Taylor Wimpey London will open the doors to a brand new show apartment at its Coronation Square development in Leyton this month. Coronation Square is a modern development of 750 new homes in the heart of Leyton, with a range of apartments and houses surrounding a vibrant market square that
A Yorkshire firm of engineers is seeing strong growth in the residential development sector as it continues to expand its operations and secure new work outside the region. RWO, based in Park Square in Leeds, has won undisclosed contracts to supply civil and structural engineering services to support the multi-million-pound
South Seaham Garden Village has taken a huge step forward with landowner Tolent completing the land sale to a trio of developers including Karbon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. The completion of the deal means construction of the project, which was awarded garden village status back in 2019, can
The design stage is crucial for a successful construction project, and Vital Energi are delighted to offer a complete design process across all RIBA stages to help organisations achieve their energy ambitions. By influencing key decisions made early on in the design process, the team at Vital ensure buildings are
Kooky, the new boutique BTR brand, has announced the launch of its Whetstone apartments; 39 two-bedroom homes within Taylor Wimpey’s Oakleigh Grove development in South Barnet, London. Following the acquisition of the units last year, Kooky has worked closely with Taylor Wimpey to implement its style to the rental apartments,
Construction work on the sports pavilion at the Willow Lade development in Milton Keynes has officially started. The sports pavilion of part of Taylor Wimpey’s planning obligations for the overall site to provide the local areas with a community sports facility. It will include outdoor sports pitches, changing rooms, a
A site manager has scooped a ‘Seal of Excellence’ for his work in helping to deliver quality new home construction. Site manager at Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, Colin McNeish, picked up the award at this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. He gained his award for his “outstanding work
Three site managers working on sites in Worchestershire have been honoured with the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) hotly-contested Pride in the Job awards. Andy Tromans, a site manager for the Midlands arm of Taylor Wimpey was credited for his management of The Hopyards, a site in Martley. Another Andy
Taylor Wimpey London will open the doors to a brand new show apartment at its Coronation Square development in Leyton this month. Coronation Square is a modern development of 750 new homes in the heart of Leyton, with a range of apartments and houses surrounding a vibrant market square that will become the heart of the new community. A new show apartment opened its doors on 12th of November giving buyers the chance to see themselves living at Coronation Square. Clayton & Company, the design team behind the show apartment, carried out extensive research on the local area and the house layouts. They wanted to reflect the aspirations of local buyers in the apartment and have ensured that the space is calming, inviting and fitting to the local area, creating a stunning design to show off the homes to their full potential. Sarah Coward, Interior designer at Clayton & Company, said: “This is a modern home so we took an artistic direction to create a stylish, fun-loving balanced family environment. “Using a soft muted colour palette with an introduction of cool blue tones throughout evokes feelings of tranquillity and relaxation. We’ve incorporated sustainable and eco-friendly materials using wooden panelling and natural finishes, which not only adds texture throughout the apartment but also ensures that the space feels warm and inviting. This was further enhanced with earthy notes of burnt orange in the soft furnishings.” Sarah wanted the bedrooms to exude luxury, so she added stand-out features to give them a sense of depth with a modern twist. She said: “For the bedrooms you would want to come home and sink into them. We picked a tall velvet headboard with statement surround in the main bedroom, which introduces gorgeous fabrics and allows the buyer to create their very own boutique hotel interior at home. “The main feature of the second bedroom is the geometric wall panelling for a striking depth feature. We also took inspiration from potential buyers in the area and the need for a working from home environment, whilst ensuring the natural tones used throughout the home were still evident.” One of the benefits of buying a new build property is the blank canvas that it provides, allowing buyers to immediately put their own stamp on their home. Sarah said: “All the looks we have created throughout the apartment can easily be replicated by any new buyer moving in for the first time. “In the main living room, we chose to use paint to design the room as opposed to wallpaper, which only requires a roll of masking tape and the decision over what colour to make a statement with. “You can also shop for affordable lighting, window treatments and bespoke furniture from high street stores such as John Lewis, and one of the easiest styles to create in any room is the use of plants which give the instant natural and cosy feeling.” Sarah and her team also designed a creative work space and marketing suite for the Coronation Square sales team. They focused on breaking the large space down into more intimate areas, continuing the same eco-friendly design of the show apartment. Sarah said: “Our aim was to design a space that allowed the Taylor Wimpey team to carry out their day-to-day work whilst being as welcoming as possible to any prospective buyers, without being too imposing. “We added wall panelling and finishing touches with lots of planting to create a real sense of bringing the outside influences of the local area inside. “The most striking feature in the suite is the wooden ‘gazebo’ surrounding the soft seating. Whilst emphasising the tall ceilings of the room, it also leans to the thriving, creative surroundings of the Coronation Square area, with its leafy gardens, relaxed cafés and modern living.” A range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes are currently available at Coronation Square, with prices ranging from £400,000 to £675,000. The development will be much more than just housing, designed around a market square that will become a focal point for the lives of those who live there. New shops, sports facilities, cafes and workspaces will give new and existing residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy their lifestyle and make new connections. Seamless links to the wider area will enable people to make the most of Leyton’s character and community. Alex Greaves, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey London, said: “We wanted our show apartment and marketing suite to reflect everything that people love about Leyton, and we’re so proud of the work that Sarah and the team have put into the project. “They have created a home that is truly inspiring and we’re really excited to welcome customers for the first time this month. We’re also delighted with the work done on the marketing suite, which brings all of Leyton’s creativity and character into our work space.” The show apartment at Coronation Square, at 116 Oliver Road, Leyton, London, E10 5LF is now open for viewingFor more information and to book an appointment, buyers can contact the sales team on coronation.square@taylorwimpey.co.uk / 01277 889551 or visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/coronation-square to find out more. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Yorkshire firm of engineers is seeing strong growth in the residential development sector as it continues to expand its operations and secure new work outside the region. RWO, based in Park Square in Leeds, has won undisclosed contracts to supply civil and structural engineering services to support the multi-million-pound development of more than 900 new homes in North Yorkshire and the Midlands. The move will see the firm work on over 450 new-build properties for Avant Homes’ schemes in Bramcote and Awsworth in Nottinghamshire. Engineering services work is also underway on a development of 450 new two, three, four and five bedroomed and affordable properties for Taylor Wimpey at West Lane near Ripon. This work, which includes Section 278 highway engineering works to provide new site access roads, comes as RWO is already involved in a number of other residential schemes across the country. These include the provision of planning services, detailed civil and structural design and support services for Barratt Homes, Gleeson Homes, Vistry Partnerships, Caddick Developments and Countryside Properties to support the development of upwards of 2,000 new homes. Currently employing 30 people and targeting £2.75 million in sales revenue in the next 12 months, RWO continues to recruit additional staff to strengthen its team to meet the strong demand for construction engineering services. Andrew Fairburn, director of RWO’s Leeds office, said the company is expanding beyond the region as more national housebuilders look to use its services and expertise in other locations. He added: “Although we work across all sectors, we are building a strong reputation in the residential and affordable housing sector, winning and delivering projects for leading housebuilders and housing associations. Success is based around our ability to deliver services that add value and provide effective engineering solutions for complex problems. “Despite some tough challenges and economic uncertainties, we are positive about the future and will continue to build on our residential successes to date, adding more senior experience to our team to improve further services to both current and new clients.” Scott Robinson, technical director at Taylor Wimpey, said: “RWO continues to be a key partner for us. Working alongside our in-house team, its engineers ensure projects like West Lane are delivered on time, as we continue to invest and expand to meet the huge demand across the region for high quality new homes.”
South Seaham Garden Village has taken a huge step forward with landowner Tolent completing the land sale to a trio of developers including Karbon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes. The completion of the deal means construction of the project, which was awarded garden village status back in 2019, can now progress. Infrastructure works linking the development to the nearby A182 are due to start this summer with the first phases of housing commencing early in 2023. The development will bring 1,500 new homes to the area. 750 homes will be developed for private market sale by Miller Homes and Taylor Wimpey, with the remaining 750 homes to be of mixed tenure including rent to buy, shared ownership and affordable rent options. It is hoped that a proportion of the affordable homes will be designed to meet the emerging net-zero standards providing lower operational costs for residents as well as minimising the environmental impact of the development. Paul Webster, CEO at Tolent said: “South Seaham Garden Village will provide a diverse mix of homes providing a vibrant community on the outskirts of Seaham. The site has been owned by Tolent for a number of years and we have been working in partnership with Durham County Council to create an ambitious garden village that will provide innovation in the local housing market. “Approximately half of the development will be managed green space including play areas and a grassed playing pitch lined by a network of over three miles of landscaped paths and cycleways which coupled with its coastal setting make it an idyllic location.” Tolent will remain engaged in the project following the sale of the land and has entered into a construction partnership with Karbon Homes to deliver their share of the properties supporting local housing delivery over the next decade. Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have bought our share of the land at South Seaham Garden Village and are looking forward to bringing 750 much-needed, affordable homes to the area. This is the largest development we have embarked on to date and we’re excited to be playing a part in bringing this vibrant new community to County Durham.” In addition to the planned housing, the project includes a new village centre, which will include the delivery of a two-form entry primary school and a range of community facilities. Russ Hall, Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey North East, said “We are pleased to continue our investment in the North East and the South Seaham Garden Village project is a result of considerable hard work to date that will be evident on the ground soon. We are excited to be part of the delivery of another major development in the North East and the delivery of a new garden village community” Patrick Arkle, Managing Director, North East at Miller Homes said: “This is a key location for us in the region, Seaham has transformed over the years into a popular beachfront destination and an up-and-coming place to live. As a team we’re excited about South Seaham Garden Village, the scale of the site presents lots of opportunities and we believe it will become a flagship development offering an excellent range of much-needed three, four and five-bed homes.” The site is set to be a testbed for future technologies with a range of modern methods of construction planned for use with the potential for off-site panellised solutions and a range of alternative building methodologies currently being considered.
The design stage is crucial for a successful construction project, and Vital Energi are delighted to offer a complete design process across all RIBA stages to help organisations achieve their energy ambitions. By influencing key decisions made early on in the design process, the team at Vital ensure buildings are designed in an optimum way by working alongside M&E consultants, sustainability consultants, structural engineers, and architects, to ensure clients benefit from design efficiency from the beginning. Vital have recently been working with one of the UK’s largest developers, Taylor Wimpey, on their Hepscott Road project in Hackney Wick, which comprises 145 apartments and 23,820 sq. ft of commercial space. Early involvement in the project from RIBA Stage 2 has allowed Vital to work with the architects at the pre-planning stage, influencing key decisions and providing optimal support to Taylor Wimpey. Spatial provisions, such as the location of HIUs and utility cupboards, rooftop plant areas, riser sizes, ceiling void depths, and energy centre plant areas have been determined. These key considerations provide the architect with valuable information to ensure the building works get the best out of the heat network. Amanda Daly, Senior Technical Manager for Taylor Wimpey London, said: “The introduction of Vital Energi at concept stage has been invaluable. Design input has been consistent, and the Vital team have fully integrated with the design team to make the process efficient and successful.” Elliott Sharpe, Vital Energi’s Design Director, said: “It’s great to be able to share the company’s experience from design, installation and operation of heat networks with the project design team and clients at such an early stage of a development. Not only does the professional team benefit, but so does the end customer through the creation of an efficient, low carbon heat supply.” With over 30 years’ heat network experience, Vital Energi’s design team specialise in creating robust and creative energy generation, distribution and conservation solutions of all sizes for small to large scale projects across all sectors, and are proud to have developed schemes for over 83,000 properties and installed upward of 30,000 HIUs. The Vital team can share their knowledge at any stage of the design process, however by RIBA Stage 4, many of the key decisions have already been made, some of which may be irreversible, such as defining the energy strategy, size and location of the energy centre, number and size of risers required, and the optimum district heating route. If the initial concept needs reworking, this can cause project delays, redesign work and additional cost. Having a heat network specialist on board from the early stages also integrates Vital’s experience of installation, ESCo services, metering & billing, and operation & maintenance into the design from day one. If you’re based in the South and would like to see your energy ambitions become reality, please contact Elliott Sharpe on Elliott.Sharpe@vitalenergi.co.uk.
Kooky, the new boutique BTR brand, has announced the launch of its Whetstone apartments; 39 two-bedroom homes within Taylor Wimpey’s Oakleigh Grove development in South Barnet, London. Following the acquisition of the units last year, Kooky has worked closely with Taylor Wimpey to implement its style to the rental apartments, which deliver a concept unique to Kooky. Using their expertise in BTR, and genuine understanding of what renters need and want, Kooky has created a collection of boutique apartments, with a focus on quality of design in communal areas and within the apartments themselves. The 39 apartments in Whetstone form part of Kooky’s recent £33 million investment in the London Borough of Barnet, alongside 30 units in Taylor Wimpey’s Millbrook Park development, which are set to come to market in late August. Commenting on the launch, Howard Crocker, Managing Director of Kooky, said: “Our apartments at Oakleigh Grove are another great example of a partnership at work between Kooky and an experienced housebuilder. Taylor Wimpey allowed us to work closely with them to make sure our designs, that are integral to the boutique Kooky brand and feel, could be conveyed in the finished product of both individual apartments and common parts. Whetstone is a sought-after location for renters, who are increasingly looking to combine easy connectivity to Central London with the space and amenities more available in Outer London boroughs, and we are incredibly proud to see them launch.” Kooky’s total investment into properties around London stands at over £76 million in the past year. By offering stylish living and great service, the Kooky model prides itself on working closely with housebuilders such as Taylor Wimpey and believes that all renters are unique and should be treated that way.
Construction work on the sports pavilion at the Willow Lade development in Milton Keynes has officially started. The sports pavilion of part of Taylor Wimpey’s planning obligations for the overall site to provide the local areas with a community sports facility. It will include outdoor sports pitches, changing rooms, a small indoor sports area, and a place for the local community groups to meet. A ground breaking event to mark the launch of the development took place and The Mayor of Milton Keynes attended it as well. The design and the planning process received engagement from the local town council, local Residents Association, and Milton Keynes Council, to ensure the building offers the very best facility for the residents of Newton Leys. The work is due to be completed by September this year. “We are delighted to be working on this scheme. The new build will offer an excellent facility for the local community, and will act as a focal point for its users who are in need of a useful and practical space. Clegg Construction has a long history in the construction of community-based buildings, and we look forward to handing this one over later this year,” said Tim Walker, construction director of Clegg Construction, the contractor building the sports pavilion. Taylor Wimpey will be investing over £12 million in the local community under the Section 106 agreement with Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council. The investment includes almost £1.6 million going towards a nursery and primary school and £3.3 going towards public open spaces. “We are so pleased to be starting the construction of the Sports Pavilion in Newton Leys. The facility will be a very welcome addition to the other provisions at the development. Willow Lake not only provides residents from around Newton Leys with a great selection of homes, but it also offers ideal commutable routes into Milton Keynes,” said Colin Radford, technical director at Taylor Wimpey South Midlands.
A site manager has scooped a ‘Seal of Excellence’ for his work in helping to deliver quality new home construction. Site manager at Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, Colin McNeish, picked up the award at this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. He gained his award for his “outstanding work and leadership” of Phase 3A and 3B at Almond Park in Musselburgh. Located off Pinkie Road in Musselburgh, Almond Park offers a range of homes and apartments from Taylor Wimpey’s Scotland two range, that are designed to appeal to a wide variety of purchasers who have different budgets. Work began on the latest phase in November last year, which has continued the success of the earlier phases of the development, which included the first Local Affordable Rented Housing Trust development in Scotland in partnership with East Lothian Council and supported by the Scottish Government. McNeish joined Taylor Wimpey in August 2012 as an assistant site manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Hopefield development in Bonnyrigg, helping the team to deliver a series of affordable homes for Midlothian Council. He also started the construction works at Taylor Wimpey’s Cameron Gardens in Bilston prior to being promoted to site manager and joining the team at Almond Park in Musselburgh in late 2014. Speaking about receiving the award, McNeish commented: “The NHBC Pride in the Job is quite an achievement and I’m delighted to have won it on my first development as site manager. “This is an award which can only be achieved with the hard work and determination of the whole site team and their drive for excellence every day – without them I wouldn’t have this award. “To have also secured a Seal of Excellence Award that places me within the top ten site managers in Scotland is just incredible, and I’m really happy. “The whole development team is very proud to deliver what are considered to be some of the best new homes in Scotland.”
Three site managers working on sites in Worchestershire have been honoured with the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) hotly-contested Pride in the Job awards. Andy Tromans, a site manager for the Midlands arm of Taylor Wimpey was credited for his management of The Hopyards, a site in Martley. Another Andy – this time Andy Addis, a site manager for Lioncourt Homes Ltd – won a Pride in the Job award for his role on the Saxon Meadow site, Kempsey. Finally, one of Persimmon Homes South Midlands’ site managers, Jamie Duggan bagged his award for his management of a Pershore site, Wyre Meadows. The three men join NHBC’s Hall and Fame and stand alongside nearly 450 others from across the UK acknowledged by the association as exemplary. The Pride in the Job award has been running for 36 years and aims to celebrate and commemorate the hard work put in by site managers and, furthermore, the valid contribution they make when it comes to building homes in an effective, efficient and high quality manner. Winners have undergone spot checks to ascertain the quality of their day-to-day site management and, similarly, each site is itself assessed under 37 different, site management-specific criteria, including: technical knowledge, quality control, building consistency, and health and safety. Paul Edwards, Regional Director at the NHBC, congratulated the trio, saying they should be commended for their efforts and positive contribution to the local community. He added that the three men should be taken as a benchmark from which others can learn and that the role of the Pride in the Job awards is very much to highlight and inspire best practice. Of course, with exceptional site management comes the construction of exceptional homes; Paul Edwards also highlighted the benefit of the Pride in the Job awards for customers. According the data gathered by the NHBC, people buying homes at Pride in the Job winning sites tend to express higher levels of customer satisfaction that those buying elsewhere, he pointed out. All 400+ Quality Award winners will be shortlisted for the NHBC’s Seals of Excellence awards and various regional titles as part of the association’s year-long judging process. Eventual winners will be revealed in the autumn with regional winners going forward to the Pride in the Job final in London in the new year.
