GRAF UK’s new-look rainwater harvesting range maximises the use of free water
Sustainability is optimised by GRAF UK’s new-look rainwater harvesting systems. A range of award-winning rainwater harvesting systems that maximise the use of free rainwater rather than rely on mains water top-ups has been launched by GRAF UK. The specialist water management company’s AA rainwater harvesting range bucks the trend for most such systems to top up underground tanks with mains water, which means the space set aside for free rainwater is compromised by water the homeowner is already paying for. In the new GRAF UK systems, the mains water feeds directly into the plumbing rather than via the tank, so full tank capacity is preserved for rainwater. This also makes the systems compliant with the AA part of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 which demand an air gap as non-mechanical backflow protection. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to enforcement action, as they are crucial for preventing water contamination. GRAF UK’s new range is so versatile that only two products or systems are required – the standard AA Eco-Plus and the advanced AA Silentio – with the tanks sustainably manufactured from 100% recycled plastic and built to hold between 1,500 and 7,500 litres. Both systems are designed for non-potable uses throughout the property, providing an efficient and reliable supply of rainwater for toilet flushing, washing machines, garden irrigation, and general outdoor cleaning. If the stored rainwater level becomes low, the system automatically switches to mains water via an integrated cistern beneath the pump unit, ensuring an uninterrupted supply without topping up the main tank. By keeping mains water separate from the tank, the system preserves full capacity for collected rainwater, maximising overall efficiency. Rainwater is gathered from the roof and channelled through downpipes into the underground tanks which are specially designed for shallow installation and ease of access – especially useful for refurbishment/renovation projects. As the water enters the tanks, it passes through GRAF UK’s award-winning high-performance filters, ensuring stored water remains free from leaves and debris. An external pump and control unit installed within the property draws water from the tank as needed using a floating intake which ensures extraction from the cleanest layer below the water’s surface. The external pump unit incorporates a Family Type AA air gap, providing protection in line with the water regulations. The tanks’ flat, shallow profile and ability to be backfilled with gravel rather than concrete help reduce excavation depth and installation time. Free UK mainland delivery is included as standard for even greater value. Both the AA Eco-Plus and AA Silentio systems are supplied with a telescopic dome shaft and pedestrian lid, with the option to upgrade to a vehicle-loading lid for driveways or areas with traffic. In addition, theAASilentio system also comes with a reversible flow filter and a digital display which gives the property owner an accurate level of how much rainwater is left in the tank. For more information on GRAF UK’s new AA rainwater harvesting range, please go to https://aasystems.grafuk.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn Group achieves outstanding GSL results and fifth consecutive Gold Certified Operator status
Student accommodation owner, developer and operator, Study Inn, has achieved another year of exceptional results in the latest Global Student Living (GSL) Index. Study Inn outperformed the private halls Net Promotor score benchmark of +26, with an overall Net Promoter score of +39, and retained its prestigious Global Student Living Gold Certified Operator status for the fifth consecutive year, These results reflect Study Inn’s continued commitment to delivering premium student living experiences centred around wellbeing, hospitality, community, and service excellence. Since launching in 2009, Study Inn has differentiated itself through a hospitality-led approach to student accommodation. Residents enjoy fully equipped gyms, yoga studios, wellness spas with saunas and steam rooms, study spaces, entertainment lounges, housekeeping services including fresh towels and bedlinen, and the benefit of dedicated 24/7 onsite teams. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “What makes these results especially meaningful is that they come directly from the students themselves. Their feedback reflects the dedication, care and passion our teams bring every day to creating exceptional living experiences for our residents. We are committed to raising standards across the student accommodation sector and whilst premium facilities and cleanliness are now considered essentials, it is ultimately our people and our resident-focused culture that makes the real difference to what we provide.” The Global Student Living Index is based entirely on direct student feedback, making it one of the most respected and credible measures of student satisfaction within the accommodation sector. Across the survey, Study Inn exceeded private halls benchmarks in every featured category, including: Study Inn continues to expand its portfolio across the UK while maintaining its commitment to its brand standards of delivering market-leading accommodation, with exceptional levels of service, and resident satisfaction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director
Modular construction specialist Reds10 Group has appointed industry veteran Steve Beechey as its new Executive Chair as the company looks to accelerate growth and expand its role in delivering modern methods of construction across the public sector. Beechey will join the business in July, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience at Wates, where he most recently served as Group Public Sector Director. During his time with the contractor, he played a leading role in delivering major programmes across defence, education and justice, while also serving on the Wates Group Executive Committee for more than a decade. His appointment comes as Reds10 continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following the recent arrival of Matt Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer. The move reflects the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leading provider of off-site manufactured building solutions for public sector clients. Reds10 specialises in modern methods of construction and has built a strong reputation delivering projects across defence, education, healthcare, justice, temporary accommodation and social housing sectors. The company’s approach focuses on manufacturing buildings off-site before transporting and assembling them on location, helping to reduce programme times, improve quality and support sustainability objectives. Central to its operations is a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where building components are produced in a controlled factory environment before being installed on site. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said Beechey’s extensive experience in both construction and the public sector would be invaluable as the business enters its next phase of development. He added that his leadership and strategic insight would help support the company’s ambition to industrialise construction and expand the adoption of modern building techniques. Commenting on his appointment, Beechey said he was joining the business at an exciting stage in its growth journey. He highlighted Reds10’s strong reputation for innovation and its clear ambition to transform how construction projects are delivered. As demand continues to grow for faster, more efficient and sustainable construction solutions, Reds10’s latest leadership appointment underlines its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the wider evolution of the UK construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jewson signed as new Lincoln City sponsor
Builders merchant Jewson has signed a new sponsorship agreement with Lincoln City, following the club’s promotion to the Sky Bet Championship. Jewson branded pads will now adorn around 300 seats in the LNER Stadium, while the provision of six season tickets for the Branston Legends Lounge allows the merchant to provide loyal customers with the opportunity to support their local club, at a time when tickets are in high demand. The partnership also comes at an important time for Jewson Lincoln, which has recently received investment to upgrade its facilities. The shop floor and building externals have been rebranded, while the layout has been reorganised to improve customer experience. The branch’s product range has been reviewed and updated in line with customer feedback, to better align with their projects and improve stock accuracy. Additionally, three local trade experts have joined the team. Neil Bristow, Branch Manager for Jewson Lincoln, said: “Lincoln City’s journey over the last decade has been incredibly inspiring and mirrors a lot of what we’re trying to achieve here in the branch. The club has grown the right way through strong leadership, investment in young talent, real community engagement and a shared vision throughout the organisation, and that’s something that resonates strongly with us as a team. “The timing of this partnership aligns with investment into our branch and customer experience, so it feels like a natural fit at an exciting moment for both organisations, and there’s already been a real buzz among customers since the sponsorship was announced. “For us, this is about more than just branding. It’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers, spend time with them socially and reward their loyalty, while supporting a club that means so much to the local community. We hope this is the start of a long-term partnership that continues to grow alongside both the club and our customer base.” Bobby Copping, Head of Commercial for Lincoln City, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jewson on board as a Club Sponsor. They are a well-established name within the construction sector with a strong local presence in Lincoln and a national reputation for supporting the trade. “Their commitment to service and customer experience aligns strongly with our own values, and we’re pleased to be working together at such an exciting time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KPE appoints new senior development manager
Kajima Properties Europe (“KPE”), the European development, investment and asset management arm of the Nikkei-listed Kajima Corporation, has appointed Ian Patillo as Senior Development Manager, bolstering its London-based development team. Patillo brings a decade of experience in real estate development, land acquisition and project delivery, with a strong track record across both the UK and international markets. In his new role, he will focus on planning-led development opportunities in London and the UK, working across KPE’s pipeline of workspace, logistics and living development projects. He joins from Landsec, where he held the role of Development Manager, driving the end-to-end delivery of major schemes across London. His experience encompasses design coordination, planning, legal negotiation, ESG strategy, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, guiding projects from feasibility through to enabling works and early delivery phases. His recent work includes high-profile office-led developments such as Hill House and 55 Old Broad Street in the City of London, with a focus on net-zero carbon and ESG-led outcomes. Prior to this, Patillo held roles at Turner & Townsend and Wesgroup Properties in Vancouver, Canada. At Wesgroup, he was responsible for delivering large-scale master-planned communities and mixed-use developments with a total construction value exceeding £1 billion. Based in KPE’s London office, Patillo will work closely with Phil McLaughlin, Head of Project Management, Tim James, Investment Director, and KPE’s wider development and investment teams. Ian’s initial focus will be leading on two of KPE’s planning-led commercial development projects in central London: 1 St John’s Square in Farringdon and 27 Soho Square in Soho, where KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of both buildings. Ian Patillo, Senior Development Manager at Kajima Properties Europe, said: “Kajima Properties Europe has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led developments, and I’m thrilled to join the team at such a pivotal time for the business, helping leverage my experience to deliver developments across living, logistics and workspace sectors.” John Harcourt, Managing Director at Kajima Properties Europe, added: “Ian’s appointment reflects our continued investment in development talent as we continue to grow our award-winning development capabilities and broaden our scope and reach. Ian’s experience is an excellent fit for the KPE team, and we look forward to his valuable contribution to delivering and growing our development pipeline.” About Kajima Properties Europe KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. www.kajima-properties.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
How Better Cost Planning Improves Outcomes in Building and HVAC Installations
Good cost planning leads to better outcomes in building and HVAC installations because it helps projects stay on budget, reduces delays, improves communication, and minimizes unexpected expenses. Accurate planning gives contractors, property owners, and project managers a clearer understanding of costs before work begins. Construction projects rarely fail because of a single major issue. More often, small budgeting mistakes, inaccurate estimates, and overlooked expenses create problems that grow throughout the project. A strong cost planning process helps teams avoid those setbacks and complete work more efficiently. Why Cost Planning Matters Early Many project challenges begin before construction or installation work starts. Material prices, labor requirements, equipment availability, and site conditions can all influence the final project cost. Early planning allows decision makers to identify potential financial risks before they become expensive problems. Property owners can compare options, contractors can schedule resources effectively, and project teams can create realistic timelines. Improving Accuracy With Detailed Estimates Accurate estimates create a foundation for successful project delivery. When pricing is based on current labor rates, material costs, and project requirements, everyone involved gains a clearer picture of expected expenses. Many HVAC contractors use an HVAC service quote builder to generate professional estimates and improve pricing consistency. Clear estimates help customers understand project costs while reducing confusion during the approval process. Reducing Costly Project Delays Delays often occur when budgets fail to account for necessary materials or unexpected site conditions. Careful planning helps teams identify these factors in advance. Common causes of avoidable project delays include: A realistic budget provides flexibility to address challenges without bringing work to a halt. Better Resource Management Cost planning is not only about controlling spending. Strong budgeting practices also help organizations allocate resources more effectively across multiple projects. Construction and HVAC professionals can make informed decisions regarding: Improved resource management often leads to higher productivity and stronger project performance. Supporting Long-Term Building Performance Building owners often focus on installation costs, but long-term operating expenses can have an even greater financial impact. Effective planning considers both immediate project costs and future maintenance requirements. Energy-efficient HVAC systems, durable building materials, and quality installation practices may require a higher upfront investment. Improving Communication Between Stakeholders Clear budgeting creates transparency among contractors, clients, engineers, architects, and project managers. Everyone works from the same financial expectations and project goals. When stakeholders understand project costs from the beginning, discussions become more productive. Teams can address concerns early and make informed adjustments before they affect schedules or budgets. Making Cost Planning Part Of Every Project Better cost planning improves outcomes in building and HVAC installations by reducing uncertainty, supporting smarter decisions, and helping projects stay on track. Accurate estimates, careful budgeting, and proactive communication create a stronger foundation for successful project delivery.