LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has opened bidding for its brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework, valued at £545 million. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors will be appointed to the new framework, which will run for four years and has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s
North East-based regeneration specialist RE:GEN Group has delivered £9.5m worth of decarbonisation works to over 1,600 social rented homes. Achieved in little over eight months, the team has delivered more than 4,100 energy improvement measures as part of the UK Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). Working with a range
Energy efficiency requirements, guidelines for domestic hot water hygiene, and individual wishes of building owners are just some of the challenges that design consultants face in their daily business. In order to support them effectively and sustainably, Taconova has developed a new service and technology portfolio for designing efficient heating
A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned
Mason UK meets stringent specification with proactive engineering Park Modern is a residential development with luxury apartments, exceptional facilities, and views across Hyde Park. Due to the proximity of the structure to the London Underground, extensive vibration control was required. This article describes how vibration control specialist Mason UK tackled
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry,
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – the brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework. Valued at £545 million, the framework has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s existing suite of frameworks. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics
Building services and engineering consultants FHP has been specified to provide MEP and design services for a multi-million-pound residential led mixed-use regeneration project in North London. The firm is providing a range of RIBA Stage 3, 4 and 5 MEP technical and construction Revit design services to the city’s leading
ABB delivers innovative and intelligent energy storage solution for Sweden’s landmark culture center Keeping visitors and staff safe with a unique battery energy storage solution for the wooden structure’s sprinkler system In case of an energy failure, the ABB solution will provide sustainable back up power 24/7 The Sara Kulturhus
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has opened bidding for its brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework, valued at £545 million. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors will be appointed to the new framework, which will run for four years and has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s wider suite of frameworks. The framework will be available nationally and be split into a number of UK regions. It will be open for all types of public sector organisations to procure through, including but not limited to, local authorities, blue light services, housing associations, healthcare, education, aviation, rail, nuclear, highways and infrastructure. The framework will be split into three lots and be open to a full range of suppliers. Each lot contains four value-banded sub lots, allowing organisations to tender for projects on varying scales. Jonathan Parker, head of construction at Pagabo, said: “Framework users will be able to appoint suppliers via direct award or further competition, making sure they are able to procure exactly what they need, how they need and when they need. As with all of our frameworks, there are a number of places reserved for SMEs, which when combined with the regional breakdown ensures fair access for organisations of any size, provides excellent choice for clients and makes sure that the maximum positive social value for communities can be achieved. “Since we announced this framework, we’ve been really pleased with the interest from across the market. This was particularly prevalent during the engagement period, allowing us to shape the framework in the best way to meet the requirements of the market. We’re now pleased to be opening bids and look forward to seeing tenders submitted from suppliers across the market.” Cumbria, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear NHS (CNTW) will be the contracting authority for the new agreement, having also held the same role for Pagabo’s Major Works and Developer-Led frameworks. Suppliers are able to submit their tenders via the procurement portal here until 16 May 2023, with notifications of success expected late June 2023. For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
North East-based regeneration specialist RE:GEN Group has delivered £9.5m worth of decarbonisation works to over 1,600 social rented homes. Achieved in little over eight months, the team has delivered more than 4,100 energy improvement measures as part of the UK Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). Working with a range of partners including Gentoo Group, believe Housing and Karbon Homes, 1,619 homes have been upgraded to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of C. Lee Francis, CEO of RE:GEN Group, said: “As a direct result of this work, more people are now living in warmer, more comfortable, energy efficient homes. “In partnership with our clients and with the support of a fantastic supply chain, this first scheme of work has been delivered on time, within the original deadlines set out by the UK Government – a fantastic achievement for all involved.” RE:GEN Group installed 4,179 efficiency improvements, from deep retrofit measures including external wall insulation, new windows and doors, PV panels, and whole house ventilation strategies, to more light touch measures of loft insulation and installing energy efficient lightbulbs Following the recent announcement of SHDF wave 2, RE:GEN Group will deliver approximately £20m of decarbonisation works over the next 20 months to homes across the North East Brian Bedford, head of sustainability at RE:GEN Group, said: “Here at RE:GEN, we are passionate about sustainability, whether that’s reducing the carbon footprint of our own operations, or sharing our knowledge and expertise with those we work with and the wider construction industry. “The last eight months have been both a steep learning curve and huge success in equal measure. To have improved the efficiency of over 1,600 homes in such a short space of time is an incredible achievement which has only been achieved by the hard work of all involved with the projects.” The SHDF was launched to help landlords with the costs of decarbonising their properties to achieve an EPC rating of C across all homes by 2030. The funding supported the installation of energy performance measures to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and deliver warm, energy efficient homes. Marc Edwards, director of asset and sustainability at Gentoo Group said: “Gentoo appreciate the impact that the current cost of living crisis is having on our tenants. When energy bills are at an all-time high, it’s now more important than ever that we do everything we can to provide our tenants with safe, decent and energy efficient homes. “Through the funding we received from wave 1 of the SHDF, we were able to improve the energy efficiency of more than 400 homes with our delivery partner RE:GEN Group.” Ruth Dent, director of assets and compliance at believe housing, said: “Working with RE:GEN Group, we’ve successfully upgraded the energy efficiency of more than 1,200 homes. “The measures installed are helping our customers to feel warm and comfortable at home, and to manage their energy costs. “Importantly for believe housing, everyone working on the scheme was from the area, so the local economy has also benefitted, and we’re reducing the impact of our housing stock on the environment. “This has been a brilliant scheme of works, which is making a real difference to our customers and the planet. “We now look forward to working together to reach even more homes and customers with the next phase of decarbonisation works, part funded by SHDF wave 2.1.” RE:GEN Group supported Karbon Homes with the delivery of a £2.5m retrofit project, which included improving the energy efficiency of homes in Ouston, County Durham. Works included the installation of external wall, cavity wall and loft insulation, to tackle the fabric performance of the property, and integration of PV panels into the roofs to help reduce fuel bills and support grid resilience. Craig Lonsdale, asset and sustainability at Karbon Homes, said: “With the cost of energy rising fast, our work to improve the efficiency of our homes for our customers has never been more important. It’s been great to work with RE:GEN on this project, taking a fabric first approach to delivering energy efficient measures and insulation upgrades to homes in Ouston.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy efficiency requirements, guidelines for domestic hot water hygiene, and individual wishes of building owners are just some of the challenges that design consultants face in their daily business. In order to support them effectively and sustainably, Taconova has developed a new service and technology portfolio for designing efficient heating and domestic hot water systems, just in time for ISH 2023. Starting with the basic assessment, through the selection of suitable technology to commissioning and maintenance: with the new Taconova “TN Comfort System” and the individual consulting services, practical tools and new intelligent system solutions in the field of centralised and decentralised heat interface units it offers, designers and housing associations receive the exact support they need in every project phase. Plan – Tech – Care: Visitors to the Taconova stand at this year’s ISH were able to find out first-hand what this means from the international Taconova team of specification consultants. “We have upgraded this year, especially in the area of heat transfer and domestic hot water heat interface units, with products and services that innovatively continue the company’s system idea. This includes our ‘TN Comfort System’,” explains Patrick Freudenreich, Consultant and Project Business Team Leader at Taconova. “With the system and the ‘Plan – Tech – Care’ segments, we effectively and sustainably facilitate our customers’ daily work.” Plan: Personal consultation even before the project begins “Plan” stands for personal consultation before or at the beginning of a new project. This segment includes a whole range of services and advice. “When it comes to designing and planning efficient heating and domestic hot water supply, we, as specification consultants, are there for our customers right from the start. We are their personal contact and support them during the initial phase of design,” says Patrick Freudenreich. “Furthermore, we help them select the appropriate technology.” Practical online tools, such as the Taconova Configurator, offer designers additional assistance in this project phase, and all important product and system data sheets can also be accessed online. In addition, Taconova is working on a new, comprehensive training programme on all aspects of efficient heating and domestic hot water supply. Tech: Technology for comfortable and efficient heating The “Tech” segment of the “Comfort System” comprises Taconova’s proven and new system solutions from the system technology sector, which includes Taconova’s centralised and decentralised heat interface units, solar and storage loading stations. As ready-to-use and space-saving complete solutions, they have always simplified and accelerated design and installation. In everyday use, they guarantee reliable operation, reduce maintenance to a minimum and optimise energy costs. In particular, the latest devices and system solutions from Taconova can be easily and conveniently integrated into the building management system, which means they can be maintained and optimised remotely, providing designers, installers, and housing associations with particular convenience. “In this segment, too, we offer technical support and assistance in the selection of suitable products and systems as specification consultants,” adds Patrick Freudenreich. Care: Reliable After-Sales-Service After the tender means before the installation: even after the design has been completed and the appropriate technology has been selected, Taconova remains at the customer’s side to provide support if needed. “Our ‘Care’ segment is about providing excellent support,” explains Patrick Freudenreich. “Behind this is everything that concerns the after-sales area. In concrete terms, this means that we also help our customers personally during commissioning and maintenance if required and offer remote support via ModBus interfaces.” At www.taconova.com/en/comfort-system, designers, architects and housing associations can discover the numerous advantages of the Taconova Comfort System and contact the specification team directly. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading mechanical and electrical contractor has started work on a key renewables project that will save more than 34,500kg of CO2 emissions. Atherton-based Ash Integrated Services is installing more than 500 solar panels on behalf of Stockport Council at Endeavour House, a depot building on Bredbury Park Way, owned and operated by Totally Local Company. The M+E firm is also installing 24 car ports, three electric vehicle charging points and battery storage, and it will also deliver associated civil engineering works and assist with the installation of a substation. The project will generate approximately 230kWh and the energy will power Endeavour House directly, with any excess transferred to the battery. A key challenge for Ash will be completing the scheme safely and on schedule while operating on a live site, with frequent waste vehicle movements as part of MOT, servicing, and repair work. Stockport Council is seeking to become a carbon-neutral city region by 2038 and appointed Ash to deliver the Endeavour House project following a competitive tender process. Co-founder and co-director at Ash Integrated Services Antony Grace said: “This complex scheme is ideal for our skillset and builds on our previous renewables projects on live sites. “We will have a team of six, including an apprentice, working on the electricals side, with another five delivering the civils to lay cables. “With the installation of the car ports as well as liaising closely with Electricity North West on the substation, there are many layers to this development, and we’re excited to have started on site.” The scheme is scheduled to complete at the end of May and will be future proofed to allow the council to further its sustainability credentials. Antony added: “We will be connecting the new substation to the workshop area as well as removing the existing supply and inserting a new panel. “The latest infrastructure and technology is being used, including the use of larger cables to handle higher usage in the future, such as with the investment of electric waste vehicles.” Endeavour House is one of two key schemes kick-started by Stockport Council this spring, with the view they will act as the blueprint that will help it and other local authorities to learn how best to retrofit renewables onto existing buildings. Cllr Mark Roberts, cabinet member for climate change and environment at Stockport Council, said: “In March 2019, Stockport Council declared a climate emergency and pledged support for the Greater Manchester Five Year Environment Plan. “These two projects are just the start of fulfilling that commitment and this is a fantastic example of one of the many solutions available to organisations and businesses in the borough to decarbonise our society.” Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for highways, parks and leisure services, said: “This is very welcome news and it is so important that we make provision to decarbonise in order to future proof our services. “This is another big step forward in our commitment to become a carbon neutral borough.” David Hughes, CEO at Totally Local Company, which operates out of Endeavour House, said: “The introduction of solar panels at TLC’s site in Bredbury is a great step forward in our target to decarbonise our operations and, by adopting the latest technologies, builds on our current green agenda. “We’re proud to support Stockport Council’s target to be carbon neutral by 2038.” Supported by a capital grant from the European Regional Development Funding (ERDF), as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, this funding has come about by working jointly as a consortium with five Greater Manchester authorities under the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) programme. For more information, visit www.ashintegratedservices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mason UK meets stringent specification with proactive engineering Park Modern is a residential development with luxury apartments, exceptional facilities, and views across Hyde Park. Due to the proximity of the structure to the London Underground, extensive vibration control was required. This article describes how vibration control specialist Mason UK tackled these challenges and delivered a challenging specification. Park Modern includes 57 high-end apartments, with prices for these apartments ranging from £2 million for a one bedroom to £60 million for a striking nine-bedroom penthouse. The development also includes a wellbeing floor, with a residents-only spa, treatment rooms and private healthcare, a 25-metre swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a 16-seat cinema that residents can reserve for private use. For contractor Ant Yapi, this was their sixth project in the UK and their largest to date. The building rises nine levels above the ground with the majority of apartments overlooking Hyde Park. The design and building project required extensive ground retaining structures in close proximity to the London Underground Central Line to support the open excavation to 20 metres below ground level for the lowermost basement level. In addition to the facilities listed above, such as the swimming pool and gymnasium, the basement levels also contain plant areas. Enter Hoare Lea With the London Underground Central Line so close to the basement, vibration from the tube would be easily transmitted into the building’s structure, causing unacceptable noise within. Martin McNulty, a vibration consultant with Hoare Lea, provided the specification to guide the contractor and meet the client’s requirements. In addition to comprehensive site surveys, Hoare Lea carried out a number of computer simulations to predict the vibration levels at the basement level and throughout the development. The results confirmed high levels of vibration would be present in the primary structure. McNulty recalled that ‘‘a view was taken to ensure a premium-quality approach throughout all noise sensitive spaces, including the basements. In this scheme, sensitive spaces were not confined to above ground residential spaces, as is common, but also below ground in amenity and health care zones. This presented a challenge, as a one size fits all approach for building with significant basement zones is difficult.’’ Ultimately, this required a two-stage approach, controlling both groundborne vibration, comprising building isolation to mitigate dwellings at Level 1 and above, and a box-in-box strategy for the floors below. Box-in-box solutions would be required at all basement floors down to the lowest floor of development. Further, the client’s aspiration was that certain noise-sensitive spaces below ground were subject to the same performance standards as those above ground. This was particularly challenging as proximity to the tube tunnels meant vibration levels below ground were far in excess to those which would be above ground. ‘‘To meet this challenge, we developed a high performing box in box system and also insisted upon the contractor testing at key points throughout construction to ensure the designs were optimal. This also had the added benefit of permitting some value engineering opportunities to benefit the client,’’ explained McNulty. To deliver the specification, Ant Yapi turned to vibration control specialists Mason UK. ‘‘We needed Mason both for the structural isolation of the entire building, and for box-in-box isolation at the basement level,’’ explained Baris Bayraktar, Construction Manager at Ant Yapi. Ant Yapi also brought on board another acoustic consultant, Cahill Design Consultants (CDC), to ensure that Hoare Lea’s recommendations were implemented on site. The isolation line As depicted in Figure 1, the isolation line for the project ran horizontally across level one, while dipping down the two elevator cores to the bottom of the basement (B3). This is standard when providing structural isolation for a building with elevators, as cutting through building cores or reacting ground bearing pressures compromises acoustic performance. This method meant the elevator cores at the bottom of B3, along with the entire building from level one upwards, were isolated on a system of 8Hz rubber bearings. ‘‘I had previously been involved in projects where bearings were used for seismic activity, so I was familiar with the theory. However, this was the first time I had worked on a project where they were required for acoustics,’’ recalled Bayraktyar. In total there were approximately 350 vertical load bearings, ranging in size from 130x130x95mm thick to 460x460x95mm thick to suit the various loads. The implementation of this design interrupted the vibration transmission path from that generated by tube trains into the building’s structure, where it could manifest as noise disturbance in the apartments above. However, with the bearings in place there was a need to provide lateral restraint. Columns and building cores provide extensive lateral restraint and prevent a building swaying under wind loading. However, measures have to be implemented, both to provide lateral restraint but also to ensure that the acoustic performance of the bearings is not compromised. For this project, this was achieved through the use of a system of shear pins. These are simple, inexpensive and acoustically excellent as they do not engage unless wind loads are present. Furthermore, the introduction of bearings required working closely with the structural engineers at AKT. Adding bearings to a building effectively introduces movable connections which would otherwise be rigid. It was essential that Mason provided preliminary bearing designs well before ground was broken to AKT so the structural model could be updated, and loads redistributed. Charlie Ashton, a structural engineer with AKT, described a ‘‘long winded, iterative approach,’’ involving lots of coordination between AKT’s engineers and Adam Fox, Director at Mason UK. A key part of Ashton’s job was updating the finite elements model to incorporate Mason’s bearings. After the model had been run (a process that typically would take twelve hours) it would usually require Mason to make changes to the system of bearings in light of fresh calculations about loads. ‘‘Every time you run the model, you get a different set of reactions,’’ explained Ashton. ‘‘In addition to calculations about what load a bearing can handle, you also have to
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry, offering vital hands-on experience of working on overhead lines, with underground cables, and in substation fitting. As part of the course, Smith Brothers will provide direct, practical advice to a pair of trainee fitters — with one of the positions already filled. This will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT). “Apprenticeships provide people of all ages with a fantastic opportunity to combine practical learning with earning an income — something which is more pertinent than ever, in the current economic climate. As an employer, it’s our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region. If you qualify as a fitter, you have a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world. It’s important that we do our bit in fostering the brightest and best in engineering talent,” explained Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers. The course is designed to give apprentices a sound working knowledge of a wide variety of fitting activity, as well as an understanding of safe working practices, and the practical skills and techniques to enable them to become valuable members of the workforce. The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though, as Dave continued: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn a trade. Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job, but years later, they might be keen to back up that ‘on the ground’ experience with a formal qualification.” As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the UTC training centre, 9-10 months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City & Guilds academic requirements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for its latest framework – the brand-new Mechanical & Electrical Solutions Framework. Valued at £545 million, the framework has been designed as a solutions-based offering to complement Pagabo’s existing suite of frameworks. A range of specialist M&E subcontractors will be appointed to the framework, which will run for four years after going live. Pagabo has already been engaging with M&E providers ahead of issuing this prior information notice. It will also hold a market engagement session on 28 February with the wider market to ensure the collaborative development of a truly fit-for-purpose framework. To allow the framework to be open to a full range of suppliers, it will be split into four value-based lots, allowing organisations to tender for different sized projects. The national framework will also be split into a number of UK regions. It will be open to all types of public sector bodies, including, but not limited to, blue light services, housing associations, healthcare, education, aviation, highways and infrastructure, rail, and nuclear. Jonathan Parker, head of construction at Pagabo, said: “We’re very pleased to be bringing a new framework into our suite of services. The drive and demand for more smart buildings has created more work for companies with mechanical and electrical capabilities, especially in support of the healthcare and higher education sectors, which we’re going to help them compete for. “Appointing the most suitable supplier for each project will help ensure clients have a collective approach to innovation. Whether it’s offsite manufacturing by the contractor, to electrical modelling to the highest energy standards by the M&E specialist, this framework is one of our offerings that will help build quality project teams. “We also build into our framework development and tender processes a dedication to SMEs within the industry, making sure they are afforded equal opportunities across our suite of frameworks – and that is no different for this latest framework.” Cumbria, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear NHS (CNTW) will be the contracting authority for the new agreement, after holding the same role for Pagabo’s major works and developer led frameworks. Pagabo works with more than 480 public sector bodies throughout the UK and has successfully helped its clients procure more than £3.6 billion of works, goods and services projects through its suite of frameworks. This work has also generated more than £5.3 billion in social value for local communities. Suppliers are able to register their interest here: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/pagabo/aspx/ProjectManage/1265 To register for the pre-market engagement, please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ox7eNg5WTpinjG45J4_LOA Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics around natural gas boiler installations, heating controls, the potential role for hybrid heat pumps in the future, and a proposal for mandating ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers from 2026. With the potential to change heating professionals’ working lives significantly, Baxi wants to highlight the importance of responding to the consultation to ensure the heating industry has an active role in shaping the policy decisions set to determine the long-term future of the sector. Baxi has been at the forefront of renewable heating development, including hydrogen demonstration projects and research across the country. For residential applications, Baxi has supplied it’s hydrogen boilers and 20% blend compatible to projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% Hydrogen Home near Gateshead and the H100 Fife project of 300 homes in Scotland. Most recently, Baxi has partnered with H2Go Power to deliver the world-first commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Furthering expertise in hydrogen being made available to Baxi is from its parent company, BDR Thermea, who have recently launched a world first hydrogen pilot in the Dutch town of Lochem. The company is using its 100% hydrogen boilers in 12 inhabited homes – which closely resemble the UK’s existing housing stock in age and energy efficiency – with hydrogen supplied via an existing natural gas grid. Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK’s first UK Hydrogen Week take place, highlighting the sheer scale of research and development taking place to explore the viability of the fuel as part of a practical route to net zero for our industry. Baxi’s commitment to developing hydrogen appliances as low carbon alternatives to natural gas is a key part of our wider strategy of lowering emissions from heating and hot water provision. “We hope initiatives like Hydrogen Week will increase the support and urgency at which we push hydrogen as one of the key pillars of decarbonisation, in addition to guiding policy in the area.” With hydrogen-ready technology for heating applications mentioned by the Government in its latest consultation, policy direction could be pointing towards the technology as one of the solutions for the future. Jeff adds: “Whatever the rules and regulations put in place by the Government, the industry is moving towards a low carbon future, with heat pumps, hybrid systems, heat networks and hydrogen all set to play their part in this effort. To ensure we achieve this goal, it is vital that we take a pragmatic approach informed by the perspectives of that heating professionals who live and breathe our industry. We’d urge everyone involved in the heating industry to provide feedback on the consultation to ensure the policies it will ultimately result in are suitable and achievable.” For more information about Baxi’s work in the hydrogen space, visit: www.baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building services and engineering consultants FHP has been specified to provide MEP and design services for a multi-million-pound residential led mixed-use regeneration project in North London. The firm is providing a range of RIBA Stage 3, 4 and 5 MEP technical and construction Revit design services to the city’s leading residential-led mixed-use developer Regal London, which is leading the £270 million redevelopment of the former Euro Parts headquarters in Wembley. The site is currently being transformed into 759 new residential units across five high-rise buildings, which will feature 78 three-bedroomed family homes and more than 200 affordable properties. It all comes under plans to deliver a sustainable mixed-use development in line with the local authority’s wider aspirations for the growth and prosperity of the Wembley area. More than 33,000 sq. ft. of flexible commercial space is also under construction to accommodate retail, light industrial and logistics businesses. New communal amenity spaces within the upper roof terraces and at podium level area will eventually feature along with new landscaping, improved public access along the Wealdstone Brook, and the creation of 31,000 sq. ft. of children’s play space. FHP has been closely involved in the project from the start of RIBA Stage 3 providing mechanical, electrical and public health services together with sustainability, building physics and digital engineering support for what is being seen as one of North London’s most prestigious regeneration projects. A key aspect of FHP’s work centred on a review of proposed heating systems, developing two design options for either a 100% electric heating scheme or an alternative connection to a local district heat network. This allowed the developer to decide the best approach – a 1.7MW ASHP (air source heat pump) in conjunction with 1.7MW electric boilers – as part of a revised energy strategy submitted within the overall planning submission. Services to facilitate design stage and As-Built SAP and SBEM energy use and carbon emissions calculations were also completed by FHP as part of a comprehensive package of support. The Regal London project is the latest success for rapidly growing FHP, which employs 52 people and continues to see strong demand for services and growth across its London and Leeds operations. Tony Hewitt, managing director, said: “Fulton Road demonstrates the added value and insight we bring to multi-million-pound investment projects through innovative design-led MEP services. It’s also a reflection of the excellent work our team provides as we develop our commercial offering. We expect to see a strong performance this year as we invest further in expertise and secure new work nationwide.” Ryder Architecture is the lead architect on the Wembley site project. Fulton & Fifth is one of Regal London’s latest developments of more than 800 homes for sale alongside new independent cafés, shops and workspaces, due to complete in Q1 2025, said Damien Cartmell, managing director of construction at Regal London. He added: “With their expertise, technical insight and services, FHP are an important partner in helping to bring forward our vision for Fulton Road. Their input has ensured plans were delivered on time and to the highest standards as the various elements of the project progresses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ABB delivers innovative and intelligent energy storage solution for Sweden’s landmark culture center Keeping visitors and staff safe with a unique battery energy storage solution for the wooden structure’s sprinkler system In case of an energy failure, the ABB solution will provide sustainable back up power 24/7 The Sara Kulturhus is a state-of-the-art cultural venue and hotel in Skellefteå, Sweden. It is home to the city library, a museum and art gallery and a theatre which stages 450 performances a year. Standing 75m tall, the 20-story timber building is one of the world’s tallest wooden structures and is an international showcase for sustainable design and construction, with 100 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources, including hydro and wind generation. The timber structure is so sophisticated that it removes more than twice the carbon emissions produced by the operational energy it uses and the embodied carbon from the production and transport of the materials used to construct it. As a zero-emissions site, the Sara Kulturhus design required careful consideration and innovative solutions, such as its unique battery energy storage system (BESS) which was designed collaboratively by Skellefteå Kraft and ABB to provide reliable, clean power to the building’s all-important fire sprinkler system. In a timber construction like the Sara Kulturhus , the sprinkler system is critical to keeping staff and visitors in the building safe. Traditionally, this fire protection system would be powered by emergency diesel generators, which serve as an onsite power supply should the mains power not be available. With the Sara Kulturhus’ commitment to sustainability, there is no diesel generator on site, so an alternative solution was required. Skellefteå Kraft and ABB worked together on a bespoke energy storage solution to deliver maximum safety and reliability while harnessing the building’s hydroelectric green electricity, received from the grid, which is used as the power supply. The bespoke BESS comprises six battery packs from local supplier Northvolt, AC and DC switchgear from ABB, inverters from EPC Power and a transformer. For Patrik Sundberg, Business Manager at Skellefteå Kraft, the BESS installation at the Sara Kulturhus was the culmination of a journey of collaboration between his company, ABB and Swedish battery supplier Northvolt. He said: “This is a truly sustainable, negative carbon building that operates on 100 percent renewable energy. Our solutions had to mirror this, so it was important to find a sustainable safety solution to power the sprinklers that didn’t use diesel. To reduce the site’s carbon footprint, it was also key to work with local suppliers, like battery manufacturer Northvolt. This innovative new concept really pushes the boundaries on the use of battery energy storage for fire prevention applications and will set a new standard for sustainable buildings in the future.” With the unique wooden design of the building, ABB’s packaged solution was built, and factory tested off-site and then energized in the basement of the Sara Kulturhus. To make it easier to manage the BESS and to ensure a reliable 24/7 power supply for the building’s sprinkler system, the solution was supplied with a custom ABB eStorage OS energy management system to provide next level energy monitoring, diagnostics, and data and analytics. As well as optimizing energy use internally, this advanced autonomous AI technology interfaces with the building management system, allowing the center to interact with nearby buildings so any excess renewable energy generated can be supplied to other parts of the city when required. Sara Kulturhus CEO Anna Jirstrand Sandlund said: “This is a lighthouse project which embodies the region’s values of delivering ecological, economical, and social impact to attract more people to Skellefteå and supports the green transition across North Sweden. With a wooden building of this scale, fire safety had to be one of our main considerations. By collaborating with ABB and Skellefteå Kraft we have developed a unique solution that is now one of the highlights of our twice daily guided tours for visitors. With the building itself now a blueprint for sustainability, we continue to work towards equaling its impact on the inside and inspiring our visitors and residents to become more sustainable.” Learn more about ABB’s energy storage solutions offering by visiting solutions.abb/eStorage Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
