Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry.
Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for a £26million redevelopment at Barnfield College in Luton, part of the West Herts College Group. The works, which are due to begin in late May, will mark the second phase of a major project to transform the existing
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and
When Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, embarked on a project which is helping transform a former Liverpool children’s home into a bustling urban village, supply issues threatened to de-rail the tight deadline for fitting hundreds of square metres of carpet tiles and safety flooring. But thanks to a
Award-winning architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, has delivered architectural and interior design services for the landmark Grange Park development in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Working on behalf of Wesleyan, Grange Park business park – formerly the Zurich building in Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham – is undergoing a transformative refurbishment to upgrade
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has released an early update to its Guide to Specification, its most recognised publication, providing expert advice on how to specify office space. The update responds to challenges emerging from the pandemic and the accelerating need for the built environment to respond to climate
Interior design consultancy, Office Principles North, has handed over the new state-of-the-art headquarters of the UK’s leading mortgage intermediary brand, Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB). The three-storey Capital House at Pride Place in Derby has been reimagined as a modern, inclusive and eco-friendly office which offers people a greater choice in
Award-winning bathroom supplier HiB has released two new ranges to enhance their illuminated mirror offering. Both designed in their own distinct style, with a range of practical features, the Arcane and Cassini mirrors are perfect for use above a bathroom vanity unit and across other areas of the home. Cassini’s
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and
Leading flexible workspace prepares to launch its 5th London flex space. Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a new Management Agreement with Thames Estates Limited to create a high spec flexible workspace at Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn EC1 in the heart of Midtown. The new space will open
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry. Fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst reflects on the importance of proactive sustainability across the built environment and discusses the benefits of being Planet Mark certified with Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark and Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst. As a provider of professional fit-out and refurbishment services to the industrial, commercial and specialist sectors, Pexhurst is dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of its business operations, reducing waste and investing in green technologies. One way Pexhurst does this is through its association with sustainability certification Planet Mark. CEO and Founder Steve Malkin began Planet Mark as a truly effective people-driven sustainability certification for any organisation of any size in any sector, anywhere in the world. As of March 2023, Planet Mark works with circa 700 different organisations across a broad spectrum of industries. Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which recognises continuous progress, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference. In 2023, Planet Mark is proud to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping organisations cut carbon year-on-year and have a positive impact on society for current and future generations. Commenting, Steve Malkin said, “The next 7 years, as we edge towards the Paris Agreement’s checkpoint of 2030, are pivotal to the success of a more sustainable future. Organisations like Planet Mark, who certify not just on measurement but on continuous improvement, are integral in the drive towards a net zero society. At Planet Mark, we often say – ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’” The theme for Earth Day 2023 is ‘Invest in our Planet’. Planet Mark encourages businesses to begin assessing their carbon footprints as a first step to investing in the planet. Holders of Planet Mark Certification deliver results that go beyond data compliance, reaching new levels of sustainability and engaging their people in the process. Steve Malkin reflected, “We’ve seen that smart, forward-planning companies are discovering that it is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits. They are inextricably linked. Collectively, organisations like Pexhurst are helping to shape a brighter future for our planet and society. Regardless of size or sector, businesses are at the heart of our transition to a more sustainable future. Transformational change, however, won’t happen until we all work together to invest in our planet.” He continued, “This Earth Day we are calling on every organisation to do one thing: cut your carbon emissions so you can invest in both the planet and your business. Not only will you be saving money, your people will also enjoy the challenge and you’ll be joining millions around the world who are tackling climate change.” How Pexhurst are going the extra mile for the planet After compiling all their data for the specific reporting period, Pexhurst proudly received their certification in October 2022, and continues to report their social and carbon data. Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst, discusses the significance of his role as Planet Mark champion at Pexhurst. What does your role as Planet Mark Champion entail? “My role as Pexhurst’s Planet Mark Champion is to report our carbon and social data. This is vital as it gives us a starting point every year on how we can further reduce our carbon footprint. With help and suggestions from Planet Mark, we are achieving this. I collate Pexhurst’s data every year using documentation such as utility bills, fleet, and waste and submit this to Planet Mark. Planet Mark then assesses this information and certifies us for another year if we have achieved the standards. Another part of this role is continually finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint.” Why was Pexhurst inspired to gain its Planet Mark certification? “When you see a company with this certification it shows that they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Pexhurst is a sustainable and forward-thinking business, making this an important accreditation for us to achieve. We want to demonstrate to all of our existing and potential clients that we are committed to the betterment of our planet.” What initiatives does Pexhurst practise to create a more sustainable and equitable world? “As well as environmental impact, the social value side of sustainability is important to Pexhurst. Therefore, we believe measuring our positive influence on the economy, communities and society is imperative. We have apprenticeship schemes here at Pexhurst to encourage future generations to join the industry, where they can gain great experience and develop professionally and personally. Along with the apprenticeship schemes, we fundraised in excess of £16,000 for various charities last year which was a great achievement to all those involved!” In summary, why does sustainability matter to Pexhurst? “From energy usage to emissions, the construction industry is having a big impact on the environment. This is why it’s important, as a company, to do our bit to improve the quality of our lives, our children’s lives and the lives of future generations. By doing what we can, we will be contributing to a better world. Our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 5% this year, and to be Net Zero by 2030.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for a £26million redevelopment at Barnfield College in Luton, part of the West Herts College Group. The works, which are due to begin in late May, will mark the second phase of a major project to transform the existing Barnfield College into one campus, with scope for future growth. Gilbert-Ash’s contract includes the design and build of a four-storey concrete frame specialist teaching block, providing teaching spaces, staff spaces and break-out areas. In addition, the project will include landscaping, car parking and external walkways. The new building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the College’s construction and engineering students. It is also set to create employment opportunities with student numbers expected to rise significantly as a result of the new campus. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the company was delighted to be working on a project which will deliver a stand-out teaching resource for Barnfield College for generations to come. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for delivering world class teaching facilities with a growing portfolio of excellent projects in the education sector. “We view projects like this as not only delivering new buildings but instead creating opportunities for young people to receive the best training so they can build rewarding careers through securing high value jobs. “It is also particularly pleasing that the new Barnfield College campus will cater for the next generation joining the construction and engineering industries. At Gilbert-Ash we are committed to attracting people into our industry and one way we can do this is by constructing buildings which help inspire them.” Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com.
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and bridal suite, alongside RIXO’s full range of ready-to-wear, bridal and accessories. The brand has existing standalone stores on King’s Road, Marylebone and Carnaby Street. Delivered in partnership with Gemma McCloskey of CÚPLA Studio, Konstruct oversaw the design, construction and fit-out of the RIXO project, completed within just six months. RIXO has made a bold mark in the fashion industry since its establishment in 2015. Owned by Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the brand’s signature hand-painted prints and exquisite dresses have taken the contemporary fashion scene by storm across the globe. The team at RIXO appointed Konstruct to lead on the development of the King’s Road store due to their expertise and experience in high quality commercial fitouts as well as their excellence in interior design. Led by partners Martin Kernan and Columb Gribbin, Konstruct originated in County Armagh, with bases in London and Dundalk, County Louth. The company has grown significantly since its inception five years ago, driven by notable projects within its commercial, hospitality and luxury residential portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Speaking about this latest project completion, Managing Director of Konstruct Martin Kernan said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with RIXO on the creation of their incredible new flagship store on King’s Road. “Henrietta and Orlagh had a clear vision for the store, which sought to really capture the essence of the RIXO brand. From day one we were focused on creating a fun, versatile, colourful space to be in with standout features such as the flooring made using leftover marble – and with additions like the bar and coffee shop, RIXO have really enhanced the customer experience. “Working with Gemma from CÚPLA Studio has been an enjoyable and effective creative partnership, resulting in a real synergy between visual design and fitout. This has been a relatively short project in terms of timeframe so our whole team has worked incredibly hard to ensure the store was perfect for its first visitors to step into this spring. “We’re very proud to have been part of that and we congratulate Henrietta, Orlagh and everyone at RIXO on this significant milestone for the business.” Henrietta Rix, Co-Founder of RIXO said: “Seeing our flagship store on King’s Road be brought to life and now open its doors has been a joy. This store has been part of our plan from the beginning. We wanted to create a beautiful space that reflects the RIXO style and also encourages our customers to relax and spend time with us. Konstruct were the perfect partners to turn that into reality. “Working closely with Orlagh’s twin sister Gemma, Konstruct were able to create a store that is welcoming, playful, inviting – and the perfect backdrop to explore our collection. This opening marks a very important chapter in the RIXO story.”Amongst several major residential projects, Konstruct is now working on the development of a premium orangery venue in the Cotswolds and a high-end restaurant fitout in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, embarked on a project which is helping transform a former Liverpool children’s home into a bustling urban village, supply issues threatened to de-rail the tight deadline for fitting hundreds of square metres of carpet tiles and safety flooring. But thanks to a lot of chasing, some lucky deliveries and a dedicated team of just two floor layers, the entire project – which included screeding of the ground floor tile areas and fitting 96 stair nosings – was completed in two-and-a-half weeks and came in bang on deadline. From initial inspection to final sign off, the project at the former Fazakerley Cottage Homes, built in 1888, took Designer Contracts around five months after being commissioned to undertake the work by building contractor, Next Big Thing. The work was carried out between October 31, 2022, and November 18 2022 Now known as The Clocktower offices, it is part of a wider redevelopment scheme by Urban Splash to bring new life to an old site, transforming the historic building into one fit for commercial use. Luke Ryan, Designer Contract’s project manager for the installation said: “This was a great project to be part of and involved laying some 1300sqm of carpet tiles and 125sqm of safety flooring. During the fitting stage of the project we discussed changing the original plan of fitting carpet tiles throughout the ground floor communal corridor and decided to leave some of the original floorboards exposed. Keeping some of the authentic character of the building really enhanced the finished look. “To meet the brief we installed Select Carpet Tiles (Anthracite) in a linear pattern to three floors and Altro Wood Safety (Walkway – Manor Oak) in wet areas and kitchens. The site manager made this extremely easy to plan with constant communication of where the renovation was and was going to be at certain points. “We were also in constant touch with the guy running the site about the subfloors to ensure a perfect finish. “Hitting deadline dates at a time of stock issues was the main challenge but with a little luck and a lot of persistence we got there – and the client is extremely pleased with the finished result.” Said John Grugel of Next Big Thing Developments: “The fitting team did a great job on the Grade 2 listed building at The Clocktower. The two-man team fitting the carpets and vinyl throughout the office, toilet and kitchen areas were very efficient and the quality of work was to a good standard.” AddedMiles Pearson,co-owner of Jordan Street Studios at the Clocktower Park Offices: “The Clock Tower building is the centre piece of this 1890 listed estate and required both good design solutions and the highest quality of work along with a high level of durability. We have worked with Designer Contracts on this and other commercial schemes and have always found their product specification and installation to be of the highest quality. Both ourselves as developers and our tenants are extremely happy with the results and we look forward to working with them again on our future developments. I would have no hesitation recommending them and the completion photos demonstrate the high-end finish we were looking for.” From a development that once consisted of 24 cottages that were used as homes for children, The Clocktower now houses the NHS, Liverpool City Council, Fazakerley Special Needs and a private nursery the Clocktower. Redevelopment at the site is ongoing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, has delivered architectural and interior design services for the landmark Grange Park development in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Working on behalf of Wesleyan, Grange Park business park – formerly the Zurich building in Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham – is undergoing a transformative refurbishment to upgrade the existing office building with a focus on sustainable retrofit design to modernise the facilities. Set in 14 acres of parkland with over 100 mature trees and access to a further 11 acres of amenity space, Grange Park features three buildings: The Manor, a Grade II listed Gothic Revival house built in 1865 for Cheltenham solicitor Frederick Thomas Griffiths, The Coach House (the Manor’s carriage garage and stables) and The Grange, a 1990s purpose-built office headquarters offering approximately 185,000 sq. ft of high-quality office space. Works started in December 2021, and Marchini Curran Associates are the lead architects and interior designers for the CAT A refurbishment of the existing Grange premises – architecturally a well-considered building in need of modernisation. Phase One of the Cat A refurbishment is due for completion in June. The design approach focuses on upgrading the existing buildings and creation of collaborative shared spaces to encourage interaction between businesses. The refurbished facilities will align with market expectations, celebrating the best of the existing building and its surrounding environment. Key elements include opening up the existing atrium volume, refurbishment of retained key features, considerate integration of accent lighting to model the interior spaces and the use of natural materials referencing the green space of the parkland and rural surroundings. Flexible office suites surround the ‘Street’ (the central atrium) which has been re-imagined as an interior boulevard with shared bench furniture sitting under the canopies of newly planted trees and greenery. Upgrades to space heating and heat recovery ventilation ensure that The Grange is now more energy efficient and benefiting from the addition of roof mounted photovoltaics contributing to the generation of renewable energy. The target for the office suites is to achieve an EPC rating of B, post refurbishment. The approach of retaining and refurbishing existing building elements helps to hugely reduce reliance on landfill and supports the spirit of improving the built environment whilst reducing impacts on the natural world. EV charging points will also be available on site, and a bus service runs every fifteen minutes, helping to further reduce travel emissions. “Fundamentally, our design approach was simply to reinvigorate the existing office building and to celebrate the best of its substantial natural surroundings,” said Antony Phillips, design director at Marchini Curran Associates. “Collaborative and open spaces integrated with the environment, free flowing interiors, and sustainable elements all formed part of our wider design vision and once complete, Grange Park will provide a high-quality business destination in the South West, attracting clients looking for an inspirational, integrated base to adapt and grow from.” Grange Park is situated in a prime location close to the M5, just three miles from Cheltenham town centre and approximately four miles from GCHQ. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Council for Offices (BCO) has released an early update to its Guide to Specification, its most recognised publication, providing expert advice on how to specify office space. The update responds to challenges emerging from the pandemic and the accelerating need for the built environment to respond to climate change. The update advises designers how to create healthier offices that support changing working patterns, while reducing carbon emissions. New recommendations include: Reflecting the world of hybrid work The BCO has updated its guidance on space allowed for each employee when designing a speculative office building. 10m2 per person is recommended as the occupancy density design standard for general workspace. The former high occupancy density allowance of 8m2 per person has been redefined as a special use case for exceptional cases. Designing for the 10 m2 per person occupancy density provides greater scope for the variety of workplace settings needed to support hybrid working. It also avoids overdesign of core services, improves floorplate efficiencies, and minimises carbon emissions. The effect of changing technology The greater use of low-powered tablets, laptops, and smart phones, plus growth of cloud computing has allowed a reduction in small power load allowances 100 W to 60 W per person. This reduces the heat generated in the office space, which in turn reduces the cooling needed. Supporting the office sector to achieve net zero carbon Many developers already target BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ for new offices. Reflecting the rapid progress in the sector in adopting more demanding sustainability targets, the Guide is moving its minimum BREEAM target rating from ‘Very Good’ to ‘Excellent’, and introduces the latest building certification standard, NABERS UK – an energy performance rating relying on measured energy use. The update recommends targeting a 5-star NABERS UK rating for new building design. Market trends have fuelled a desire to create flexible, relatively column-free, open-plan offices. However, the structural solutions needed can be carbon intensive. The 2023 update to the Guide aids the future adoption of alternative structural materials such as timber by adding smaller 6.0 and 7.5 m spans to the recommended range. This wider range provides designers with more options to minimise the embodied carbon of the structure. The selection of high-performance facades, lighting and building services systems should also be made with net zero targets in mind, prioritising energy efficiency. Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said: “The BCO Guide to Specification often described as the ‘design bible’ for the office sector is an essential resource for the decision makers who invest in, develop or design millions of square feet of office space every year. The 2023 Update will drive the decarbonisation of the office sector, enacting change to help the industry deliver on the UK’s net zero by 2050 target. This new guidance for the highest-quality offices introduces more generous space standards and greater design flexibility to support wellbeing and sustainability as the office sector adapts to the world of hybrid work.” Neil Pennell, Chair of the BCO’s Technical Affairs Committee and Head of Design Innovation and Property Solutions at Landsec, said: “The BCO’s new guidance reflects changes in design thinking since 2019 driven by Net Zero Carbon targets, increased hybrid working post COVID-19, changes in regulations and improvements in equipment performance. There is a clear imperative to adopt a whole-building approach to decarbonise the sector which needs to start with the design and specification of new and refurbished office space. Developed in collaboration with the UK’s leading experts, the BCO Guide to Specification gives clear advice on how operational and embodied carbon can be reduced without compromising the need to provide flexible office space that meets the needs of occupiers and helps them to conduct their business in safe, healthy, comfortable and productive workspaces.” The BCO Guide to Specification update has been developed in consultation with experts from across the industry, including agents, investors, occupiers, and developers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Interior design consultancy, Office Principles North, has handed over the new state-of-the-art headquarters of the UK’s leading mortgage intermediary brand, Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB). The three-storey Capital House at Pride Place in Derby has been reimagined as a modern, inclusive and eco-friendly office which offers people a greater choice in how and where they work and socialise. Office Principles North has designed and delivered more than 13,000 sq ft of collaborative workspace that has been informed by expert research techniques. The bespoke office design provides a range of work settings for up to 300 people and is centred around open plan ‘neighbourhoods’, complemented by areas for group activities and focused work. Work settings include private pods, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and a large ground floor space for town hall gatherings, and there is also a wide range of fixed and agile desk and seating options to choose from. Employee wellbeing is at the heart of the new workspace design, with an emphasis on planting and natural daylight, and a dedicated area for prayer, nursing parents or meditation. Other features include exposed ceilings, acoustic baffles and crittall glazing, as well as feature pendant lighting and the latest AV technology to support video conferencing. The refurbishment also includes a new main entrance to the building and a refurbished façade, with new LED lighting, timber cladding and external signage. “This is an exciting, modern and transformative refurbishment that delivers a workspace where everyone can thrive. “We completely stripped the building back to shell to enable us to optimise the available space and create an office environment that is built around the way people work and play. This is a workplace that not only encourages collaboration and hybrid ways of working, but will go some way to attracting and retaining talent too.” Gary Tailby – Joint Managing Director of Office Principles North “We adopt a people-first approach at MAB, complementing our ESG strategy, and we wanted to create an environment to support our focus on wellbeing, diversity, and sustainability. “Office Principles North had a clear understanding of the requirements we provided to them, delivering the project on time and to an incredibly high standard. We’re so proud of the diverse and collaborative working environments we can offer to our colleagues, allowing them to thrive and perform at their best.” Claire Smith – People and Culture Director, Mortgage Advice Bureau Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning bathroom supplier HiB has released two new ranges to enhance their illuminated mirror offering. Both designed in their own distinct style, with a range of practical features, the Arcane and Cassini mirrors are perfect for use above a bathroom vanity unit and across other areas of the home. Cassini’s clean and modern design concept makes it a versatile mirror suitable for a variety of spaces. With no straight edges, a deep band of illumination around the mirror and a chamfered diffuser to create a gentle glow, the Cassini Curve and Round both offer soft styling that focuses on maximising illumination. The Cassini mirrors are operated using a touchless sensor and feature integrated colour temperature changing technology and a heated pad to reduce condensation on the mirror’s surface, greatly enhancing the user experience after a bath or shower. The Arcane range also includes a heated pad and touchless operation to operate the mirror’s colour-temperature changing-enabled illumination. Available in two finishes, black and brushed brass, with Curve, Round and Pill shapes in a variety of sizes, there is plenty of choice to suit every style of bathroom and requirements. Ash Chilver, HiB Sales Director, said: “Round and curved mirrors have a strong popularity among bathroom designers and these new ranges offer a plethora of options that maximise style, while also offering the features we know our customers love. “Each mirror has been designed to be hung portrait or landscape, opening up wider options for installation within a bathroom design. It’s fantastic to see Arcane and Cassini launched as our latest products to the market and I am looking forward to watching them flourish.” Also new for 2023 is the 100cm Bellus mirror, an expansion to the existing Bellus range in a larger dimension, perfect for offering extra drama and opulence to the space. To see the latest products, visit hib.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legrand UK & Ireland has announced the launch of Incara, a new product range of multi-functional, economic power devices for the modern workspace. With places of work continuing to evolve, the launch of Incara further emphasises Legrand’s dedication to making workspaces meet the needs of all users. Providing easy and flexible access to power or data sockets, style is at the heart of Incara which presents a vast range of functions and style to suit any interior. Easy to install, Incara is Legrand’s most flexible range of power solutions to date. From flush, in-desk disk-shaped contemporary sockets through to on-desk power and data connections, Incara has been designed to fit within any workplace furniture requirement. The range offers wireless charging, USB Type-A and C inputs and multiple colour schemes, while it can be designed with a mix of international power sockets if required. Additionally, Incara allows companies the possibility to take control on the presentation of the product, with bespoke branding options available. Manufactured from high-quality materials, Incara can fit in with the latest trends to meet the most challenging workplace requirements. This is achieved thanks to its configuration with a vast range of Legrand’s Arteor™ modules, which ensures a stylish, reliable and versatile solution is supplied. Paul Martin, Lead Marketing Manager for Legrand UK & Ireland’s power distribution ranges, said: “We are always searching for ways to manufacture solutions that meet the modern day needs of post-pandemic ways of working. With Incara, we have created a unique proposition for spaces that have desires for a high-end and flexible power solution. Whether being designed for a modern office, library, university or an airport lounge, Incara provides our most stylish and flexible solution to date.” As with all Legrand products, Incara boasts robust and durable qualities, helping to contribute to a more sustainable world. All packaging is made from recycled materials wherever possible, while Product Environmental Profiles (PEP) are available, providing a reference tool to measure the environmental impact of the product. Incara is also CE and UKCA marked, ensuring quality and compliance with legislation. Paul Martin added: “We are confident that Incara not only meets the needs of today’s workers, but it is also futureproofed for ever-evolving technology changes. Our R&D team remain dedicated to manufacturing solutions as sustainably as possible, and with Incara, we have delivered. When you add our renowned customer service commitment to the mix, we are in a unique position to deliver an unrivalled solution to meet the needs of all – whether installers, designers or end users.” The full range boasts eight products, with multiple variations includes: For more information, visit https://www.legrand.co.uk/products/power-distribution/incara/.
Leading flexible workspace prepares to launch its 5th London flex space. Orega, the flexible workspace provider, has completed a new Management Agreement with Thames Estates Limited to create a high spec flexible workspace at Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn EC1 in the heart of Midtown. The new space will open in early Summer 2023. The 33,500 sq. ft flexible workspace will be newly refurbished to provide around 550 workstations on the 1st and 5th floors of the building. In addition, there will be substantial collaboration and meeting spaces. Holborn Gate is a highly prominent office and retail building comprising approximately 175,000 sq. ft and was recently acquired by Thames Estates Limited in November 2022. The building is less than a minutes’ walk from Chancery Lane station, giving access to the Central Line, and is less than a ten-minute walk to Farringdon Station which gives access to the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines and is a key interchange on the Elizabeth Line. It is close to many local amenities including restaurants, coffee bars, gyms and hotels within a short walk. The area appeals to a wide tenant mix: it is home to many large corporate and legal and other professional firms including Sainsburys, Deloitte UK, Hogan Lovells, Mishcon de Reya and Irwin Mitchell. The Fleet Street Quarter bid is set to transform the area which will only enhance its desirability. The new workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base for the area’s professional and financial businesses, and will offer brand new: It is the fifth flexible workspace that Orega has launched in London and the fourth in the Midtown. The company now offers flex space from 23 locations across the UK and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements (as opposed to leases). Ben Hutchen, Real Estate Director at Orega, commented: “We have seen great opportunities for flex space in both Midtown and the City of London, and we now have five flexible workspace centres in London as a whole. This acquisition certainly bolsters our Midtown presence.” We believe we are successfully catering for the demand from businesses who are increasingly looking for a flexible way to occupy property but also require high quality “state of the art” space. We believe this trend will continue with the current economic uncertainty and reluctance of businesses to be tied into long leases.” BH2 advised Thames Estates Limited. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
