potential to transform Euston, more than doubling the number of seats out of the station during peak hours, freeing up more space for commuter services and improving links to the London Underground. The complex demolition of these two towers will be a turning point for Euston – the first major change to the skyline for almost fifty years,” said Euston Programme Director Rob Carr. This next stage sees the team carefully lifting excavators equipped with pneumatic breakers and hydraulic munchers to the top of the towers, where, 60m up in the air, they have begun gradually breaking up the structure of the building. Material from the building is then lowered by crane, or dropped down the former lift shafts in the centre of the building to limit disturbance caused by dust and noise. The work has been made more complex by the discovery of a huge 2.8m thick heavily reinforced concrete pedestal supporting the weight of One Euston Square. Over the next year, the two towers are set to be reduced to just over 28,000 tonnes of crushed concrete, with the material stored on site ready to be reused during the construction of HS2’s London terminus. In total, 98% of the structure is expected to recycled. The 40m and 60m towers are expected to get down to first floor level by January 2020.
UK Plumbing Industry Background In the UK, research has suggested that the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning installation industry generates approximately £16 billion in revenue and employs 149,098 individuals among 36,800 businesses. This year the industry is said to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.8%. It’s safe to say that this multibillion-pound sector is a big deal. The APHC and BREC Partnership In 2018, it was reported that the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) and British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) would join forces to establish a partnership. The purpose of this merger involves developing qualifications, courses, learning materials, and overall raising the standards across the industry. Both the APHC and BPEC are leading entities in the expanding plumber industry, so one year on we’re looking at what innovations this parthership has inspired. Once partnered, one of the first action items both the now joint companies implemented was training programs which included one-day courses on Water Regulations, Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment & Disinfection, Sanitary & Above Ground Drainage and Wet Room Design & Installation. These subjects are taught by experienced trainers who are considered experts in their field. It seems the partnership has improved the way tuitors are selected for the programs. The reasoning behind this training stems from the fact that the corporate leadership of this collaboration recognizes that the plumbing and heating industry is continually evolving and to keep up one has to be consistently investing. Specifically, investing in the knowledge and abilities of the employees associated with the company. Improvement to teaching standards has benefited both niche courses such as Unvented Cylinder Installation basics and more general training programs like Gas Appliances basics which is an obvious step in the right direction for those who are looking to achieve their Gas Safe card. Furthermore, in addition to technical skills, the executives have made it a point to personally and on a company-wide perspective, keep up with new technology and legislation. This updated pervasive technique of instructing and informing plumbers is set to revolutionize the industry in different ways. To provide incentive, the APHC has offered 100 rewards aimed at companies that apply for and complete the course. Plumbers are no longer discrete entities that are immune to the growing pace of the world. Now, they are integrated service workers that must be consciously aware of their intercontinental surroundings. How does the APHC and BREC partnership change the training scene of the plumbing industry in the UK The partnership between APHC and BREC is set to positively impact the training scene of the plumbing industry. Together they set to increase industry standards primarily through development qualifications. They want to start from the ground up, slowly building the confidence, expertise, and intellectual stamina of plumbers destined to serve the next generation. In support of their initial mission, the integrated companies established a week called the “Quality Plumber Week” to discuss the pros and cons of introducing a single mandatory plumbing license. The idea that one must have a license to practice is a hot topic amongst industry leaders, and executives understand that. Both companies understand, but they also know that to progress in a forward direction, you must lead the way by first opening a conversation. Conversations allow ideas to flow and dialogue to be expressed between persons who have different perspectives in the future. While the “Quality Plumber Week” is a novice idea that has recently been executed, its importance still reigns as if it was already a trademark event. Training Scene of the Future The future of plumbing has many different facets. On one end, it is more involved with plumbers having to obtain a license, and large companies streamlining the training of these individuals. On the other hand, the future of training also pays homage to the change in times. With information as abundant as ever, plumbers are not exempt from having both casual and textual knowledge. The training offered, since the merger of the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors and British Plumbing Employers Council, has catalyzed change in this concrete facility motivated industry.
Conservatory and Glass Industry The conservatory and glass industry is on the rise in the UK. Many consumers opt for conservatories in their homes because It gives them additional space, and it helps them with personalising their homes. Their functionality is vast as they are used as a home office, entertaining area and even a greenhouse. Research has indicated that conservatories can be viewed as a cost-effective method of cultivating new space for your friends and family as well as for increasing the value of your property. Despite the uncertainties that the current political situation adds to the mix, construction is not struggling as much as we expected the ongoing demand for construction of personal homes and business continuously growing, the glazing industry has skyrocketed to unforeseen levels. To provide context, “glaziers” are often requested to both add artistic flair and constructional components to a variety of construction projects. Both the conservatory and glass industry are on a steady uphill path in the UK, and by the looks of it, their progress doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The Expanding Conservatory and Glass industry When building a conservatory, several factors from foundations, cost, and permits have to come in place. Typically, if an individual or business wants to invest in a conservatory, at least a few thousand pounds must be set aside. The pricing scale relating to the conservatory industry is dependent on several factors. Some of these factors include building foundations, materials used in construction, height and width, and unique or seasonal offers. In general conservatories prices may start from around £4,000 to £6,500 for a “small standard” room up to £25,000 to £50,000 (or more) for rooms such as bespoke orangeries. Examples of different types of conservatories include standard conservatories, Victorian conservatories, P, T, L shaped conservatories, and orangery rooms. Consumers have many options to choose from. Partly, the progress in the UK conservatory industry is driven by innovation. More people are gaining confidence in installing conservatories thanks to improvements in conservatory roofing and temperature regulation. New materials are also being introduced. Instead of just the traditional wooden and plastic structures, metal frame conservatories are coming into fashion. Nevertheless, before diving into the conservatory world, it is essential to only deal with accredited or adequately certified installers. One of the most notable companies in the conservatory industry is the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Recently, it has been reported that GGF gained approximately 67 new members during 2018 and its members had achieved a record number of assignments with over 200,000 UK homeowners. Specifically, as it relates to conservatories, research has implied that the number of units installed during 2018 has jumped by 9% – the highest level since 2009. Overall, in-depth investigation has suggested that the market has seen £1.4 billion in revenue and now is responsible for the employment of 9,616 individuals. In tandem with the growing conservatory industry, the glass industry has too seen a steady growth. GGF not only manages certifications relating to conservatories but it also oversees ragulations relating to the production and installation of glazing products. Within the glazing industry, contractors are typically expected to install glass and glass products in locations ranging from new buildings, commercial, and public sector markets. With the ever-growing architectural demands of today’s society, the glazier industry is more relevant than ever before. Given that industry performance is procyclical, or related to economic fluctuations, over the next five years it is expected to grow at a compound rate of 8%. What’s Next for the Conservatory and Glass Industry? As the conservatory and glass industry begin to reach new heights, new threats and breaks must be recognized. Residential construction is expected to request new glazing for houses, but opportunities in office development have been stalled due to the situation with Brexit. Furthermore, the growing environmental concerns of consumers will demand more eco-friendly installations that companies must be prepared to meet. Nevertheless, despite these heightened concerns and challenges, the expansion of the industry must be celebrated. An expanding industry means new jobs, new jobs means economic growth, and economic growth leads to prosperity for everyone involved.
If your company produces hazardous waste at any point, then it is your responsibility to make sure there is a viable waste management system in place to deal with it. Failure to do so can result in damage to the environment and harm to human health. Hazardous waste can be liquid, solid, sludge, or even contained gases. Whatever form it takes, there is a risk that it could contaminate groundwater and surface water supplies. This in turn can present a threat to human and environmental health. As a result, the UK government has outlined strict requirements for the monitoring and managing of hazardous waste. The following guide serves to help you plan a suitable waste management system for your hazardous waste. We’ve teamed up with 8 yard skip supplier Reconomy, who are experts in managing all types of waste, to provide this overview: Types of hazardous waste The most common types of hazardous waste are: construction, demolition, industry, and agriculture. There are many different examples of hazardous waste, including but not limited to: asbestos, batteries, brake fluid, printer toner, pesticides, solvents, oils, and ozone-depleting substances (such as those found in some fridges). If your company produces or stores these types of materials, then the duty of care and responsibility for these materials falls on you. The first stage of effective hazardous waste management is to identify what the substance is. This should then be stored separately from your general waste, as well as any other types of hazardous material. Safe storage Of course, the first aim of hazardous waste management should be to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that your company produces. But for any that is unavoidable, it should be stored and labelled clearly so that anyone on-site knows what it is. To prevent contamination, waterproof covers should be used to prevent any run off. Each type of hazardous waste should be stored separately, and for liquid waste, barriers or bunds should be used to prevent leakages or spills. For the duration of these materials being stored on-site, regular checks should be carried out to ensure the containers are not damaged or leaking. Keep a classified inventory of the hazardous waste on-site as well, so that if an incident does occur, you have information available for the emergency services. Record-keeping Hazardous waste needs to be accounted for when it is collected, so your business will need to fill out a consignment note. This note needs completing before the waste is collected. A consignment note is required for: Moving hazardous waste from one site to another within the same organisation. Collecting waste produced by another business on a customer’s premises and needs moving. Collecting waste from register waste carrier businesses. A consignment is not required for: Moving domestic hazardous waste. Asbestos is exempt from this and requires a consignment note. Waste that is covered by a different movement note due to having been imported and exported under international shipment controls. Details for the consignment note To correctly fill out your consignment note, you need to accurately detail the following: A description of the waste. How much it weighs, in kilos. For liquid, use the appropriate volumes. The chemical and biological composition of the waste. The form the hazardous waste takes: solid, liquid, gas, sludge, powder, etc. With the note filled out, you then need to pay the fee. For England and Wales, the fee is £10 per collection, or £5 per collection within a milk round. For Scotland and Northern Ireland though, the fee is usually £15.
The revised plans to demolish the Copperas Hill Police Station and build a huge student accommodation instead look set to be approved. The vacant property – which has been dubbed a “wasteful economic resource” – was constructed in the 1970s and occupies a frontage along Copperas Hill and Moor Place. An application to redevelop the site for a similar purpose – as well as two other such developments – has been approved but not implemented. The most recent is considered to be unviable, with Liverpool Edge Ltd having drawn together a scheme which it believes would work in its place. Submitted in February, the plans consisted of a nine-storey building, of which eight would be presented to the Copperas Hill, Moor Place and Marquis Street frontages, and the top two storeys would be set-back from the frontage of the six storeys below. The plans would comprise 34 cluster apartments providing 280 bed-spaces, revised from 35 and 294 respectively. Each would have a dedicated access door leading to a shared lounge and kitchen facilities. Also put forward are plans for a public realm courtyard space, which would be centred on the area extending from Marquis Street. A planning statement submitted to Liverpool City Council noted that there is a “clear demand for the student bedspaces within Liverpool”. It added that the proposed development would provide a “much-needed multimillion-pound investment into the city” and help create more than 100 construction jobs. The application is now set to go before the authority’s planning committee on 17 September. A report drawn up ahead of the meeting said: “It is considered that the proposed student residential use of the site is acceptable in this location and will not result in an undue loss of amenity for neighbouring occupiers. “The proposed building will bring a vacant site back into beneficial use ensuring it contributes positively to the area. In addition, it is considered that the proposals are satisfactory from a traffic and highway safety viewpoint.” Approval has been recommended.
Out of 145 entries submitted in 2019, 91 National Landscape Awards have been bestowed on 63 members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), with several members winning an Award in multiple categories. Since the event was brought back in-house in 2018, numerous records have been achieved including the most entries received in the past 10 years as well as the highest number of entries from first-time entrants at 51, 35% of the total entries and an incredible record of 34 International entries. Notable wins include five Awards for Registered Contractors Nurture Landscapes, four Awards for Garden Club London and three Awards for Rosemary Coldstream MBALI of Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design. Registered Contractor Sky Garden, who recently joined BALI also took home an Award for its scheme ‘One Bayshill Road’ in the ‘Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K’ category whilst Bridgman & Bridgman, another new member, won an Award for its roof garden at IKEA Greenwich. The BALI National Landscape Awards’ expert Adjudication Panel, led by John Melmoe was joined by BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills, Operations Manager Kirsty Wood and Events Project Manager Leah Brookes for a three-day deliberation marathon in late August where each of the 145 entries were scrutinised. Reflecting on this year’s tough deliberations, John said: “The meeting was extremely heated at times, with in-depth discussion on each and every scheme submitted. This is a very healthy process with a blend of good humour thrown in. The complexity of some projects entered is always interesting and shows the diverse nature of the industry in which we are involved. The majority of categories were well supported, but we noted a very strong presence from the domestic categories. The quality of both the presentation and precision of execution within this sector were extremely high. The commercial sectors have some serious competition coming through. Each year the range of projects submitted continues to grow and we need to portray the industries’ capabilities to a wider audience within the construction industry and beyond. The Awards provides the platform for showcasing the industries skills and has increased in stature to become the leading event in the landscaping calendar. I cannot wait to gauge the anticipation of the members at this year’s ceremony.” Leah, who is managing the event from BALI Landscape House, said: “This is my first BALI National Landscape Awards event and I have been so impressed with the high standards achieved by members. With a record number of entries since 2009, it proves that the Awards remain the largest landscaping Awards event in Europe, celebrating and rewarding schemes in the UK and internationally. I personally had the pleasure of joining some of the Adjudicators on their site visits this year, to get a firm understanding of the process. It’s true what they say, they really do leave no stone unturned when judging is underway.” Wayne added: “Looking at the results this year, it’s clear our members are some of the world’s most talented, highly skilled landscape professionals, with projects that continue to set the benchmark in quality standards. Using cutting-edge technology and incorporating state-of-the-art materials helps to define these schemes and sets them on pedestals that are in a league of their own. Members have also demonstrated ways they have invested heavily in training and attaining industry – recognised accreditations, an exemplary achievement considering budget restraints and fluid economic market conditions. Congratulations to each and every one of you and I look forward to seeing you displaying your achievements on your own website and marketing materials.” With the ceremony fast approaching, it has been confirmed that sport and lifestyle presenter Mark Durden-Smith is the host for 2019 and tickets are now on sale and expected to sell-out quickly upon the release of this year’s winners. The ceremony will be held on Friday 6 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London with Headline Sponsor and BALI Registered Affiliate Green-tech. For more information and for tickets visit baliawards.co.uk. Early Bird rates are available until Monday 23 September 2019. BALI National Landscape Awards 2019 – Award Winners Domestic Garden Construction – Under 30k – Sponsored by Derbyshire Aggregates • LDC for A Private Residence in Leytonstone • Boast About The Garden for Outdoor Kitchen & Seating Area • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Teddington • Langlea Garden Design & Construction for Line Domestic Garden Construction – Between £30k – £60k – Sponsored by Palmstead Nurseries • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Weedon • Garden Club London for Private Residence in Middlesex • Garden Club London for Private Residence in London • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Peckham Domestic Garden Construction – Between £60k – £100k – Sponsored by Johnsons of Whixley • HG Landscapes for ECS • Isola Garden Design for Family Lifestyle Garden • Graduate Gardeners for Private Residence, Kirtlington, Oxfordshire • Baikie Landscape Construction for Private Residence in Burghclere • PWP Landscape Design for Private Residence in Harrogate Domestic Garden Construction – Between £100k – £250k – Sponsored by Van den Berk Nurseries • Verde Landscapes for Private Residence in Kent • J & S Scapes for Private Residence in Wingrave • The Outdoor Room for Ribbon Wheel Garden • Living Landscapes for Private Residence in Surrey • Outdoor Options for Belvoir House • Greenhaven Group for Pendlehaven • Landscape Associates for Private Residence in Wandsworth Domestic Garden Construction – Over £250k – Sponsored by Europlants UK • LDC for Private Residence in Esher • Inscapes for Private Residence in Old Windsor Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500k • Bowles & Wyer for Newnham College • Sky Garden for One Bayshill Road Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Over £500k – Sponsored by Bourne Amenity • NT Killingley for University of Northampton, Waterside Campus • idverde for Sauchiehall Street Avenue, Glasgow Hard Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) – Under £500K • Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for Cannon Park Memorial • NAO Landscapes for Bedford House • PC Landscapes for Exbury Centenary
To put it simply, green building, or eco-friendly building means developing and applying environmentally-conscious strategies throughout the entire process of elevating a building. Eco-friendly construction practices are starting to gain more and more popularity, and for good reasons. They are not only good for the environment, but in the long run, they are also more efficient and cost-effective. The main goals of green building are to minimize the environmental footprint, not only during construction, but throughout the entire existence and usage of the building. Basically, anything you can do to reduce the negative impact that the construction of a new building has on the environment, from the energy required to transport materials, to the one needed to heat the entire structure, can be considered a step forward towards green building. But what are the best eco-construction practices? Smart house designing Every good project starts with a good plan, so the first step towards an environmentally-friendly building is developing a strategic layout. First of all, you must take into consideration the area where the building is going to be placed. Does is get sunlight all day long? Are there any tall buildings around it? How is the weather in this area? These are all questions that need to be answered prior to designing the layout. When it comes to room placement, the best way to make use of sunlight as much as possible is to place the most used rooms on the sides of the house where you get the most sun. This way, you can reduce the use of artificial light throughout the day. Of course, to get as much sunlight as possible, you need big windows. Design the windows to both fit the aesthetic and functionality of the house. In the living room area, you can even go as far as having an entire wall made of windows. If possible, consider a skylight or roof windows, for extra light. Insulation, insulation, insulation Insulation is paramount for preserving energy. It helps keep the heat or cold in, reducing the need for overusing the heating or cooling installation. The problem with conventional insulation materials is that they contain toxic chemicals either in their composition or in the adhesives used, which not only endanger the environment, but also the people living inside the house. Those chemicals are slowly released into the air and are inhaled into the lungs. Fortunately, there are many natural materials that can be used for insulation, which do not present any harm. Some of those are even more affordable than conventional materials. Sheep’s wool, for example, can be used as insulation and does not contain any chemicals. If you want an even more eco-friendly option, you will be pleased to know that recycled cotton, obtained from discarded pieces of clothing that are being shredded, is another effective insulation option. Some companies even produce insulation boards made out of wood fiber. The boards are made out of wood chips that are left over by the timber industry, which are then glued together by using natural, non-harmful adhesives. Mindful waste disposal Without proper disposal of the waste that is resulted from construction, all those other good practices would be meaningless. If the construction process requires the demolition of an old building, instead of disposing of the materials on landfills, where they would just turn into piles of dirt, they can be sent to recycling centers, where they can be later on recycled into new construction materials. Another way to safely and easily dispose of construction materials is to hire skips. Although statistics show skip hire prices are increasing across the UK, you can still find plenty of cost-effective and reliable options online. Price is usually determined by the type of waste that needs to be disposed of, current demand and traffic levels, but typically the average price does not exceed £350 for an 8 cubic yard skip. Before disposing of anything, make sure it can not be reused in other future projects, which could bring out significant cost reductions. Part of the roofing, for example, can be reused to cover a pergola for the back yard, or a small garage. Use sustainable materials Of course, make use of as much recyclable or biodegradable products as possible. Apart from reusing old materials, contact companies that provide recycled construction materials. Brick, mortar, adhesives, there is a wide range of companies that now produce recycled or non-harmful materials for construction purposes. When possible, also make sure to purchase locally sourced materials. This helps both to support local suppliers and invest in the economy of your city, but also to avoid transportation costs and energy use. Transporting materials form long distances has a massive effect on the environment, as large trucks are known to bet the biggest reason for near-road air-polluting. Apart from construction materials, make sure to promote the use of energy-efficient house appliances also. LED bulbs, for example, last 35 times more than incandescent bulbs and can help save up to 75% more energy. Low-flow toilets are also a good option for saving water, as well as low-flow showerheads and taps. Harness renewable energy Last, but not least, promote the installation of solar panels as much as possible. When it comes to solar panels, some people are scared by the initial prices of installation, but in the long run, the return is worth the investment. Some governments even offer help to those who want to invest in solar panel installation. Solar panels can also be used in the construction phase, to generate power for the equipment used. This will not only reduce operational costs, but will also back-up the eco-friendly practices you are trying to promote. This will serve as an example for the entire industry and prove that the way construction was done by now can be improved. Taking care of the environment is a duty that everyone should perform. It shows concern for the issues that the entire world is confronted with at the moment and provides people with
