Build Magazine July

World-renowned Fashion Designer, Karl Lagerfeld, to work on his first upscale Interior Design project in Miami - Page 60 Trump Group Partners with the Designer. Mr. Lagerfeld will design the two residential lobby spaces at The Estates at Acqualina in Miami.

Aaron B Duke LLC Most Innovative Designers of 2016 - USA The international Interior Designer, offers a candid insight into his luxury brand - Page 42

Also in this month’s issue...

Beilstein Interior Design Most Innovative Designers of 2016 - Germany Founded by Philipp Beilstein, the company offers an all-inclusive design service for its clients - Page 12 ECITB Offers the Industry a New Deal on Skills Engineering Construction Industry Training Board is prompted by government proposals to introduce a new levy on companies with a pay bill in excess of ÂŁ3million to fund the training costs of apprenticeships from April 2017 - Page 50

Build Magazine: July 2016

2

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the July edition of BUILD Magazine.

Here at BUILD, we strive to reflect the ever-changing dynamics of the construction industry. We are determined to draw attention to present and future trends, which our readership might find beneficial to them.

In doing so, we are constantly encountering firms and companies that are pushing the boundaries, reaching new heights, evolving in new and exciting ways, and whose efforts are demonstrating a new and exciting era in construction.

As the pace of technology continues to gather momentum, the construction industry has certainly reaped the benefits. New materials, new methods, closer collaboration, and new ways of optimising the constructive process, are all incredible promising indications of a more efficient industry, well prepared for the future.

While this next phase is still in its infancy, the new design options that we have already witnessed – from fashion designer-cum-city developer Paul King, or Aaron B Duke’s role in Los Angeles’ constructive renaissance – represent a bold new face for the industry, in an increasingly environmentally-conscious world.

Matching the benefits of smart design and space awareness, with an increasing reliance on smart, sustainable construction, is no small feat, and yet there are those that have triumphed in this regard. In these pages, we explore the intimate stories behind the construction and interior design firms that are using their innovative powers to the fullest; whether through demonstrating the benefits of BIM design, transmitting their own experience to the next generation, or working towards the deep-seated aspirations of a noted individual.

BUILD Magazine offers you a chance to discover those that are best placed to transform the way we view buildings and interior design, now and for years to come.

Contact the Editor at: george.millar@ai-globalmedia.com +44 (0) 203 725 6842

Build Magazine

3

Contents 4. News Special Features 10. BalconIE Ltd 12. R.D. Olson Construction 14. Mandale Homes 16. ReliantSouth Construction Group 18. Guido Brothers Construction Co. 20. The Green Building Initiative (GBI) 22. YDS Architects 24. Mibawa Suppliers 26. Shetland FM 28. Beilstein Innenarchitektur 30. Design House Inc. 32. Foster Lomas 34. Ainsworth Civils & Engineering Ltd 36. Trenton Fire Ltd 38. MBMpl Pty Ltd. 40. National Mechanical Services Inc. 42. AARONBDUKE 44. HughesBruce 46. Visioneering Studios, Inc. Inside the Industry 52. ECITB Offers the Industry a New Deal on Skills Eco Building 56. The Future of Solar Power 58. Transforming cities from grey to green Interior Design 62. Karl Lagerfeld to Design the Lobbies of Miami’s New Development Real Estate 68. Cavalleri to Usher in Reinvigorated Wave of Malibu Living Construction 72. Construction is an innovative sector 74. Arora Group to Build 298- Room Hotel Connected to T2 - Heathrow Products & Innovation 78. Connecting Elements - Creating Secure Energy Infrastructure

Build Magazine

4

News D.R. Horton, Inc. Introduces Freedom Homes for Affordable Active Adult Living D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI), America’s Builder, today announced the launch of Freedom Homes, its new brand focused on offering affordable homes specifically for the active adult buyer. The Company will initially offer homes under the Freedom brand in Florida, Texas and Arizona. It expects to have Freedom Homes communities open in at least 8 markets by the end of fiscal 2016 and in approximately one-third of D.R. Horton’s 78 operating markets by the end of fiscal 2017.

Donald R. Horton, Chairman of the Board, said, “We are excited to offer Freedom Homes as an affordable alternative for active adults seeking a carefree lowmaintenance lifestyle in an age-restricted community.

We strive to be the leading builder in each of our operating markets across our broad geographic footprint, and the addition of Freedom Homes to our diverse family of brands will allow us to continue to expand our industry-leading market share.”

D.R. Horton, Inc., America’s Builder, has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States for fourteen consecutive years. Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 78 markets in 26 states across the United States and closed 38,638 homes in the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2016. The Company is engaged in the construction and sale of high-quality homes through its diverse brand portfolio that includes D.R. Horton, Express Homes, Freedom Homes and Emerald Homes with sales prices ranging from $100,000 to over $1,000,000. D.R. Horton also provides mortgage financing and title services for homebuyers through its mortgage and title subsidiaries.

Portions of this document may constitute “forwardlooking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although D.R. Horton believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. All forward-looking statements are based

upon information available to D.R. Horton on the date this release was issued. D.R. Horton does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Forward-looking statements in this release include that the Company will initially offer homes under the Freedom brand in Florida, Texas and Arizona and that it expects to have Freedom Homes communities open in at least 8 markets by the end of fiscal 2016 and in approximately one-third of D.R. Horton’s 78 operating markets by the end of fiscal 2017. The forward-looking statements also include that we strive to be the leading builder in each of our operating markets across our broad geographic footprint, and the addition of Freedom Homes to our diverse family of brands will allow us to continue to expand our industry-leading market share.

Factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from the future results expressed by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry and changes in economic, real estate and other conditions; constriction of the credit markets, which could limit our ability to access capital and increase our costs of capital; reductions in the availability of mortgage financing and the liquidity provided by government-sponsored enterprises, the effects of government programs, a decrease in our ability to sell mortgage loans on attractive terms or an increase in mortgage interest rates; the risks associated with our land and lot inventory; home warranty and construction defect claims; supply shortages and other risks of acquiring land, building materials and skilled labor; reductions in the availability of performance bonds; increases in the costs of owning a home; the impact of an inflationary, deflationary or higher interest rate environment; the effects of governmental regulations and environmental matters on our homebuilding operations; the effects of governmental regulations on our financial services operations; our substantial debt and our ability to comply with related debt covenants, restrictions

Build Magazine

and limitations; competitive conditions within the homebuilding and financial services industries; our ability to effect our growth strategies or acquisitions successfully; the effects of the loss of key personnel; the effects of negative publicity; and information technology failures and data security breaches.

Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in D.R. Horton’s annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, both of which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

5

Ronson Capital Partners Reveals Chiltern Place is Over 60% Sold as Building Reaches Structural Completion The team at Ronson Capital Partners has an impressive track record of developing prime residential buildings in Central London, including The Heron in the City and Riverwalk in Westminster.

Majority of buyers are domestic owner occupiers Ronson Capital Partners LLP (“RCP”), the real estate investment company, has held a topping-out ceremony to mark the structural completion of Chiltern Place, its prime residential development at 66 Chiltern Street, in the heart of London’s Marylebone Village.

Due to be completed in 2017, Chiltern Place will be a collection of 55 one, two, three and fourbedroom apartments and penthouses over 15 storeys, as well as a four-storey townhouse.

At the ceremony, the development, which is being built by Mace and has been designed by PLP Architecture, was revealed to be over 60% sold. Interiors of the homes have been designed

by Tomasz Starzewski and feature the finest materials, craftsmanship and finishes, from timber and stone floors with underfloor heating to bespoke Italian kitchens and marble bathrooms.

Ceiling heights of 2.75m maximise natural light and views. Knight Frank and Savills have been appointed as joint selling agents.

Gerald Ronson, Executive Chairman of Ronson Capital Partners, said: “Located on a corner site next to Paddington Street Gardens, Chiltern Place offers exceptional homes in one of the capital’s most sought-after locations. The fact that we have already sold over 60% to date illustrates just how special they are. The unprecedented level of demand from domestic owner-occupiers, who form the majority of our purchasers, highlights the appeal of this development’s location and specification: this is a place where people want to live.”

Our goal with Chiltern Place has been to create homes that enhance and complement the unique lifestyle offered by Marylebone village. When completed, the building will offer residents access to a range of exclusive facilities and services, including a residents’ lounge, fitness suite, meeting rooms, and an on- site, hotel-style concierge service with 24/7 security.

Declining US Industrial Vacancy Rates Tied to E-commerce Growth The U.S. industrial vacancy rate dropped again in the second quarter, largely driven by companies building or leasing warehouse space to meet continued strong demand for e-commerce shopping.

Industrial vacancy fell to 8.8 percent in the latest quarter, down 20 basis points (bps) from the first quarter. The decline marked the 25th consecutive quarterly drop in available U.S industrial space.

The growing trend in e-commerce shopping is expected to continue to fuel demand for warehouse space, which is needed to store inventory for shipping directly to more consumers buying goods online.

And the industrial vacancy rate should continue its descent if the latest U.S. Commerce Department report on retail sales is any indication of this trend. In June, retail sales grew at 0.6 percent from the prior month and surpassed most analysts, who expected a modest 0.1 percent gain last month.

The retail sales report is generally seen as an important indicator for the direction of the U.S. economy, as consumer demand is a major contributor to stoking the country’s economic engine.

According to Chris Roach, President of BBG Valuation, “Plummeting U.S. industrial vacancy rates signify that this sector of the commercial real-estate market is benefitting from increasing acceptance of the e-commerce model, and we anticipate this downward trend in vacancy rates will continue for at least the remainder of this year. We have seen first-hand of the growth in this industry, as a significant number of companies have used our services to complete transactions and secure industrial space to accommodate demand for their products, for both online and physical stores.

Build Magazine

6

Opportunities for Both Landlords and Tenants in Muscat’s Softening Residential Market Opportunities exist for landlords to secure income by offering prospective tenants additional incentives, according to international real estate consultancy, Cluttons.

Cluttons’ Muscat Spring 2016 Property Market Outlook report asserts that landlords who are putting tenants first by offering realistic market rents in line with the current economic reality and increasing incentives such as free access to onsite and local facilities, will likely be the first to benefit once the market does pick up.

Philip Paul, Cluttons’ Head of Country, Oman said: “We continue to see increased vacancy levels in stock that is perceived to be secondary, presenting landlords with a significant opportunity to take a long term view and refurbish during these emerging void period.

With average rents slipping across Muscat, tenants are now benefitting from choice although Cluttons advises that good quality property correctly priced is still being snapped up quickly. are Tenants are focused on good quality accommodation, with well managed facilities and amenities. With that in mind, upgrading stock is certainly advantageous for landlords at this time.”

According to Cluttons’ research, average residential rents dipped by 5.9% during the first quarter, leaving them 12.7% below Q1 2015. The decline was led by the villa market, leaving average monthly villa rents at just over OMR 1,004, 14.1% lower than Q1 2015. wide ranging redundancy programmes in key sectors, with the oil and gas sector still shrinking, are having a direct impact on rental levels.

Faisal Durrani, Head of Research at Cluttons said: “If the expected bottoming out of the market does not in fact materialise, then demand for rental accommodation will continue to decline over the next six to twelve months,

putting further downward pressure on rents, particularly as core sectors such as oil and gas, continue to show signs of shrinking. With this in mind, it is our expectation that rents during 2016 are likely to fall by a further 5% to 10%, on average, across Muscat. However, it is worth highlighting that better quality properties priced at the lower end of the budget spectrum, at between OMR 250 per month and OMR 500 per month, are likely to remain stable.”

Paul added, “In the sales market, we have recorded price declines across the board, with buyers now watching for affordable options as the market comes in line with the new market reality.

Cluttons research shows that during the first quarter of 2016, transactional volumes across the Sultanate were slightly lower than the same period in 2015, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The figures show that the traded value of property in this period decreased from OMR 1.322 billion in Q1 2015 to 0.922 billion in Q1 2016.

Paul commented: “This decline reflects the squeeze on disposable household incomes across the region as the era of low oil prices beds in. Going forward, we expect this trend to persist, particularly as oil prices appear unlikely to stage a comeback in the near term. With the region’s governments rushing to diversify income streams through the introduction of new fees and taxes and the dismantling of energy subsidies, household incomes in the GCC are expected to come under further pressure, with disposable incomes also likely to fall and Oman has not been immune to this.”

Build Magazine

7

TenderSpace, Launched in January 2016, is a New and Unique Suite of Web Based Tools for Everyone Involved in Property or Construction and Related Business The TenderSpace Press Office can assist with: • • • • • •

Free media trial of the site Interviews with Founders/wider team Photography Additional industry statistics Case studies Ongoing news about the business

It connects clients, contractors, professionals and suppliers via a unique ToolBox function - which has been developed in conjunction with experts from the sector. The ToolBox provides a large suite of mostly free tools which allow people to efficiently connect, analyse and manage the complex workflows and processes involved in construction related projects.

re–engineering is always possible. And once you’ve selected the best team, you end up with a powerful and intuitive platform - like TenderSpace.

Where the similarities with property development end is that TenderSpace will never be ‘finished’ – the next tranche of developments and enhancements is already underway, and we’re looking forward to feedback from our users to hone the offer further.”

•

UK Property and Construction - Key Facts •

•

•

The Company was formed in 2015 based upon a concept conceived by its founder David Stapleton in 2012 - that many of the processes inherent in the property and construction industries can be simplified and improved upon.

For property owners, occupiers and their advisors, TenderSpace’s free tools help the user to find the right resources for projects large or small.

•

•

The UK construction industry comprises more than 280,000 businesses covering more than 2.93 million jobs, which is the equivalent to about 10% of total UK employment [Source: HM Government] The industry contributes about £90 billion to the UK economy annually, equivalent to nearly 7% of GDP [Source: HM Government] The UK self build market ranges between 10-15,000 projects per annum, representing only about 5% of annual house building in the UK. This compares unfavorably to other European countries, where the self build market represents closer to 10% of annual house building [Source: Homes & Communities Agency, 2015 Policy paper] It is estimated that the UK needs to build as many as 300,000 new homes each year to meet demand [Source: Homes & Communities

For contractors, suppliers, specialists, trades and professionals wishing to source new work opportunities, TenderSpace offers Work Finder, which can be unlocked via a low cost subscription. This service allows subscribers to directly pitch for jobs before competitors get to hear about them, and to source quotes and products. All registered users can also enjoy free use of Profile Builder – an intuitive and simplified version of the industry standard PAS91 PreQualification Questionnaire.

Speaking about the development of TenderSpace, cofounder David Stapleton commented; “The similarities between developing this platform and undertaking a property development project are striking – both involve design, architecture and engineering.

I began with an idea on a scrap of paper, and then interrogated the efficacy of that idea and the potential market demand. Having convinced myself and our backers that the idea had merit I moved into a design stage – where it’s crucial to both get the specification right, and to assemble the best team.

As in property development, specification does not always go entirely according to plan, but provided that the foundations have been adequately designed then Build Magazine

•

Agency, 2015 Policy paper] In 2014 construction costs rose by 6%, and are predicted to continue rising [Source: RICS, BCIS Construction Briefing, 2015] The National Specialist Contractors Council, which represented over 7,000 SMEs in the construction sector, reported some of their members completing over 100 prequalification questionnaires (PQQs) per year, each requesting essentially the same information [Source: National Specialist Constructors Council, now part of Build UK] A Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group survey of over 600 member companies found that, on average, each company paid to belong to 2.3 subscription services to source new business opportunities. This increased to up to 20 for larger companies. The level of subscriptions varied from less than £200 to many thousand pounds, with the average being £1,500. They concluded that subscriptions alone for their members were costing around £10 million, with administrative costs averaging £4,000 per company. Total expenditure on subscription based services for SEC members was in the region of £28 million for SEC members. [Source: SEC Group]

8

Build Magazine

9

Special Features

Build Magazine

10

Special Feature

1606WO19

2016 Infrastructure Innovator of the Year, the UK

BalconIE Ltd takes a unique approach to both the design and construction of balcony structures, ensuring safety and longevity. We invited Peter Packham, the firm’s CEO, Chartered Architect and Project Manager, to talk us through this approach and how it is changing the construction industry for the better.

The BalconIE concept has been developed to simplify, re-engineer and add a further level of safety within the construction industry departing from the “business as usual” approach to cantilever balcony instruction.

Lloyds Register, the renowned safety organisation, when refering to the SPS plate, a core component of the Balconie System state: “The revolutionary Plate System is a new generation of building material bringing ship building and civil engineering to the threshold of a new era”.

This highlights the high level of excellence we strive for at all times, but we have not rested on our laurels and are dedicated to continuously improving our strategy. BalconIE Ltd and our partner Intelligent Engineering Ltd have now moved this approach further forward, providing a structurally engineered and Architectural approach, and we now operate as part of a new collaborative and progressive team looking in detail at the typical and specific issues of this widely used element within the building industry.

The development team consists of a skilled and very experienced group of Architects, Project Managers and specialist Engineers, supported by further 3rd party peer reviewers, ensuring every issue has been addressed within the design and development of the system.

The team agreed early in the process that the new steel plate system must exceed all codes and basic requirements, especially with subjects such as crowd loading, which currently are not a requirement of UK regulations or codes for areas such as residential design, for example.

From experience, the standard industry approach requires numerous components, which are fixed usually to the outer face of the substrate floor or column. To achieve these connections, especially mid to high rise, requires very early design details, placing of thermal inserts into formwork, and exact setting out to ensure the loose components will allow for the eventual fixing. When presenting a final balcony unit for fixing, various issues exist such as concealed bolt connections, the need to work beyond the slab edge at the outer extremities of the building, and the potential for numerous penetrations through the fabric which require weatherproofing and allowance for tolerances etc.

Instead, BalconIE Ltd have developed a single tray system, which fixes to the upper surface of the structure, using prefabricated insert channels ideally, but can be via “through bolt” type arrangements. The simple trays are designed to provide inherent code compliance for all Architectural requirements such as waterproofing, upstands, overflows and drainage. Speed of install is a significant advantage of the system, which helps ensure that the project stays on schedule and significantly reducing coast.

Typical installation would see the unit being landed on the upper surface of the structure, locating pre-set bolt positions within the insert rails, and simply bolted into position from the upper surface of the slab, the operatives working safely on the slab edge itself, away from the external face with safety lanyards etc., until the unit is finally bolted. The safety aspect is further enhanced by the development of the central pin connection, which can support the whole unit during the bolting procedure, exceeding shear forces and loads, hence the single pin locates and provides total safety.

The new design has been thoroughly tested across all loadings, in addition to Thermal issues (the system has an inbuilt Thermal resistance as well as a simple thermal break used in install), and all are exceeded in every way from simple code compliance, the units being developed for the most arduous A5-A7 load type criteria + factor of safety of x 1.5, furthermore the construction is 100% recyclable or reusable.

Ultimately we are keen to promote the use of our system, as we know it to be the safest, quickest and most efficient in the industry.

Build Magazine

11

Peter Packham

Website: www.BalconIE.co.uk

Build Magazine

12

Special Feature

Construction Top 50

CONSTRUCTION Bill Wilhelm President of R.D. Olson Construction. Speaks to BUILD magazine about the industry and a particular project of importance.

R.D. Olson Construction is an Orange Countybased general contracting and construction management firm recognized for reliability and customer loyalty nationwide. The firm is known for its hospitality and multi-unit construction expertise and a growing presence in healthcare, restaurants and education projects.

Bill Wilhelm, President of R.D. Olson, tells us a little more about the company: “Backed by a track record spanning 37 years, R.D. Olson has built a financially sound business setting the stage for continuous growth. Our company has an impressive resume of hotel, resort, multi-unit housing, country club, retail, and restaurant construction projects.

Our client list includes Marriott, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Starwood Lodging, UDR and Affirmed Housing Group, to name a few.”

R.D. Olson Construction has an established reputation as a builder that is at the forefront of emerging technologies and building trends. They meet their clients’ vision and build environments through solution driven teamwork, fast track construction, high quality finishes, and a proven expertise in their trade, providing a foundation for excellence.

Founded by Robert Olson in 1979 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the success of the company is attributed to a staff of dedicated associates who place a high value on integrity and have the experience to excel in commercial construction.

RD Olson’s growth is anchored by a loyal and repeat clientele whose expectations they work hard to exceed. Bill explains how important new clients are to the firm and exactly what approach is needed to ensure that best possible outcome. “We respect the confidence and trust our clients place in us,” he begins. “We are committed to truly understanding our clients’ needs, providing on-time construction services at a fair and competitive price, and focusing on safe construction practices.”

As it partners to surpass expectations, RD Olson’s services continue to expand to include design-build, design-assist, property assessment, and FF&E procurement. The repeatable success of these efforts has further established R.D. Olson as one of the nation’s top contracting firms, creating new growth opportunities with new clients.

Build Magazine

Within the wider industry, knowledge and experience are key in order to stay one step ahead of the competition, and Bill knows exactly what it is that sets the firm aside as the best option for its clients. “Our staff is our greatest asset,” he states. “Since our inception, R.D. Olson Construction has attracted the best talent in the industry, people who value integrity, apply an entrepreneurial mind-set and take personal ownership of their work. Our people drive the success of our business and being able to keep talent is always a priority.”

“We also strive to keep a ‘Community Connection’ by attending industry events and tradeshows and joining in philanthropic efforts in our community as often as possible,” he continues.

Since R.D. Olson has such a fine reputation as not only a builder but also with a background in development, there is always demand for Olson executives to speak at industry events. “We feel like our successes can serve as a great example to other industry professionals on how to successfully manage large commercial projects and how to better assist clients from planning to completion”, Wilhelm states.

They understand that new talent has to be nurtured from very early on in a career and seek individuals who have shown an attention to detail and quality in their schoolwork and career choices. Local college career fairs are a great way for them to stay in tune with up-and-coming talent and also allows them to stay connected with what is needed to continue mentoring new talent.

Most recently R.D. Olson Construction has completed the oceanfront Pasea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, which is a part of the prestigious Meritage Collection of hotels. The eight-story, 250-room hotel incorporates a variety of unique design details and amenities that will add elegance to the iconic Southern California surf town. Over the course of the project, R.D. Olson Construction used its extensive hospitality experience to seamlessly integrate design and construction elements, creating a cohesive, beach-inspired feel throughout the property.

R.D. Olson Construction celebrated the property’s completion at a grand opening ceremony on June 10, 2016. The firm was joined by executives from R.D. Olson Development and Pacific Hospitality Group

13

and civic leaders including Huntington Beach Mayor Jim Katapodis, Huntington Beach council members Barbara Delgleize and Jill Hardy, and Huntington Beach City Manager Fred Wilson.

“This project not only required our construction expertise, but also relied heavily on our ability to successfully integrate multiple, high-end design elements seamlessly,” said Bill. “We were excited to officially open the property to the public so that they can experience the end product and benefit from the hard work and dedication that the team put into this exceptional project.”

Since economies are ever changing, R.D. Olson finds great value in diversification. It is this diversification with new clients and new markets that will keep R.D. Olson strong even if specific markets take a turn.

“The next 12 months still look very strong for the hospitality industry and for the firm,” says Bill. “There are new hospitality projects on the horizon already and projects in emerging markets are already in the works as well. We will continue to grow and are always seeking new personnel to join our quality team of professionals.”

Company: R.D. Olson Construction, Inc. Name: Tim Cromwell, VP of Business Development Email: info@rdolson.com Web Address: www.rdolson.com Address: 2955 Main St., Third Floor, Irvine, CA 92614 Telephone: (949) 474-2001

Build Magazine

14

Special Feature

Construction Top 50

Mandale Homes are a full service property developer established in the North East over 30 years ago.

We invited Harriet Spalding to talk us through the firm’s history and how this experience has helped it to achieve the success it enjoys today.

Mandale Homes started life as a commercial landlord, which naturally meant that over the course of time we started constructing bespoke business space to meet our clients’ requirements. Over this time we started small scale house building, and at the start of the 00’s we were a large scale apartment developer developing hundreds of apartments per year.

When the recession hit in 2008 we were forced to diversify, as the apartment market and demand for commercial space disappeared quickly. Houses were still selling, albeit slowly, so we utilised our land bank and we decided to alter the planning on our land to construct houses.

This was the start of the firm’s evolution, as we transformed from being a small scale house builder to a growing house builder with several sites under construction at any one time.

Today Mandale Homes are experts in both residential and commercial construction. As a house builder we are targeted to construct and sell over 100 homes and 200 apartments this year, with a growing number in the pipeline for next year. (As a house builder we are currently selling around 100 homes per year, and around 200 apartments per year.) We have also remained a commercial landlord, providing various types of commercial space including industrial space, cafes, restaurants, bars, offices etc.

What really sets us apart from other developers is that we build houses that the local market requires. We do not have ‘standard’ house types that we use and make the site work to those, as we do not believe this works well, especially on smaller sites. Rather than being effectively a new estate within a town, we are a small development complimenting what is already there.

Our developments are predominantly on brown field sites, so we take derelict, disused, and often ‘ugly’ space and provide precisely what the area needs.

Ultimately we have a great reputation that we are very proud of. That goes a long way. We are a local builder providing the personal touch and supreme quality homes.

In order to maintain this hard earned reputation for excellence, we ensure that each client receives a personal service, and gets precisely the home they dreamt of. Our homes are built to an exceptional standard, and we always offer the clients the opportunity to choose their internal finishes within their home. Every home owner is different, so their houses should be unique too. The only time this will not be possible is if the client is buying a show home, but even when developing these we aim to supply the highest quality workmanship possible.

Looking ahead, as a forward thinking company we are always looking for new ways to innovate and adapt to build upon our current success.

We currently have a number of projects going on, and several that are coming up, which will provide us with exciting opportunities to expand our knowledge and build upon our experience.

We aspire to keep building incredible homes with premium specifications and look forward to continuing to do this in the future.

Build Magazine

15

Company: Mandale Homes Name: Harriet Spalding Email: info@mandale.com Web Address: www.mandale.com or www.mandalehomes.com Address: Mandale House, 5 neville Road, Stockton on tees TS18 2RD Telephone: 03300 165 005

Build Magazine

16

Special Feature

Construction Top 50

ReliantSouth Construction Group has experienced tremendous growth since inception and has begun expanding their business operations across the Southeast United States. We find out some details on their success and their attractive projects.

ReliantSouth Construction Group is a full service General Contractor and Construction Management firm based in Panama City, Florida. The firm is also licensed in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, where they offer comprehensive construction services and solutions. The president of the firm, Richard Dodd, P.E., has been active in the Southeastern construction industry for over three decades.

Although the firm was founded in 2013, the principals and team of ReliantSouth have worked together since 2004. The strong team has an impressive portfolio which has accumulated over $1 billion of revenue during their careers.

Their portfolio is comprised of retail, office, financial, educational, restaurant, hospitality and governmental projects.

Alongside the varied categories of construction projects, according to ReliantSouth, “seasoned construction professionals who have been working together for years” has been a cornerstone to their successful operations.

In recent years, the firm has embraced the power of social media, construction project management software, the evolving impact of I.T. and sustainable construction techniques.

In order to embrace the movement towards sustainable construction techniques, they explain, “ReliantSouth has sought both education and credentialing to become more proficient.

These credentials include LEED Accredited Professional certifications as well as Green Globes Professional certifications. ReliantSouth team members have recently completed a LEED Gold and LEED Silver project.”

When undertaking a new client or project, they shared, “ReliantSouth is a firm believer that effective team communication amongst project stakeholders translates into project success.

Techniques employed by ReliantSouth include owner pre-construction meetings to readily establish the client’s goals and desires for each respective project, and weekly team meetings to keep stakeholders appraised of progress as well as ensure accountability for the entire team.”

ReliantSouth management has identified one core focal principle to guide and shape both corporate and project based decisions: client satisfaction. They explain, “Our internal mantra is to deliver ‘solutions, value and trust’ for each of our clients. The vast majority of ReliantSouth’s projects are facilitated for repeat clients. This metric validates our client’s recognition of our firm’s ability to offer value and the relational trust that is developed on each project.”

Within the wider industry, the firm sought a means to reinvest its knowledge and enhance the construction career field. They state, “Over the course of the last 15 years, the ReliantSouth team witnessed the lack of young individuals entering the construction trades. This concerned our president. Richard was determined to take action, so in 2015 he worked closely with the local school district to implement a ‘construction academy’ at a local high school to assist in educating local youth about rewarding careers in the construction field and assist them in developing construction related technical skills.”

The local school district has reported that the academy has been extremely successful and is currently evaluating adding additional courses due to growing demand.

Build Magazine

17

Another challenge faced by the firm has been weathering the recent economic crisis. The firm describes, “The commercial construction market in ReliantSouth’s core focal area is currently strong. The regional economy has rebounded from the recent recession and has stabilized in recent years. Workforce development will remain crucial in order for developing new subcontractors and also to develop a skilled workforce for other economic sectors. The other economic sector growth will subsequently create construction demand through its associated economic ripple effect.”

ReliantSouth’s recent projects and growth have been primarily in the retail industry sector. The team has constructed seventeen projects at Pier Park North, which is a 360,000 square foot destination retail center located in Panama City Beach, Florida.

With the success of the firm, they shared, “Current aspirations for ReliantSouth include opening an additional office to house growing staff and service additional clients. The firm has purchased land and plans to build soon. Further goals include expanding our regional presence with existing and new clients.”

“The ReliantSouth focus for the future is diversification within the various construction market sectors. Further developing additional relationships within the existing successful markets of retail, restaurant and educational markets will also strengthen our team’s future.”

It is without a doubt that these are exciting times for ReliantSouth. With their influx of new clients, the acquisition of land for a new office, and a promising revenue backlog the team has a bright future ahead.

Recently, ReliantSouth celebrated the grand opening of a Party America retail store with Party America management and the general public located at Pier Park North. The firm is currently breaking ground on a Roses Department Store project in Callaway, Florida where they will serve as the General Contractor for the 40,000 square foot retail project.

Company: Muller & Muller, Ltd. Company: ReliantSouth Construction Group, Inc. Name: Cate Muller Web Address: www.reliantsouth.com Email: cemuller@muller2.com Address: 490 Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401 WebGrace Address: www.muller2.com Telephone: (850) 215 5540 IL 60642 Address: 700 N. Sangamon, Chicago, Telephone: 312-432-4180

Build Magazine

18

Special Feature

Construction Top 50 Guido Construction

With such an historic legacy to uphold, Maryanne does not shy away from listing the factors that define this family firm.

“The experience that we have in our team, coupled with the longevity of the industry, the integrity that is the backbone of our company, and the sheer quality of the services that we provide, are the factors that I believe make us a distinguished and recognisable entity in the wider market.

“The most important and vital element of our success is the team that we lead today.

We have a number of people that have been working with us for many years now, and in the past 90 years, we have seen and continue to see successive generations coming to us with the same levels of excitement.”

Guido Construction is a commercial construction and product management business, focusing upon work within the City of San Antonio, along with the wider county. Boasting an impressive list of clients, including the San Antonio Zoo, the Children’s Museum, SeaWorld of Texas, and the San Antonio Spurs, Maryanne Guido represents this fourth generation family enterprise going back to 1927.

In recent years, the good name of the Guido has been upheld through the company’s involvement in a number of high-profile projects. With the Alamo Mission on their doorstep, Maryanne and her team been intimately involved in work around this key World Heritage Site.

“For the last five years, we have been renovating the historic buildings. The site that now occupies Alamo Plaza is a multipurpose development with a shopping centre, along with a convention centre, which is bringing new life to downtown San Antonio. And of course, there’s the original Alamo Mission building at the centre, so working here has been a real privilege.

Looking to more recent projects, Maryanne remarks upon the impact that Guido has had in in transforming the wider community.

“Most recently, we completed a fabulous project with the Children’s Museum here in San Antonio, which has been recognised with national awards. It is heavily focussed around Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and we anticipate that this will have a profound effect upon the local community; we’re very proud to have been a part of that.”

Build Magazine

“We worked for seven years on the River Walk Renovation project, with a particular focus on enhancing the beautification of the area, whilst also providing full accessibility to people with limited mobility, ensuring that were compliant with federal policy, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The River Walk is a hugely important part of San Antonio’s local community; it is popular with tourists, and it is a genuinely pleasant spot to visit. We were just awarded a new, large greenway park at the Brook’s redevelopment centre that will integrate the living and commercial aspects as the city space is being developed.

“Among the various other projects that we have completed within the last couple of years, we have done extensive work on improving the public spaces and parks around San Antonio; we have been involved in transforming this space into a wonderful educational site for the community.”

Having contributed so much to enhancing the infrastructure and community spirit within and beyond San Antonio, Maryanne reflects upon how the evolution of the construction industry has enabled Guido to establish new, long-lasting relationships with clients.

“A number of years ago, new construction projects tended to follow this pattern: somebody would design a project and create a set of plans, which were then given to a construction manager for them to build. Now, though, clients and investors alike have all begun to realise that construction is in fact a three-legged stool – everybody needs to work together, so that they can come up with the best solution to the task at hand. I think that demonstrates how the industry as a whole has shifted quite noticeably.

“We are now brought on from the very beginning of a project, so we are involved in the conceptive stages, helping the entire team throughout that period until it enters the construction phases. This has enabled us to form closer ties with clients and made the projects themselves more sustainable.

Open communication is vital to the creative process.

19

“In addition, we try to stay ahead of the game wherever new technologies and business practices are concerned. To accomplish this, our team members regularly attend seminars where they can adopt the newest ideas to the industry that will improve efficiency, and ultimately reduce the cost to the consumer.

“As far as our business model goes, we want to take all necessary steps to retain our existing client base whilst being on the lookout for new ones. From an interval viewpoint, all that we really want to achieve is to build a satisfied team, who feel challenged and comfortably fulfilled. This shows through in the work that we do, and in the skill and fortitude that our clients demonstrate when we deal with them.”

“We have also inherited a substantial legacy, being a fourth-generation family business, and more than anything we want to be in a position to carry this forward well into the future.

Speaking of the future, Maryanne mentions a few of the upcoming projects on her drawing board: a number of new office buildings, renovation work for local schools, and a brand new corporate campus – “there is always something new and exciting!”

“As our company enters its tenth decade of business, we have every hope that our company’s longevity will surpass us all; we have a very bright future ahead of us as we continue to contribute to our community.”

Company: Guido Construction Email: info@guidobros.com Phone: 210.344.8321 Web Address: www.guidobrothersconstruction.com Address: 8526 Vidor Ave San Antonio, TX 78216

Build Magazine

20

Special Feature

Ecobuild Top 50 Green Building Initiative

Recognizing the need for credible and practical green building approaches and the reality that one size does not fit all in regards to sustainable improvements, GBI seeks to create a tailored approach that considers the building type, purpose and occupants.

To facilitate this, they administer Green Globes, a web-based program for green building rating and certification that includes an onsite assessment by a highly qualified third-party assessor. Backed by its excellent customer support, Green Globes prides itself on offering a streamlined and cost-effective method for advancing the operational performance and sustainability of commercial and multi-family buildings.

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 dedicated to accelerating the adoption of building practices that result in resource efficient, healthier, and environmentally sustainable buildings.

Hudson Building - Has earned 4 Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors in Vancouver Washington. ©Mackenzie

The Green Globes program has modules to support new construction (NC), existing buildings (CIEB), existing healthcare buildings (CIEB Healthcare), and sustainable interiors (SI).

As the pace of construction continues to accelerate in America, with many cities developing into thriving metropolises, a major hurdle for both GBI and building owners is legislation that specifies only one sustainable rating system. Despite this, GBI believes that the built environment needs more than a “one size fits all” approach, so that building owners can find and pursue the approach that works best for their needs.

As Vicki Worden elaborates, “Opening up legislation to allow multiple rating systems fosters competition, which means that rating system developers can learn from each other and grow along with the evolving built environment.

“To ensure that the eco-building industry continues to realize success within the wider property and construction market, it is imperative that multiple rating systems exist, and that they are treated equally in regards to legislation and tax incentives.”

While legislation has the potential to disrupt the efforts of the Green Buildings Initiative, there are other ways to circumnavigate

Build Magazine

these difficulties—ways to boost exposure for the company and their mission. Primarily, Vicki draws attention to the GBI’s reputation for superior customer service.

“Sustainability is a conversation,” she explains, “and each building, region, and project team is different. Every project assessed under Green Globes is assigned a dedicated GBI project manager and a certified third party assessor, to guide the assessment process from start to finish.

Between these two individuals, clients are guaranteed to have their questions answered and assessments completed in a timely fashion, and that ultimately creates the best possible outcome for sustainable buildings.

This approach allows everyone involved in the project to have access to people that can germinate ideas and keep the sustainability conversation moving forward, thereby producing a more sustainable building with each certification.”

Taking into consideration the behaviour of the wider industry, it is estimated that only 2% of new buildings in the U.S. are pursuing sustainability certification. To Vicki, this disparity offers a unique and unmissable opportunity to capitalise. As such, GBI aspires to reach the other 98% and bring them in to the sustainable building fold.

Exploring her future ambitions for the Green Building Initiative, Vicki is direct in her intention to inspire a new wave of sustainable construction enterprises.

“Sustainable construction and operations need to move past the typical demographic of elite Class A buildings, so GBI’s tools aim to deliver achievable return on investment (ROI) for Class B and C buildings regardless of type, size or budget.

“GBI has an ongoing commitment to deliver practical, flexible, science- and consensusbased tools into the hands of those that need them. All buildings – regardless of their current level of sustainability – should have the opportunity to benchmark performance, make improvements, and measure success.”

21

This is a vision that Vicki is vehemently passionate about pursuing. It has come to form the bases by which the GBI conducts its business, by raising awareness among their clients about the positive impact they are making by opting for a more sustainable project. This accentuates the tremendous importance placed upon Green Globes, which underpins the leading customer service that Vicki believes sets the Green Building Initiative apart from competitors in the industry.

“Project teams that are engaged in sustainable building assessment are typically more eco-friendly than their counterparts that are not. Although sustainable features and policies can be implemented without a third party verification, there is an unsurpassed level of accountability that comes with an unbiased, independent assessment.”

“Furthermore, Green Globes is more of a ‘referee’ than a policing agency. This means that project teams undergoing assessment will learn how to construct and/or operate a sustainable building. The Green Globes process provides a road map to project teams in the form of a survey that helps them understand what’s expected in a truly sustainable building.”

“Finally, GBI clients are encouraged to become more eco-friendly, because Green Globes is a flexible rating system that rewards them for being innovative and sustainable. Because technology advances so quickly, there is no way for any rating system to include every innovation or possibility. Therefore, we enable our assessors to interpret the intent of each credit as it applies to a specific project, award partial credit, and designate credits as non-applicable if appropriate, thereby empowering the assessors to reward clients for pushing the envelope and trying new things.”

Company: Green Building Initiative Email: info@thegbi.org Phone: 503-274-0448 Web Address: www.thegbi.org Joseph Arnold Lofts - Has earned 3 Green Globes for New Construction in Seattle Washington. ©Joseph Arnold Lofts Build Magazine

22

Special Feature

Design Top 10 – YDS Architects

Architect Yoshitaka Uchino is the principal architect of YDS Architects, and under his watchful eye, the company has carved out a unique presence in its market for its work in designing houses and apartments, alongside kindergartens, social welfare facilities, offices, restaurants, renovations… the list goes on and on.

In the 10 years that have been passed since YDS Architects was first established, the electronic environment has expanded dramatically, and Yoshitaka realises that this has a tremendous effect on the design field. “I think that from the beginnings of the 21st century, more and more dynamic architectural projects have been realized than ever before. These are partly due to the technological developments that have come about during that time; nevertheless, I guess there are changes of thought into design behind them.

With this in mind, Yoshitaka has built YDS Architects to be focussed around a more intimate style of construction, which comes across strongly when it comes to undertaking new projects with a client.

The en-masse digitalisation that has swept across Yoshitaka’s industry has not affected his resolve, and to this day he approaches each new project with a specific theme in mind: he is determined to design affluent spaces that incorporate nature to its fullest – from the use natural lighting to illuminate the house, to the channelling of the winds.

“The most important element is light. When I design something and I know that the client has strongly demanded certain economical aspects like housings for rent, I make a conscious effort to include courts or plazas in the design, as this would give people a chance to enjoy feeling connected with nature. These spaces would be carefully placed in the spaces where volume is somewhat restricted, and would serve as characteristic spaces for residents. This would represent a brand result and an economical success.

“We actively pursue the most beautiful architectural ideas that corresponds to the client’s needs and other conditions,” Yoshitaka comments.

YDS’s projects are often drawn from the imaginative mid of Yoshitaka, whose concepts of effective construction arise from inspirational, historical buildings, whose architects were among the first to understand the importance of transition between light and shade. This concept is inspired by Japanese architectures like Katsura Imperial Villa, Itsukushima Shrine and what not.

“Of course, I am very interested in these iconic or wonderful designs, but ever since I set up my own practice I haven’t changed my attitude toward design, and I have employed simple geometric forms.

I usually use simple geometry such as circle, square, frame, and grid to design architectures and interior spaces. I believe that complex spatial experiences by the use simple geometry is not only simple, but it has the potential for limitless ideas.”

Build Magazine

“My approach to design in the beginnings is to focus on interaction with nature, whilst dealing with client’s demands, cost, and any relevant laws. In designing houses, housings, or whatever else it is I am working on, I am always considering on how to bring nature into the spaces.

Equally, Yoshitaka expresses the importance of open space in effective construction, especially in an enclosed, spacious area, as a means of establishing a closer connection with the natural elements that he wants to incorporate. “I think that ‘voids’ are very important element of architectures, and by utilizing voids I always aim to design a dramatic and cosy spaces.

“When designing houses, I am always thinking about how people interact with nature. I often have the luxury of adding a terrace to the whole thing. The first house that I I designed according to this concept was what I refer to as ‘House I’. In this house, by inserting a terrace, I was able to take full advantage of the light and wind going through; the terrace was like a ‘Box of Light’.

By developing this notion of void, I designed other several houses like ‘House K’.”

23

Yoshitaka expands on this project, which he cites as his most successful project to date, the model by which he attests to his belief in open architecture that takes full advantage of the sun and wind. “The simple white box with the terrace and garage was the realization of my method of designing complex and bountiful spaces by employing simple geometries.”

“In fact, these changes of light reminded me of the new transitional changes of light.

This transitional changes of light and shadow are one of the characteristic spatial images of Japanese space. While imagining these spaces, I was reminded about the traditional Japanese architectures like Katsura Imperial Villa and the way in which my work reflected that devotion to the use of natural light.”

In addition, he recognises that ‘House K’ was a valuable learning curve, from which he gained a deeper appreciation of the relationship between voids and light. “In previous houses I had designed up until then, there was a large void over the living room, that was relatively easy to manipulate. In this house, however, there was only a narrow, 0.9-metre-wide voids that corresponded to the sizes and layouts of rooms in the second floor.

With these successful projects under his belt, Yoshitaka looks forward to leading YDS Architects into new, exciting projects. Among these new upcoming works are housing (areas by Tadao Ando), as well as museums and other public facilities, which will further develop the concept of his architectural method.

“By making use of these narrow spaces, I came up of the idea of T-shaped voids.

Thanks to this, the spaces grew further, and light was allowed to illuminate the whole area.

“The industry in Japan is somewhat brisk thanks to the Tokyo Olympic in 2020. But I think the clearer visions of our cities and architectures are needed. A clear-cut and soft approach to the industry with a political aspect should be decided upon as soon as possible.”

Company: YDS Architects Email: Uchino@ydsaa.net Phone: 81-0362725572 Web Address: www.ydsaa.net/index_e.html Address: Suidobashi-Nishiguchi Kaikan 6F 2-20-7 Misakicho,Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Build Magazine

24

Special Feature

Infrastructure Top 50 – Mibawa Suppliers

Under the leadership of CEO Michael Wanyonyi, this hard-fought enterprise continues to bring trailblazing service to some of the most remote regions in East Africa. As Michael explains, “we have improved people’s lives by easier access to ground water and more efficient and cleaner lighting for rural folk.

“We endeavour to provide the best workmanship within the timeframes or deadlines prescribed by our clients. Within this, we have sought to deal with reputable product manufacturers and partners.”

Mibawa Suppliers is a social business, providing borehole solutions that include equipment supplies and service, as well as providing off-grid solar solutions for low-income villagers across Kenya.

From its head office in Nairobi, Mibawa’s six-year tenure has matured into an unparalleled understanding of the market and its needs, which it facilitates through its network of 80 distributors.

These efforts have raised Mibawa onto an international platform, having received recognition and patronage from President Barack Obama.

With their innovative solutions being devised through a reliance on constant feedback from their grateful clients, Mibawa Suppliers has achieved a great many feats of construction, all in the interests of enlightening areas of East Africa most in need of it. This has led them into partnership with prestigious organisations, providing invaluable enhancements to their work.

“We partnered with the US African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP) in providing over 5,000 home lighting kits to homes across rural Kenya, thereby bringing a great deal of positive change to the affected clients.”

Such cooperation and assistance from international organisations has proven to be a valuable learning experience for the young company. “We learned that building strong working relationships with such partners involves a lot of hard work, patience and credibility.” Indeed, Michael believes that in the wake of this joint venture, the dramatic impetus for the company will spur them on to establish further relationships, and further expand their mission.

Since then, Mibawa have continued to provide their pioneering services to communities across the country. It is, doubtless to say, a difficult and task to cover an area as vast and challenging as rural Kenya, but this has not deterred Michael.

CEO Michael Wanyonyi

“We have recently rolled out over 25 borehole solar pumps in Machakos County in Kenya.

We introduced solar inverters to power the already existing pumps, which were previously run on less sustainable generators and mains electricity. For community projects, this would be the best solution since it involves a simple one-time cost.

Build Magazine

Commenting on the business ethic at the heart of Mibawa, Michael explains concisely, “we attempt to understand the client’s needs so as to customise our solutions to their requirements where possible.” Alongside this flexible attitude to dealing with special cases and unique circumstances, Mibawa unveil their vision for the future in the form of a product package known as the Solarpack 3.

The design of the Mibawa Solarpack itself is revolutionary, for incorporating such compact and flexible design into such an affordable unit. Including a 3-watt solar panel alongside a 4,000mAh battery and two 0.9-watt bulbs, with a total of 12m of cable, it has proven dramatically popular among Kenyan villagers with smaller properties and less space to light up.

The Solarpack’s components are specifically designed for consistent high performance in the Kenyan sun, using the latest technology that solar panels have on hand to extend battery storage and remove potential issues; the environmentally friendly package offers an eco-friendly solution that eliminates the need for paraffin. Michael realises that a onetime investment in a long-lasting product is far more cost-effective than the constant, regular purchasing of paraffin. In rural areas of Kenya, where disposable income is less available, this difference can be expected to make a dramatic impact on not only the general lifestyles of Mibawa’s clients, but also upon their health.

This does not come without its challenges, though. “In the off-grid solar kits, we faced high default rates on the Pay-As-You-Go platform, because the product’s security features were weak.”

However, the mark of a great innovator is the ability to rectify faults and use that experience to end up with a radically better product. This is certainly the case for Mibawa, as this initial challenge “led to a change of strategy in terms of seeking and introducing a better product.”

While their work in supplying renewable energy to over 20,000 off-grid households is a large enough feather for most caps, Mibawa has also become central players in the ongoing effort to provide rural communities with water equipment solutions. Access to clean water remains a huge challenge to rural Kenya, but with interest in clean solar energy on the lips of eager investors across the globe, the prospects of expanding their enterprise look promising for Michael and Mibawa.

25

Being involved in projects alongside international organisations and government agencies, Mibawa have constructed water treatment plants in addition to conducting hydrological surveys of vast swathes of Kenya.

To date, Mibawa have equipped over 100 boreholes with pumping systems, including some that utilise solar power. Extracting water from up to 200 feet below the ground, to be pumped into vast storage tanks, is a fully automated operation that, Michael believes, is destined to transform the way that many rural Kenyans live their lives, from Dadaab to Wajir to Turkana.

With a future plan based around continued sustainable growth injected by increased foreign investment, Michael suspects that increased competition in the market is on the not-too distant horizon. As to the ambitions of his company, Michael states humbly that hitting the USD 1,000,000.00 sales turnover by the end of their financial year would be a major milestone.

Company: Mibawa Suppliers Email: info@mibawa.co.ke Phone: +254 772 707 800 Web Address: www.mibawa.co.ke Address: Siwaka Plaza next to Strathmore University, PO Box 74740-00200, Nairobi, Kenya

Build Magazine

26

Special Feature

Infrastructure Top 50 – Shetland FM

Shetland FM is a facilities management company with roots in Shetland at the heart of the North Sea and West of Shetland oil and gas fields, but increasingly expanding its horizons to bid for and win work outwith the islands and internationally.

Expanding on the full range of services offered by Shetland FM, Executive Chairman Frank Strang says, “we provide hotel services – including food, beverages, recreation and wellbeing – as well as security services, transport and transport maintenance, logistics, commercial cleaning, and facility maintenance.”

Shetland FM was first formed in 2014. Within a year of its founding, in February 2015, the firm was selected by Petrofac to manage and operate accommodation units at Sella Ness, close to the then-under-construction Total Shetland Gas Plant.

Since this major contract, Frank notes the major, rapid changes seen by Shetland FM. “We have used our strong offering of a bespoke, client-focused service to win a major three-year, £12-million contract for BP, which operates the nearby Sullom Voe Oil Terminal, to accommodate its on-site workers. We have adapted to these changes in a positive and focused way.”

From these origins, Shetland FM has since set out to be an established and respected brand in facilities management and security, by offering its clients a distinctive approach to delivering services through collaboration and trust. The history of the company remains important to Frank, as he explains its impact on its strategy when training new staff as well as dealing with clients. “Our story is integral to our approach to business, and our staff know this. Our strategy is simply to build trust with clients and maintain that by adapting to their needs and working with them to solve problems.

“We always seek to work in partnership with our clients to ensure that we provide an agile, bespoke service, and we draw on our in-house expertise and close partners in business to ensure that our clients’ needs are met. This enables our clients to trust in our services and secure value for money.

Listening and building strong relationships with our clients helps us understand how to provide intelligent and flexible solutions.

“Our fresh and unique approach to all aspects of facilities and security management is based on always listening to and learning from our clients before tailoring our solutions to their operational needs. This adaptability works very well and is valued by clients.”

This approach explains how Shetland FM has maintained a close working relationship with Total, since its work on the £3.5-billion Shetland Gas Plant.

As the plant is adjacent to the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal, the biggest in Europe, the long-term benefits of this project spell good things for Shetland FM, as well as the wider community in Shetland.

As Frank elucidates, “Total’s principal subcontractor was Petrofac and, as the owners and operators of the Saxa Vord Resort (formerly RAF Saxa Vord) in the Shetland island of Unst, my wife Debbie and I housed several hundreds of Petrofac’s workers.

We realised that our experience in the military and in business meant we were well placed to offer a more flexible approach to accommodation, security and logistics to the North Sea and West of Shetland oil and gas industry.”

Frank cites Shetland FM’s work in providing accommodation, security and logistics on the Shetland Gas Plant as a major achievement for Shetland; in addition, he acknowledges the exemplary work done on the new Anderson High School Project in the main town of Lerwick. “Our approach is valued by blue chip clients such as BP, Morrison Construction, Petrofac and Total, and we can use our on-island success to build business elsewhere in the world.”

Taking these past successes into consideration, Frank reflects on the attributes needed by any company looking to make headway in this highly competitive industry.

To him, this boils down to three key attributes: “problem-solving, adaptability, trust.” Given the broad reach of services offered by Shetland FM, these traits and the tenacity of employees to embody them, speak volumes about the success enjoyed by the company.

“Our staff are imbued with these values.”

Frank then goes on to discuss these associated problems. The location of the business, being remote, is a factor he admits to, but to him, these geographical challenges are not a major concern when it comes to conducting business on an international scale, “We are well used to being at the end of the supply chain, and we draw on our DNA as islanders for our reserves of self-reliance and a can-do, community-oriented attitude.”

Despite the downturn in oil and gas in the

Build Magazine

27 Frank Strang, Shetland FM’s Executive Chairman, photographed by Liam Henderson in the company’s Lerwick offices.

North Sea, Frank is especially buoyant about the future prospects of the local Shetland market. “We are involved in bidding for work in various parts of the world, including mainland UK, the Falklands and Russia.

Beyond the Shetlands, our market is global and oil prices will recover in the medium to long term, leaving us well-placed to add value to major businesses with our unique offering.”

Company: Shetland FM Email: info@shetlandfm.com Phone: +44 1595 696659 Web Address: www.shetlandfm.com Address: Quendale House, 31 Commercial Street, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0AN

Build Magazine

28

Special Feature

Most Innovative Designers of 2016

Beilstein Interior Design Beilstein Interior Design offers an all-inclusive design service for your property, from floorplan to lighting systems and all furnishings and equipment in between, to create stunning private spaces, high-end showrooms and beautiful shop interiors.

“We prepare all the phases of a project: basic evaluation, outline planning, plan of execution, assignments and construction supervision,” explains Philipp. “At first, there is a detailed conversation with the client about his wishes and prospects for his project. Following that, Beilstein Interior Design delivers first views and visions so the client can see what we are planning. On this basis the work can develop.

An important point is that each step is realised on an individual basis. The client can follow the work progress and also keep on track with timeframes, work load and progress being made.

One of Beilstein Interior Design’s most successful projects to date is a penthouse in the centre of Cologne’s city and was a complete remodel project. Philipp comments: “The input of colours was decisive for this interior design.

The colours, interplaying with the daylight, succeed in transferring freshness, both in a traditional and a modern way, to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere throughout.

The haptical experience of different surfaces, like high gloss in contrast to opal, also plays a major role by helping to create an uplifting surrounding and determining the style of the living space.

“Most importantly are concentrated studies and detailed talks with the client. Experience has taught us that a close collaboration between the client and the interior designer delivers the best results.”

“To design this penthouse was an exceptional experience because the interior designer and the building owner collaborated closely as the client himself is very familiar with design and open to new ideas, which led to a very high quality and one-off design.”

The company was founded by Philipp Beilstein in Cologne, Germany in 1998, with new premises on Goltsteinstrasse 52 being opened in September of last year.

Philipp has worked hard over the years to ensure that Beilstein Interior Design can offer something that others cannot, and therefore set it aside from other companies in the industry.

Philipp tells us a little more about the company and the rationale behind its inception.

“Of major importance to us is our individual approach which aims to reflect the client’s personality and way of living,” he states. “To this end, Beilstein Interior Design deploys the psychological effect of accent colours as a perfect tool to create positive energy and atmospheric spaces. The expression of the client’s way of living, and hence the creation of personal outfits on a high quality standard, is really what sets Beilstein Interior Design apart from competitors and makes it an excellent choice for the home.”

“In the beginning, the work was split between office interiors and private spaces. However, over the years the focus has shifted more and more towards high-end private spaces, as well as exclusive showroom design and individual shop interiors.

“Another significant arm of the business for us is the design of tailor made furniture.

This approach is carried out individually on a bespoke basis and agreed separately so the client gets a detailed cost breakdown.”

When undertaking a new client or project Beilstein has a tried and tested approach to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Philipp Beilstein holds professional tutorials and workshops on specialist subjects like kitchen and bathroom planning or the influence of lighting for rooms as a way to impart his knowledge within the wider design industry, something he finds enlightening and a great way to engage potential new clients.

“The aim is to work for selective clients who appreciate excellent quality in design and would like to express their individual style in their homes,” embellishes Philipp. “To satisfy the client’s needs add our very personal touch as a special feature is the ideal outcome for Beilstein Interior Design.”

Constantly new and evolving inspiration is essential for high-quality interior design, and Philipp extracts most of his new ideas from his love of literature, travel, sports and, being a saxophonist, from music.

“The key to new ideas and excellent quality is to wander around with open eyes and mind,” he enthuses. “I also gain inspiration from outside the design world, for example, nature is crucial for brainstorming and to keep the spirits up!”

With regards to Beilstein Interior Design’s future, Philipp confides that the firm is currently working on the design of a flagship store for high-end natural cosmetics in the centre of Cologne. “Fresh colours and the combination of different materials will make the shop an immediate eye-catcher.”

Philipp has seen the design industry experience considerable growth and he believes that the market will keep on growing for the next 12 months and beyond. “The future does look bright for interior design. With a flourishing economy alongside the interior design business, we have a very promising outlook. More and more people see the need for a professional design adviser at their side when they build a house or are considering remodelling their existing home.

“The results really do speak for themselves.”

Build Magazine

29

Company: Beilstein Innenarchitektur Name: Philipp Beilstein Email: mail@beilstein-innenarchitektur.de Web Address: www.beilstein-innenarchitektur.de Address: Goltsteinstrasse 52, D- 50968 Cologne Telephone: +49 221 801 077 80, +49 163 557 38 63

Build Magazine

30

Special Feature

Most Innovative Designers of 2016 Design House Inc., based in Houston, Texas, has been in business for over forty years, creating a multitude of projects in their design studio for commercial and residential use in new construction and remodelling industries.

Connie LeFevre draws particular attention to the business principles and strategy by which Design House Inc. deals with its clients and orchestrates its projects.

“I think that ethics are essential, and we are very strong on that front. This applies directly as to whether or not you get a good product.

Communication, teamwork, and honesty – I think that award-winning products always imbue those qualities. I always emphasize the fact that the clients are as much a part of the design team. That cooperation is what produces the award-winning products.”

When approaching new clients for the first time, Connie had this to say. “You have to go in with an open mind and have a very good understanding of what the clients want and what their goals are. Rather than just assuming that it is going to resemble something that you have done before, you have to hear them out, understand what they are looking for and try and find the best way to deliver on that.

That could mean finding and exploring new approaches or flaws in the idea that the clients might have not thought of themselves.”

Being able to connect with their clients on such a close level, and gain a real insight into their needs, is what sets Design House apart in the industry, Connie argues. “Our attention to detail is one of our most distinguishing features. The fact that we approach everything as creating an environment for the clients, be it in a business or a residential sense. The work that we do is not about simply making something to look aesthetically pleasing; creating the environment is key, as it enables our clients to work more productively or to live more comfortably, and as such, we take real pride in that side of the creative process.”

revolutionised our business. The immediacy of computing, the drafting, and of the digital photos means that we can work instantly on a new project, and that is quite different but very rewarding.

“Also, forty years ago, commercial fabrics would have specifications, but residential fabrics wouldn’t. Now, everyone has those specifications, and that opens the possibility for new ideas from both the clients and the designer. Whether I’m working on residential or on commercial, I now have more options – yes, the clients can have a cream-coloured sofa if they want one, because we have access to beautiful fabrics that can even have bleach applied to them for cleanability. These advances in technology allow us to create some really new, inventive, and aesthetically pleasing products and use them in new, creative ways.”

Connie also expressed pride in creating innovative solutions, stating that an important part of staying in business is knowing to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This is part of what distinguishes Design House Inc. from others in the industry, she claims.

“Don’t ever just settle for the obvious; explore more for the unexpected creative options. That is why we try to come up with a multitude of possible solutions, to prevent complacency and keep us exploring more ideas. When working with limited spaces, you have to notice every available opportunity to make use of it in the best way. Those kinds of opportunities are there only if you dare to push far enough and find them in order to create something new.”

This attention to customer service has certainly been made easier to achieve over time, according to Connie. Having been in business for so long, Connie has been exposed to the changes that the industry has undergone over time, and, she discussed the expansion of technology and how it has had an effect on the business she conducts with Design House.

Connie’s vision of the future for Design House Inc. is a bold one. The scope of their local business is growing in tandem with the skyline of their native Houston. “There are high-rises springing up like wildflowers, especially in Houston, Texas. This has created the challenge of creating designs to fit into smaller spaces whilst retaining that feel of luxury; usually in Texas we are more accustomed to working within larger spaces. Getting the opportunity to add a new challenge like this to our work is very exciting.”

“It was certainly much more difficult when I first started,” she reflected, “as I was having to do hand drafting, and there would be a considerable waiting period for photos to be developed – it was primitive in comparison.

Now, though, international connections are so easy – the ability to orchestrate shipping to deliver custom products has completely

While the growing metropolis of Houston means a good amount of steady local business for Connie and Design House Inc., she would love to take the business truly overseas, and explore more options internationally. “In the past I have worked on a client’s house in Vancouver, in British Columbia, as well as across the United States. We purchase from fabric showrooms

Build Magazine

31

around the world; just recently we sourced fabric for a client in Spain from within their own country. We have also shipped a huge quantity of wallcovering to Singapore for another designer, and have supplied shipments to clients in Mexico as well as South American countries. I would certainly like to have a great level of personal involvement in these projects. “As those opportunities arise, so too do the number of available solutions, and international commerce will be made even easier. In the case of Mexico and South America, for example, we have previously had to ship things to the border, and the clients would come to collect them because of the costs we would have otherwise had to consider. There is now a company in Miami, Florida, who coordinates all of the shipping to those places on the behalf of many.

This means that we are in an excellent position to expand our business overseas. We hope to use our experience to expand our international presence and additionally make our industry more educated and aware of the opportunities we can provide for them internationally.�

Company: Design House Inc. Email: marketing@designhousetx.com Phone: 713.803.4949 Address: 7026 Old Katy Rd #115, Houston, TX 77024 Web Address: www.designhousetx.com

Build Magazine

32

Special Feature

Ones to Watch for 2016: Architecture

FOSTER LOMAS Foster Lomas are an award-winning architecture and design studio. We invited Co-Founder Greg Lomas to talk us through the practice and its focus on producing quality projects.

Foster Lomas specialise in high quality architecture. Founded in 2005 by Greg Lomas and William Foster, the practice provides architectural, interior design, master planning, product, lighting and furniture design services for both public and private clients.

Greg outlines the firm’s role within the industry and how the architecture space has changed since the company was established.

“For over ten years, Foster Lomas has been dedicated to designing and delivering exemplary projects. The studio approach centres on the context, craft and character of architecture. Our portfolio is wide ranging, from private and commercial residential to arts and public buildings.

“Since the firm’s inception clients have become more informed, as there are now so many ways to gain knowledge and source ideas and products, especially online. As a result, we have developed a very collaborative way of working and embraced social media, bringing it into the design process.

“Additionally, environmental performance has become a key aspiration for most clients. Eleven years ago the Code for Sustainable Homes was about to be launched and since then green tech has been a growing part of design and construction. This is something we carefully develop in our projects to ensure appropriate technologies are employed to get the most out of the resources available on any site.”

According to Greg it is the experience of both himself and his team which makes all the difference, and has shaped the way in which the firm operates.

“Our experience as architect developers means that we understand the client’s perspective very well. We have architect’s eyes but think like developers. We are able to maximise value and potential for clients with innovative solutions.

Build Magazine

“The firm’s architectural approach has developed due to our backgrounds in other areas of craft and design. Will trained as a blacksmith and I have previously worked as a lighting and product designer. This appreciation of other disciplines has encouraged us to build a team of skilled collaborators that enables us to develop innovative and beautiful designs for our clients.

“Through this combination of skills we are able to provide an integrated design approach for our clients, taking a project from concept to completion, integrating architectural design with lighting, furniture and interior design.”

As a final comment Greg explains how the architecture market will potentially evolve and his own firm’s plans for growth.

“With new housing bill potentially a lot could change and in London; we have a new Mayor who has a very different agenda to his predecessor. Overshadowing this is the referendum result and the uncertainty that could bring. It’s difficult to predict what might happen.

“On site energy generation will be become a bigger issue, the industry needs to be encouraged to move past zero carbon. We have the technology to achieve that and a new policy approach which matches the ambition of the code for sustainable homes would help.

“We are keen to diversify and build on the success we have had developing housing, extending our portfolio into bigger multi-unit and mixed use schemes, with the aim being to expand our experience and knowledge, both as developers and architects.”

33

Company: Foster Lomas Name: Greg Lomas Email: greg@fosterlomas.com Web Address: www.fosterlomas.com Address: Unit 1, 14 Weller Street, London SE1 1QU Telephone: 020 7407 7445

Build Magazine

34

Special Feature

Civil Engineer of the Month Ainsworth Civils & Engineering Julius Ainsworth

Speaking of the foundation of the company, Julius reflects upon the success that he has enjoyed, stating an unequivocal pride in his work. “I founded Ainsworth Civils & Engineering 12 years ago and have never looked back.

“We work with a number of blue-chip main contractors; to name but a few, these include Balfour Beatty Rail, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, Birse Civils, Costain, Skanska, National Grid, SSE Plc Medway, Siemens, Dyer & Butler and Volkerfitzpatrick. Our services include working in the environmental, power generation, rail, renewable energy, road, waste water and water sectors.”

Ainsworth Civils & Engineering is a medium formwork and civil engineering company based in Kent.

Its dedicated managing director, Julius Ainsworth, and his workforce, provide multi-award winning services that encompass all aspects of civil engineering, groundworks and reinforced concrete construction.

Most recently, Julius enjoyed success in negotiating to move from a standard NEC contract to a cost-plus contract for a large rail depot. As he explains, “this essentially reshaped the commercial side of our business as well as the project delivery, giving us the confidence to take on more complex projects in the future.”

This experience underpins the wider approach that Julius takes with Ainsworth Civils, ensuring that clients get an expectation that is realistic and yet devoted to achieving high standards. “We are very clear from the beginning about what we can and will deliver.

Good communication is key between clients and suppliers to avoid costly errors and delays.

When plans change unavoidably on a project, our teams are innovative and flexible to bring them back on track while always maintaining our flawless safety record, our quality of work and our professionalism.”

Julius recognises the presence of a number of challenges within the industry, highlighting two distinct areas that hugely affect the way his business operates: the quality of his employees and the complexity of the projects he takes on. “This is true for all SMBs in our industry,” he adds.

“Having been involved in difficult projects with complicated contractor issues in the past, we have established clear channels of communication to flag anticipated issues early and thereby prevent possible escalation of the problems. We also actively promote our staff internally, often bringing them up through the ranks. At Ainsworth Civils we reward initiative and exceptional work. Our professional work principles apply internally to our staff just as much as they do externally.

Quality, reliability and professionalism are at the heart of what we do.”

Build Magazine

Due to his focus on his workforce, Julius is very familiar with recent trends in the availability of labour. “Since founding the company, I have seen great diversification of the labour force alongside a marked reduction in youth entering the industry. This is a shame, as the industry needs them and I would gladly take on more apprentices right now.

We already work with local colleges and fully support their apprenticeship schemes.”

That said, Julius finds ways to persevere through challenging circumstances; his success up to the present underpins the value in his mantra: “Know your worth and be clear about your abilities. Also, keeping a cap on your own overheads is crucial as it is so easy for a smaller company to lose control of its cost base.”

Building on these principles upon which Ainsworth Civils was founded, Julius discusses a selection of his current projects.

“We are involved in the Crossrail project, working on rebuilding Abbey Wood station.

We are also working with Kent’s Scape Group framework on our latest project, the Church Marshes Waste Transfer Station redevelopment in Sittingbourne, Kent.”

Scape Group is a local authority owned built environment specialist offering a full suite of national procurement frameworks and design solutions helping local government deliver infrastructure projects. “Working together with sub-contractors like Ainsworth Civils, they support the entire lifecycle of the build environment, enabling a smooth procurement journey, stimulating local growth in communities and delivering demonstrable outcomes on projects.”

Having recently moved to bigger premises to accommodate their growing staff numbers, Ainsworth Civils are tendering for various large projects, as well as growing their property development in South East England.

As far as future aspirations for the company go, Julius comments, “We want to continue growing our market share through our strategic partnerships with main contractors. With the EU referendum delivering a shockwave to international markets, the future growth of Ainsworth Civils will be influenced by current political uncertainty. However, I am feeling optimistic about the outcome, as I believe the UK economy is robust enough to survive initial turmoil: in our case we can ultimately pick up the slack and continue steady growth.”

35

“The industry has gone through a major period of consolidation and many projects have been slow to get started while people waited for the outcome of the EU referendum. Now, even with the outcome in favour of leaving the EU, it will still take a while to see actual change happening in our industry.

“In the longer term, I hope to see major infrastructure projects come to fruition as there has been underinvestment in our local region for some time.”

Company: Ainsworth Civils & Engineering Ltd Email: info@ace-limited.com Phone: 01622 232 550 Web Address: www.ace-limited.com Address: South Belringham, South Lane, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 3BD

Build Magazine

36

Special Feature

Fire Protection Consultant and Engineer of the Month

Trenton Fire Ltd explain how they ensure the best-possible fire safety outcome when working on a project at every stage.

Trenton Fire Ltd are an independent fire safety consultancy with offices in London and Bicester, Oxfordshire. They have over 20 years’ industry experience developing fire strategies on award winning projects, delivering independently accredited fire risk assessments and providing general fire safety support writing policies, guidance and on site advice for some of the most challenging projects both in the UK and overseas.

Working with their team it becomes clear they have a passion and drive for all things fire safety related, and the amount of engineers and consultants who are active members of industry committees is testament to how serious they are about being the best at what they do.

The services Trenton Fire offer are extensive, including fire engineering, structural fire engineering, product testing & assessment, fire risk assessments, fire safety training and research & development.

Adaptable Fire Safety Partners Changes in legislation, the economy, fashion and the way we live, means adapting quickly to ensure safety standards and client requirements are met every time. This ability to listen and adapt allows Trenton Fire to remain at the forefront of their industry, and ensures they have many repeat clients who appreciate this enthusiasm to understand and help improve the product they offer. A good example of this is the development of a methodology for assessing the potential external fire spread during construction of timber frame buildings which the Health and Safety Executive have been highly complementary of.

A further example of their willingness to listen and engage is an impressive list of guidance documents Trenton Fire have authored, as well as being involved in reviewing most of the new guidance documents being published. Trenton Fire are authors of: The FCO Fire Safety Code, Crown Fire Standards, Custodial Fire Safety Guide and the Fire Precautions for Construction Works on the Government Estate, as well as a number of guidance documents produced from both internally and externally funded research.

Innovative, Client Focussed Experts Trenton Fires input, be that through the design process or in terms on-going management and training, is directed by their client’s goals.

Their team appreciates that most clients do not want fire safety provisions to unnecessarily influence either the design of a building or the way it is operated. Therefore, Trenton

Build Magazine

Fires approach seeks approaches that are considered, creative and cognisant of their client’s needs. Allying creativity and safety requires an in-depth understanding of all the complex facets influencing the fire performance of buildings and how people behave in the event of fire. For this reason, Trenton Fire are strong advocates for the demonstration of competency in their field. In excess of one third of their fire engineering team are Chartered Engineers, with all remaining members working towards achieving registration, and all fire risk assessors are independently UKAS accredited under the BAFE SP205 scheme for which they were the first to achieve a gold award.

Despite their demonstrable capabilities, Trenton Fire are not complacent. They invest heavily in their employees, ensuring they are exposed to the state of the art. When the team are not delivering consultancy input, they can be found in attendance at development seminars, training events and conferences, seeking the next ‘point of difference’ to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Industry Thought Leaders Investing heavily in research and development, Trenton Fire have been able to develop a critical understanding of their industry. Key figures in specialised fields, such as computational fluid dynamics and structural response in fire, have received doctorates in such specialisms. This familiarity at a fundamental level means tools and methods are selected at the right times, for the right reasons.

By consistently engaging with the fire engineering industry, whether they are contributing to drafting the next iteration of industry standards, leading special interest groups or speaking at key events, Trenton Fire have become thought leaders in the fire safety field. Their approach to solving particular fire safety challenges is novel and has been recognised by the wider industry.

Trenton Fire’s thoughts, processes and solutions have been extensively presented and published in recent times.

The fire engineering team are dedicated to advancing the maturity of the fire safety profession, giving time to working groups convened by the Institution of Fire Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers & the Society of Fire Protection Engineers. They are also committed to promoting the profession to young engineers through a combination of strategic alliances and visiting lecturer positions with a number of leading universities.

37

Track Record of Success Trenton Fire have an impressive portfolio when it comes to fire safety consultancy. One of their most successful fire engineering projects is the eye-catching Four Pancras Square in London. The project was conceived by Eric Parry Associates, with the building expressing its structural form in acknowledgement of the industrial history of the site. The Grade A building is one of the limited number in the UK which adopts weathering steel (named Cor-Ten) for the purpose of forming the structural frame.

With such an exposed structure came particular challenges regarding how structural resilience in the event of fire might be achieved. Trenton Fire employed a number of creative and groundbreaking techniques to realise the architect’s vision for the project, whilst ensuring that the structure performed adequately, in the event of fire. The outcome is an emerging London landmark which has remained true to the architect’s original vision for the scheme.

A good example of the support the whole of Trenton Fire can provide is the London Olympic Park where we had fire engineers right at the very start and we drafted the Masterplan Fire Strategy, we then provided a fire strategy for the innovative Olympic Broadcasting Tower and continued on to provide fire risk assessments across the Park prior to the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The future With many exciting projects in the pipeline, the future continues to look bright for Trenton Fire.

Although it is difficult to predict how the industry will change, Trenton Fire will continue to be instrumental in driving it forward.

They say: “We want to continue to drive the industry through knowledge and innovation in order to make the world a better and safer place.

We are in a strong position and have a great team, so there is every reason for us to be very optimistic about the continued growth and future of Trenton.”

Company: Trenton Fire Ltd Email: enquiries@trentonfire.co.uk Web Address: www.trentonfire.co.uk Address: Murdock House, 30 Murdock Road, Bircester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4PP. Telephone: 01869 366 545

Build Magazine

38

Special Feature

Ones to Watch for 2016: Construction MBMpl Pty Ltd.

MBM is a national independent construction consultancy with an office in the seven largest cities in Australia, including the capital of Canberra.

Since 2002, their expert staff have been provided specialist services across a range of disciplines: quantity surveying, tax depreciation, asset and building consulting, Public Private Partnership technical advisory services, Cost Engineering services & Facilities Management Advisory.

With a strong focus on bringing string technical abilities to their customers, MBM have time and again proven to be masters of their domain, encouraging participation in industry affiliations so as to remain up to date with current legislation, market trends, and continually undergoing professional development to maintain a highly competitive edge.

Alongside the numerous strategies that MBM adopt, and the well-informed staff that they employ, they also maintain a small number of key business goals, which have remained relatively unchanged since their inception 14 years ago.

The objectives of the company remain intrinsically simple: to be considered by clients and staff alike as the leading professional services firm in the industry; to provide their people with the opportunity to progress their career aspirations; and to provide clients with premium-quality services at tremendous value for money.

To distinguish themselves in the wider Australian market, MBM are able to distance themselves from the competition themselves by keeping innovation in the forefront of their minds.

Their aims are augmented by their symbiotic relationship with cutting-edge technology, whose functions have yielded tremendous benefits to the company and their clients. One such demonstrative technological development is their Integrated Online Property Solutions software (iOPS) – this flagship product offers a unique online web portal to provide tax and selected asset and building consulting services, ensuring that clients get their specific needs met at no further expense than necessary.

Such attention to the clients would not be possible without MBM’s deep appreciation for its employees. The collective expertise and imagination of its staff is drawn internationally, bringing a loving commitment to tailored solutions, achieving a level of consistency in its projects, be they multi-billion-dollar social infrastructure schemes to residential refurbishments. Within the company, a recent wave of promotions is a further, incredibly promising sign of their continued growth, as well as their clients’ confidence in their expert solutions.

Regarding these recent appointments, David Madden, Managing Director, said, “This talented and diverse group represents the future of our firm, and all will continue to play an integral role in MBM’s national growth. Investing in our people and recognising the talent in our organisation is key to MBM’s continued strength and success.”

Build Magazine

The diligent work of the people at MBM has led the company to achieve recognition in their industry.

In May, at the RICS in Oceania Awards, held at the RACV in Melbourne, MBM was awarded Facilities Management Team of the Year. This came as a result of MBM’s exemplary work on the NSW Land and Housing Corporation Facilities Management Contract. Even more recently, the staff at MBM were treated to an annual client party in Brisbane, a night of celebratory drinks as a means of thanking them for their hard work.

Around the same time, the MCA in Sydney also played host to the company’s annual client party, as a recognition of the trusting relationships that MBM has formed and maintained over the years.

Embodying the principle that taking care of employees means that clients will likewise be taken care of, MBM looks set to expand its sights across the Australian market and into south-east Asia. The difficult Chinese market has already shown flirtatious signs of interest; the attraction of lucrative deals in Australian property rests upon the charm of the Australian lifestyle, which is as rugged as the terrain. Despite the complexities in Asia-Pacific relations, Madden remains optimistic that continued growth in off-shore funding and investment in property and infrastructure is not only viable, but being actively, vehemently, pursued.

This feeling was punctuated by MBM’s sponsoring of the Second Annual Aus-China Property Developers & Investors Conference, held in June. This event saw over 300 delegates from Australia, China and other Asian nations descend upon Sydney’s Westin Hotel to explore underlying development issues and ongoing challenges for Chinese developers in comparison to local developers in Australia.

“The major challenge for Chinese developers is not being familiar with local Australian legislation” said David Madden, “such as importing raw material from China in order to save costs.

Chinese developers have to ensure that all raw material imported is compliant with Australian standards. Hence, there is an increasing trend of appointing local expertise and service providers

by Chinese developers.”

David Madden’s insight into the Asian market is drawn from an extensive background in the construction industry, reaching back over 30 years, including two years’ experience spent in Japan. With knowledge such as this leading the company, MBM is sure to profit from increased business transactions and investment across the region, as Asian construction professionals continue to tickle the Australian market.

39

David Madden’s insight into the Asian market is drawn from an extensive background in the construction industry, reaching back over 30 years, including two years’ experience spent in Japan. With knowledge such as this leading the company, MBM is sure to profit from increased business transactions and investment across the region, as Asian construction professionals continue to tickle the Australian market.

Company: MBMpl Pty Ltd. Email: nsw@mbmpl.com.au Phone: 02 9270 1000 Web Address: www.mbmpl.com.au Address: Level 7, 68 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Build Magazine

40

Special Feature

Ones to Watch for 2016: Engineering

National Mechanical Services, Inc. National Mechanical Services is an industry-leading mechanical contractor providing boiler service, installation and repair for buildings and management companies throughout the New York TriState Area. Our comprehensive range of services includes oil-to-gas conversions, boiler and burner replacement, heating system redesign, and mobile boiler service.

Avalon offer high-end D&B property Renovations and Refurbishments service.

With over ten years’ experience, the firm is able to offer everything from small jobs through to complete renovations projects.

These comprise of basement creating, extending, structural alterations and new build structures, high-end finishes applications, sophisticated mechanical and electrical installations, as well as AV, cinema and design lighting installations.

Miroslav explains that communicating with the client is vital in order to ensure the overall success of every project.

“Client’s individual preferences are very important, and as such we always try to exceed their expectations, and at the same time guide them through the Building Regulations and British Standards requirements to achieve their dream home or investment.

“With private clients, where the property is their home, it is of even greater importance that we understand their vision and ideas of how they want to create the home that meets their needs and expectations. When working with corporate clients we always look into the best ways for increasing the quality and value of their investment property.

“Overall our client’s satisfaction is the main aim for us and this is the main strategy we follow and the results so far have been outstanding. Our clients know that we never compromise on the quality of the craftsmanship we provide them with, and we are good in communicating with the client, which makes our projects run smoothly and efficiently without misunderstandings.”

Build Magazine

Alongside their work in renovations, Miroslav emphasised that the firm had the experience, knowledge and connections to support clients with a variety of property needs.

“We have sister companies in areas including property developing, property investing and cleaning. This experience and knowledge is passed on to our clients, and we are able to advise them on how to achieve their dream homes or what designs would most increase the value of their property or investment.”

Recently the firm has undertaken a number of exciting projects that Miroslav is particularly proud of.

“This year we have created an in-house basements excavations team which we are very proud of and are currently working on three projects including basements in Hampstead and Notting Hill.

“We have also started a joint-venture with a design and manufacturing company of high quality bespoke furniture and now have this in-house service to offer to our clients as well, which is an exciting development for the firm.”

Looking ahead, Miroslav emphasises that financial growth in the wider economy is providing more projects for Avalon.

“In the future we are keen to capitalise on the current economic stability and work with clients to create their dream home. We hope that this good fortune continues, and if it does we will be eager to work with more corporate clients.”

41

Company: National Mechanical Services Inc. Phone: 718-369-2810 Web Address: www.national-mechanical.com Address: 8009 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11209

Build Magazine

42

“ The best part of being an interior designer is elevating my clients. I am providing them with a design and experience that is tailor made just for them. ” How would you describe your aesthetic?

Modern luxury with a classic and timeless style.

Where do you go for inspiration?

The world around me is my inspiration and constant source of education and enlightenment. Traveling internationally allows me to immerse myself in art, architecture, fashion, culture and history, but lately, a lot of my inspiration has been local. Los Angeles is experiencing a Renaissance in the visual and performing arts. I frequent galleries and museums to stay connected to local art, costumes, and historical content.

I also adore going to dance or theatrical events and the experience of a live performance.

What is your favorite part of designing a home or project?

The process. Often times, I feel as though I experience the home design before my clients. Countless hours are spent identifying the finest finishes and fabrics, exquisite furniture, and perfect lighting. I hand-pick a dream team of architects, landscape designers, and crafts people who are as committed to excellence as I am. As the process evolves, I love seeing and feeling the enthusiasm a client exudes once they experience what were once sketches and drawings being brought to life in the design, craftsmanship, and execution of their home.

How do you strike the balance between your work and your home life?

There is no typical day for me. It’s why I enjoy what I do so much. Some days, I’m curating our social media or blogging about a new design discovery.

& A candid conversation with Aaron B Duke, owner of AARONBDUKE, an international luxury lifestyle design and architectural coordination studio - created with a vocabulary of classicism, textural, predominately neutral-hued palettes, sophistication, and timeless design solutions.

Other days, I might be creating drawings for custom furniture or millwork. And in-between, I’m always meeting face to face with my clients. In every facet of my business, I’m always ensuring that our clients are receiving the luxury lifestyle they are accustomed to.

Does the LA aesthetic inspire your designs?

Absolutely. Los Angeles has so many different styles and aesthetics within each neighborhood that cater to the modern luxury clientele. We are very global and influenced by others’ cultures and customs. Los Angeles’ aesthetics is as diverse as the people who live here.

What is luxury to you?

There is something about a luxury brand that makes it luxury. Sometimes it’s the look and feel, beautiful advertising, texture, the service your receive, the money you pay - and sometimes it’s a little bit of everything. Many times, it’s an experience you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it was special.

www.aaronbduke.com Aaron@ aaronbduke.com | (310)753-8833 662 North Sepulveda BLVD, Suite 201, Unit B Los Angeles, CA 90049

43

Named the Best Interior Designer in Los Angeles by freshome.com Build Magazine

44

Special Feature

Most Innovative Designers 2016 – Sydney HughesBruce

HughesBruce is a vibrant and creative Sydney-based company, built around a core group of commercial interior design strategists and entrepreneurs of ideas. Their clients consist of multi-national and nationwide icons, across projects such as pre-lease developments, interstate satellite premises, multi-floor tenancies and small operation working environments.

The business operates out of Sydney, and supports clients across Australia.

HughesBruce is one of the few firms in their industry that offers an integrated approach to achieving their clients’ objectives, by providing interior architecture, work place strategies, logistics and project management. With experience extending over three decades, their knowledge ensures intuitive, imaginative, aesthetic, sustainable, performance based creations.

‘We love what we do and we love creating optimum outcomes for our clients’.

Balance, space and emotional connection is the key to the design philosophy at the heart of HughesBruce.

It is hard to quantify the positive impact that HughesBruce has had over many years of supporting their clients’ operations through their ability to create brilliant outcomes and shape human experiences. HughesBruce has proudly contributed to enhancing culture, boosting motivation, productivity, and strengthening company operations.

HughesBruce was first established in 1993, and has experienced many changes in workplace operations and functionality.

They have supported many clients through challenging times, and their clients have supported them in return. With advancing technology in a world of flexible, global, techsavvy individuals the work environment has evolved incredibly over recent years.

The work environment is a series of moments, a place to imagine, a place to collaborate. The role that HughesBruce sees itself filling, as the designer, is to shape human experience, which takes the form of connecting design solutions to contemporary social, economic and cultural determinants. They are, in their words, ‘design strategists’, with an integrated approach to solving their clients’ problems.

In earlier years, HughesBruce created solutions with extensive integrated cable management into joinery and furniture.

In more recent times, there is little cable management required.

Designs have become less complex in some areas, and more complex in others. To HughesBruce,

Build Magazine

it is more about the space experience and flexibility in work lifestyles. The company has adapted to meet the challenges of transitions and to educate clients for informed progressive decisions.

HughesBruce regularly attend industry forums and communications platforms, and share information with strategic partners, to develop new visions of inspirational work environments and to stay abreast of industry progress. They create and resolve work environments that are planned with space awareness and balance, and implemented with managed processes.

HughesBruce maintain that one of the key factors in achieving such great outcomes is their ability to listen, to understand and be clear about the client’s objectives, explore options, educate their clients, and guide them along the design journey. With clear direction and interpretation, the processes build and earn trust so that communication is fluid, and inspiration and imagination are boundless.

Another key factor is the emphasis that the company places on the emotional connection to the places an individual occupies: the experience, the feeling of space, the benefit that comes from balance and flexibility to health and wellness, and being able to cope with lifestyle pressures.

One of the most notable projects that HughesBruce has recently had the pleasure of being involved in was the relocation DHL Global Forwarding NSW operations in Sydney. This was a purpose-modified building of 4,600-square meter office, as well as a 16,000-square meter Warehouse, all of a site coming to an overall 35,000 square meters. The project extended over 4 years and represents a landmark project for HughesBruce. Part of our role was to manage the implementation of the warehouse refit as well as the office environment and act as DHL’s representative on all site issues. The two-floor office environment was seamlessly extended into the warehouse, plus a central zone was created with natural light from the roof and central working hub, for all to benefit.

45

Another notable project that HughesBruce is currently working on is the relocation of KONE Elevators’ operations to a new landmark site in Sydney. This project is a pre-lease development with Goodman Australia and is a new 11-floor construction with floor plates of 2000 square meters, into which KONE plan to relocate by mid-2017.

This relocation has been brought about by government plans to progress the new WestConnex transport infrastructure, which impacts on KONE’s current premises. The new premises will embrace the flexible ‘Agile’ working philosophy.

HughesBruce, and its army of visionaries, believe that the the word ‘office’ will become obsolete, as over time the typical work environment as we know today will become smaller and be transformed as a new model with total flexibility in fulfilling tasks, thus becoming a place for sharing information rather than simply performing the actual tasks. Health and wellness will become increasingly important to the individual and our ability to adapt to ever advancing technology and lifestyle pressures. Interior design solutions, they believe, need to accommodate work areas that fulfil ease and effective collaboration methods, health and wellbeing of the individual, and support client’s objectives for motivation, inspiration and performance.

The interior design industry is definitely changing, demanding a new kind of operation with fewer resources, increased speed of production, and widening roles.

The industry has also become diluted with several competitive ‘players’ outside of the interior design industry. ‘Smart’ buildings have already exerted a notable impact on the practice of interior design, and will undoubtedly continue into the future.

Designers are facing a mounting need to expand their roles further and drive home the benefits of smart design, of intelligent and quality solutions, of space awareness, of flexible work habit solutions, and of sustainable products, to ensure clients receive the maximum benefit to their operations.

As such, the Design Strategist approach asserts the leadership role of the designer that is best able to serve clients as the intelligent connectors in the work environment development and evolution.

Company: HughesBruce Name: Elizabeth Bruce Email: Elizabeth.bruce@hughesbruce.com.au Web Address: hughesbruce.com.au Address: Po Box 8, Round Corner Dural NSW 2158 Telephone: 61 2 89202100, Mobile: +61 411852632

Build Magazine

46

Special Feature

Ones to Watch for 2016: Construction Visioneering Studios

We are a national ‘Envision-DesignBuild’ firm with four offices across the United States – in Irvine, Denver, Nashville, and Charlotte – in addition to a presence in the Seattle and Boston markets. We provide turn-key solution services through our family of affiliated companies. Visioneering Studios was originally formed as a division of the Church Development Fund – now know as CDF Capital. Our founder had learned many lessons about spatial storytelling from his days at The Walt Disney Company, and this heritage has shaped our company’s direction since inception.

The vision was to provide an advisory and master planning service to nonprofit clients with the long-term goal of providing architecture and construction services. Over 12 years ago, Visioneering Studios was launched as a separate entity.

Over the years, the vision was realized to include professional architecture and interior design services in additional to general construction, which allowed the firm to employ an integrated design-build delivery approach.

We are a relationship-based firm. Most of our work is negotiated, less of our work is bid or in response to RFQ’s or RFP’s. It is very important to us that there is an alignment between our firm and a prospective client. Being that we employ an ‘open-book’ bid process with our clients, it is important that there is a high degree of collaboration and communication. Many conversations happen even before we submit a proposal to make sure that both of our organizations have alignment in values, expectations, and outcomes.

Our teams do not begin a project with preconceptions. Initially, we take on the role of a cultural anthropologist to hear, observe, and experience the ethos and DNA of the organization, as well as the cultural context, and location of the client.

This is what we call an understanding of People, Place, and Passions. Through questionnaires, reconnaissance sessions, and workshops, we uncover the true story of the organization which serves to inform our “Big Idea”. This “Big Idea” will be the thread that courses through the entire design.

In addition, we provide real estate brokerage, development advisory, and strategic feasibility which helps our clients assess very strategic questions about the viability of the project. We encourage our clients to engage us as early in the process as possible to help them avoid making the wrong assumptions about what is possible.

Build Magazine

Once the BIG idea is developed, the team moves into the stages of architecture and interior design. We also incorporate our strategic partners to provide their input and design which can include branding, environmental graphics, engineering, and audio/video/lighting.

Throughout the entire process, our construction team is working in tandem with our real estate, development, and design team in the form of preconstruction services which includes value engineering, constructability, estimating, and scheduling.

Once permitting is completed, we act as the general contractor to lead the team of subcontractors to complete the build.

As such, our entire process, from start to finish, can be described in four main stages: alignment, envisioning, designing, and finally building. This suite of services allows us to stand alongside our clients from “dream to dedication”.

Our story-driven process is very unique.

It allows us to uncover, rather than contrive, the ‘Big Idea’. We believe that the inspiration for the design is already imbedded in the story of the unique people, place, and passion of the client. We have to be good at asking questions, listening, and interpreting.

For faith-based clients, it is important to know that we are part of a family of faithbased organizations called the Provision Ministry Group. This family includes six nonprofit organizations including Visioneering Studios, CDF Capital, Slingshot Group, Stadia, Co:Mission and Kairos Legacy.

Our partnerships with denominations and organizations such as LifeWay, the Southern Baptist Convention, Assemblies of God, and Association of Related Churches reflect national voice in this space.

In our work with churches, we have had to adapt to market fluctuations. In fact, in the most recent recession, while most firms were shrinking, our firm saw moderate growth. We have seen the need to employ

47

the design-build approach as a way of better controlling the outcomes of projects.

In the space of church architecture, our firm has been at the forefront of storydriven design; our thought leadership has been widely accepted if not adopted by other competing firms. We have seen that the innovator can fall into the danger of becoming the status quo, so our challenge has been to constantly work at the front edge of innovative processes and design.

Our holistic approach is unmatched.

We see ourselves as a collective of professionals from which a world-class team can be built in a way that is best for the client and the project. Whether the process requires real estate brokers, developers, writers, designers, engineers, builders, or videographers, we have the capacity to build the right team to deliver a world class project.

Seeing that the majority of our projects are in the faith-based space, we can fall into the danger of investing heavily into a single market segment. Working with churches incurs a long life-cycle from a business development perspective. This will require diversifying into both the nonprofit and commercial sectors.

The best way to overcome compartmentalization into one industry is to develop relationships in the commercial and non-profit sectors. The clients that seek us out have a deep appreciation for creating environments that can help shape organizational and community culture.

We will be investing heavily to share our thoughts in writing and speaking.

Visioneering Studios is excited about our future plans to expand into Texas, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay area. Our future strategies may include increasing our areas of service to include experience architecture, place-branding, and research and development divisions.

Company: HughesBruce Company: Visioneering Name: Elizabeth Studios, Bruce Inc. Email: info@visioneeringstudios.com Email: Elizabeth.bruce@hughesbruce.com.au Phone: hughesbruce.com.au 888.539.1957 Web Address: Web visioneeringstudios.com Address: PoAddress: Box 8, Round Corner Dural NSW 2158 Address: 2050 Main St.,61 Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92614 Telephone: 2 89202100, Mobile: 0411 852632

Build Magazine

XPERT ENERGY DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALL, COMMISSION, SERVICE & MAINTAIN…          

heat pumps ventilation systems gas boilers underfloor heating solar thermal radiators solar photovoltaic thermal stores & water stores biomass boilers condensation reports

We can help you with your design , building regulations, thermal bridging, system selection and installation. We also can provide advice for certification, advice on grants, SAP calculations, water calculations, carbon emission and full heat loss calculations.

For more information call us on 01189 303600 or email us on admin@xpertenergy.co.uk

Subscribe to

http://www.build-news.com/home/subscribe-page-for-free/

Jensen Underground Utilities, Inc. Serving SW Florida’s underground construction needs Services offered ranges from water, sewer, drainage and firelines to total sitework packages.

www.jensenunderground.com kevin@jensenunderground.com 239.597.0060

50

Build Magazine

51

Inside the Industry

Build Magazine

52

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB): ECITB Offers the Industry a New Deal on Skills Leading skills organisation, the ECITB has just announced the start of its industry consultation exercise with companies about new levy proposals for the period 2017-2019.

he consultation is prompted by government proposals to introduce a new levy on companies with a pay bill in excess of £3million to fund the training costs of apprenticeships from April 2017.

The ECITB is keen to ensure that the benefits of its widely supported current industrial training levy for the engineering construction industry are not lost or negatively impacted by the new demands of the Apprenticeship Levy.

T

Chris Claydon, chief executive of the ECITB explains: “The need for home-grown skills have never been greater. We must ensure that we do not damage the great work that has been achieved in ensuring a consistent supply of skilled labour. The economy is facing new uncertainties, and we need to make sure that support is available to companies to keep on investing in essential training. As a model of an employer-led body we have spent many months meeting and discussing with our in-scope employers to ensure that our proposals reflect the will and needs of the engineering construction industry. ”

The proposals contained in the consultation, which will conclude in late September, are based around recognition of the economic realities for companies operating in the infrastructure and process industry space. The ECITB works with companies across the energy sector, including the offshore oil and gas, power generation and nuclear industries, as well as many process businesses, such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The proposals offer phased financial relief by temporarily reducing the industrial training levy to ensure that skills are not lost to the industry and wider UK economy.

“We [the ECITB] are offering an injection of reserve capital into the system in order to maintain the same level of support, “ says Claydon. “These are tough times for our member companies and we need to help them mitigate uncertainty.”

The ECITB has also undertaken a restructuring exercise to ensure that it continues to offer better value. This includes reshaping its regional operations to be more responsive, shifting its focus to policy as well as skills delivery and slimming down its administrative function. Claydon says, “this is all helping to push money forward into front line support.”

In 2016, the ECITB celebrates its 25thyear as industry skills organisation for engineering construction. In this time it has helped over 1.4 million learners and consistently delivered industry-ready qualifications and set standards that have helped the industry to grow and weather many economic storms. The ECITB is confident that the latest proposals will also enable the industry to navigate the next few years successfully and sustainably.

.twitter.com/ecitb_skills

Build Magazine

53

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board Avril Goodenough - Communications Manager Corporate Affairs Team E: Avril.Goodenough@ecitb.org.uk T: +44 (0)1923 402123 For further information please visit: www.ecitb.org.uk/NewsAnd Events Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ecitb_skills

Build Magazine

54

Build Magazine

55

Eco Building

Build Magazine

56

The Future of Solar Power – What This May Mean for Small Businesses P

hil Foster, Managing Director of Love Energy Savings has shared his thoughts on the future of solar power and what this may mean for small businesses.

Whilst less than 2% of the world’s electricity is currently generated through solar photovoltaic technology, a recent report estimated that this figure could increase to as much as 13% by the year 2030.

What about solar panels for small businesses?

Solar panels aren’t just for homeowners; a growing number of companies are now starting to cater to businesses of all shapes and sizes who are looking to become a little greener.

Switching to solar power can help to lower your bills and your carbon footprint.

In the past we have explored how businesses can invest in being green, and it’s never too late to start thinking about reducing your carbon footprint! Investing in solar panels for your business is the perfect place to start. Here are a few reasons why you should get on board…

Cut your business expenses The first and biggest advantage of installing solar panels is that your business expenses will be cut. Although you will have to pay for the initial investment, panels can pay for themselves in just a few years. Thanks to government initiatives such as the feed-in tariffs schemes, you can even start to earn money back from the electricity you generate, without having to pay for power from the National Grid. To learn more about the current feed-in tariff rates, and how to apply, Ofgem is your go-to source.

Phil Gilbert, Head of Business Solutions at E.ON, told us: “Energy costs can have a significant impact on a business’

bottom line, and generating your own power can put control firmly into your own hands. Cutting down waste, using smart technology to manage buildings and possibly generating your own power are all options to consider.

“Investing in energy efficiency or in new generation technologies such as solar make sound investments, often paying back in only a few years. Across Europe we are seeing customers actually profiting from improving their energy efficiency. As well as the bottom line impact, investing in new energy solutions can also unlock new growth and improve productivity and overall competitiveness.”

Boost your reputation and earn the public’s trust With climate change and the environment grabbing the headlines so often, people are naturally becoming more green-focused and are more conscious about the companies they choose to work with. Adding solar panels to your business can show people that you are committed to helping the environment, and is certainly something that is worth shouting about!

Annabelle Bean from Romag, says that the benefits of solar energy to SMEs can really go far beyond saving money: “Nothing will position your company as an environmentallyconscious brand more than investing in renewable energy for your business. Not only will you be able to have the peace of mind that you are using green energy, but the fact that you are doing so provides a great PR opportunity.

“Being a sustainable business counts for a lot in the current marketplace, where the spotlight is well and truly on companies who do not prove their environmental credentials. When your customers see that you are setting yourself apart from the crowd and investing in a cleaner future, you will soon build up increased brand loyalty and trust.”

Improve your carbon footprint By cutting your dependence on electricity generated from burning gas, coal and oil, and instead turning to renewable forms of energy, you will be helping to drastically reduce your business’ carbon footprint.

Phil Foster, Managing Director of Love Energy Savings, commented: “There are so many small things that businesses can do to cut their carbon footprint, but solar panels are a huge step forward towards our goal of slashing emissions. Here at Love Energy Savings, we want to see the technology developing further and becoming more readily available both to domestic and business customers.

“Even if the installation of solar panels is a little outside the budget of some SMEs, we always advocate using greener sources of energy. We work with a number of different independent suppliers, some of whom source a proportion of their energy supply from renewables, to give you a wider choice when switching your energy supplier.”

There is no doubt about it; clean energy is the future. More and more countries are stepping forward to announce their commitment to being greener, most recently, the US, Canada and Mexico who together pledged that 50% of their power would come from clean energy by the year 2025. That’s a huge promise, and solar power is going to play an enormous part in hitting such ambitious targets.

Build Magazine

57

Eco Building

Build Magazine

58

Transforming Cities from Grey to Green

By Paul King, Managing Director of Sustainability & External Affairs, Lendlease

Today’s approach to urban regeneration provides us with a once-in-a generation opportunity to create new living standards, addressing the cornucopia of environmental and social challenges playing out so acutely across parts of our country.

The demand for cleaner air, affordable homes, safe spaces for children and provision for an ageing and growing population, all point to the need for innovative developments which place environmental sustainability at the heart of construction.

The future happens first in the places where we have the most hands-on control: our cities. And it is indeed cities which provide a focal point for C40, a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. Participants include San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Beijing and London, all of which are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, while increasing the health, wellbeing and economic opportunities for citizens.

So, how can we realise these goals? We are already seeing some positive signs. C40 city Sydney plans to ensure every resident is within a 250m walk of continuous green links that connect to major city parks, while San Francisco aims to achieve zero waste by 2020.

The aspirations of C40 must be realised particularly in London, with its population forecast to hit 10 million by the 2030s. Yes, the city has had major successes with initiatives like the congestion charging zone, which has improved air quality by reducing vehicle numbers in the central business district by over 70,000 per day. And yes, with 40% publicly accessible green space, it already ranks as the world’s third greenest major city. But in order to maintain the capital’s status as an attractive and inclusive place to live, work and play, so much more needs to be done.

More of the right kind of urban renewal infrastructure is the key. We’re so used to thinking about infrastructure in a drab, grey sense – such as roads and power lines – while green infrastructure – which refers to, and considers the value of, the green spaces in our towns and cities – is often an afterthought. It’s true it’s been part of the narrative since the inception of town planning, with Ebenezer Howard articulating the value of the garden city and Patrick Geddes championing nature conservation in urban areas in the late 19th century. However, green spaces have more often than not either been considered in isolation, or had their wider benefits overlooked.

Yet studies show that green infrastructure can have a real impact on people’s health and wellbeing, and can help create places that people want to invest in, generating new jobs and businesses. And the UK wants, and clearly needs, greener spaces.

Build Magazine

A good example of the value that green infrastructure can bring to urban regeneration dates back to the 1960s. While the UK was building its Brutalist housing estates, the former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, decided to transform the country into a garden city. He felt that abundant lush greenery would not only make life more pleasant for inhabitants but would showcase Singapore as a wellorganised city, and therefore a good destination for tourists and foreign investment. The rest, as they say, is history. Singapore grew to become the top country in which to do business, and today it offers arguably the best living standards in Asia.

Whether it is rain gardens, green walls or crosslaminated timber (CLT), green infrastructure goes well beyond simple aesthetics. Contributing to a sustainable ecosystem, with an ethos of openaccess public realm at the heart, is what turns a collection of buildings into a community.

Green infrastructure also has a significant role to play in ensuring the built environment is fit for the future. Like London’s Georgian squares, we should want our homes to stand the test of time, and ensure they look as good in 100 years as they do today.

This hasn’t always been the case. In the post-war rush to build homes across the UK, mistakes occurred in the design and quality of homes.

The result was that a mere 30 years later, many had to be demolished. The Heygate Estate in Elephant & Castle is one such example; a neoBrutalist structure of more than 1,200 council homes, which, following its construction in the 1970s, quickly fell into dilapidation.

Today, we are fortunate to be working in partnership with Southwark Council on a transformative 15-year regeneration project in Elephant & Castle. Set to be one of the capital’s greenest new developments, it will create 3,000 new, sustainably-designed homes in an environment which enables people to live healthy, productive lives.

Our commitment ranges from offsetting more carbon than will actually be generated by those living and working there, right through to the creation of the capital’s largest new park in the last 70 years. We are planting hundreds of new trees. We will make every roof we can, a green roof. And we’re lacing the new streets, squares and apartment blocks with verdant spaces and public gardens to promote biodiversity and places for all in the community to connect.

Developers must look at creating places that meet the needs of the present, but which deliver a positive, long-lasting social and environmental legacy too. And they must do so without it being a bolt-on or obligation.

59

Eco Building

Build Magazine

60

Build Magazine

61

Interior Design

Build Magazine

62

Interior Design

Karl Lagerfeld to Design the Lobbies of Brand New Development Trump Group Partners with World Renowned Designer on his First Interior Design Project in the United States The Trump Group, led by Eddie and Jules Trump, today announces an exclusive partnership with one of the world’s most important designers, Karl Lagerfeld. Mr. Lagerfeld will design the two residential lobby spaces at The Estates at Acqualina, a brand new, ultra-luxury residential development in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach, on the grounds of the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Acqualina Resort & Spa. The first condominium project in the United States to involve the iconic designer, The Estates at Acqualina – slated to open in 2020 – will feature lobbies designed by Karl Lagerfeld that reflect the designer’s exquisite style and eye for detail, with custom features, finishes and furnishings conceived and designed by Mr. Lagerfeld himself.

“Simply put, The Estates at Acqualina will be the world’s finest residences,” said Jules Trump, developer of The Estates at Acqualina. “Eddie and I wanted our entrance lobbies to be the piece de resistance of our new project, and who better to create these than the master of modern creativity: Karl Lagerfeld. Karl is the world’s most acclaimed designer, and we believe his high-end designs will be greatly valued by our residents, who desire an incomparable level of opulence, luxury, design and style.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to design the lobbies of The Estates at Acqualina and take great pride in knowing that the spaces I create will be such important spaces in the building,” said Karl Lagerfeld. “Not only are they significant because they offer the first impression of the building, they are also the spaces where people come to socialize daily; they are like a common living room. My designs are inspired by the look of each lobby, the building and the destination of Florida especially. The climate is very warm there and I wanted something fresh.”

Build Magazine

The partnership with Karl Lagerfeld was arranged by Leitzes & Co. Following on the heels of the hugely successful sellout of The Mansions at Acqualina which debuted this past fall, The Estates at Acqualina will go even further. No expense will be spared to design and build The Estates, which will be a spectacular celebration of Art, Architecture and Life.

When complete, The Estates at Acqualina will offer 265 luxurious residences from three to seven bedrooms in two, 50-story boutique towers, Via Acqualina 777 and Via Acqualina 888. Each estate in the sky will be delivered furniture ready, and equipped with the finest appliances, imported stone countertops, smart-home technology and 10-foot 6-inch ceilings.

Each master suite will boast his and her bathroom suites with imported onyx countertops and walls and marble floors, a steam mist shower, a free-standing tub, an ocean-view shower and elaborate his and her dressing rooms.

Rising to the north of The Acqualina Resort & Spa, The Estates will include Villa Acqualina, offering more than 45,000 square feet of amenities including a spa and fitness center, a world-class restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Circus Maximus, a full floor of unprecedented amenities including an ice skating rink, bowling lanes and a movie theater. It will also boast a Wall Street Trader’s Club room where residents will have access to ticker tape, computers and a board room.

63

Build Magazine

64

Intercontinental London – The O2 The Estates’ 5.6 acres of grounds and gardens will boast lush landscaped gardens, multiple infinity pools, a FlowRider® for surfers, a basketball court, a bocce court, a dog park, soccer field, a beachfront restaurant and 502 feet of Atlantic oceanfront with Five Star beach and pool services. 24-hour valet, 24hour security services, a full service resident concierge and a house Rolls-Royce will also be available.

Those who purchase at The Estates will have full access to the neighboring Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Acqualina Resort & Spa, TripAdvisor’s Top-Rated Beachfront Hotel in The Continental United States and Andrew Harper’s #1 Beach, Spa and Family Resort in the World. Residents will be able to take advantage of luxurious, personalized services from the hotel including daily housekeeping, in-room dining, children’s programming, nanny and child care services, pet care, dry cleaning and laundry services, limousine service, ESPA Spa access and gourmet dining at two restaurants, Il Mulino NY and AQ by Acqualina.

Residences at The Estates at Acqualina are priced from $3.9 – 9.0 million to $40 million for penthouses.

Sales Gallery Address: 17895 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida; Telephone: 786.577.3859; Website: www.

EstatesAtAcqualina.com

Build Magazine

65

Interior Design

Build Magazine

66

Build Magazine

67

Real Estate

Build Magazine

68

Real Estate

Build Magazine

69

Cavalleri to Usher in Reinvigorated Wave of Malibu Living Sales Commence as Renovation Begins on Former Villa Malibu Rental Property

Pacific Eagle Holdings, a San Francisco-based real estate manager known for world-class properties in premier U.S. gateway markets, announces its latest luxury residential offering, Cavalleri. Transformation of this prime Malibu rental property, formerly known as Villa Malibu, will commence this summer and after renovations, Cavalleri will emerge as a luxurious condominium. Located on a 10-acre gated reserve just a short ride from Zuma Beach, Cavalleri will comprise 68 residences that will exude Spanish Revival charm while meeting the needs of modern-day life by balancing functionality with stylish interiors.

“From the peerless amenities to the serene milieu, we expect living at Cavalleri will appeal to those looking to adopt a resort inspired lifestyle,” said Hans Galland, Senior Vice President of Development for Pacific Eagle. “There are limited condominium homes for sale in the area, and this project will provide home buying opportunities for those wanting to immerse themselves in the magic of Malibu.”

Award-winning architects Edmonds + Lee will seamlessly blend architectural innovation and contemporary sensibility with a distinctly modern coastal Southern California flair. With prominence placed on eco-friendly design and sustainability, residences will include craft finishes, hardwood flooring, spa-quality bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and open, airy floor plans. Two- and three-bedroom residences will range in size from 1,577 square feet to over 2,200 square feet, starting at $975,000. Anticipated completion is set for end of year 2016.

Outside, internationally recognized landscape architect Pamela Burton will reimagine the vast splendor of Cavalleri’s grounds and rolling hills with the incorporation of native species while paying homage to the site’s history, ecology, and geography. Cavalleri will also boast a 52-foot swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor dining pavilion, yoga terrace, two tennis courts, bocce ball court, dog parks as well as citrus groves and a meditation area.

Build Magazine

“Pacific Eagle is a forward-thinking, nimble real estate company focused on properties that provide superior amenities and an experience that’s authentic to the local community,” Galland said.

“Cavalleri will be a haven for residents, embracing Malibu’s surrounding beauty, while remaining proximate to Southern California’s bustling nightlife, word-class dining and distinctive cultural experiences.”

The picturesque location will allow residents to easily enjoy the quintessential Malibu lifestyle – surfing, hiking, biking and more. But it is not only for lovers of the great outdoors, Malibu is within a top tier school district and just a short drive to premier shopping and dining destinations including the Malibu Country Mart, Lumber Yard, Santa Monica Promenade and Rodeo Drive.

“The residences are open and airy with seamless flow between the indoors and expansive outdoor terraces. Where else in Southern California can you be this close to world-famous beaches on a 10-acre reserve for under $2 million?” added John Pallante, Director for The Mark Company, the exclusive sales and marketing partner for Cavalleri. “The unique rural charm of Point Dume is just 45 minutes to Beverly Hills. The confluence of rustic charm, Malibu glamour and outdoor pursuits with access to a global city is unprecedented.”

70

Build Magazine

71

Construction

Build Magazine

72

Construction

Construction Is an Innovative Sector – and Should Be Rewarded as Such While the picture may be more mixed on a national level, construction is booming in the South East, and within the M25 specifically. You only need to cast an eye around the London skyline to see that the post-2008 malaise has finally lifted, with numerous large, challenging projects springing up across the region.

There is, however, a fly in the ointment. This revival has led to a flurry of applications from construction firms for tax breaks on spend relating to R&D. HMRC, however, is taking a cautious, fact-finding approach to these – a significant portion of the claims in recent months are being held up for enquiry as a matter of course. This may be as a result of HMRC when it first established innovation tax breaks, not foreseeing these applying to the construction sector. After all, houses, offices, rail-lines, dams… haven’t these been around for decades? How much innovation can truly be going on here?

Well, quite a lot, actually. Generally speaking, when people think about innovation and R&D, the perception is that only people in white lab coats do R&D, and that it’s all about blue-sky thinking. Yes, that is R&D in the purest form but in reality and for the purposes tax incentives it’s actually far broader than many realise.

Different from accounting, engineering or ‘more traditional’ definitions: it states that to be eligible a company needs to be seeking ‘an advance in science or technology… through the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty’. Due to the various definitions out there and the limited guidance on R&D for tax purposes, many in the construction industry itself don’t understand the far stretching applicability of the tax definition (regime).

A surprising amount of activity construction firms undertake project-to-project can fall under this rubric: effectively, R&D continues up until the point where problem-solution becomes known or routine in nature. Within the industry there is sometimes a perception that this point is at the end of the design phase, but in fact a lot of substantial problem-solving continues into the construction phase, as firms grapple with issues that cannot be (or were not) resolved by the design. Constructors continually innovate new techniques, methodologies and solutions to overcome these on-the-ground challenges. To give just a few examples: •

•

•

Breakthroughs in the use of the latest building technologies (e.g.Post-tensioned, innovative formwork designs or temporary works, and modular construction) New techniques developed to overcome site restrictions (space or access) or soil constraints (e.g. hidden aquifers, contamination, or unstable soil) Development of an advanced remediation solution by creating a unique mix of additives and mixing these with the soil to improve its mechanical qualities

Build Magazine

•

•

Green innovation, such as new techniques or processes to reduce waste, increase recycling, or lower carbon output The creation of a complex scaffolding and temporary works design to overcome challenging conditions

The list above is far from exhaustive, but gives a flavour of the variety of activity that can potentially be claimed for under R&D tax legislation. It’s important for a construction firm to have a wide view of R&D. Generally speaking, the distinct challenges posed by a site and its environment can make or break projects. When considering what might be eligible, the following questions provide a good starting point: Would a competitor have struggled with any of the problems experienced? What is the business most proud of in relation to the project? Were there any points at which the firm was unable to use an off-the-shelf or industry standard solution, and how did it get around this?

Just as the construction industry needs wider awareness of how it can benefit from tax schemes designed to reward innovation, the current impasse with HMRC is a result of the latter’s unfamiliarity with the challenges construction firms overcome in the course of their work. The current rash of enquiries should be seen in a positive light; HMRC is attempting to better understand the industry, and the process will hopefully be an educative one on both sides.

In the meantime, however, the high rate of enquiries means that construction firms should consider seeking expert, third-party help when it comes to assessing eligibility and compiling robust R&D tax claims. Part of the problem is that HMRC’s guidelines, as currently written, are rather vague and non-sector-specific. Without knowledge of the process and an understanding of HMRC’s mindset, it can be difficult to ‘speak its language’ when making a claim. A good partner will be able to put an HMRC ‘hat’ on and provide upfront, in-depth analysis of a project, so that a firm can maximise its claims without wasting resources (e.g. many companies make the error of claiming costs that are explicitly defined as ineligible under HMRC’s rules, such as hire and plant costs).

73

After all, the potential savings to be won are far from insubstantial – although it varies, most construction firms could in reality be claiming between two to four per cent of their annual turnover as eligible R&D expenditure.

Despite the fact that the recovery is still beset by challenges, in a competitive market this can make a real difference. Although construction is on the up in the South East, the picture is more subdued elsewhere in the country, and far more will be needed if the country is to meet its various looming infrastructural challenges – starting with a need to build 260,000 homes a year. A better understanding of the tax implications of R&D in construction – from both HMRC and the industry – could help catalyse the solution, and get Britain building again.

By Justin Arnesen, Director of R&D Tax & Grants at Ayming

Build Magazine

74

Construction

Arora Group to Build 298Room Hotel Connected to T2, ‘the Queen’s Terminal’ at Heathrow

•

• •

• •

•

Planning permission granted for the Arora Group to develop a new hotel at The Queen’s Terminal at London Heathrow The new 298 bedroom hotel will be the first in the Central Terminal Area When combined with the new development at London Heathrow Terminal 4 – the Crowne Plaza London - Heathrow Terminal 4 and Holiday Inn Express London - Heathrow Terminal 4, means the Group has a significant 1048 new bedrooms in the pipeline in the Heathrow area Group is in detailed talks regarding potential partnership with leading brands Part of the Group strategy to focus on larger assets with high revenue potential, building on strategic advantage the region New jobs creation in the local economy

The Arora Group (“Arora” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce that it has been granted planning permission to develop a new hotel at London Heathrow.

The new hotel is part of the ongoing strategy to focus on larger assets with high revenue potential; it has been granted planning permission to develop a new hotel at London Heathrow with direct access to the Queen’s Terminal, Terminal 2.

The Arora Group are experts in end-to-end delivery of developments like this, working from the start of the project until opening and beyond. This hotel is another opportunity for the group to utilise its specialist divisions and skill set across the construction, property and hotel development & management arms, exploiting multiple synergies for the group and developing a best in class facility. It will also build on its deep understanding of the area and its construction division, Grove Development’s, long-term relationships with local businesses at the development stage.

This new hotel builds on the experience of the group in the region, having announced the development of a new World Business Centre bespoke office building with 85,000sq ft of CAT A office space earlier this year, matching the requirements of its client to the design of the building. It also adds to the Arora Group announcements in the last 6 months regarding the development of two new hotels, directly connected to London Heathrow Terminal 4 – the Crowne Plaza London - Heathrow Terminal 4 and Holiday Inn Express London - Heathrow Terminal 4, the purchase of the franchise and the occupational lease of Hilton London Stansted, and the opening of the landmark InterContinental London - The O2.

Build Magazine

With these developments and on top of managing 1,000,000 sqft of office space, the Arora Group has 8 hotels and 2,300,000 sqft of hotel property in the UK. The new hotel, which will have 298 bedrooms, will be directly linked to The Queen’s Terminal, Terminal 2, helping to improve passenger experience by giving them instant access to the airport from their doorstep.

It will be the first hotel in the Central Terminal Area which is set to undergo a state of the art transformation as part of a new look Heathrow.

Visit www.your.heathrow.com/ takingbritainfurther/heathrow-releases-newthird-runway-images/ to see what the new Central Terminal Area will look like.

Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman of the Arora Group said: “The people at the Arora Group are experts in this kind of development and we proudly bring another hotel to the Heathrow area with a direct connection to the Queen’s Terminal, Terminal 2. It will meet the demand of guests for a new hotel a short walk to Terminal 2 and will have 298 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar.

Our team has been working hard across the group to enhance our capabilities in commercial property, construction and asset management areas and with some of our recent deals we will manage circa 1,000,000 sqft of commercial real estate, 3,200 bedrooms, with over 1,000 more in the pipeline and over £1.5 billion of property assets under management.”

Stephen Wilkinson, Heathrow Property Director, said: “This hotel is a further step in Heathrow’s strategy to provide the World’s best airport facilities and services for our passengers.

The new hotel will be directly linked to Terminal 2, the Queen’s Terminal and we are confident it will deliver an amazing experience for hotel guests travelling from Heathrow.

We are proud of our strategic partnership with the Arora Group and this is our second recent terminal-linked hotel development, following the new 750 bed dual hotel at Heathrow’s Terminal 4, which is due for completion in 2017.”

75

Build Magazine

76

Build Magazine

77

Products and Innovation

Build Magazine

78

Connecting Elements - Creating Secure Energy Infrastructure Linking the electricity systems of two countries, interconnectors could be the key to ensuring energy security in the face of continued uncertainty. Andy King, director of energy at engineering and environmental consultancy Sweco UK, considers their potential.

These are critical times for the UK’s energy industry.

We are edging ever closer towards the deadline for the 2020 climate and energy package, as set out by the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, but with a lack of clarity on energy policy and a resulting loss of confidence in the investment sector, we are at risk of not meeting the targets that have been set.

If one thing is clear, it is that further investment is needed in the UK’s energy infrastructure, which would create significant opportunities for contractors.

Interconnectors – a large-scale solution Despite the confidence issues, there are still some positive signs of development in renewable energy projects, as well as the emerging technology of energy storage, which is expected to grow significant in the coming years. Another solution which is already creating jobs in the construction and engineering sectors is the development of interconnectors.

These huge, high-voltage transmission cables allow electricity to flow from one country, helping to bridge gaps in energy generation by taking advantage of changes in demand and supply of electricity in different countries. When the UK, for

example, generates more electricity than it needs for its own activities we can sell surplus energy to a neighbouring country – and vice versa.

With continued delays to the UK’s nuclear new-build programme and unabated coal firing plants set to be phased out by 2025, there is a very real risk of increased blackouts in the UK if shorter-term measures are not put in place.

Proven technology The potential of interconnectors to add resilience and provide greater security to our energy network have already been recognised by the government and the EU. There is a target for all EU member states to achieve interconnection of at least ten per cent of their installed electricity production capacity by 2020.

Electricity interconnectors are already in place linking the UK to Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, France and the Netherlands, and there are many others planned.

In March Ofgem launched a consultation into a further three interconnectors, adding to the ElecLink (France) and Nemo Link (Belgium) projects already under way.

As recently as June, a new £1.1billion, privately-funded interconnector linking the UK and France was announced, which is expected to create up to 500 jobs across the supply chain during the construction phase before it goes online in 2021.

Engineering excellence Of course, like any major infrastructure project of this kind, interconnectors require a huge amount of engineering excellence.

Nemo Link, for example, which is a joint project between National Grid Nemo Link Limited, a subsidiary company of the UK’s National Grid Plc, and the Belgian Elia group, will consist of 400kV subsea and underground cables, connected to a converter station and an electricity substation in each country – a total distance of 140km.

The routeing of the subsea cables must be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as the landing technique of the cables, coastal geology and processes, beach gradient, environmental sensitivity, rivers and watercourses, existing infrastructure and access.

Build Magazine

79

Products & Innovation

Not forgetting the complex engineering works required to develop the UK converter station and electricity substation on an eight hectare site formerly occupied by the Richborough Power Station, and the same in Belgium.

Showing potential Interconnectors are a viable, proven and reliable way to protect the future of energy security in the UK. And they are not without strong support.

In 2014 the chief executive of National Grid said energy prices for British consumers would fall by £1billion every year if electricity interconnectors between continental Europe and the UK were doubled by 2020.

That same year, Richard Howard, head of energy and environment for leading think-tank Policy Exchange, spoke about their green credentials too; highlighting the potential to decarbonise our own grid by linking to lower carbon producers such as Norway, Iceland and France.

And in March of this year, a report from the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) said “more connections to cheap, green power supplies, such as Norway and Iceland, could bring great benefits to the UK. It called on the government to “redouble its efforts to open new connections.”

Through design, engineering and construction excellence, interconnectors can lower electricity supply prices, lower the cost of delivering security of supply and support the decarbonisation of energy supplies to support national targets. It is a win-win situation for us all.

Build Magazine

Be part of the one of the UK’s leading areas of economic growth and development The Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire area boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Now’s your chance to be part of its exciting future as the second most influential powerhouse in the South of England.

Property developers, businesses and residential buyers continue to see Milton Keynes as a prime location to live, work and invest due to its:

Superior infrastructure with easily accessible amenities Well-designed road systems and easy access to the M1 and London Affordable new homes and development opportunities Working on behalf of Developers, Builders, Investors, Land and Property Owners, The Wilkinson Partnership is helping to shape Milton Keynes’ future by sourcing potential development sites, negotiating with planning authorities and effectively marketing rural property and land and more.

For detailed information on how we can also help you become part of the second Capital of the South’s future, please contact us today.

Leighton Buzzard

Winslow

01525 851616

01296 712717

lbres@qualityhomes.co.uk winres@qualityhomes.co.uk