A 99-year lease has been signed by the University of Lincoln and Bishop Burton College to secure the provision of land-based further and higher education at the Riseholme Campus. The new agreement, which benefits from the support of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, ensures practical land-based further and higher
The latest technology to deliver engine testing and research into sustainable power concepts has been brought to Coventry with the construction of a new automotive hub. Built by Willmott Dixon, the Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) houses some of the most advanced test facilities currently in the UK
One in six Britons who have undertaken a DIY project at home in the last year have injured themselves in the process, costing the NHS an estimated £222 million from A&E visits. The main culprits behind the injuries from home DIY projects were power tools, ladders and general tools. The
An analysis conducted by MediaVision of property brand searches across more than 200 residential, commercial and portal/online companies revealed a market predominantly down year on year with pockets of stellar performance from some. Of the top 10 brands with the highest monthly search volume overall, only four saw a positive uplift in brand demand YoY. Of the top 50 overall, more than half saw a decline in brand demand over the last year, which indicates just
Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to
A new research by Heriot-Watt University discovered that the UK has a backlog of 3.9 million homes, its biggest housing shortfall on record; meaning that 340,000 new homes need to be built each year until 2031. Central Bedfordshire alone needs to build 360 affordable homes each year until 2021 under
A project is underway to develop new drones that go beyond surveillance and are capable of building structures with the use of 3D printing software. The team of scientists and engineers are looking to develop aerial robots that are able to fly into either remote locations or disaster zones, and
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A 99-year lease has been signed by the University of Lincoln and Bishop Burton College to secure the provision of land-based further and higher education at the Riseholme Campus. The new agreement, which benefits from the support of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, ensures practical land-based further and higher education informed by the latest scientific research and industry needs can continue to be delivered at Riseholme into the next century. “This is wonderful news, not just for the College, its staff and its students, but the whole of Lincolnshire. It means Riseholme College will continue to produce future generations of farmers and other skilled workers,” said chief executive and principal of Riseholme College Bill Meredith. “These are exciting times and this agreement will also provide opportunities for collaborative working with the University, including in applied research, technology transfer, staff development and student progression. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.” Part of Bishop Burton College, Riseholme College will continue to have access to the campus, which is owned by the University of Lincoln, to deliver further education for school-leavers in subjects such as agriculture, engineering and equine studies, including at Riseholmeÿs farm and equine centre. The university will make significant investments to enhance the educational facilities, as well as advancing its own specialisms in cutting-edge scientific research and higher education courses supporting the food and farming industries at Riseholme, which is home to the University’s Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology. Both the university and the college have confirmed their shared commitment to developing a centre of excellence at Riseholme drawing on the very latest research to ensure students at all levels have the knowledge and skills they need to drive the future of agriculture and its supply chain in Lincolnshire and beyond. “Lincolnshire is at the heart of the UKÿs thriving food and farming industries and we are absolutely committed to meeting the changing skills and research needs of businesses of all shapes and sizes, by working with industry and our educational partners,” added Prof Mary Stuart, vice chancellor of the University of Lincoln. “This landmark agreement ensures Lincolnshire can boast the complete range of post-16 educational opportunities, from short courses and apprenticeships through to Masterÿs and PhD level study, for decades to come. All this is underpinned by the world-leading research of our agri-tech specialists and Riseholmeÿs outstanding natural features and facilities, reinforcing its status as a jewel in the crown for our regionÿs agri-food sector.”
The latest technology to deliver engine testing and research into sustainable power concepts has been brought to Coventry with the construction of a new automotive hub. Built by Willmott Dixon, the Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems (C-ALPS) houses some of the most advanced test facilities currently in the UK and is available to car makers, airplane manufacturers, small and medium-sized companies to accelerate the creation of new powertrain solutions for use across automotive, aerospace, marine and rail sectors. “It is a pleasure to be working with Coventry University and FEV to create this cutting-edge facility. Research into low carbon technologies is incredibly important and, as a carbon neutral business, it is something close to the heart of all of us at Willmott Dixon. It was a challenging build, but thanks to strong relationships and communication between all partners, C-ALPS has been a great success,” said Peter Owen, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the Midlands. “Similarly, the constrained location came with its challenges due to being surrounded by businesses, a church, a university and residential areas – it’s very different to most of other FEV sites around the world which are normally located miles away from other buildings. Because of this, our design partner Broadway Malyan designed its cladding to blend in with the environment and complement the site’s location,” Peter added. The hub will allow experts from across the world to conduct research into vehicle hybridisation, electrification, plus enhancement of conventional and alternative fuel-based powertrains to meet the requirements of future transportation and future cities. It is part of a long-term collaboration between Coventry University and FEV, the international leader in design and development of advanced gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains and vehicle systems. The development has created five testing cells, offices, a workshop, car parking and soft landscaping. It has created strong links into the engineering industry for Coventry University and in turn, will create fantastic opportunities for students and Coventry itself.
One in six Britons who have undertaken a DIY project at home in the last year have injured themselves in the process, costing the NHS an estimated £222 million from A&E visits. The main culprits behind the injuries from home DIY projects were power tools, ladders and general tools. The research, undertaken by the team at www.MyJobQuote.co.uk, surveyed 2,802 people aged between 18 and 65 years old. Respondents all stated that they lived in their own home, whether owned or rented. The research found that 64% of respondents have undertaken a form of DIY or home improvement on their property within the last year, all of whom were under the age of 65. Of those that had partaken in DIY in the past year, one in six (17%) were found to have caused injury to themselves in the process. The injury was so severe for 26% of these that they had to visit A&E to treat the injury, whilst a further 5% called an ambulance to be taken to hospital. The results indicate that 2.8% of Britons aged 18-65 have ended up in A&E as a result of a DIY injury, whilst less than 1% have been taken to hospital in an ambulance. Using NHS statistics on the average cost of visiting A&E (£143) and the cost of getting an ambulance to hospital (£259)*, along with the most recent ONS data for the population of 18-65 year olds in the UK (40,762,058), the results indicate that DIY injuries cost the NHS £222,322,225 in hospital visits last year. The leading five causes of the injuries were revealed to be: Contact with a power tool – 23% Fell from a ladder – 22% Contact with a non-power tool – 17% Electrocuted myself – 10% Incident with a Lawnmower – 6% Asked if they had missed any time off work as a result of their DIY injury, as many as three fifths (60%) said that they had missed at least one day, with the average found to be three days. Unfortunately 12% said the injury had caused long-term damage, and a further 6% said that they were unable to return to work for at least one year. “DIY naturally comes with its own set of risks as the equipment used, such as power tools and ladders, can be dangerous if not used properly. Obviously accidents happen and can sometimes be unavoidable, but a high number of these accidents could be averted with the proper precautions, thus alleviating the strain and cost on the NHS. Always wear protection, such as goggles or a mask and gloves where necessary, take extra care when using power tools and dealing with electrics and never go up a ladder without someone holding the base for you,” commented on the findings Lisa Evans, spokesperson for www.MyJobQuote.co.uk.
An analysis conducted by MediaVision of property brand searches across more than 200 residential, commercial and portal/online companies revealed a market predominantly down year on year with pockets of stellar performance from some. Of the top 10 brands with the highest monthly search volume overall, only four saw a positive uplift in brand demand YoY. Of the top 50 overall, more than half saw a decline in brand demand over the last year, which indicates just how tough and diverse the landscape is right now. For brands in the fiercely competitive online property sector, an increase or decrease in brand search can be attributed to several things: the effectiveness of the marketing strategy, market-related factors, the economy, changing consumer habits or the efforts of rival brands. Fortunately, positioning from a volume perspective and a robust marketing strategy can have a significant and direct impact on brand demand. Residential brand frontrunner is Dexters with an increase of 6% YoY. The London agency chain beat out Savills, Knight Frank and Foxtons, who all saw a decline in brand demand. Dexters made the news back in 2016 by shedding 20 different brands and a holding business to become a single entity that now has over 70 branches across London. The brand has since expanded even more by co-marketing homes acquiring and rebranding more businesses. With aggressive growth in the market since launching and subsequent status as one of the most valuable start-ups in the world, WeWork leads the way this year with a 58% increase in brand demand. Flexible office space has become a major disruptor in the real estate industry. With spaces offering co-working, shorter leases, stellar coffee and a greater sense of community for small teams and corporates, demand has increased around the globe in recent years. WeWork has tapped into this growing trend by appealing to an industrious audience that wants more from an office than just a desk space. Aside from its massive size – members are projected to hit 400,000 by the end of the year – the brand captures news attention with details like amped up amenities, innovative networking events, beer taps, food bars and more – all tied together by a strong marketing strategy. With an increase in brand demand at 31% YoY, industry disruptor OnTheMarket has become a major competitor to property portals Zoopla and Rightmove, who both slipped from the top spots with a decreasing brand demand. The big portals are still far ahead in terms of volume but there is no doubting OnTheMarket’s trajectory.
Dolomite Microfluidics’ micro-encapsulation technologies are used by researchers at the University of Cambridge to develop self-healing construction materials. The University’s Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time. “Many composite building materials used in the construction industry – such as concrete – suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks. We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used. The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilising the material,” said Dr Livia Ribeiro de Souza, a postdoctoral researcher in the group. The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties. “This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014, and find that microfluidics offers much better control of particle size and composition than traditional emulsification polymerisation techniques, simplifying the investigation and optimisation of particle properties,” she said. “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications,” Livia added. The research was recently highlighted in BBC News broadcasts.
A new research by Heriot-Watt University discovered that the UK has a backlog of 3.9 million homes, its biggest housing shortfall on record; meaning that 340,000 new homes need to be built each year until 2031. Central Bedfordshire alone needs to build 360 affordable homes each year until 2021 under the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. To make a start Central Bedfordshire College and a private developer have chosen ZEDPods, ready-made, quality starter-homes for a new development of 23 homes on college land. The one and two-bedroom houses, a break-through development in low cost, low carbon and high-quality homes, are fabricated off site. Their modular construction allows them to be rapidly erected on pieces of land not generally considered suitable for housing. With a variety of design options covering single or multi-occupancy sites, ZEDPod homes can be tailored for a range of accommodation needs, offering a viable, affordable solution to the keyworker housing crisis. “We are delighted that Central Bedfordshire College is able to support the local area needs and ZEDPods with the creation of environmentally friendly housing solutions. We look forward to working with ZEDPods to develop new courses teaching on modern forms of construction utilising the most cutting edge, eco-friendly construction techniques to our learners and to seeing the benefits that this innovation will have on our community,” said Ali Hadawi, Principal of Central Bedfordshire College. The ZEDPods are designed and developed by RIBA award-winning architect Bill Dunster, who will take advantage of existing city centre car park locations and hard standings across the UK. The homes are built to higher standards than conventional houses, being super insulated, triple glazed, with heat recovery ventilation, low carbon technology and lots of daylight. “As the pods are constructed from quality fireproof, durable and robust materials, they are designed to last as long as a traditionally built homes, The pods’ solar roofs generate more energy than the houses consume, so they will also have the lowest possible running costs,” explained Bill Dunster. ZEDPod owners will have their own balcony and front door, a kitchen and dining table, a bathroom, a lounge with stairs leading to a mezzanine floor bedspace, with home office desk, double bed, wardrobe and storage. ZEDPods will be sold with a ‘Q Assure’ mortgageable warranty.
A project is underway to develop new drones that go beyond surveillance and are capable of building structures with the use of 3D printing software. The team of scientists and engineers are looking to develop aerial robots that are able to fly into either remote locations or disaster zones, and construct shelters and buildings using additive building manufacturing (ABM). Researchers from the University of Bath, Imperial College and University College London have come together for what will be a four-year colloborative project culminating in the creation of pioneering new drones for worldwide use. Despite ABM fundamentally transforming the industry and giving way to an age of 3D-printed development, the systems are ill-suited to construction in remote areas. Existing tools have historically been too large and too difficult to service, ruling them out of development in remote areas. Looking to address that challenge, the research project aims to develop an innovative ABM system capable of manufacturing shelters and bridges remotely. It will primarily comprise a swarm of drones that can conduct aerial surveys as well as assess and manufacture structures. With the use of autonomous robots, the team are hoping to significantly shrink ABM and, by doing more in the air, improve its mobility and appropriateness for complex builds. The drones would then act self-sufficiently, working together to assemble a build on site. Of course, the use of drones in the construction industry is already pronounced and the technologies have been used successfully for surveillance during the design stages of development. Despite re-purposing drone technology for actual construction, engineers will continue to make use of the robots’ surveying capabilities; the swarm will use complex Building Information Management (BIM) systems to scan and model the building and surrounding area. Imperial College London’s Dr Mirko Kovac from the Department of Aeronautics is leading the multimillion pound project. Billed as one the sector’s most exciting projects to date, it has already received in excess of £3.4m of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and various other industrial partners.
