The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part
The North West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust (“SREIT”) to deliver eleven warehouse units at SREIT’s Stanley Green Trading Estate (“Stanley Green”) in South Manchester. The new units will have a GDV of approximately £22.5 million and will deliver
A planning application has been submitted by Milton Keynes based Planning Consultants, Smith Jenkins, for an exemplar net zero carbon and zero fossil fuel community in Bedfordshire, the largest known of its kind in the UK. The application seeks to create a sustainable new settlement, known as Greenwoods, between Bedford
Advanced wall systems company, Specwall, further enhanced their vision to transform the UK construction industry by achieving A1 fire rated panel status, classified by UKAS registered the Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Specwall is an advanced wall system with inherent insulation, excellent acoustic and fire ratings, in the form of lightweight
CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, has joined forces with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to introduce the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Growth Assessment. The assessment provides a framework for organisations to assess and embed the principles and business benefits of a fairer, more inclusive and respectful workplace.
Warringtonfire completes innovative smoke control study for Flemish Government (VIPA department), helping to better protect those in residential care Warringtonfire, a world leader in fire testing, inspection and certification services, has completed the second in a series of three studies at the request of the Flemish Government, that focus on
The site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote, the former Central England Co-op supermarket, will house confirmed names such as Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins once complete. GMI Construction Group PLC has today announced that it has been appointed by Hawkstone Vale Developments Ltd working with Central England Co-op to construct a major new retail Park development in Tamworth. The £22m development situated on Ninian Way and to be known as Tame Retail and Trade Park is the site of the former Co-op supermarket which is being fully regenerated into a significant new retail and trade park. Demolition works are progressing and site preparation is already underway onsite. Construction is expected to take 52 weeks with the new development expected to be open by March 2023. The huge new outlet has already signed up a number of well-known brands and retailers including Lidl, B&M, KFC, Starbucks, Greggs and Subway as well as Travis Perkins. Speaking about the appointment GMI Divisional Managing Director Andy Bruce said: “This significant new development looks set to breathe new life into what was a redundant site and serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area creating new and substantial local employment and a brand-new trade and retail destination. GMI are very active currently in the Midlands working on a number of high-profile projects across multiple sectors including retail, industrial/logistics, residential, office/mixed use and manufacturing with an order book currently valued at £150M. We look forward to working closely with both Hawkstone and Central England Co-op and seeing the development rise out of the ground which when complete will be one of the Midlands premier retail and trade park destinations. Also commenting Andrew Kirton, Managing Director of Hawkstone Vale, added: “It is great to see the work on the development progressing and the new development starting to take shape. We are delighted to have attracted Lidl, B&M and Travis Perkins for the retail and trade element of the Scheme, with Starbucks, Greggs and Subway providing the food and beverage offer. We are confident this 80,000 sq ft development will help provide a great boost to the local economy and create hundreds of jobs for the local community in these uncertain times. GMI are already making great progress onsite and come with an exceptional pedigree in the delivery of high quality retail and trade park developments of this scale. Together with Central England Co-op we look forward to forging an excellent partnership. A spokesperson for Central England Co-op added: “We’re delighted to see GMI Construction Group PLC join the project at our former supermarket site in Ninian Way, Wilnecote to help create this exciting development and create a legacy for the local community, creating new and substantial local employment and a brand new trade and retail destination. “GMI have an excellent reputation in the industry for delivering successful and high-quality retail and trade developments on a similar scale to that planned for Ninian Way and we’re excited to be working with them on this project. “We would like to thank locals for their patience through this process and as construction works continue and we look forward to seeing this new future for the site come to life in the coming months.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain issues, aside from waiting for the worst to pass, PermaGroup has continued to follow its unique approach to ensure customers are still catered for. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaGroup, said: “I’m proud of the way we have responded as a company to the stock shortages, which have been an issue since early 2020. We’ve taken decisive action to support our customers and stayed flexible to allow us to respond quickly to the changing circumstances.” Having implemented a three-pronged approach at the start of the crisis, involving purchasing in bulk, establishing CPD seminars to upskill individuals and rewarding customer loyalty, PermaGroup’s strategy has paid off, reaching all of its key KPIs, and exceeding many, in the first four months of the year. The first quarter of 2022 also saw PermaGroup expand its board, welcoming new investment and expertise to support and bolster the company’s ambitious plans for growth and strengthen its leadership team – safeguarding the business’ future. Adrian added: “Recently, I made the decision to sell some of my shareholding to a private equity company and bring on new board members – something that had always been part of my plans when I became MD. Now was the perfect time to implement this, as it has allowed us to reset targets, adapt our strategy and prepare confidently for the coming years.” James Wooster, director of Owner Venture Managers, the additional shareholder alongside Adrian, said:” PermaGroup is an innovative business and I’m eager to join the board to support its future success as it continues to grow from strength to strength to service more customers than ever before. Adrian’s remarkable leadership has seen it thrive, despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and it’s a journey I’m excited to be on.” Adrian added: “The coming year is full of possibilities for us and, as we look ahead, I want to continue delivering the best possible solutions to our customers, no matter the obstacles. As a business, this is our number one priority and, with several potential acquisitions on the horizon, alongside the introduction of a southern and northern base as well, there’s a lot to look forward to.” To find out more about PermaGroup, visit: www.permaroof.co.uk/permagroup. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Phase two of landmark development ‘The Printworks’ has commenced 137 stylish apartments Property prices in Bradford set to double in the next five years* Bradford just crowned City of Culture 2025 First collaboration between developer The Investment Room and LH1 London Leading master agent LH1 London has been appointed by property developer The Investment Room as works commence on site to launch phase two of Bradford’s landmark residential development – The Printworks. Comprising of137 newly built luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments, the build follows the completion of phase one – the conversion of a listed building known as ‘Card House’. Occupying a highly sought-after affluent location within the city of Bradford, The Printworks is to be built upon the site that was formally home to WN Sharpe of Bradford and later, Hallmark Cards. The apartments will provide potential buyers with well-appointed living, featuring spacious, larger than average accommodation and high-quality fixtures and fittings – with homeowners also benefitting from onsite parking including EV charging ports and visitors parking bays, spacious communal courtyards and a Costa Coffee shop. The development marks a flurry of inbound investment into the city, with property prices in Bradford set to double within the next five years* – offering great opportunity to savvy investors searching for strong yields and affordable pricing amidst a post covid property price boom. The Printworks has been welcomed by local councillors who are keen to meet the increased demand for housing due to rising numbers of people moving to the area. Benjamin Hunter, CEO of LH1 London, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside The Investment Room to bring this landmark development for Bradford to market. The development is a remarkable project and will be a real asset to the city. “We are also really pleased for the people of Bradford receiving the much-deserved accolade ‘City of Culture for 2025’. This reflects not only their truly diverse culture but also the City’s willingness to create opportunities for all. Bradford can now expect considerable inbound investment and huge growth in Employment which will only fuel the requirement for high quality property in the area. We see Bradford as the Jewel of The Northern Powerhouse and this award is testament to that. “We have already seen increasing demand and interest in the build following the success of phase one, and would encourage international buyers and local owner-occupiers to take note of the opportunity here. Bradford, being one of the largest cities in the UK housing over 500,000 people, is becoming a growing investment opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. This is where Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool were a few years ago.” Councillor Love, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, commented: “The scheme will create 385 flats and preserve the iconic character of the Art Deco style Grade ll listed building Sharps Card Factory (known as Hallmark House). “The proposed works to the listed building are considered to largely protect its heritage significance, and the development would deliver a substantial provision to meet the district’s housing need”. Lee Jones, Director at The Investment Room, added: “Having successfully sold all of the 144 apartments in the first phase of the development in record time, I am extremely proud to have broken ground on the second phase of The Printworks. The positive feedback and sentiments from the local residents and buyers alike has been encouraging. It is refreshing to see that our respect for the immense heritage of the existing buildings, whilst also utilising the rest of this large brownfield site through high quality new apartments, has been widely recognised and partnering with LH1 to sell the apartments to the owner occupier market as well as selected investors makes this site even more special”. Work at The Printworks is underway, and the anticipated practical completion is Q3 2023. LH1 London is the UK’s leading global developer sales and marketing partner for off plan, off market property and work on a range of developments in major cities throughout the UK including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton, and London commutable regions. To find out more about The Printworks email: info@lh1.london. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The Fire Brigades Union has written to the government to demand it rethinks its decision to reject a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation, on the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings. The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)” for all disabled residents. But last month the government rejected the recommendation and revealed downgraded plans, which have been roundly criticised including by Grenfell campaigners and disability rights campaigners. The government had promised to implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase one recommendations “in full”, of which this is one. In a letter to Lord Greenhalgh dated 6 June 2022, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary wrote [abridged]: “The FBU was disappointed with the Westminster government’s decision to downgrade work towards ensuring residents with disabilities are provided with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) “The [government] statement claims that implementation would involve significant issues with practicality, proportionality and safety. The FBU argues that resident safety is paramount, so there is a greater safety issue in declining to implement PEEPs. As for proportionality, the Inquiry has found the introduction of PEEPs to be a proportionate strategy, and the FBU agrees. “Some reasons given for the refusal seem poorly evidenced, for example stating that if a PEEP advised the purchase of an evacuation chair, there would be an “impact on the good relations between disabled residents and non-disabled residents if disproportionate costs were passed on to the latter. Building owners should carry the costs.” “The government’s decision is a negative, backward step, and the FBU stands with disability campaigners, the Grenfell campaign groups and the LGA in asking you to reconsider.” 15 out of 37 disabled Grenfell Tower residents lost their lives in the fire. The union represents the vast majority of the hundreds of firefighters and fire control staff who were involved in the Grenfell response.For more information, interviews or further comment please contact Ben Duncan-Duggal on ben.duncan-duggal@fbu.org.uk or 07825635224 Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Global material supplier and supply chain solutions provider, thyssenkrupp Materials UK, has announced a new, long-term strategic partnership with Brickability Group PLC, a leading specialist in products and services for the UK construction sector. The two businesses are set to unveil a new balcony system, sold via Architectural Facades (part of the Brickability Group), that will benefit our customers across the industry in the coming months. With the COVID-19 pandemic reshaping the housing market, there has been a significant increase in demand for apartment buildings with private outdoor spaces, especially in built-up locations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, the North-West and Scotland. Over the last year, prospective buyers, particularly first-time buyers, have been looking for apartments with either a shared garden or balcony space as a must-have feature. Paul Hamilton, Group Chief Operating Officer at Brickability Group PLC said: “We are very much looking forward to adding this new product to our portfolio. As a progressive business with over 30 companies working within the construction sector, we have an in depth understanding of the needs of the industry. Therefore, we have designed the next generation of balconies that will improve lead times and time spent on-site, whilst providing exceptional curb appeal and functionality. Entering the market with an experienced partner in the manufacturing of lightweight MMC balconies and fabrication services such as thyssenkrupp Materials UK, is further ensuring the superior quality, traceability and sustainability of our product.” In 2020, thyssenkrupp Materials UK opened a new, paperless factory dedicated to its fabrication services. The facility has been producing specialist balconies since and has set a high standard for quality of products as well as full digital traceability. This was possible through the company’s vast expertise in materials, particularly aluminium extrusion, from which the balconies are being manufactured. Using a modern blend of exclusively non-combustible materials, that are also fully recyclable, allows the company to reduce weight and increase strength and carbon savings. Adrian Palmer, Head of Operations at thyssenkrupp Materials UK, said: “We are proud to partner with the leader in the construction industry, Brickability Group PLC, on this innovative product. We are looking forward to introducing the new balconies to our fabrication site, as this fits perfectly with our long-term vision of supporting the construction and architectural sector in the most efficient and sustainable ways. The market will also benefit from our strategically central location, allowing streamlined logistics and fast delivery.”
The North West office of family run business, Caddick Construction, has been appointed by Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust (“SREIT”) to deliver eleven warehouse units at SREIT’s Stanley Green Trading Estate (“Stanley Green”) in South Manchester. The new units will have a GDV of approximately £22.5 million and will deliver a further 80,000 sq ft of trade counter space on a 3.4 acre development site adjacent to the existing estate. The development will, on completion, be the first Net Zero Carbon in Operation industrial scheme in the North West and will also be delivered to BREAAM Excellent certification with an EPC A+ rating. Stanley Green currently provides 150,000 sq ft of warehouse space and is 100% occupied by a mix of regional and national trade occupiers including Howden Joinery, Screwfix, Toolstation and Apex Self Storage. Occupying a prime location near Cheadle, at the junction of the A34 and A555, Stanley Green benefits from the Ringway Road upgrades, which provide easy access to Manchester City Centre, Manchester airport and the M60. The Caddick Construction team started on site early May 2022, with completion expected in late December 2022. Alongside the new warehouse units, the development will include a new access road, car parking and landscaping. Ian Guildford, construction manager at Caddick Construction, commented “This development will deliver much-needed additional trade counter space. The experienced team is looking forward to starting the project and delivering a highly sustainable expansion at this popular regional industrial hub.” Philip Scott, Fund Manager at Schroders, said “Delivering the next phase of Stanley Green Trading Estate is a key milestone in the business plan and is the latest demonstration of our commitment to sustainable investment. On completion, the Net Zero Carbon scheme will be one of the greenest assets both within the SREIT portfolio as well as the region.” PRC Group is the architect and Gerald Eve is the planning consultant. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
A planning application has been submitted by Milton Keynes based Planning Consultants, Smith Jenkins, for an exemplar net zero carbon and zero fossil fuel community in Bedfordshire, the largest known of its kind in the UK. The application seeks to create a sustainable new settlement, known as Greenwoods, between Bedford and Luton, which will benefit from an on-site solar PV park and over 100 hectares of landscaped public open space. The proposals far exceed the requirements of building regulations and planning policies, and will set the standard for other developments in Bedfordshire and beyond. The proposals will establish an important precedent for the new national Future Homes Standard, which seeks to improve upon current regulations to increase the sustainability of new homes in light of the Government’s carbon emissions targets. A range of new homes will be provided, including later living, affordable housing and opportunities for self-build. The proposals have been designed to create a diverse, inclusive, multi-generational community, and have a focus on healthy lifestyles; low cost and energy efficient homes; and adaptable and home working models. The development will include all of the infrastructure necessary to support the new community including schools, health centre, community centres, road network, drainage and utilities. A new innovation and employment hub will provide opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as spaces for flexible working. Designed by national Architectural Practice, GSSArchitecture, who have offices in Milton Keynes, in collaboration with IDP Landscape, based in Coventry, the proposals include extensive public open space, including a new woodland, with outdoor sport and recreation facilities appealing to all ages. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and enhanced, with a variety of new habitats to be created, achieving over 23% biodiversity net gain, and forming a well-integrated green infrastructure network and strong landscape-led character for the development. New pedestrian, cycle and bridleway routes, connecting to nearby towns and villages, will enable new and existing communities significantly greater access to green space and the countryside. A strong emphasis on sustainability has been at the heart of the proposals since their inception, and new and emerging sustainable technologies continue to be incorporated, guided by London-based sustainability experts, Integration. The application demonstrates how the development will achieve net zero carbon for regulated operational carbon, i.e. offsetting the emissions associated with the operation of buildings. The application also commits to detailed design offsetting emissions associated with the construction of buildings (embodied carbon) and those generated by appliances (unregulated emissions). An increasing focus on electric vehicles has resulted in the inclusion of an on-site charging station open to the general public, which will contribute to the expanding network of these essential facilities, which are increasingly necessary in light of the Government’s accelerated deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. New technology will enable batteries within electric vehicles parked on the site to be used to store renewable energy, enabling the increased use of renewable energy within and beyond the site. The developer, Greenwoods Central Bedfordshire Ltd. has said, “We are delighted to be able to bring forward this unique development in Central Bedfordshire. We have been impressed with the approach that has been taken by the Local Planning Authority to this highly sustainable new community that will set new standards as the country seeks to decarbonise. “We have a positive level of engagement with the Local Planning Authority, and we are hopeful that the Council will recognise the benefits of these proposals, which seek to significantly increase the sustainability of not just construction, but whole communities. We are designing for a future beyond net carbon zero to truly sustainable and healthy lifestyles, where communities have a positive impact on the environment and where good planning and design can also contribute to social cohesion – we know this can be achieved with our Greenwoods proposals. “From conception to the submission of a planning application, we have sought at every stage to make Greenwoods uniquely green, not just in the use of renewable energies, but in our approach to the use of new technologies, open spaces and the planting of over 100,000 new trees, to create a new community where families can truly reflect modern ways of living, working and playing. “Greenwoods proposes significant benefits for the wider area, including new employment and transport linkages. We know that Greenwoods will deliver a new community that Central Bedfordshire can be proud of, and we believe the proposals raise the bar for sustainable development that the Local Planning Authority can demand from every development proposal.” An outline planning application has been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council, prepared by an experienced consultant team and ensuring careful consideration of an extensive range of technical matters. For more information on this exemplar sustainable development, please visit the dedicated Greenwoods website: https://www.greenwoodscentralbedfordshire-info.co.uk/
Advanced wall systems company, Specwall, further enhanced their vision to transform the UK construction industry by achieving A1 fire rated panel status, classified by UKAS registered the Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants. Specwall is an advanced wall system with inherent insulation, excellent acoustic and fire ratings, in the form of lightweight solid A1- and A2-rated panels. Its solid construction allows for direct fixings without the need for additional Patressing, and direct applied finishes including tiles and paint. The Panel is simple to install, requires minimal labour with a low skill set, has minimal waste and even has the ability to be adjusted or relocated if required in the future. It is not affected or damaged by water or mould and can be installed before the building is watertight making it suitable for pre-build, Cat A and Cat B installs. Following recent high profile fires to residential properties , Specwall has developed the A1 panel in reaction to the increasing demands of the UK construction market that exceeds the current minimum requirements of UK Building Control. In order to provide safe places for people to live and work, future-proof properties for funders and investors and mitigate the risk of expensive remedial works, Specwall proactively looked to provide an A1 fire rated walling system for the construction industry. Specwall adds speed, efficiency and quality to all sectors of the construction industry, including industrial buildings, commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, prisons and residential developments. Matt Jay, Managing Partner commented: “Our A1 fire rated panel is a game changer for the construction industry, a result of extensive research and development which was undertaken in response to this anticipated market need. The A1-panel has exceeded vigorous testing with confirmations that there is no flammable material in the panel, it cannot contribute to a fire at any stage and is the same weight and strength as standard A2-rated panel.” The A1 rating will further enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts for the construction material, and its commitment to safety and future proofing will be viewed positively by funders, investors and insurers. For more information, visit Specwalls website https://www.specwall.com/ get in contact or download their CPD – https://www.specwall.com/cpd Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, has joined forces with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to introduce the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Growth Assessment. The assessment provides a framework for organisations to assess and embed the principles and business benefits of a fairer, more inclusive and respectful workplace. It has been specifically designed by construction clients, contractors and sub-contractors and is suitable for organisations of any size, large or small. Commenting on the new partnership, CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon says: “We are excited to join forces with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to further the construction industry’s progress in becoming more diverse and inclusive and make the sector a better place to work for everyone.” Promoting a culture of fairness, inclusion and respect has multiple benefits. Not only are diverse businesses more profitable, they are also better at attracting and retaining talent, as jobseekers increasingly favour employers that are committed to diversity and equality. Having a diverse workforce can also lead to better workplace performance by generating new ideas and perspectives, and increasing employee engagement. Furthermore, clients and large contractors increasingly expect their supply-chain partners to work with them to implement diversity and inclusion practices and policies. Become accredited Businesses can now become accredited for their commitment to promoting fairness, inclusion and respect via a new CHAS accreditation. The CHAS Fairness, Inclusion and Respect accreditation enables companies to confirm that they are embedding this issue within their organisation in line with industry best practice and guidelines. As well as helping companies demonstrate that they are responsible businesses, this can help them win more work. The assessment involves a mix of online questions and in-person interviews and considers the role of six key factors in effectively embedding a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, which include; strategy, leadership and governance; recruitment and development; working practices; the site environment, and the supply chain. Commenting on the launch of the accreditation, Ian McKinnon says: “As the industry becomes more attuned to the value of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, it is a real benefit for businesses to be able to demonstrate that they are taking this issue seriously. “CHAS’s new accreditation provides reassurance that Fairness, Inclusion and Respect is being embedded effectively throughout an organisation in line with current best practice and guidelines. This in turn can help companies grow their reputations and businesses.” To find out more about the CHAS Fairness, Inclusion and Respect accreditation, call CHAS today on 0345 521 9111 or visit www.chas.co.uk Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Warringtonfire completes innovative smoke control study for Flemish Government (VIPA department), helping to better protect those in residential care Warringtonfire, a world leader in fire testing, inspection and certification services, has completed the second in a series of three studies at the request of the Flemish Government, that focus on the fire safety in residential care buildings. When asked about the goals of the second study, also called the VIPA2 study, Pieter Poppe – project manager, stated, “We wanted to identify the effectiveness of smoke control measures by means of five large-scale fire tests and additional CFD-simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as part of the evacuation strategy for non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building.” The VIPA2 study led to new ways of considering fire safety for more vulnerable members of society, such as citizens who reside within care buildings. Since common areas within these buildings can currently include combustible materials (e.g. kitchens, sofas, etc.), a possible fire hazard is inherent in these evacuation routes. This risk is currently not considered within the concept of the current (Belgian) fire safety regulations. “The VIPA2 study has scientifically demonstrated the effectiveness of different kinds of applications of a smoke control system in a residential care building. This kind of smoke control system is not only limited to residential care buildings, but can also be applied to all types of structures with similar geometry. Such application is not mentioned in any normative document related to Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation systems (SHEV-system) and is therefore very innovative.” This research, completed by Warringtonfire has informed a further third study, the VIPA3 study. Pieter Poppe, Head of the Consultancy Department of the Institute for Fire Safety (ISIB), said: “In the VIPA3 study, an assessment framework has been developed where minimum fire safety measures are determined as part of the evacuation strategy (i.e. immediate evacuation or Defend in Place) in case of non-self-reliant occupants of a residential care building. These fire safety measures can be active (e.g. residential smoke control system, fire screen, automatic extinguishing) or passive safety measures (e.g. fire resistant door, smoke control door, fire resistant damper). The effectiveness of the applied fire safety measures has been demonstrated through large-scale fire tests and additional CFD simulations (CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics) as described in the VIPA1 and VIPA2 studies.” The three studies will act as crucial stepping stones in creating a safer and more secure future for non-self-reliant individuals, by potentially guiding future regulations. For more about Warringtonfire, please visit: www.warringtonfire.com.