The world’s finest luxury real estate offers residents a quality of life that cannot be found anywhere else. To meet the demands of the most discerning residents, these world famous buildings are adding an increasing number of luxury features to outshine other residences. Infinity pools, state-of-the-art gyms, 24hr concierge, sumptuous
Under guidance from the Architects Registration Board, architectural students are set for a change in curriculum. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores this decision and why industry collaboration is central to improving fire safety education and paving the way to a safer future. In an evolving construction industry, the approach
Relentless today announces a Joint Venture (JV) with renowned national property developer Salboy, enabling the final phase of the iconic St Michael’s scheme to be delivered in Manchester city centre. The 40 storey tower, designed by Hodder + Partners, will comprise a five star, world class 191-bed hotel, 181 serviced
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has today, 08 June, issued a prior information notice (PIN) for the second generation of its popular Medium Works framework, which will be valued at £1 billion. The current Medium Works framework is one of Pagabo’s most popular and active construction offerings for clients, with
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced eight exceptional buildings as winners of Scotland’s national architecture awards. The James Jones & Sons Lockerbie site is the largest single site sawmill complex in the UK and the most technically advanced. As such, Lockerbie receives a high number of
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this
Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open
The world’s finest luxury real estate offers residents a quality of life that cannot be found anywhere else. To meet the demands of the most discerning residents, these world famous buildings are adding an increasing number of luxury features to outshine other residences. Infinity pools, state-of-the-art gyms, 24hr concierge, sumptuous spas and rooftop bars are just some of the features that come as standard with these luxury residential developments. Read on to discover the top five world famous buildings. World famous buildings Mareterra, Monaco Located off the world-famous Avenue Princesse Grace, Mareterra Monaco is set to become one of the most sought-after developments in the world. Spanning 6 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea, this luxury real estate features more than 100 apartments, penthouses, townhouses, and exceptional rare waterfront villas. These luxury residences will boast unparalleled sea views, lush grounds, and world-class amenities, including a marina to accommodate up to 15 boats. Residents can also enjoy living close to various restaurants and shops, making this a vibrant destination to call home. In line with Prince Albert II’s plan to ensure the city-state is entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, Mareterra has been thoughtfully designed to be a leading eco-district, offering lush landscaping, rainwater recovery systems, photovoltaic solar energy panels, thermal pumps, and e-bike stations. The Interlace, Singapore The beauty of The Interlace in Singapore must be seen to be believed. This luxury real estate presents a radically new approach to contemporary living in a tropical environment. Thirty-one apartment blocks, each six stories tall, are stacked in a hexagonal structure around eight permeable courtyards. This world-famous building is located on an eight-hectare site in the verdant Southern Ridges and overlooks the many parks and aesthetic views surrounding the property. Extensive residential amenities and facilities are seamlessly blended into the lush vegetation and offer ample opportunity for social interaction, as well as intimate spaces of privacy and quietness. 432 Park Avenue, New York Located at 57th Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, 432 Park Avenue is the tallest residential building in New York and the third-tallest residential building globally. Residents of this luxury real estate can enjoy Palladian-proportioned rooms with the highest engineering technology, natural materials and sublime amenities. Residents can benefit from a concierge team, entertainment rooms, a fitness centre, a private pilates room, a 175-foot swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serviced by a Michelin-starred chef. This world-famous building boasts an unparalleled penthouse apartment for sale, which will be the second-most expensive real estate sale in New York City. Located on the very top floor of the building – the 96th floor, to be exact – this 8,255-square-foot penthouse boasts six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. With 24 windows, residents of the penthouse apartment can enjoy 360-degree views of New York City, including Central Park. The Aqua Tower, Chicago At 82 stories, reaching 876 feet, the Aqua Tower in Chicago is one of the few luxury real estates to create a community of its size. Designed by Studio Gang, the Aqua Tower was inspired by the striated limestone outcroppings common in the Great Lakes area. Aqua’s exterior is like no other, with soft lines and flowing balconies that invoke the beauty of gentle waves. Strategically sculpting the shape of each floor slab offers comfortable outdoor terraces, where neighbours can casually interact. Residents of this luxury real estate are also treated to sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the Millennium Park. The Aqua Tower boasts the gold standard of luxurious amenities to enjoy. With two full floors of indoor and outdoor entertainment and recreational facilities, including two outdoor pools, a hot tub, fitness suites, basketball courts, a spa and a running track, no name just a few. Embassy Gardens, London Located next to the US Embassy and soon to be Dutch Embassy in Nine Elms, London, this world-famous building has been carefully designed by some of the world’s best architects and interior designers, allowing it to become one of the most exclusive addresses on the Southbank. The residents of this luxury real estate are treated to interiors of a world-class standard. Not to mention the finest amenities, including a gym that rivals London’s finest establishments, a 25m pool and Linear Gardens – London’s first new park in decades. Perhaps the pièce de résistance is the world’s first Sky Pool. Suspended between two of the buildings, the 25ft transparent pool allows residents to swim above the streets of London. They can also enjoy the Sky Deck – a rooftop oasis with a private bar. It is without question that these world famous buildings are the epitome of luxury, drawing in affluent residents from across the world.
Under guidance from the Architects Registration Board, architectural students are set for a change in curriculum. Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores this decision and why industry collaboration is central to improving fire safety education and paving the way to a safer future. In an evolving construction industry, the approach to building design is ever shifting. Yet, as the complexity of projects intensifies, safety and sustainability remain fundamental areas of focus, and according to architects, have been the most common of issues presented to them over this past five-year period. In response, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – as the professional regulator responsible for setting the standards for architect registration – in late 2021, posed significant changes to architectural training and educational guidelines. The new guidance, published by the ARB and sanctioned by the reformed Building Safety Bill, is considered a way of modernizing the teachings of architectural schools and will address the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector by introducing revised module guidelines on ‘Fire and Life Safety’ and ‘Sustainability’. Under the new ‘Fire and Life Safety’ guidelines, the expanding architecture curriculum will examine: The science of fire, smoke generation and spread Design principles to minimise the risk of smoke and fire Means of escape in case of fire and the appropriate access to buildings and facilities for emergency services The significance of product specification to fire safety and performance as part of a construction system Protecting building users from hazards during use and maintenance Fire safety is paramount to a building’s success but is a complex subject with a variety of layers, as is defined by these modules. However, following the call for the revised curriculum, both future and present professionals must collectively recognize its importance, and through better education and collaboration, aim to deliver a fire safe infrastructure, with higher levels of quality and building performance. Better by design Between the reformed Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act 2021, fire safety has been a subject of increased scrutiny over the past few years. Evidently, occupant safety must always remain the top priority throughout any construction project, regardless of its size or scope. Fire and life safety design plays an integral role in this, not only as a compliance obligation but as a practice that can improve project output. As a result, and as outlined by the ARB, every architect must be educated on the basics of fire safety and its role in building design, keeping in mind the latest codes, regulations and hardware required for a project. One area to consider under the revised curriculum’s ‘means of escape’ is the required number of fire door exits per room and per floor. Fire doors are often the first line of defense against fire and thus are meticulously tested to British Standards BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 to certify their resistance to fire for a minimum of 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). As a project moves through to specification, decision makers must also identify the required door hardware – which are designed to facilitate the compartmentation of smoke and fire and so must comply with UK Construction Products Regulations. Specification is critical when a project’s materials are being considered and can be the difference in a building failing to meet its functional and necessary safety standards. Inadequately specified door furniture can result in blueprints and specifications changing at a later stage of the project to comply with the correct standards, adding preventable time and costs to development. By understanding the role of fire safety from the earliest stage, and in this case, the functional aspects of fire doors and their hardware, professionals can deliver better projects with enhanced safety and performance. Project collaboration The onus to deliver fire safe buildings doesn’t lie solely with architects, however. Although architects are the only professional body that has a statutory obligation to partake in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), industry wide education is crucial if we are to maintain the necessary standards associated with fire safety. Fire safety is an expansive subject that touches many areas of a building’s lifecycle, from the design stage right through to maintenance, and the ARB’s newly formed curriculum serves as a reminder to all professionals on what they must remain educated on. To assist industry education and collaboration, today’s associations, professional bodies and manufacturers are supporting all professionals to ensure there’s a greater understanding towards these key themes. Hardware manufacturers for example, as part of the Building Safety Bill’s Golden Thread of Information regulatory framework, are providing more detailed product information in the form of comprehensive product datasheets, installation guides and training portals. In doing so, manufacturers are offering greater transparency on product performance and testing, improving product discoverability and traceability. Accordingly, it’s imperative for industry professionals to remain informed on hardware options and the role they play in fire safety, as this collaborative approach can lead to better and more consistent design choices that continue to deliver on fire safety post-project delivery. Wellbeing, accessibility and performance will always remain unremitting themes in our built environment. At a time where information is at our fingertips, professionals across the supply chain possess a real opportunity to develop a sustained education on these key themes, and through improved collaboration, can reform the project delivery process in a bid to deliver true fire safety. How Allegion UK can Help Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to our experts or head to our download centre for technical fitting instructions. For post-installation support, Allegion’s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation, a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist. There’s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion’s general guide to service and maintenance for free. Allegion also offers RIBA approved CPD presentations,
Relentless today announces a Joint Venture (JV) with renowned national property developer Salboy, enabling the final phase of the iconic St Michael’s scheme to be delivered in Manchester city centre. The 40 storey tower, designed by Hodder + Partners, will comprise a five star, world class 191-bed hotel, 181 serviced residences and a multitude of design-led amenity and leisure spaces for residents and guests. With the ambition of setting new standards in design, quality, service and experience, St Michael’s has become one of Manchester’s most anticipated projects. Phase 2 will front onto the new public square, which will become a hub for food, drink, music and entertainment. Incorporating the best in local, national and international cuisines along with a fully refurbished Sir Ralph Abercromby public house, the square at St Michael’s will be the heart of this new City Centre destination. The transformational project will see the reanimation and revitalisation of the underused streets surrounding the scheme and, by completion, is expected to have brought significant investment to the City and created an additional 1,800 jobs. Supporting Relentless and Salboy in the delivery of Phase 2, will be contractor Domis Construction, Salboy’s dedicated construction partner. Domis has developed over 2,500 homes across 10 development sites over the last 5 years. Initial works are expected to start in January 2023, just 12 months after the commencement of Phase 1, the commercial element of the development. The scheme in its entirety is expected to be completed in 2026. Gary Neville of Relentless said: “The Relentless team have been on this project for 15 years and we’ve never diluted our ambition on what has been an incredibly long journey to build this complex and challenging project. Thank you so much to the Salboy Team, to Fred and Simon in particular and for all their support over the last few months. I would also like to thank Manchester City Council and the Reform Synagogue for the faith they’ve shown over the years. It’s now time to deliver. “Our aim with St Michael’s has always been to create a world class destination in our city that celebrates our local passion, spirit and hospitality that delivers to a 5 star international standard.” Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, said: “Gary and his team have worked incredibly hard to drive the St Michael’s project forward over the last few years and we’re excited to be on board to help them deliver this hugely ambitious and long-awaited scheme. We would like to thank Relentless for giving us an opportunity to be involved in this scheme. St Michael’s is already raising expectations for what Manchester has to offer. Now it’s time for Salboy, Domis and Relentless to work together to make this development a reality and deliver a destination at the sorts of international standards that all of Manchester can be proud of.” Anthony Kilbride, Relentless said: “With the initial phase of the development now well underway it allowed us to focus on finding our delivery partner for the final phase of the project and to complete the masterplan we set out to achieve for St Michael’s. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with the Salboy team, agreements were concluded quickly, with a clear aligned vision & ambition to deliver what we consider to be step change in development for this city. “With our delivery partners our focus is on the execution phase of St Michael’s and the future announcements to make as we progress further.” Danny Savage, Trustee of the Manchester Reform Synagogue said: “The trustees of the synagogue are delighted that their 15 year partnership with Relentless has successfully come to fruition. The development has overcome many challenges over the years and we have found Gary and the Relentless team to be both supportive and enthusiastic throughout that time. With the proceeds of the synagogue sale, the trustees will now be able to source a more suitable base in the city centre that will cater for the needs of our congregation in 2022 and beyond.” Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “This is an ambitious development in an area of the city with huge potential. The significant level of investment, working partnership and the high-quality design of this development will bring forward a new standard and mix of uses. The scheme will further help our recovery from the pandemic, while demonstrating our ability to deliver transformational regeneration projects in Manchester.” Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
LEADING national framework provider Pagabo has today, 08 June, issued a prior information notice (PIN) for the second generation of its popular Medium Works framework, which will be valued at £1 billion. The current Medium Works framework is one of Pagabo’s most popular and active construction offerings for clients, with 148 projects having been procured through it to date. The issuing of a prior information notice sets the wheels in motion to the creation and launch of its successor, with prospective suppliers able to bid following the release of tender documentation later this year. The new generation of the framework will run for four years from January 2023, taking over from the current iteration, which expires in December. It provides a compliant and collaborative framework that can deliver medium-sized construction projects with a minimum value of £250,000, giving clients access to suppliers across three value bands. Jason Stapley, managing director at Pagabo, said: “This PIN marks the first steps towards making this second generation framework a reality – and the best it can be based on market input. This approach to engagement with those who will apply to be on or will use the framework is an important part of our process, ensuring that every framework we launch is absolutely fit-for-purpose – solving procurement problems rather than creating them. “It’s really important that clients have access to the best providers on the market – not just the big businesses. That’s why we reserve a number of appointments specifically for SMEs. We know how important having that choice is to clients, as well as the increased levels of social value and positive impact benefit that comes from working with SMEs particularly on a local level. “Our Medium Works framework is a really popular one with our clients, providing them with the services they need to compliantly deliver mid-sized projects. Some incredible work has been delivered through the framework, such as £1.4m National Centre for Craft and Design for North Kesteven District Council and the £10m Swallowtail Place for Saffron Housing Trust, and we look forward to seeing standout built environment schemes come through the new generation from next year.” The framework will be split into three lots, with up to nine contractors allocated to each region under each lot across core and reserve supplier appointments. There are a number of these places reserved for SMEs to ensure fair access for suppliers of all sizes and to provide ample choice for clients. Lot 1 – £250k to £1m Lot 2 – £1m to £5m Lot 3 – £5m to £10m The contracting authority for the framework will be the Education Alliance, which will continue that role from the current, live offer. For more information, please visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk/ Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced eight exceptional buildings as winners of Scotland’s national architecture awards. The James Jones & Sons Lockerbie site is the largest single site sawmill complex in the UK and the most technically advanced. As such, Lockerbie receives a high number of visitors – including small groups of customer visits, customer training courses, academic institutions, and industry events. The idea for the building recognised the need to provide increased office accommodation, better visitor facilities, and the opportunity to host on-site training courses and industry meetings, which previously had to be conducted offsite. James Jones & Sons held a design competition between two architectural firms and the winning team was Konishi Gaffney from Edinburgh, led by Kieran Gaffney. Konishi Gaffney did not have to look far for materials for the new offices and visitor centre at the UK’s largest sawmill: the building acts as a demonstration project, almost entirely erected from James Jones’s own products, with an approach to minimising the use of steel and maximising timber. This ode to sustainable timber construction showcases the company’s ambition as well as its operations; presenting a flagship for Scotland’s timber industry. The winners of the RIAS Awards will now become the ‘longlist’ for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award – one of the most significant architecture prizes in the world – which will be announced in November. Recipients of the 2022 RIAS Awards are also eligible for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards. Drawn from all across Scotland, the winners of the RIAS Awards 2022 include a new secondary school that places students’ mental health and well-being at the heart of its design, the rescue and restoration of an iconic Modernist house, and an exquisite rural office building on the edge of the Balmoral Estate. RIAS president Christina Gaiger PRIAS said: “This year’s awards show how Scottish architects are rising up to today’s challenges – from the climate emergency to the nation’s mental health – and prove the fundamental role that architecture plays in society.” The jury for the 2022 RIAS Awards were Murray Kerr (founder, Denizen Works), Christina Gaiger PRIAS (President, RIAS), Audrey Carlin (CEO, Wasps Studios) and Tony Chapman (former head of awards, RIBA). In addition to this latest award, the Lockerbie visitor building has also won the 2021 EAA Wood for Good Award and two Scottish Design Awards winning both the Architecture award for a ‘Commercial / Office / Hotel Building or Project’ and the overall ‘Architecture Grand Prix’ award. Speaking about the awards, Rob MacKenna, General Manager at James Jones Lockerbie site said “We are delighted with the recognition the new building has received. The striking design and innovative use of solid and engineered timber products are a great example of how timber can be used to deliver high quality office and meeting areas. Konishi Gaffney architects were able to articulate this in the building’s design and its fantastic their efforts, and those of the project team, have been recognised”. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Independent West Country house builder Devonshire Homes has exchanged conditional contracts for the acquisition of approximately 36 acres of land for a new build homes development in Trannack near Penzance, Cornwall. The West Cornwall site is located close to the A30 where c 300 architecturally-designed homes are planned for this scheme. Devonshire Homes will seek to obtain detailed planning consent for the development which will offer a mix of one and two bedroom flats and two, three, four and five bedroom homes with spectacular views. The land at Trannack is one of the major sites allocated for housing under Cornwall Council’s Local Plan for Penzance to support strategic growth in West Cornwall. With amazing elevated views from the site across to St Michael’s Mount, Devonshire Homes will bring forward a scheme to deliver a new access road from the A30 and a range of homes which sit well within the topography of the site, maximising the stunning outlook and views. The award-winning house builder, which currently has active sites in St. Austell, Crediton, Bovey Tracey, Kingsbridge and Bideford, will submit a reserved matters application later this year with an aim for construction to start following planning consent. Angus Cook, Managing Director at Devonshire Homes, commented: “We are pleased to have exchanged contracts on land at Trannack for a forthcoming Devonshire Homes development. This is the first of several we have in solicitors hands, to further build the land pipeline for the business. The Trannack development will be one of our ‘anchor’ sites. “Work will now start on submitting a detailed planning application for a range of new homes on this allocated development. We are looking forward to engaging with residents, community stakeholders and councils as we finalise our plans to deliver much-needed new homes that mean prospective buyers from varying stages of the property ladder will be able to find a suitable home here.” The acquisition of land at Trannack is an important strategic milestone for South West based Devonshire Homes as the 30-year old residential home developer builds its land bank and drives its ambitious five-year growth plan forward. The Devonshire Homes team has decades of experience in building new communities across the West Country with current developments including: Tarka View, Crediton; Longston Cross, Bovey Tracey; Applegate Park, Kingsbridge; Gwallon Keas, St. Austell and The Grange, Bideford. To find out more about Devonshire Homes, visit www.devonshirehomes.co.uk. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Network Space has acquired a high profile 4.8 acre (1.92ha) site in Warrington for an undisclosed sum. The site on Winwick Road, approximately 1 mile from junction 9 of the M62, was sold by National Grid and offers a prime redevelopment opportunity within easy reach of Warrington and the motorway network. Network Space is now underway with preparing a planning submission to deliver a high quality, multi-let industrial development of circa 100,000 sq ft. Designed to appeal to a range of businesses and with sustainability a priority, Network Space hopes to start on site next year, providing much-needed, modern workspace in the region with the potential to accommodate up to 200 jobs. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The acquisition provides a great opportunity to deliver a variety of multi-let, new build space. With a shortage of light industrial space in the area, it will appeal a range of local, regional and national occupiers seeking small and mid-box urban logistics, alongside traditional multi-let users.” The acquisition follows hot on the heels of Network Space’s purchase of the former Manchester College site at Welcomb Street, Openshaw. Joe added: “This development, and that proposed at Openshaw, will continue to grow our industrial and logistics portfolio. We are also bringing forward other new schemes, close to urban areas in the region, such as Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham and the 28-acre former Sovereign Distillery in Huyton.” The Winwick Road site fronts the A49, midway between Warrington town centre to the south and junction 9 of the M62 to the north. It lies close to a variety of well-known retail parks and trade outlets including Network Space’s very successful Gateway 49 Trade Park, which was delivered between 2005 and 2009. B8RE acted for Network Space, Savills acted for National Grid. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 14th century watermill complex at Blenheim ahead of major dredging work being undertaken to Queen Pool by leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water. The stone structures were uncovered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Wessex Archaeology prior to work commencing to ensure no historical remains are affected. It’s believed the watermill is associated with Woodstock Palace, a royal hunting lodge that played host to no fewer than 16 British monarchs over its 700-year history with everyone from Ethelred the Unready to Henry VIII having spent time there. Demolished in 1720 to make way for Blenheim Palace, it was also the birthplace of the Black Prince and used as a temporary prison for Queen Elizabeth I, who is said to have carved ‘Much suspected by me, nothing proved can be, Quoth Elizabeth prisoner’ on a window sill. Charlie Oakes, Project Manager at Land & Water says, “We are delighted to hear the discovery of some historic findings ahead of the dredge. The project site has been carefully monitored and assessed by Archaeologists so that any significant artefacts can be recorded and protected. “Wessex Archaeology have informed us that the remains found this year comprise part of the stone-lined mill race, directing water from the mill and are surprisingly well-preserved and substantial. They have also discovered stone water channels, which would have been part of a medieval mill site, recorded as being demolished in 1334, and which was partly excavated in the mid-1970s.” The restoration works will see Land & Water begin the first dredge of Queen’s Pool in over 100 years and will look to remove 300,000 cubic metres of silt, enough to fill Wembley Stadium, to return the Capability Brown-designed lake to its original depth of two metres from its current shallows of 30cm. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Quintain Living delivers simplicity and style with its timeless new apartments Mid-century modern design sets the stage for balance between heart and mind Rooftop greenery tunnels and broken plan lounge spaces invite residents to focus on wellbeing Madison, from award-winning management company Quintain Living, which oversees the rental of more than 3,250 apartments, has become the latest Wembley Park building to put residents’ wellbeing first. Designed with notable mid-century modern influences, the homes are all about inner calm – about achieving balance between heart and mind, according to interior designers Fossey Arora. “Madison is all about looking into yourself – about health, wellbeing and protection. About fresh air and inner calm. This is delivered through clean, simple design, with timeless, mid-century modern influences that embody clutter-free living. There’s a sense of calm and precision that flows throughout the building.” Fossey Arora With a super gym and children’s nursery beneath it, the iconic National Stadium on one side and vibrant parkland of Union Park on the other, Madison is certainly well positioned to deliver on the wellbeing front. The importance of health and family are felt throughout the building. As residents step into the super lobby, the atmosphere at Madison immediately feels clean and clear. It’s a sense that arises the moment you enter, contributed to by the bright, circular ceiling lights, black and white chequered floor, deep blue lava stone tiles and gleaming golden post boxes. This classic, 1950s feel pervades Madison, with dark wood panelling, leather sofas, herringbone timber and a host of other textures playing into that mid-century advertising firm vibe that Mad Men encapsulated so perfectly. Set in New York, with the firm based on Madison Avenue, Mad Men became as renowned for its sense of style and fashion as it did for its engaging plotlines, and this same feeling of iconic design can be felt within Quintain Living’s Madison. Shared spaces within the building are both welcoming and functional – comfortable but uncluttered. The comfortable seating in the lobby’s welcome area draws residents into the space, while above it sits the residents’ lounge. A seating/breakout area overlooks the lobby, with the broken plan design facilitating a range of uses. The outlook over the greenery of the new Union Park, the first new park in the area for 100 years, delivers an immediate sense of connection with nature, while the circular lights have the feeling of skylights, inviting residents to work, relax and catch up with friends over coffee in a space that feels snug and calm. On Madison’s upper floor, residents can enjoy a lounge with zones for work or relaxation, with access to the sky lounge and lawned rooftop area, with the iconic Wembley Stadium arch right in front of them. The rooftop has been designed to cater to residents’ wellbeing in multiple ways, serving as the perfect spot for everything from yoga sessions to popup rooftop movie showings. For those looking for calm, there are planted archways to stroll beneath, with tunnels of greenery delivering a sense of protection, enclosure and peace. A smaller roof terrace, meanwhile, uses a simple design to create an open space, packed with greenery, for residents to sit and relax. The use of nature to add to the sense of calm is reflected in the design of Madison’s podium garden. Plants are used to divide up a series of enclosed areas, where residents can encapsulate themselves away from the world and take time to relax. There’s a lawn for pets (welcome in every Quintain Living home) and a play area with sustainable timber play equipment for younger residents. The cleverly designed BBQ area, meanwhile, has zones that allow residents to be as private or as connected as they wish while using the space. And at the heart of the garden is the circular lawn, which invites families to enjoy the space while feeling a sense of togetherness. “There’s a real sense of serenity to the design of Madison. It’s uncluttered and simple – the perfect space for residents to focus on their health and wellbeing, away from the fast pace of London life. That sense flows through both the internal and external spaces. At the same time, the building is perfectly located for those looking to get the best out of their leisure time, the moment they set foot outside the door and into the Wembley Park neighbourhood.” Danielle Bayless, Chief Operating Officer, Quintain Living The apartments themselves are equally restful and are available in two colour palettes – a lighter, sage/beige theme and a darker palette of warm browns and rich blues – while furnishings are curated and provided by John Lewis & Partners. The overall feel is one of warmth and homeliness, with the homes delivering a sense of protection and retreat. At the same time, playfulness is delivered through texture and the creative use of controlled, precise lines that add interest to the space – such as the vertical tiles that lead up to the horizontal storage shelf below the kitchen cupboards. Madison’s bathrooms invite relaxation and harmony. The circular mirror and sink speak to a sense of togetherness, with smooth edges set against the black and white chequered floor delivering a lovely simplicity. Available for occupancy now, Madison provides 381 studios and apartments to rent, ranging from one to three bedrooms. For more information on Quintain Living or to book a viewing, visit www.quintainliving.com, @quintainliving on Instagram or call 020 3151 1927. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has resolved to grant Outline Planning Permission to strategic land specialist Terra for the second phase of a £115m ‘canal village’ in Hawkesbury, Warwickshire. The site encompasses a total of 72-acres (29.1Ha). The 39-acre (15.85Ha) phase two development will include 176 homes, landscaped Public Open Space and park provision, a new bridge over the Coventry Canal connecting Bedworth with Coventry, additional cycle and pedestrian routes, and extensive infrastructure works. The entire length of the development area is bounded by the Canal, with vehicular access provided from Stockley Road and Sephton Drive – both off Blackhorse Road. The site lies just north of Hawkesbury village, which is served by regular bus routes, schooling and local amenities. Solihull-based Terra purchased the land unconditionally and secured its allocation for 380 residential units, infrastructure and community facilities in the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan, which was adopted in 2019. Detailed Planning Approval for the first phase was granted in 2021, and construction work is well underway by Terra’s sister company Living Space and Vistry Group, who are delivering the first 204 high quality dwellings. The initial tranche of community facilities are nearing completion, including a circa 2,000 sq ft community building with a dedicated car park, allotments, orchard, Public Open Space and a children’s play area, a BMX track, cycle and pedestrian routes – including a new Sustrans link – habitat enhancement, landscaping and associated highway works. James O’Shea, Managing Director of Terra said: “Having purchased this 72-acre site unconditionally and then secured the allocation for residential development in Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Borough Plan, we are very pleased to receive a resolution to grant Outline Planning consent for the second phase. This ‘canal village’ is creating a vibrant new community, which is only a five-mile canalside walk or cycle ride into Coventry city centre. The scheme will have a transformative effect on the local area and provide significant community benefits, as well as a total of 380 quality new homes for north Warwickshire.” The 153 open market properties and 51 affordable homes in the first phase will consist of one-bedroom maisonettes, two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, and two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. A striking mixture of red brick and render will feature in the external elevations of the phase one homes. There are four ponds/pools across the site, including Hawkesbury Farm Pool, which will all be retained and will form a key part of the ecology strategy for the scheme. The site is traversed by three public footpaths, which provide links with Hawkesbury Village to the south; Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Bedworth town centre to the west; and along Coventry Canal and beyond to Coventry Way to the north and south. The development will retain these footpaths, with new links to be created north-south and east-west through the centre of the site. The masterplan for the whole 72-acres has been carried out by Hampshire-based Thrive Architects. Terra is an experienced residential land specialist, which enters into agreements with landowners and then pursues, funds and secures an agreeable planning permission. It also has the financial resources to secure land with or without residential planning consent to assist landowners looking for a quick sale process. Terra has a national reach, having recently secured residential land in Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Terra currently controls 21 sites, with circa 830 acres of residential land that is capable of delivering 4,300 new homes. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News