This year’s Offsite Construction Awards, which celebrate the best in precision building design and delivery, have recognised a project led by ISG and Manchester City Council. The Beaver Road Primary School was named Education Project of the Year 2019 at the ceremony in London. What impressed the judges the most
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m
Getting paid to learn, the prospect of a secure job and not graduating with a large debt are just three of the reasons which led James McCall-Smith to an apprenticeship in plumbing. Award-winning apprentice James is joining forces with WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, to promote Modern Apprenticeships
GAP Event Services, a division of GAP Hire Solutions, has been shortlisted for two prestigious supplier awards. The company is competing against several other companies in the ‘Best Crowd/Pit Barrier’ and ‘Best Fencing/Hoarding’ categories at the Festival Supplier Awards. The Festival Supplier Awards recognise the achievements and hard work of outdoor event
This year’s Brick Awards saw Ibstock Brick celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors. Three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range were named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel at the annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick
The shortlist for this year’s Construction Marketing Awards has been announced by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). The companies will compete for awards in 23 different categories, including best use of content marketing, best low, medium and high budget campaign and marketing team of the year. The awards are
There are only a few weeks left for architects and specifiers to make their nominations for the internationally recognised biennial GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and
In a world which is increasingly dependent on electrotechnology, the unsung heroes who keep us switched on had their moment in the spotlight last week (October 12) at a ceremony hosted by SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association. Electrical professionals from companies large and small, and from every part of the
Put it down to perfect timing, with the heightened interest in offsite technology, combined with the abundance of outstanding projects and product innovations it is easy to see why the 2018 Structural Timber Awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries and attendance. Construction professionals gathered
Canadian hydraulic skidding equipment manufacturer Hydra-Slide, represented in the UK and Europe by international partner Rapid Response Solutions (RRS), has received an award from equipment rental company A-Plant, which staged a week of innovation earlier this summer, including a series of workshops and discussions for supply chain partners. Representatives from
This year’s Offsite Construction Awards, which celebrate the best in precision building design and delivery, have recognised a project led by ISG and Manchester City Council. The Beaver Road Primary School was named Education Project of the Year 2019 at the ceremony in London. What impressed the judges the most was ISG and Premier Modular’s integrated team approach to the project, which saw Beaver Road achieve RIBA Stage 5 in 19 weeks from a standing start and beat 32 other projects to win the highly-sought-after award. Volumetric, offsie manufacturing was used for the £7.2 million Beaver Road scheme to ensure the school could open ahead of the 2018/2019 academic year. This application saved at least 10 weeks against a traditional build programme. Ahead of the academic year in 2018, the ISG and Premier Modular team completed six projects for the council. This wider programme of schools was also recognised at the event, coming highly commended in the BIM/Digital Construction Award category. All six projects were to BIM Level 2, including a fully integrated asset information model. “Early engagement of the right supply chain and standard repeatable designs – informed by lessons learned from two earlier modular school schemes – allowed us to ensure design for manufacture from the outset,” said Neil Walker, framework director at ISG. “The speed of the wider schools programme, including the project at Beaver Road, was extraordinary. Together the project team delivered six schools, with a construction value of circa £31 million in just 57 weeks from a standing start.”
It was a double night of success for Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and architecture and sports & leisure firm LK2 at the Lincoln Good Design Awards, as the newly renovated Constance Stewart Hall took home the coveted ‘Outstanding Project’ and ‘Best Commercial Project’ awards. Designed by LK2, the impressive £2.2m redevelopment was chosen by the Planning Department of Lincoln City Council as the overall ‘Outstanding Project’ of 2019, whilst a public vote placed it top in the commercial category. In naming it the ‘Outstanding Project’ the panel praised the design’s ability to maintain the heart and character of the existing art deco building whilst adding a modern aesthetic: “This modern extension to an academic building has real dynamism with bold modern materials and strong geometry which creates great contrast, whilst referencing the art deco design of the host building. The result is a prominent and sculptural focal point onto this busy junction announcing BGU’s presence.” As the Vice-Chancellor of BGU, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, noted, this union of history and innovation was vital to the University: “When it came to creating a new flexible teaching space we needed a building that would support our ambitions, and we wanted a team of architects who could make this a reality. The design by LK2 for Constance Stewart Hall perfectly captured this balance and our finished building provides students with cutting edge facilities to help them progress. We are incredibly proud to have been an integral part of the Lincoln community for over 150 years and it is immensely rewarding to see that the people of this city hold our campus in such a high regard.” Dale Lui, chief executive of LK2 Group, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded two fantastic awards for this iconic scheme which has transformed the cityscape. The extra special thing about this award is that the project was voted for by the general public, showing that people from the city of Lincoln appreciate the building’s design. “This project showcases the impact of good design in so many different ways. Acting as a ‘shop window’, the new building gives BGU’s campus greater prominence and promotes the university to the wider community. The design of the building has enabled us to create an ‘outward-looking’ part of the campus, inviting local people to see the university as part of their community.”
Getting paid to learn, the prospect of a secure job and not graduating with a large debt are just three of the reasons which led James McCall-Smith to an apprenticeship in plumbing. Award-winning apprentice James is joining forces with WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers, to promote Modern Apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, from March 4 to 8. James says: “I’m in my fourth and final year of my apprenticeship, which I’m spending on the tools with my employer Derek Scott Plumbing & Heating. The first three years were a combination of college study and work-based training – the mix works well and kept me engaged and motivated – although I prefer tools to textbooks! “Getting paid to learn is a huge plus for me – you don’t finish your training with a large debt. A good employer will look after you and often give you a job at the end of your apprenticeship. It gives you a sense of security.” James says he loves the broad variety of work in plumbing but was never tempted by the fast-track courses: “There’s no substitute for proper training and you won’t gain the right qualifications without it. What you learn on the job you won’t always find in a textbook.” James, who was crowned champion of the plumbing competition SkillPLUMB at WorldSkills UK Live last year, is completing his apprenticeship with a WaterSafe-approved business. He says: “Having WaterSafe approval reassures your customers – after all, people’s health can be at stake so it’s important to be fully qualified and registered.” WaterSafe advises future plumbers in England to avoid fast-track courses and work towards the new apprenticeships developed for plumbing and domestic heating which automatically lead to a level 3 qualification. By choosing an apprenticeship with a recognised training provider, future plumbers will: combine practical hands-on experience with their studies receive a regular salary with a contract of employment and holiday leave steer clear of rogue trainers and fast-track courses gain industry-approved qualifications. And James’ advice for young people considering an apprenticeship in plumbing? “Get your CV out there and don’t be afraid to approach people directly – be proactive and enthusiastic, take the initiative. I did lots of research online and got to know all about the local companies.” To find out more about training to be a plumber and for the qualifications you need to become WaterSafe approved visit watersafe.org.uk/becomeaplumber. For more information on apprenticeships visit gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships. For information on apprenticeships in Scotland visit the SNIPEF website at becomeaplumber.com/apprenticeshipsscotland, for Northern Ireland visit nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships and for Wales visit www.careerswales.com.
GAP Event Services, a division of GAP Hire Solutions, has been shortlisted for two prestigious supplier awards. The company is competing against several other companies in the ‘Best Crowd/Pit Barrier’ and ‘Best Fencing/Hoarding’ categories at the Festival Supplier Awards. The Festival Supplier Awards recognise the achievements and hard work of outdoor event and festival suppliers. GAP Event Services has been recognised for its work at numerous events in 2018, including the Adidas Series Run, European Championships, and projects with Glasgow City Council. They supplied crowd control barriers, fencing and trackway for a number of the events. All the equipment was of the highest standard, supported by high levels of service, with the added insurance of the Account Manager being available 24/7 and first-rate site support on hand from the first delivery to the last collection. “The Events division at GAP has grown an average of 19% a year since 2014. I believe this is due to the team’s absolute commitment and passion for the events we work on. This is embodied by the team being available to our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and always doing our best to provide a solution to our customer needs whatever they may be. The team genuinely care about the events we work on and take a personal interest in the success of the event. I’m hugely proud of the team we’ve built at GAP,” said Daimon Dunhue, GAP Event Services Division Manager. The Festival Supplier Awards ceremony will be held in London’s Hurlingham Club on Thursday 31 January 2019. GAP’s Event Services division combines the expertise of all GAP services to provide a complete hire solution for event management companies. Whether crowd barriers for s sporting event of the summer are needed, pedestrian barriers to demark a site or trackway to provide vehicles with easy access, GAP Event Services has the the right hire solution.
This year’s Brick Awards saw Ibstock Brick celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors. Three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range were named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel at the annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA). Ibstock Brick also proudly sponsored three awards; Individual Housing Development, Architect’s Choice and Supreme winner. “Each year the standard of entries for the Brick Awards improves. As the market leading brick manufacturer we are delighted to be associated with the celebration of brick as a modern building material. We would like to congratulate everybody involved with the award-winning projects for their success in showcasing how brick can be used within creative and contemporary architecture. Ibstock Brick is committed to providing products which offer design flexibility for the most innovative building facades,” commented Darren Bowkett, Operations Director of Ibstock Brick. Voted by the public from a selection of shortlisted projects in other categories, the Architect’s Choice Award was handed to the BPTW Architects designed project at Creek Road in the heart of Greenwich. The project utilised the Funton Old Chelsea Yellow brick to mirror the existing bricks whilst adding a contemporary twist. The winner in the Education category was Marlborough Primary School (Architect: Dixon Jones), while Royal Albert Wharf was the winner in the Large Housing Development category. Blackfriars Circus also picked up a commendation in this category, with both projects being designed by Maccreanor Lavington. Scala Yard (Architect: DLA Design Group) received a commendation in the Small Housing development category. The winners of the Specialist Brickwork Contractor award, Anglian Brickwork Ltd, used Ibstock Bricks in one of their winning projects at the David Attenborough Building (Architect: Nicholas Hare). Ibstock Brick, part of Ibstock plc, is the biggest manufacturer of clay bricks sold in the UK. With 20 manufacturing plants producing more than 850,000 new bricks per annum, it offers an unrivalled choice of more than 450 different bricks, which includes prefabricated brickwork components, rainscreens and a diverse selection of special shaped bricks and pavers.
The shortlist for this year’s Construction Marketing Awards has been announced by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). The companies will compete for awards in 23 different categories, including best use of content marketing, best low, medium and high budget campaign and marketing team of the year. The awards are organised by CIM’s Construction Group, celebrating creativity, innovation and effectiveness in marketing across the construction industry. “The construction sector is renowned for its innovation and creativity and when it comes to marketing, the awards confirm that the industry recognises and celebrates the insight, creativity and impact of marketers in construction. This year we’ve received the highest level of entries which reflect the very best in construction marketing talent and are a fantastic way to raise awareness of the originality across the industry,” said Mike Lomax, chair of the CIM Construction Group. “Judged by some of the leading figures from brands such as Tarmac Cement, BMI group, MRA marketing from across construction and marketing, the Construction Marketing Awards set the benchmark for marketing success in the construction sector. We look forward to celebrating with guests at the annual awards ceremony and honouring marketing excellence across the built environment,” Mike added. Nominees include Senior Architectural Systems, BMI Redland, Fibo and many more. The Construction Marketing Awards Gala Dinner takes place on Thursday, the 29th of November at Hilton London Bankside, 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, London. Tickets can be booked individually or in tables of 10 and 12. Dress code is black tie and evening wear and the ticket price includes drinks reception, three course dinner, half a bottle of wine per person, and entertainment!
There are only a few weeks left for architects and specifiers to make their nominations for the internationally recognised biennial GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery. For the 2018/19 awards, projects can be nominated for a ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category. This award has been created to showcase new ironmongery products, as well as the advancing technologies used within the door and window hardware industry. This category will celebrate products that have been created using new methods of manufacture, or that display new design concepts or originality of thought. This category is not limited to mechanical products. New innovations or technologies in access control, door automation or any field allied to architectural ironmongery could also be submitted. In addition to this new award, projects can be nominated for the following categories: residential; commercial and hospitality buildings; public health and education buildings, and international projects outside the UK and Ireland. Architects, specifiers, building contractors, clients and their architectural ironmongery advisers and suppliers across the world can nominate projects for the 2018/19 awards until Friday 16 November 2018. The projects or products must be either completed or released onto the market between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2018 to be eligible for entry. “The Specification Awards are unique because they reward the whole specification team. The outstanding design and high quality finishes of the projects nominated highlights the importance of the professional partnership between architects and architectural ironmongers,” said David Stacey, president of the GAI. “We hope the addition of the ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category will reveal some really interesting products with pioneering ways of using materials to create a new solution or a new design,” he added. For each category there will be a winner, second and third place. The judges will also decide on an overall ‘winner of winners’. At the 2017/18 Specification Awards, this accolade went to Kings Gate, a residential project by architectural ironmongers izé and architect Lynch Architects. A brochure featuring the 2017/18 winning projects can be downloaded from the GAI website. There is no limit on the number of entries to the 2018/19 awards. The first entry from GAI or RIBA members is free of charge.
In a world which is increasingly dependent on electrotechnology, the unsung heroes who keep us switched on had their moment in the spotlight last week (October 12) at a ceremony hosted by SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association. Electrical professionals from companies large and small, and from every part of the country, gathered in Glasgow to submit themselves to the critical judgement of their peers – and emerge as winners. The accolades awarded by SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland, had a special relevance in 2018, a year in which sector’s campaign for recognition of qualified electricians gained real traction. And they reflected not only the vital role of electricians in today’s interconnected world but also the verve and flair which SELECT member companies bring to activities such as marketing, safety, training and a host of other aspects of the sector. This year also saw new award categories, including Best Medium and Best Large Contractor. Darrell Matthews, SELECT’s MD said: “This has been an extraordinary period of activity for the sector, in which the Scottish government has been investigating the benefits of protection of title for electrical professionals. “SELECT has also established a dedicated Training Department which will take its training and skills offering to a new level. “The entries for the awards this year were in tune with the new levels of excitement in the electrical industry, which we feel is entering a transformational period backed by forward-thinking, innovative companies and individuals.” As an example of the growth the sector has experienced, the new Best Large Contractor award went to Edinburgh-based M-PACT Building Services Ltd – a company which, only a few years ago, had won an award as Best Small Contractor. Darrell Matthews said: “M-PACT is an outstanding example of the larger firms in the SELECT member portfolio who not only create jobs and opportunities but which also display a vision and ambition which means that, for them, the sky’s the limit.” Other awards were: Apprentice of the Year, won by Blair Hendry, who works with Fife Council. Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year, a category introduced just last year, won by Stephanie Thomson, who works with Stearn in Glasgow. Best Small Contractor, won by Newton Stewart electrical company ATD Electrical Services. Best Medium Contractor, won by Kenneth Ferguson Electrical Contractor from Connel, a small village on Scotland’s West Coast. Best New Product, won by Worcestershire-based ESP, for its smart security system. Best Delivery of Customer Service, won by Invincible Fire and Security of Ardrossan. Best Visual Promotion, won by Servest Arthur McKay, from Loanhead, near Edinburgh. Best Electrical Safety Product, won by Annan firm Select Electrical and Mechanical Services. A Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Schneider Electric, was made to David Smith, Past President of SELECT, a current Central Board Member and one of the outstanding figures in the Scottish electrical industry. Mr Matthews said: “David has taken a keen interest in the sector but is perhaps most associated with training and the development of skills, having played a major role in a number of Scottish and UK organisations over the years. “He carries out his work in a professional and diligent manner, never forgetting the part that employers play in developing the skills and talents of the workforce.” The evening was hosted by Shereen Nanjiani, one of Scotland’s most popular radio and television personalities. SELECT’s 1250 member companies account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion. The organisation helps to shape the market environment by representing the industry to all levels of government and helps influence legislation to create industry conditions which enable member firms to provide a quality service and maintain profitability. For more information please contact Alan Wilson, Head of Membership and Communications at SELECT, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0SB. T: 0131 445 5577. E: admin@select.org.uk. W: www.select.org.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/updates_select
Put it down to perfect timing, with the heightened interest in offsite technology, combined with the abundance of outstanding projects and product innovations it is easy to see why the 2018 Structural Timber Awards surpassed all previous events in terms of the calibre of entries and attendance. Construction professionals gathered at this prestigious award ceremony on October 10, at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham – to celebrate the great, the good and the simply outstanding. The Awards were hosted by compere Mark Durden-Smith and as anyone who has attended this event will know – his infectious humour is just one of the reasons this is a fantastic night out. With nearly 250 outstanding submissions, this year’s Structural Timber Award judges had an onerous job of selecting the winners. The big winner on the night was The Macallan Distillery project, which scooped the Winner of Winners plus two other categories. One of the judges commented: “The Macallan Distillery project and the precision installation of the engineered timber gridshell roof should be highlighted as a case study, par excellence, to the entire structural timber sector”. The head of the judging panel and Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association, Andrew Carpenter said of the night: “The depth of expertise across all categories was impressive and the exceptional number of entries clearly demonstrates the upturn in the industry. The Structural Timber Awards is a high-point in the construction industry calendar and it is truly inspiring to see so much activity in the sector.” The full list of award winners are: Architect of the Year: Chadwick Dryer Clarke for The Stephen Perse Foundation Sports & Learning Building Client of the Year: Bloomberg LLP for Bloomberg European HQ Commercial Project of the Year: Heyne Tillett Steel & Studio RHE for The Import Building Contractor of the Year: Balfour Beatty for Abbey Wood Custom & Self-Build Project of the Year: STREIF UK for Skyfall Education Project of the Year: Eckersley O’Callaghan for Freemen’s School Engineer of the Year: Arup for The Macallan Distillery Installer of the Year: L&S Baucon GmbH for The Macallan Distillery Low Energy Project of the Year: Ruth Butler Architects for Hampshire Passivhaus Pioneer Award: Urban Splash for HoUSe Private Housing Project of the Year: Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division for St Wilfrids Walk Development Product Innovation Award: Moduloft for Chippenham Bungalow Project of the Year: AKT II & Fosters & Partners for Bloomberg European HQ Project or Construction Manager of the Year: Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division – Mark Greenley, Site Manager Retail & Leisure Project of the Year: METSÄ WOOD for Center Parcs, Elveden Forest Social Housing Project of the Year: CCG & Stora Enso for Ellerslie Road Development Best Use of SIPs: Innovaré Systems for Glasdir School Best Use of Solid Wood: METSÄ WOOD for Center Parcs, Elveden Forest Best Use of Timber Frame: Stewart Milne Timber Systems & Barratt Homes Yorkshire East Division for Barratt’s St Wilfrids Walk Development Winner of Winners: Arup, L&S Baucon GmbH, Robertson, Wiehag GmbH & Rogers Stirk Harbours + Partners for The Macallan Distillery There has already been a large amount of attention focused on next year’s awards, which will be returning October 2019. The Awards once again will reward excellence, celebrate expertise in timber technology and the ways it contributes to an attractive, energy efficient and sustainable built environment. For the hundreds of construction professionals who have attended the Structural Timber Awards, there is no need to explain the promotional opportunities that go hand in hand with this event. The Awards provide one of the most effective platforms to promote brands or companies alongside the best of the best. For details on sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities and to register interest to either sponsor the 2019 Structural Timber Awards or to enter your project into the awards, please contact Amy Pryce – amy.pryce@radar-communications.co.uk Please note that the Submission deadline for entries into the 2019 Structural Timber Awards is 31 May 2019.
Canadian hydraulic skidding equipment manufacturer Hydra-Slide, represented in the UK and Europe by international partner Rapid Response Solutions (RRS), has received an award from equipment rental company A-Plant, which staged a week of innovation earlier this summer, including a series of workshops and discussions for supply chain partners. Representatives from A-Plant’s 16 specialist divisions joined leading plant, tool, and equipment suppliers for the five-day event, with manufacturers invited to present their latest innovative products, services, and software. Throughout the week almost 40 suppliers were invited to showcase their new kit to a panel of A-Plant colleagues, supply chain partners, and major customers. Only five companies were awarded, included Hydra-Slide / RRS. Janine Smith, vice president at Hydra-Slide, said: “It is truly an honour to be recognised by the industry we aim to serve—and it was unexpected, which makes it even better. We are thrilled to accept this award and will do our absolute best to merit the recognition.” Paul Barber, managing director at RRS, said that raising the profile of Hydra-Slide equipment is crucial to increasing usage. He explained: “Through exhibiting at trade shows such as LiftEx and Breakbulk Europe we are starting to get the range of available equipment known. The products sell themselves once the customer is introduced to them. We are close to concluding some big sales in the UK and next year looks even better. Having the backing and support of a hire company like A-Plant can only help.” Smith concurs: “Because there are so many industries that would benefit from skidding systems and related rigging equipment, raising market awareness remains a top priority.” RRS supports A-Plant by supplying Hydra-Slide products for its hire fleet – a more desirable approach for A Plant than acquiring its own inventory. “A-Plant wants to offer a complete service to customers and part of that involves knowing how and where to access specialist services. I have on several occasions attended customer meetings to offer such product knowledge and potential solutions” he added. Jacking load shoes The winning entry centred on the 250-ton capacity JLS250 jacking load shoes, a complementary product to the Hydra-Slide HT300 and HT500 Heavy Track skidding systems. Each shoe includes a 250-ton capacity double-acting lift cylinder that can be connected hydraulically with any number of other shoes increasing the overall system capacity while maintaining equal load support and weight distribution. As the judging panel heard, using four shoes will increase the HT500 system capacity to 1,000 tons (900 tonnes); using eight shoes will give the system a load capacity of 2,000 tons (1,800 tonnes). This is accomplished while maintaining a low working height; the safety of the high friction coefficient of the system; as well as the added advantage of compensation for poor or uneven ground support through a three-point suspension hydraulic connection between the shoes. Janine Smith pointed to further applications of the jacking load shoes, not only for moving large transformers, vessels and reactors but also great potential in the Tunnel Boring sector. She added: “Our goal is to be able to outfit an entire rigging department with all the equipment they need to complete a slide project, including custom-built components when a unique challenge arises. Our product development is powered by client feedback and new challenges. We see a trend towards implementing the most compact, efficient and versatile equipment possible.” Dave Harris, business development director at A-Plant said: “Not only is innovation essential to ensure we have a steady stream of new products or services to bring into to the UK rental market, but also to allow us to contribute to some of society’s bigger challenges relating to safety, sustainability, and productivity. All of the companies awarded have presented truly innovative products.” www.hydra-slide.com
