A breakthrough in fire protection from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings is offering a combination of durability and ultra-fast curing not previously possible. In most environments 20 years durability can be achieved with FIRETEX FX6002 intumescent coating, even without the need to apply a top coat. The most significant benefit
The Christie in Manchester has seen the UK’s first NHS high-energy Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Centre. The state of the art technology uses an advanced form of radiotherapy for the treatment of complex and hard-to-treat cancers in children and adults. Selected by the Department of Health as one of the
A new 138-bedroom Holiday Inn Express is rapidly take shape just outside Bridgwater, Somerset, hitting its milestone topping out in just six months thanks to innovative construction techniques being used by Midas. The £10 million project is being built by Midas Construction, part of the Midas Group, on behalf of
Following its purchase by leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner, Braemar Estates will become Rendall & Rittner creating one fully integrated business. Rendall & Rittner acquired Manchester-based managing agents, Braemar Estates, at the end of last year, bringing the group’s total portfolio of managed properties to more than 60,000 across
Property company Network Space has completed phase two of an industrial development that is taking shape in Merseyside. The first phase of the Mere Grange development in St Helens was completed in July 2018 and comprised 90,500 sq ft split across four individual buildings, ranging in size from 18,500 sq
I would like to offer you an exciting case study on the £75m state-of-the-art Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in County Tyrone, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Moulded by the latest healthcare research and initiatives, TODD Architects’ design creates a “natural environment for healing”, using expansive
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled
Aramark wants to remind people about the importance of minding their mental wellbeing through the TAKE15 campaign, part of World Mental Health Day. “When I played rugby for Munster and Ireland it was obvious to me how important physical activity is for your mental health. It’s good that we are
Morgan Sindall has delivered the new £4.9 million Pines Primary School in Red Lodge, Suffolk, on behalf of Suffolk County Council. The development includes first-class facilities and places for reception, year one and year two pupils. A pre-school was also built to accommodate two to five year-olds. “The journey from
A bespoke three-bedroom 1820 sq ft house designed by Boon Brown Architects for James Laurence Group is being built on a difficult brownfield residential site in Wandsworth, London. This contemporary detached house is enclosed by private houses, a redundant substation land and a small Peabody Trust garden. Boon Brown’s design
A breakthrough in fire protection from Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings is offering a combination of durability and ultra-fast curing not previously possible. In most environments 20 years durability can be achieved with FIRETEX FX6002 intumescent coating, even without the need to apply a top coat. The most significant benefit of this new product however is the speed of curing – hard dry and handling times may be as fast as one hour. Bob Glendenning, global fire engineering manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, said: “With the substantial advances we have made in intumescent coating technology, we can offer a broader range of benefits and options than ever before whether you’re an architect, a developer or an applicator. In modern construction, speed of build is critical and this product contributes to that goal. “This is game-changing technology and allows for transport of steelwork within hours as compared to days currently for conventional water-based, solvent-based and epoxy-based products. “Projects carried out using the original FX6000 product found vastly reduced damage on shop-painted steelwork once erected. The new FX6002 retains this mechanical durability while at the same reducing the required film thickness, again reducing holistic project cost due to lower material requirements and greatly reduced site touch-up requirements.” For in-shop applicators of intumescent fire protection, FX6002 has Volatile Organic Content (VOC) levels comparable with many of today’s water based intumescent products, it also dries to leave a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish, worlds apart from that typically achieved with some other exterior durable products. Additionally, when looking to optimise project costs, in many scenarios FX6002 may be specified with or without both primer and top coat depending on the project and applicator’s requirements. Rigorously fire tested under the requirements of British Standards BS476 parts 20 and 21, and the ASFP Yellow Book (Edition 5), FX6002 can offer up to 120 minutes fire protection to traditional rolled steel elements and cell beams. When coupled with the expertise of the Fire Engineering & Estimation Team in prescriptive and fire engineered solutions, and Sherwin-Williams’ independently accredited FDE software, FIRETEX FX6002 can be fully integrated into a project’s design model and BIM operations, offering customers a safe and cost-optimised fire protection solution. FIRETEX FX6000 technology was recently applied to Whitechapel Station in London, bringing benefits in time and cost, and proving its worth for on-site application. Trials of FX6002 have already proved successful, and environmental approvals are being sought from leading organisations including building and sustainability body BREEAM. Sherwin-Williams has supplied its diverse range of fire protection coatings to a number of landmark construction and engineering projects including London’s The Shard, the Leadenhall Building and Azerbaijan’s Flame Towers. The fire protection performance of the patented FIRETEX FX6000 and FX6002 technologies are independently certified under Exova Warringtonfire’s Certifire scheme and in durability testing under ETAG 18 Part 2 it meets the requirements for Type X, internal, semi-exposed and exposed locations.
The Christie in Manchester has seen the UK’s first NHS high-energy Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) Centre. The state of the art technology uses an advanced form of radiotherapy for the treatment of complex and hard-to-treat cancers in children and adults. Selected by the Department of Health as one of the two providers of the service, together with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie chose to deliver the construction phase through the Procure 21 framework. It worked in partnership with Interserve. “We are delighted to be able to offer this life changing treatment to patients. The delivery of this facility has been one of the most complex and precise projects within the NHS. We identified very early in the project that we needed a construction partner that could work alongside our team. The partnership approach integrated with Interserve’s technical expertise and energy to solve problems is one of the key reasons we completed on time,” said Jason Dawson, Director of Capital, Estates and Facilities of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Providing 4 treatment rooms, a patient reception, consultation rooms and public space, the five storey building is designed to be future proof with additional space for the Trust to grow into. As PBT uses a high-energy beam of protons rather than high-energy X-rays to deliver a dose of radiotherapy, the building’s concrete walls had to be up to six metres thick. The building incorporates 20,000 m³ of concrete and 1,700 tonnes of reinforcement, including steel bars up to 100mm diameter. Through this, 10 km of services pipework has been carefully threaded. The concrete itself weighs 48,000 tonnes, the equivalent of two aircraft carriers. In order to meet the building’s demanding energy needs, a new substation has been built, providing an equivalent amount of power to that needed to run the nearby Trafford Industrial Park. Starting with this autumn, the building will begin treating patients and, once fully operational, it will treat around 750 people a year.
A new 138-bedroom Holiday Inn Express is rapidly take shape just outside Bridgwater, Somerset, hitting its milestone topping out in just six months thanks to innovative construction techniques being used by Midas. The £10 million project is being built by Midas Construction, part of the Midas Group, on behalf of customer Zeal Hotels, and is believed to be the first in the South West to use a highly-efficient form of offsite and modular construction, delivering high quality finishes combined with considerably shorter build times. The new Bridgwater Holiday Inn Express is situated on Junction 24 of the M5 motorway and will be one of the biggest hotels in the area, featuring a bar and restaurant, lounge area, meeting rooms and parking for more than 60 vehicles. Due for completion in spring 2019, the hotel is being built to Holiday Inn Express group’s Generation 4 specifications and will provide accommodation for visitors to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and surrounding areas. The building features perimeter pre-cast, acid-etch external finished and sandwich-insulated concrete panels, which are manufactured off site. These are craned into place and fixed to the frame of the building – also constructed using pre-cast concrete – instantly delivering a high-quality external finish and providing an internal surface ready for decorative finishes. The windows, made by a specialist company in Bristol, are pre-glazed and installed into the pre-cast panels before being delivered to site. Bathroom pods are also manufactured locally, less than 10 miles from the construction site, before being delivered for installation. Neil Lewis, Senior Project Manager at Midas Construction, said: “Off-site manufacturing isn’t new but this particular method of construction, and the standard of finishes it achieves, is a first for Midas and, we believe, the South West. “We are subscribing to modern methods of construction and the innovative use of design and build techniques to deliver a more consistent product and finish for our customer. “We’re impressed by the results and delighted to be leading the way in developing a new approach to hotel construction in the South West, which we hope will see greater take-up in the future.” The scheme adds to a list of prominent construction projects recently completed by Midas in the region; including the award-winning National College for Nuclear Southern Hub for Bridgwater & Taunton College and Yeovil Innovation Centre for South Somerset District Council. Midas Group’s strategy is to become the contractor of choice in the areas in which it operates, by developing long-term relationships through the delivery of its vision to be leaders in customer service and performance. Midas Construction has worked closely with customer Zeal Hotels throughout the project, and representatives of both companies were on hand to celebrate topping out on 25th September as Midas marked reaching the high point of the build. Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director of Zeal Hotels, said: “I am pleased this project is proceeding well, both on time and on budget. This highly efficient form of offsite and modular construction ensures a high quality of finish and we will certainly be looking to replicate this with our pipeline of additional hotel developments. “Topping out is always a milestone and we are pleased to celebrate this today with Midas Construction along with several consultants on site.” Portfolio holder for Economic Growth at Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Anne Fraser, said: “It is exciting to see the progress being made on this important new asset for the District. It is particularly pleasing to see how many local businesses and people have already benefitted from the construction including the two apprentices taken on. We are now looking forward to the opening next year when Sedgemoor will be able to offer a wider range and choice of accommodation for people wanting to do business here or enjoy our wonderful countryside.”
Following its purchase by leading managing agent Rendall & Rittner, Braemar Estates will become Rendall & Rittner creating one fully integrated business. Rendall & Rittner acquired Manchester-based managing agents, Braemar Estates, at the end of last year, bringing the group’s total portfolio of managed properties to more than 60,000 across the UK. Initially, the two companies were operating under their own names, but the move to unite them as Rendall & Rittner allows the company to grow nationally under one brand. The change is effective as of 24th September. Rendall & Rittner, an experienced operator in the residential block management sector, has been expanding rapidly in recent years and recently was awarded a Platinum accolade in the Investors in People (IIP) standard making the company third place, out of only 18 real estate companies in the UK to be awarded this level. Its acquisition of Braemar Estates has allowed it to increase its presence in the North West. Its portfolio ranges from traditional mansion blocks to substantial mixed-use developments. Richard Daver, Managing Director of Rendall & Rittner, comments: “By operating as one company with one team, under one brand, we can strengthen Rendall & Rittner’s foothold in the region and provide excellent service and value to our customers and clients. We all share the same values and commitment to quality, and we are excited about moving forward together as a truly national company at the forefront of our industry.” The integration of the businesses will utilise the strengths of both companies and will result in benefits to customers including an upgraded online portal, improved reporting, slicker communication through a new system for logging and tracking work and better value through group purchasing deals. The teams will continue to operate from their current offices in London, Manchester, Hale and the Midlands. Matt Kirk, the company’s North Area Director comments: “Following a strategic review of our position, it was evident that integrating the two businesses was the next logical step and a way to ensure that we continue to deliver the highest standards of service across Manchester and our region.” For further information about Rendall & Rittner, visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk
Property company Network Space has completed phase two of an industrial development that is taking shape in Merseyside. The first phase of the Mere Grange development in St Helens was completed in July 2018 and comprised 90,500 sq ft split across four individual buildings, ranging in size from 18,500 sq ft to 26,350 sq ft. Each unit is self-contained, built to a high specification and designed to appeal to the needs of a wide range of logistics and industrial users. Phase 2 comprises a 51,400 sq ft unit which is currently under construction and has been pre-let to a specialist commercial laundry firm, Synergy LMS, on a 25-year lease. Caddick Construction are the contractors responsible for the build and completion is anticipated next month. Network Space has also recently secured planning for a 20,000 sq ft unit on the final phase which has been pre-let to an electrical distribution business. Construction of the unit is due to commence on site next month with completion before the end of the year. Stephen Barnes, Managing Director (Development) at Network Space, said: “We are delighted with progress at Mere Grange as we near completion of Phase 2 and shortly look to commence Phase 3. “In attracting the calibre of occupiers we have, Mere Grange has beaten off strong competition from other sites in the region. This is not only testament to the quality of accommodation we are delivering at the site but also the quality of the location and our proactive approach in responding to occupiers needs. “I’d like to thank the professional team for their hard work, together with our partners St Helens MBC and Homes England who have been actively involved in supporting the project. We look forward to successfully completing the final phase later this year.” Mere Grange is being developed in association with Homes England, St Helens Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Regional Authority. Cllr Derek Long, Leader of St Helens Council, added: “The development at Mere Grange is precisely the type of new employment space we require in St Helens in that it can support multiple different sectors. The Borough has a tradition in pharmaceuticals, and health and medical technology businesses.”
I would like to offer you an exciting case study on the £75m state-of-the-art Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in County Tyrone, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. Moulded by the latest healthcare research and initiatives, TODD Architects’ design creates a “natural environment for healing”, using expansive lines of sight and a user-friendly interior layout to maximise the patients’ connection with nature and promote positive, relaxed social interactions. Officially opened in April 2018, and garnering a host of awards since, the 27,000 m² building consists of a series of interlinked pavilions that bring together acute and primary care on a single shared campus. Grouping the departments together helps reduce patient waiting times and the need for a referral and return visit, delivering what a clinician described as ‘a one-stop shop’. Within an overall linear form with a single spine-like “street”, each department is housed in a distinct but connected pavilion, arranged around landscaped courtyards. The design maximises the views – and connections – between the patients, staff and visitors and the stunning County Tyrone landscape, as well as with the richly planted internal courtyards and on-site planting. Internally, the departments dissolve the traditional clinical barriers between staff and patients with break-out areas that offer informal space for relaxed patient-staff conservations. External architecture is a key part in the delivery of this holistic therapeutic environment, from the external design that sits proudly but not overwhelmingly within its context, to the carefully coded colour-based wayfinding and expansive use of glazing to maximise natural light as well as views out of and through the areas. The Campus also goes beyond traditional hospital services, providing community meeting places and group facilities to support out-reach services and engage with patient groups. In addition to award recognition, including best acute healthcare project in Europe in the 2018 EHD awards and Building of the Year – Public at the recent Building and Architect of the Year awards, the post occupancy feedback has been most positive from patients, staff and visitors alike. As the case study hasn’t yet been written, we can focus the article exclusively for your specific interests.
Shelbourne Motors has appointed local building contractor O’Hare & McGovern to build its new £5m multi-franchise facility in Newry as Renault signs-up to the showpiece development. The Newry based Chartered building company has commenced work on the 50,000 sq ft development that will create 60 new jobs when it’s scheduled to open in summer 2019. The new state-of-the-art facility, designed by Clarman Architects, is a significant investment by the family-owned vehicle retailer in the Newry area as it celebrates its 45th Anniversary. It will include new car showrooms, new car handover bays, lounge-style waiting area with café and a drive-thru service centre with a 28-bay service workshop. The Renault partnership will see Shelbourne Motors become the dedicated dealer of new and used Renault vehicles in the Newry and Mourne area. Kia was the first manufacturer to be confirmed for the site. Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors, said; “This is a significant milestone for Shelbourne Motors. We are delighted to partner with one of Northern Ireland’s leading Contractors to carry out the building works on our largest ever single investment.” “We implemented a rigorous procurement process to appoint the best contractor to deliver our vision. O’Hare & McGovern have demonstrated the skills, experience and resources to match our ambitions to build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the strength and growth of our brand. “It will create 60 new jobs for the Newry area, as well as offer an environment that’s modern and spacious with a host of technologically-advanced features that will provide local customers with an unrivalled sales and after-care experience. “Our long-term relationship with Renault made the manufacturer an obvious fit for this new development and it demonstrates their confidence in our business to incorporate a brand-new dealership into our Newry expansion.” Martin Lennon, Managing Director of O’Hare & McGovern said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the contract to build this new state-of-the-art showpiece facility. It strengthens our relationships with Shelbourne Motors which stretches back more than 40 years, and it is also a huge economic boost for the city, and the wider Newry area. “The Ward family are to be commended for committing to such an investment. The benefits will be enormous, especially with the provision of so many new jobs.” Shelbourne Motors was founded by the Ward Family in 1973. It currently employs over 130 staff at its 9-acre Portadown headquarters, where it operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan and Dacia franchises, as well as a Used Car Supermarket, Accident Repair Centre and Valet Centre.
Aramark wants to remind people about the importance of minding their mental wellbeing through the TAKE15 campaign, part of World Mental Health Day. “When I played rugby for Munster and Ireland it was obvious to me how important physical activity is for your mental health. It’s good that we are now being more open about our mental health but, there is still a long way to go. That’s why I’m delighted to be part of Aramark’s Health and Wellness month again this year and I hope that everyone will join in the #TAKE15 campaign,” said Alan Quinlan, Aramark’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. In the workplace, one in six people will experience mental health issues and TAKE15 is Aramark’s annual month-long campaign that aims to address this by encouraging both employers and employees across the UK and Ireland to take short breaks during their working day. “Aramark are encouraging all their clients and customers to take part in their TAKE15 campaign. The goal is to take time out to reconnect with people and look after your own mental health. We are dedicated to helping our teams and customers to make positive changes to their lifestyle so that they improve their wellbeing,” said Frank Gleeson, President Aramark Northern Europe. “Our mission is to enrich and nourish lives and we understand that a healthy workforce is a happier and more productive workforce. When employees take breaks at work, they become less fatigued and have more energy. Short breaks also increase our ability to focus and problem solve, reducing stress levels so it makes sense for everyone to Take 15 minutes to relax and clear their head during the day. We’re thrilled with the level of support from our clients for Take15 – our annual campaign has been growing every year as health and wellbeing becomes embedded in the workplace,” Frank added. Aramark Northern Europe employs over 18,000 people directly and provides food services to hundreds of workplaces across Northern Europe. The company is encouraging employees, clients and customers to take part in a month long TAKE15 campaign. The goal is to get people to take time out away from computers, phones and emails, and to reconnect with their colleagues.
Morgan Sindall has delivered the new £4.9 million Pines Primary School in Red Lodge, Suffolk, on behalf of Suffolk County Council. The development includes first-class facilities and places for reception, year one and year two pupils. A pre-school was also built to accommodate two to five year-olds. “The journey from concept to completion is a rewarding experience. It is even more pleasing when you recognise the extent to which that project will impact the local community,” said Saul Humphrey, managing director of Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure in the East region. “We are incredibly proud to hand over the completed building, at the start of the new academic year to the Pines’ first cohort of pupils. We are confident that the new facilities will not only support the Red Lodge community with its immediate requirements, but create a legacy that will be of benefit for generations to come,” he added. The ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the official opening of the new school was attended by children’s author Tony Mitton. Head teacher at the Pines, Kerry Darby, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our new school. The Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure team has seamlessly managed the project from start to finish, to ensure that we were able to open for the beginning of the new academic year. The completed state-of-the-art building has surpassed our expectations and is allowing us to deliver an enriching and engaging curriculum for all our current and future ‘Pines Pioneers’.” “We are proud to open what we believe will become an outstanding educational facility and are honoured to be joined by members of the Red Lodge and Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure communities for our special opening ceremony,” Kerry continued. Project partners on the scheme included design and property consultants Concertus.
A bespoke three-bedroom 1820 sq ft house designed by Boon Brown Architects for James Laurence Group is being built on a difficult brownfield residential site in Wandsworth, London. This contemporary detached house is enclosed by private houses, a redundant substation land and a small Peabody Trust garden. Boon Brown’s design uses simple materials and strong forms to create an original new building that sits composedly within the mix of traditional character and modern utility housing. “The site posed many obstacles to residential development. In addition to being situated in the Park Town Conservation Area, it is adjacent to the Queens Arms pub which is included in Wandsworth Borough Council’s local list of unlisted buildings of architectural or historical interest. The site is also situated within Flood Zone 3 – at risk from a Thames tidal breach requiring flood defence at a level up to 1.8m above pavement level,” explained Craig Jones, Director of BBA. The house includes a three-storey part subterranean courtyard dwelling with bedroom accommodation on the upper ground floor to facilitate flood mitigation. A distinct architectural response to the context, the angular shape and form of the house is directly influenced by the necessity to protect surrounding daylight amenity and prevent overlooking in nearby houses. The strong modern palette uses a grey multi facing brick as the main material, allowing the house to be distinctive without being overbearing. The single elevation onto the highway is narrow and restricted, so the design uses a screen wall as a singular flat component, whose white facing brick stands off against the grey brick of the main structure. A block of glazed cladding lightens the façade, as well as introducing gentle diffused light into the upper floor. Furthermore, the secure elevated courtyard can be entered from pavement level and it contains storage for cycles and bins, as well as the stepped approach up to the main entrance on the upper ground floor. The upper ground floor houses the bedrooms and two bathrooms around a central light well. An internal staircase leads down to the living room and kitchen / diner, each side of a glazed courtyard. The central courtyard and light well offer an elegant solution to maximising the daylight available to the habitable rooms, as well as creating natural ventilation and precious outdoor amenity space. A second internal staircase descends to the basement media room, which will be constructed as a contiguous reinforced concrete box with waterproof walls. Boon Brown’s tailor-made design not only maximises the development opportunity and overcomes the challenges imposed by the location, but succeeds in creating a modern, spacious and welcoming one-off family home.
