Refurb Renovation News - Issue 47

Issue 47 2021

SELECTAGLAZE

AN ANDREW CARNEGIE LIBRARY IS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE, WHERE PLUM TREES USED TO GROW

Curo Construction enters final phase of refurbishment work at The British Museum

INTERVIEW:

CALLUM MCPHERSON, FOUNDER OF OCCUPYD

2021 DESIGN PREDICTIONS

LIBERTY LONDON:

ECOMERCHANT:

WHY WOOD FIBRE INSULATION’S POPULARITY IS ON THE RISE

Grade II* listed building gets a Grade-A revamp

We’ve set the standard everyone else follows Once in a while a product comes along and changes everything, from the way it’s crafted to the way it works. Products are often copied and many are great ideas that never really see true success in their application. Many years are spent searching for a product that will ultimately surpass expectations, stand the test of time and become recognised as the leader in its field.

We created one of those successful products nearly two decades ago and still today it has never been equalled.

Why? Because we have never compromised on quality.

UNIFOLD® Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology. www.gutterliners.com

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SANDTEX BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO CELLAR CONVERSION

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CHAMPALIMAUD DESIGN ANNOUNCES ROOM RENOVATIONS TO BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL, ST. MORITZ

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TIME-SENSITIVE REFURBISHMENT SAVED AT THE POINT OF CRISIS

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INTERVIEW: CALLUM MCPHERSON

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LEGAL & GENERAL SCALE UP COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH INVESTMENT IN LOW CARBON HEATING

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HISTORIC POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT STARTS ON SITE

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CURO CONSTRUCTION ENTERS FINAL PHASE OF REFURBISHMENT WORK AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

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OFFICE PRINCIPLES DELIVERS INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT FIRM’S NEW £1M HQ

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AN ANDREW CARNEGIE LIBRARY IS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE, WHERE PLUM TREES USED TO GROW

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NEWCASTLE’S RVI & FREEMAN HOSPITALS UNDERGO £5M TRANSFORMATION TO RESPOND TO COVID-19

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PLANNING APPLICATION APPROVED TO ‘RESTORE AND REIMAGINE’ PRESTON’S HARRIS BUILDING

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PLANNING GOES IN FOR GROUNDBREAKING ‘UK FIRST’ DEVELOPMENT

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STEELWORKS UP ON FOUR NEW UNITS AT ST. MODWEN PARK LINCOLN

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LIBERTY LONDON: GRADE II* LISTED BUILDING GETS A GRADE-A REVAMP

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WARM UP YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN WITH THESE WINTER TRENDS

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ERGO REAL ESTATE UNVEILS GREAT CHARLES STREET, IN BIRMINGHAM’S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

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2021 DESIGN PREDICTIONS

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RESTORATION WORKS COMPLETE ON HISTORIC WESTMINSTER HALL

Contents Lapthorn Media Ltd

Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@rrnews.co.uk

Designer Laura Whitehead laura@rrnews.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Francesca Amato editorial@rrnews.co.uk

Website Content Russel Goldsmith russel@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Georgina Baxter georgina@rrnews.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@rrnews.co.uk

Tel: 01843 808 102

Sales Manager David Valentine david@rrnews.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accountsdept@rrnews.co.uk

www.rrnews.co.uk

Sales Assistant Jane Parker jane@rrnews.co.uk

Publishing Director Paul Attwood paul@rrnews.co.uk

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Issue 47 - 2021

very effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Refurb & Renovation News however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Company News HAND PICKED HOTELS ANNOUNCE INVESTMENT AT FAWSLEY HALL WITH NEW SPA & HEALTH CLUB Hand Picked Hotels has unveiled plans for a significant refurbishment of their spa and health club at Fawsley Hall Hotel in Northamptonshire.

T SANDTEX BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO CELLAR CONVERSION Developed for use in challenging conditions both inside and out, Sandtex Trade’s X-Treme X-Posure® masonry paint has helped transform a 100-year-old warehouse to create an atmospheric furniture and interior store and a cosy new coffee shop.

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ocated in picturesque Llandeilo, Wales, Davies & Co has sympathetically converted the original Farmers’ Co-Op building to create a new furniture and interior shopping experience and The Lounge, a new café area for customers. The whole project takes its inspiration from store owner Marlene Davies’ own lifelong commitment to promoting the use of up-cycled and recycled materials, with many period features including the original stone walls and oak floor boards playing a key part in the interior design scheme.

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Although usually applied to external areas, X-Treme X-Posure® was ideally suited for use on the solid stone walls and ceilings thanks to its microporous properties.

Having suffered from years of damp, dark conditions, it was vital, that in its restoration, the stonework was allowed to ‘breathe’ and so after being suitably primed, the walls were coated in Sandtex’s high-performance water-based masonry paint. To further enhance the heritage of the building, whilst being careful to avoid a pastiche interior decor, the main broad wall areas painted in Anthracite Grey to add a stylish and

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contemporary twist. The application of the paint was completed by Pro-Clean Painting & Decorating Ltd. As well as providing a matt finish that will offer excellent dirt-resistance and colour retention, X-Treme X-Posure® has excellent adhesion properties which makes it suitable for even the most challenging of substrates.

Its flexible formulation also helps disguise hairline cracks and stops them reappearing.

Commenting Marlene said; “It was important to ensure that we did justice to the building and to keep its authenticity and heritage intact. There are many people who have fond memories of the building and are happy to share their stories as it is an important part of both Llandeilo’s agricultural and retail history. Whilst not a listed property, we were conscious that any preservation work that we undertook was respectful and did not in any way detract from the wonderful character and ‘feel’ of the building, and we hope that this has been achieved. By using materials and paints sympathetic to this legacy, we are so pleased that we have been able to prolong the life of the building and play a small part in its history”.

“It was important to ensure that we did justice to the building and to keep its authenticity and heritage intact. There are many people who have fond memories of the building and are happy to share their stories as it is an important part of both Llandeilo’s agricultural and retail history.”

he £1.5m project will totally transform the space, with extensive landscaping and a new glazed wellness area designed to bring the outside in. Plans include the expansion of the outdoor hydro pool with additional heat experiences, as well as an extensive relaxation area overlooking the gardens.

Indoors, the poolside will be completely revamped, new sauna and steam rooms will be introduced, and the changing areas remodelled and upgraded. The gym area will also be extended to allow for additional training zones.

A new coffee shop with seating area will serve spa lunches, afternoon teas, champagne and cocktails along with a selection of refreshments and snacks, with healthy grab and go options to take away.

Hand Picked Hotels’ Group Health Club and Spa Manager, Lesley Bacon commented, “I am delighted to be able to share these exciting plans with our hotel and spa guests, and of course our loyal health club members. This sizeable renovation programme has been carefully designed to provide them with truly first-class facilities both inside and out, and will underline Fawsley Hall’s position as a leading destination for spa breaks and wellness in the Midlands.”

The scale of the redevelopment requires a complete closure of the facilities for approximately three months from March until June whilst the structural refurbishment work is undertaken. During this time, the spa’s signature treatments, from rejuvenating facials to invigorating massages and manicures will be available at the hotel, delivered by their expert team of therapists in feature bedrooms that have been temporarily transformed into tranquil treatment spaces.

“This sizeable renovation programme has been carefully designed to provide them with truly first-class facilities both inside and out, and will underline Fawsley Hall’s position as a leading destination for spa breaks and wellness in the Midlands.”

Company News TIME-SENSITIVE REFURBISHMENT SAVED AT THE POINT OF CRISIS Immediate Heating And Hot Water At The New Providence Wharf, London The Brief Ideal Heat Solutions provided immediate heating and hot water for a time-sensitive refurbishment project on a landmark residential development in the capital’s Docklands. An exemplar of modern design, innovation and comfort, the development contains five blocks offering a suite of one-to-three bedroom apartments, wraparound balconies, a health spa and 24-hour concierge.

The main plant room was undergoing maintenance work when its permanent boiler system failed, leaving the occupants of these high-end apartments without any heating or hot water.

As a result of Ideal Heat’s diligence, efficiency and tenacity the company is now Vali Group Ltd’s sole, trusted supplier of temporary heat and hot water solutions.

Able to provide highperformance heating and hot water solutions within quick timeframes, Ideal Heat’s impeccable service on this project exemplifies the company’s position as Britain’s leading supplier of temporary boilers.

The Objective Ideal Heat Solutions was contacted by its longstanding client, main contractor Vali Group Ltd, to deliver and help install its highperformance, market-leading 500kW Gas/ HVO/Oil Fired Packaged temporary boiler plant. This containerised boiler is highly versatile and suitable for a multitude of projects including residential and commercial developments, factories and refineries. It is delivered to site readily prepared and has a 92% fuel efficiency rating.

For this project the temporary plant was fitted with state-of-the-art monitoring technology (Trend BMS) to automatically alert Ideal Heat of any unforeseen issues that need remedying. This sophisticated system lets Ideal Heat’s team check fuel levels and other technical details, to provide in-depth knowledge on the status of a client’s boiler at all times, without having to physically attend a site.

The Challenge As Vali Group Ltd’s existing supplier couldn’t provide the goods within the tight timescale, Ideal Heat was tasked with delivering its 500kW containerised temporary boiler on the same day the call was received. The external temperature of the apartments was very low, compromising the wellbeing and comfort of the residents.

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Ideal Heat dispatched the boiler efficiently and its team remained onsite until the early hours of the following morning to assist Vali Group Ltd’s site team. Consequently, heating and hot water levels were restored to all affected apartments, enabling residents to resume their use of this everyday necessity.

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Company News LEGAL & GENERAL SCALE UP COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH INVESTMENT IN LOW CARBON HEATING LGIM Real Assets announces that it has provided debt finance to HeatRHIght, a renewables funding scheme that supports the delivery of air source heat pump technology to the social housing sector, on behalf of institutional clients.

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his long-term financing will accelerate HeatRHIght’s delivery of low carbon heating to Housing Associations across the UK, further demonstrating Legal & General’s commitment to its ESG and decarbonisation agenda.

As an investor, house builder and long term owner, Legal & General is taking action to play its part in addressing the challenge of reducing emissions from the built environment. So whilst the UK recovery gets underway, it is crucial that the opportunity to ‘build back better’ is not lost. The housing sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions, with heating and hot water for UK homes accounting for 25% of total energy use and 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. If the UK is to meet its climate targets, the housing sector requires some of the most radical and comprehensive overhauls of any industry.

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With this long-term financing in HeatRHIght, alongside Legal & General Capital’s corporate investment in ground source heat pump firm Kensa, Legal & General has invested in two of the most efficient forms of heating technology using electricity. This presents an immediate opportunity to enable positive change, reducing running costs as well as carbon emissions.

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Today, over 23 million homes in Great Britain are using carbon intensive gas as their heating fuel; two million homes electrically heated; and the remaining two million using heating oil or other fossil fuel systems. In their ‘Ten Point Plan’, the UK Government set a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028, as part of a bid to ensure homes are greener, warmer and more energy efficient.

Both air and ground source heat technology will play a vital role in the UK’s journey to a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’.

“Building Back Better”. As one of the largest managers of real assets in the UK, we have a duty to invest in a more resilient and responsible future. With heating representing such a significant proportion of the UK’s total energy use, investment in the delivery of low carbon heating solutions will play a vital role in how we future proof our society and progress to a net zero carbon future.”

Matthew Taylor, Head of Alternative Debt, LGIM Real Assets said: “As the UK navigates its way through the fall out of the coronavirus pandemic, future-proofing our society has never been more important. Legal & General is delighted to have made another investment in the low carbon heating space, an area where we intend to increase our exposure in the coming months. As we continue to invest in businesses where we can deliver social and economic good, whilst driving value and offer secure returns, clean energy technology has become an increasingly attractive match for our clients long-term pension commitments.”

“We are delighted to have the backing of Legal & General and to be working with such a prominent investor in the social housing sector. Legal & General’s meaningful facility for our renewables funding solution provides capital payments to Registered Providers and Registered Social Landlords, to enable improvements in energy efficiency and a reduction in fuel poverty. Partnering with Legal & General significantly assists our mission to become a leading energy efficiency finance provider to the social housing sector.”

Bill Hughes, Head of Real Assets, LGIM said: “Climate resilience must be embedded into the heart of investment decision making, which under the challenges presented by Covid-19 resonates strongly with the emphasis on

Daniel Gardner, Managing Director of HeatRHIght, said:

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WHY IS WOOD FIBRE INSULATION’S POPULARITY ON THE RISE? Natural insulation, especially wood fibre, is experiencing a huge uplift in sales Will Kirkman from sustainable builder’s merchant Ecomerchant explains why wood fibre insulation’s popularity is on the rise.

Littelpits SW: Certifed Passivhaus Plus. Built using Steico I Joists, wood fibre insulation, Durelis Vapourblock, external lime render.

Carbon Statistics:TFA 317sqm. Form Factor 2.43 with average wall/roof U value 0.085W/m2K, floor 0.07W/m2K, Heating demand 11.1 kWh/m²a, heating load 7.3 W/m2. Final air-tightness result 0.07 ach@50Pa. PV: 7kW peak array. Overheating percentage 1%.

iNSET

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mong its many great characteristics, wood has a long life, is highly durable and is easy to work with. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it has the capacity to absorb and release moisture without being damaged. It is this property that also makes wood an excellent insulation material.

Inhibiting and storing is how one might sum up the function of insulation made from wood fibre. A life cycle analysis (LCA) of wood products makes the advantages of the material even clearer. Wood is an important raw material, a socioeconomic treasure. It is a renewable resource, as long as the raw material is managed according to a consciously sustainable harvesting plan with responsibility for future growth, as is the case in European forestry. Look for certification either FSC the Forest Stewardship Council or PEFC the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, or both.

Buildings should be ventilated in a controlled way for the sake of the structure, the indoor environment, and for the building’s energy performance. Many homes do not suit our lifestyle every day functions, showering, cooking, central heating and laundry, for example produce significant quantities of water vapour so where the building has gaps (compounded by poor ventilation) letting air escape through the building envelope causes risk of condensation and subsequent damage or mould growth.

Inhibiting and storing is how one might sum up the function of insulation made from wood fibre Akerman Road: Certified Passivhaus. Built using Steico I Joists, wood fibre insulation, Durelis Vapourblock, external lime render TFA 371sqm. Form Factor 1.8, with U-values of roof 0.108 W/m2K, walls 0.105 W/m2K floor 0.106 W/m2K. Heating load 7.9W/m2. Predicted Heating demand 9.1 kWh/ m²a. Airtightness test results: 0.34, 0.39 and 0.4 ach @ 50Pa. Overheating frequency 1.9%.

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Older (leakier) homes were built for a very different way of living and often from locally sourced complementary materials.

Naturally well ventilated they were colder and damper in the winter and dryer and warmer in the summer, but importantly often constructed form natural materials that had an inherent buffering capacity to deal with such moisture fluctuations without the threat to their structural integrity.

It has been the advent of synthetic and petrochemical materials that have removed the natural capacity of the building fabric to buffer moisture with a 100% reliance on ventilation to do all the work. Obviously this requires buildings to be both designed and built to a high standard and for them to be maintained as such in perpetuity but

it also needs to accommodate the different ways in which occupants behave, in short it’s not a very forgiving way to build.

No one wants to live in a hermetically sealed plastic bag, and we all want our lifestyles to be accommodated by our homes without the threat of damage to the building fabric. Older homes have intrinsic appeal to many often draughty, but none the less a pleasant house one can trust. But those houses are also no good for today’s modern lifestyle, since letting damp, warm air pass out through the building envelope may prove harmful for the building shell or the indoor environment. In addition, the operating cost, comfort and environmental impact of heating a draughty house is generally problematic.

A negative experience of the indoor environment also comes down to the same issue, the inability of the constituent materials to absorb and release moisture.

We simply don’t feel as well in houses that lack the ability to buffer and release a healthy amount of moisture into our living environment. Our mucous membranes, but also our skin, need moisture – a relative humidity figure (RH) of between 40 and 60 percent is optimal – to protect the body and the immune system against unwelcome attack.

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SIMPLICITY OF CONSTRUCTION

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The use of mineral wool (vitreous) or PUR foil backed boards requires the use of vapour barriers to prevent air leakage from the interior causing condensation in the structure. Rigid insulation boards must be cut very accurately to fit between timber structures with all of the joints taped and all junctions sealed. The security and durability of the seals and vapour control becomes more important as insulation levels increase levels meaning a corresponding increase in condensation risk.

On a timber frame (wall or roof ) synthetic insulation materials require breather membranes, ventilated cavities and either tile battens, cladding battens or render carrier boards to finish. Construction must allow for the timber to be able to shrink and move whilst still staying weather and wind tight.

Choosing wood fibre insulation simplifies the construction process by allowing less a complex timber structure to be used. It requires fewer layers and does not require any cavities (except an internal service void or behind a ventilated rain screen such as timber cladding or if using a non-wood fibre render carrying board). To eliminate the need for a cavity on the external side a wood fibre render carrying board, such as Steico Protect, is directly fixed to the timber frame with render applied to the external face. Wood fibre used in this way significantly lowers thermal bridging plus the overall wall thickness is rarely thicker and may even be thinner.

Internal walls can be faced with a rigid wood fibre board, between studs can be full filled with flexible wood fibre batts or blown wood fibre floc. Flexible wood fibre batts are self-supporting dense form of wood fibre which can be friction fitted between studs ensuring a snug fit with no gaps. Its hygroscopic nature makes it much safer to use than mineral wool or rigid synthetic PUR boards as it allows the frame to dry quickly once weathertight, preventing mould formation and rot occurring.

Alternatively specifically designed internal racking boards can be used to provide strength, airtightness and as a vapour control layer, for example Durelis VapourBlock. If using an airtight board ensure the joints taped with an airtight tape such as Pro Clima Tescon Vana which will ensure very high levels of air tightness, even as the timber frame shrinks.

Most roof applications over 16 degrees do not require an external membrane if using a wood fibre board offering another saving in cash and labour. Steico wood fibre boards can be left exposed for up to 8 weeks on site.

Most wood fibre boards use a tongue and groove profile to ensure weather tightness but also wind tightness. They are highly vapour permeable, ensuring that no construction moisture gets trapped in the finished building and that the timber frame remains dry.

Small air leaks in the envelope of the building can transport large amounts of moisture into the fabric of the building during the winter months. Wood fibre insulation is not only vapour permeable but very capillary active, meaning it can transport moisture very quickly down each wood fibre. This ensures that any moisture leaking in to the fabric of the building can be quickly dispersed and allowed to evaporate from the exterior of the building.

Increasing simplicity also ensures that the building is built as designed and therefore performs as designed, eliminating the wellknown ‘performance gap’.

Wood fibre offers two more significant bonuses when use in timber frame construction, in improved acoustic insulation and reducing or eliminating overheating risk. This is valuable as even

Relative humidity optimal conditions: Controlling indoor air quality: the relationship between humidity and problems requires a building to manage and control relative humidity.

Hygroscopic materials act as a natural buffer to help maintain the optimal range.

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Roofing with wood: Changing the insulation material can bring additional benefits in this case preventing overheating common in ‘room in the roof’ refurbishment. The diagram shows 4 sections of identical U value and similar thickness where the use of wood fibre delays heat transfer by 16 hours (decrement delay or phase shift) significantly better than the synthetic alternatives over twice the protection offered by vitreous insulation.

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in traditional block and brick construction a portion of the living space will often be timber frame when creating a warm roof to maximise space. A standard timber frame wall build-up will typically offer noise reduction of around 50dB, making most common traffic and weather noise inaudible. The most common remark people make when entering buildings with wood fibre insulation is how quiet they are.

Flexible wood fibre insulation stores around 20 times more heat energy than the equivalent volume of glass or mineral wool.

Typical wood fibre boards will store around 12 – 15 times more heat energy than foam boards. This ensures that the internal temperature stays very stable all year round and little of the summer sun’s heat passes through the walls to cause overheating.

HUMAN HEALTH: Wood fibre can also have the IBR seal of approval which was created by the Institut für Baubiologie Rosenheim GmbH in 1982 to raise consumer’s awareness of health and ecological matters and to protect themselves against health hazards caused by building materials and furniture in the built environment.

The seal of approval is awarded to products which ensure healthy living and at the same time protect the environment. Besides its focus the potential physiological effect on human health the certification also includes assessment of impacts derived from processing, use and recycling ensuring no adverse effects on the environment.

Products that emit harmful substances, i.e. carcinogenic and/or mutagenic cannot be certified under any circumstances.

Ecomerchant are UK distributors for Steico wood fibre insulation products.

All Steico products are certified to FSC or PEFC standards with full chain of custody paperwork have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) are IBR certified and are Certified Passive Components.

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Find out more at www.ecomerchant.co.uk email info@ecomerchant.co.uk or call 01793 847 444

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CURO CONSTRUCTION ENTERS FINAL PHASE OF REFURBISHMENT WORK AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Curo Construction, a privately-owned construction company predominately operating in Central London, has been selected as Principal Contractor to embark on essential refurbishments of the South Colonnade at the British Museum, a Grade I Listed estate. Essential refurbishment and building conservation works are being undertaken, which include the replacement of the copper roof finish to the South Colonnade.

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he British Museum is a monumental Greek Revival style building completed in the mid-19th century. It has four vast wings, and a triangular pediment, or tympanum, featuring stone sculptures called ‘The Progress of Civilisation’ designed by Sir Richard Westmacott. The site also houses an unparalleled collection of objects that date back 2million years, including famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone and the Sutton Hoo helmet.

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Underneath the vast sections of roof, behind the colonnade, structural reinforcement work is also underway within the voids below. Stabilising structural elements and

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“The British Museum is widely regarded as architect Sir Robert Smirke’s best known building. The works to the soffit required extensive surveying to gain a full understanding of the existing construction and their conditions.

Additionally, the team have looked at how repairs have been carried out to date and scope of works items that will address past issues that have been caused by indirect WW2 damage and post 1950’s maintenance work.”

preventing any future water ingress will then facilitate work to the ornate soffit which has undergone various repairs over the years. The project has allowed for a holistic approach in carrying out carefully executed building conservation techniques.

The works are expected to finish by Spring 2021.

graphics to the temporary hoarding. Curo Construction have responded well at rising to the challenge of deploying a project specific safe system of works within a live operational environment and at the same time worked collaboratively with our team to implement an enhanced level of control measures in response to COVID-19.”

Extensive planning and liaison with the Museum’s stakeholders were carried out in advance of the works to ensure that visitor experience was maintained and that the building was fully protected in its temporary state. COVID-19 interrupted the progress of the work for a period of time, but the project is now operating in COVID-secure conditions. The scaffolding, temporary roofs and temporary works have been meticulously evaluated to ensure that the Museum was able to open when government restrictions permitted. The key aesthetic element of the project is restoring the soffit bringing it back to the correct historical context with the use of traditional plastering techniques and materials and will be finished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Portland stone.

Rob Gordon, Curo Constructions Operations Director says: “Our relationship with the British Museum goes back a number of years.

Being entrusted with restoring a part of history is a privilege and one of the most important projects the company has undertaken to date.

It is with an immense sense of pride we play a small role in restoring this part of the Grade I listed building with the leadership of the Museum’s Capital Planning and Programme Management department.”

Russell Torrance, Head of Capital Planning and Programme Management, British Museum said: “This project will allow sensitive and essential works to be undertaken to the historic fabric of the museum allowing us to carry out building conservation techniques to the South Colonnade. Forward planning allowed us to reduce the visual impact of the project during the period on site with the design and erection of subtle scaffold netting, a digital representation of the pediment and

Simon Douch, Principal for Heritage Conservation at HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, said: “The British Museum is widely regarded as architect Sir Robert Smirke’s best known building. The works to the soffit required extensive surveying to gain a full understanding of the existing construction and their conditions. Additionally, the team have looked at how repairs have been carried out to date and scope of works items that will address past issues that have been caused by indirect WW2 damage and post 1950’s maintenance work. An ambitious scaffolding has been constructed to allow for the survey inspections and this has also allowed for conservators to carry out a detailed inspection of Westmacott’s statues.”

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EARTHBORN PAINTS PASS THE LATEST TOY SAFETY STANDARD

Earthborn is known for its distinctive paints that are better for the environment and healthier to live with. And its environmentally friendly formulations are now certified as child safe paints too!

Independently tested to meet the latest Toy Safety Standard (EN71-3:2019), this means they are safe to use in babies’ and children’s rooms as well as on toys and furniture.

The standard tests coatings to ensure there are no elements that could harm a child or release anything harmful into the atmosphere.

Many people choose Earthborn paints because they’re free from harmful emissions and nasty paint smells. Two things that are hugely important when looking for child safe paints. More than that, Earthborn’s paints are Eco Label accredited and virtually VOC free.

So whether you’re preparing a nursery or revamping children’s furniture following years of wear and tear, you can be assured that Earthborn’s paint finishes are child safe and healthy.

Website: www.earthbornpaints.co.uk

RRN319038 Application Engineering QP.indd 1

18/02/2019 RRN121007 14:04:52 Earthborn QP.indd 1

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Earthborn’s Claypaint, Eco Chic, Lifestyle and Eggshell no 17 have all passed the most recent Toy Safety Standard test, making them ideal for children’s bedrooms, nurseries, wooden toys, cots and other furniture. In addition, Earthborn’s wall glaze, furniture glaze and wax have all been approved.

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19/01/2021 14:09:13

Company News TRITON SECURES £6 MILLION CONTRACTS FOR ASTREA ACADEMY WOODFIELD Triton Construction has been awarded two separate contracts, valued at over £6 million, to provide a significant refurbishment and new-build teaching facilities at Astrea Academy Woodfield in Doncaster.

PERMAROOF INVESTS IN COVID SAFETY MEASURES FOR ITS EMPLOYEES Derbyshire roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment.

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ermaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice weekly Covid lateral flow testing for its 17 office-based employees.

The team includes both office and warehouse-based staff, ranging in roles from marketing and sales to warehouse operatives and delivery drivers.

Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “Throughout the entire pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of every single member of our team has been of paramount importance. For those employees who are unable to work from home, we have implemented a strict set of Covid-19 measures, including restricting access to our headquarters to staff members only, regular temperature checks, and daily cleansing of all surfaces and door handles.

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“This month, we also installed one Radikal Health anti-viral air and surface sanitising machine in our main sales rooms, which covers our staff on reception and those in customer services, and another in the accounts office.

The third captures all of the air in corridors and remaining side offices. We want to eradicate as much risk as possible, which is why we have invested in the air purifying machines and regular testing, as well as placed a huge emphasis on creating a Covid-secure environment.

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“Not only are we committed to keeping our staff and their families safe, some of whom are very vulnerable to the virus, we also want to protect the business as, if a breakout occurred at our head office, we would have to temporarily close, which would cost the business six-figure sums.”

In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its two-decade history after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market and quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic.

The firm added products to its portfolio, including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely. At the same time, it worked closely with modular companies for the first time, which included supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects during the first month of lockdown.

Simultaneously, the business recruited a new marketing co-ordinator to push out a formal communications strategy and partnered with a mindset and coaching programme for the sales team, which has helped them adapt and understand customers’ challenges and provide bespoke solutions.

Adrian attributes the success of the past year to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team and diversification into new services and products.

He said: “We had to rewrite our business plans, raise funds for the unknown and rework all our numbers while adapting the business to ensure it was Covid-secure for the Permaroof team and its customers.”

Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age-old problems”. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its PermaLawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via PermaFence. This is in addition to PermaTile promenade tiles, rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel framed buildings.

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strea Academy Woodfield is one of 27 schools in the Astrea Academy Trust family of schools and has nearly 1000 pupils aged 11-18. The Academy estate, located on Weston Road in Doncaster, comprises a cluster of interconnecting buildings constructed in different phases over a period of expansion. Some of the buildings are now in need of updating and the Academy secured support funding in September 2018.

The first contract awarded to Triton includes the demolition of an existing classroom block to make way for a new 11,500 sq ft, single storey building with specialist IT and technology rooms.

The programme of works will allow for phased occupancy to minimise disruption.

The second contract includes a new assembly hall with remodelled school entrance and new dance and drama studios. The 16,000 sq ft block will also incorporate a dedicated kitchen space with kitchen servery, a new medical room and prayer room for students and new administration areas for teaching staff.

Working alongside AHR Architects, Triton is contracted to design and build both projects including full M&E and fit out provisions as well as new perimeter fencing.

Ian Chapman, Construction Director at Triton Construction, said, “This project adds to our strong pedigree in upgrading facilities in the education sector where the requirement for unobtrusive works is necessary so as not to disrupt the curriculum.

“This project involves complicated demolition within a tight environment and so full stakeholder collaboration is essential throughout. We are pleased to extend our services to provide full fit out as a one stop solution which is becoming more common in this sector.

“We are delighted to be working again with AHR and Rex Proctor and Partners with whom we also delivered a new £3.5 million building for Outwood Grange Academy Trust (OGAT) at Kirkhamgate Primary School in Wakefield.”

Adam Atkinson, Astrea Academy Woodfields Principal said, “I am excited to see the progression of the new buildings which will offer excellent opportunities for our students and wider

Company News “This project adds to our strong pedigree in upgrading facilities in the education sector where the requirement for unobtrusive works is necessary so as not to disrupt the curriculum. This project involves complicated demolition within a tight environment and so full stakeholder collaboration is essential throughout.

We are pleased to extend our services to provide full fit out as a one stop solution which is becoming more common in this sector.” community to engage all learners and abilities at Astrea Academy Woodfields. It is a pleasure to work with professionals from the teams at Triton, AHR and RPP to create high quality spaces with state-of-the-art facilities.

“This new look to the academy will also provide staff with modern teaching spaces and an improved working environment. The building work, which will further drive and inspire our journey to excellence, is anticipated to be complete by Summer/Autumn 2021.”

Triton Construction has extensive experience in all areas of the education sector with recent projects including a new £3.5 million teaching block for Chorlton Park Primary School in Manchester a £2 million extension block for Pennistone Grammar School in Barnsley, and a new £1.75 million classroom block extension for Sharples School in Bolton.

Over the last 12 months Triton Construction has completed 9 projects in the education sector valued at over £25 million.

Triton’s portfolio also includes a new library and further refurbishments for Leeds College of Music, a £2.3 million High Needs Vocational Centre for Shipley College, a £3.5 million science block and state of the art learning link for Bradford Grammar School and a £4 million transformation of a derelict building to house Norfolk Park Special School in Sheffield.

SILTBUSTER FACILITATES ESSENTIAL RESERVOIR REPAIRS DURING UK LOCKDOWN Siltbuster, the UK’s leading water treatment specialist, has developed and mobilised a large modular water treatment system for Lews Civils as part of its essential infrastructure improvement work at a Welsh Water reservoir near Caernarfon in North Wales.

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he work, being undertaken by Lewis Civils, involved drilling, which generated fine rock particles and raised the suspended solids content of the water. Further to this, the pH of the water was elevated because cement and limestone grout was used in and below the reservoir’s retaining wall.

Both cement and limestone are a threat to aquatic life, so needed to be treated before the water could return to the environment.

Tankering was initially considered, but was quickly deemed socially and environmentally unsustainable, primarily due to the implications of running many heavy tankers into such a remote part of Wales. In addition, the cost of this type of off-site disposal was prohibitive, with each tanker costing around £1,000.

With this in mind, Siltbuster was called in by Lewis Civils to safely treat the large volumes of high pH and solid-laden wastewater being generated, before it could then be released back into the local watercourse. The solution was a three-stage modular chemical treatment system, comprised of a chemical dosing container, large 30m3 multistage reaction tank and three HB50M lamella clarifiers in parallel. By measuring the water quality parameters at the inlet of the system total suspended solids and pH - chemicals were only used when necessary. This saved

money, increased efficiency and reduced carryover.

This temporary treatment system was deployed and installed in April, during the first national coronavirus lockdown, ensuring the site was environmentally was protected at all times.

John Gregson, Senior Site Manager at Lewis Civils, comments: “This project was located in a National Park and so environmental compliance was of critical importance to us. With the operational period running for several months we were impressed with the responsiveness of Siltbuster. It had the equipment readily available within its large rental fleet and the engineer support was present even during the heavy restrictions. We’re happy to say the weekly inspections of the site by Welsh Water all went well, confirming that the stringent water quality criteria had been met.”

James Baylis, Regional Technical Sales Engineer for Siltbuster, concludes: “At Siltbuster, we provide support to a number of essential services such as the construction, municipal and industrial sectors, meaning we have continued to be operational throughout the pandemic. By adhering to social distancing guidelines and stringent safety measures, we have been able to help support many projects across the UK during lockdown, just like we did at Caernarfon for Lewis Civils.”

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Plants and Sundries for the Trade Over 1500 lines of trees and shrubs on display from starter plants to specimen sizes.

Young bedding and basket plants for which we are historically known.

Ideal for growers, independent garden centres, landscapers and garden designers, local authorities, landowners and stately homes.

Nationwide coverage and delivery available. (ask for full details)

Hedging/Topiary/Shrubs/Trees Hedging - Includes Privet, Leylandii, Griselinia and Laurel Topiary - Buxus, Ligustrum & Cupressocyparisin a range of shapes and sizes Laurus Nobilis - Bay trees Shrubs & Trees - Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Cordylines, Phorniums, Pieris, Tropical Plants, Olives, Palms, Trachycarpus, Native trees, Mediterranean Plants, Specimens and much more.

the largest horticultural “one stop shop” in the Uk Near to Jodrell Bank TRADE ONLY

Just 5 miles from junction 18 of the M6 Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm (November - January 8am - 4:30pm)

Saturday: 8am - 12 noon (Closed Saturday Weeks 36 - 46 and Bank Holidays)

hUge seLection of shrUbs froM 3 Litres - 15 Litre Alpines & Perennials - 9cm liners and 1, 2 and 3 litre pots.

Seiont Nurseries - Plugs and liners of Ferns, Grasses, Cordylines, Phormiums, Shrubs and Herbaceous - over 200 main lines in stock.

(Non-stock items ordered direct with Seiont by a Friday can be collected at Four Oaks Cash and Carry the following Wednesday)

Young Plants/Added Value Young Plants - Bedding, Basket, Patio plants. Pack bedding & Vegetables.

Added Value Lines - from April onwards. We will have a superb range of Hanging Baskets, Planted Patio Pots, 13cm potted Zonal Geraniums, Fuchias, Osteospermums, Marguerites and Standard Fuchias in 10 litre pots.

Sundries/Garden Ware Sundries - Wicker Planters, Basket Plants In Plugs,10cm & 13cm, Huge Range of Compost & Fertiliser, Coco Liners, P9 Liners and Metal Planters.

Garden Stoneware - Planters, Water Features Troughs, and Bird Baths.

Yorkshire Flowerpots - Frost proof Terracotta.

Draper Tools - a range of Professional Tools.

Large seLection of pLanted hanging baskets and patio pots (can be made to order)

FOUR OAKS CASH & CARRY Longshoot Road, Lower Withington, Nr Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DX 01477 571797 Fax: 01477 571314 marlon@fouroaks-nurseries.co.uk www.fouroaks-nurseries.com

People On The Move CURTINS WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR IN SCOTLAND Janice Smith, formerly of Stantec, is appointed as head of Scotland branches for leading built environment consultancy.

Project 2, at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.

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Smith takes over from Phil Richardson who, after 36 years in the industry, will be retiring in the spring.

anice Smith, with 20 years’ experience as a qualified civil and structural engineer, will join Curtins as its new technical director of the Scotland region.

Smith’s appointment commenced on 5th January 2021, transitioning the region from leadership under Executive Director, Phil Richardson who is due to retire in the spring.

Curtins are most well known for their civil and structural engineering services, but also offer transport planning, environmental, infrastructure, geotechnical, conservation and principal designer specialisms from Glasgow, Edinburgh and their network of 12 other offices in the UK and Ireland.

Smith’s new position will see her heading up Curtins’ teams in Glasgow and Edinburgh, whilst working from the consultancy’s Edinburgh office on Belford Road.

Smith will be supported by Paul Porter (Edinburgh) and Gordon McPherson (Glasgow) who have accumulated over 35 years with Curtins between them.

Smith joins the organisation at a crucial time in its 60-year history, as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and adjusts to the effects of Brexit.

Smith said: “I have lived and worked in this beautiful part of the country for many years

and I’ve become increasingly aware of Curtins’ positive impact on Scotland’s built landscape.

I’m delighted to have become part of their story. There are certainly challenges ahead of us this year, but through Curtins long-lasting partnerships with clients, coupled with an ability to deliver both multimillion-pound schemes and the attention to detail required for smaller projects, I am confident that the business will continue to see success in 2021. I am looking forward to building on the relationships that will bring about this growth and stability.”

During Smith’s time at Stantec she contributed to transformative projects in Scotland. They include the library refurbishment and Tennis Centre for HeriotWatt University, feasibility for The University of Edinburgh’s Main library and The Advanced Forming Research Centre for the University of Strathclyde.

As a SER certifier, Smith possesses experience certifying a wide range of structures across the residential, commercial and education sectors. These include new build projects as well as alterations, refurbishments and extensions to existing properties.

Her broad sector and project experience compliments Curtins’ portfolio of projects, which range in value from £1M to £300M.

Prior to that Smith provided expertise on landmark projects including the V&A Museum in Dundee.

Early in her new role, Smith will oversee Curtins’ continuing involvement in projects that include the new Nucleus Hub at The University of Edinburgh, the Cancer Bridging Project at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital and Boclair Academy in Bearsden.

Her role will also oversee the Integrated Ophthalmology Unit and three-storey extension, which accommodates five orthopaedic operating theatres through

ALAN BEARD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 70 YEARS One of the most well-known figures in the construction business in the south west, has retired from the family firm where he worked for 70 years.

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lan Beard was the third-generation head at the helm of the construction firm that was started by his grandfather and continues to bear the family name.

Today, Beard is an award-winning construction company, operating across the south west with a turnover of £160million and offices in Swindon, Oxford, Guildford and Bristol.

It has come a long way since Alan first joined the family firm at the age of 17 in January 1950, when he started working with his father Geoffrey, at Newcombe Beard Ltd, in Cirencester.

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Over the years Alan has been responsible for overseeing many memorable building projects but it was his work in the ecclesiastical sector his son Mark, now chairman of Beard, said was particularly important to him. As an active member of the church community himself quite simply, Mark says, ‘it’s part of his DNA’.

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The pinnacle of Alan’s success in the sector is arguably the Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire. Completed in 2013, this multi-award-winning elliptical structure was one of the most ‘interesting, complex and technically challenging construction projects in recent years’ he said of the project.

Over seven decades in the business, during which there have been national crises, recessions and boom times, it has been a time of steady expansion for Beard. Going from two offices to four, entering new sectors such as education, healthcare and culture, as well as establishing Beard as a business with a strong ethos. Its reputation for quality work, fair treatment of customers, suppliers and colleagues is part of his legacy. As well as his sharp-eyed attention to detail which Mark says is an intrinsic part of how Beard now does business.

Mark adds: “We celebrated our 125th anniversary in 2017, which prompted Alan to write a book about the history of the company. The fact that we reached this milestone is testament to his expert stewardship over 70 years - a remarkable landmark to reach in itself. My father withdrew from being actively involved with the business a short while ago, his influence is all around us and many of the principles he fostered are still woven into the fabric of the business. For me personally it is his keen eye for detail that has shaped the approach we take to our work throughout the business. Alan is somebody not only well known in the industry and the region, but also in the community in which he lives where he has always found time to be part of the Rotary Club, and an active church member and leading light on the local political scene.”

AN ANDREW CARNEGIE LIBRARY IS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE, WHERE PLUM TREES USED TO GROW This Grade II Listed building in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is of great architectural and historic interest. It is one of the earliest funded libraries by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish/American philanthropist in the US and British empire in the time of Queen Victoria and Edward VII, which officially opened in 1904.

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ollowing on from the Historic England listing in 2016, the Royal Borough of Greenwich decided to use the building as a champion for the Plumstead Urban Framework, making it one of the critical elements of the regeneration of the local High Street and surrounding area.

Occupying a corner plot on the busy A206, Plumstead High Street, with high

A total of 63 Selectaglaze units across the 2 facades were installed, which included Series 10-3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 80 – 3 pane horizontal sliders and more.

volume traffic and London transport passing by, noise was of great concern.

In addition, the single glazed metal framed original windows did little to prevent heat loss or draughts, which was going to hamper the sustainability of the building and add to the on-going running costs. As the building is Grade II Listed, the original windows could not be changed, so a reversible adaptation had to be found. Hawkins Brown Associates decided that Selectaglaze secondary glazing would pose the most effective solution to improve the thermal efficiency as well as dramatically reduce the noise ingress.

overlooking the high street were built up with seven Series 20 vertical sliders, transom coupled to seven Series 45 side hung casements. This configuration complimented the sightlines of the primary windows and allowed full access for cleaning, maintenance and natural ventilation if required.

On the north elevation, facing the high street, the library has two magnificent sweeping bow windows, which occupy the majority of the ground floor. On the first floor and the return elevation facing east, where the offices and museum once were, there are a number of metal single glazed windows in various configurations.

With fifty years’ experience, and Royal Warrant Holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has vast experience of working with the intricacies of Listed buildings.

Contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271, email: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk

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A total of 63 Selectaglaze units across the 2 facades were installed, which included Series 10-3 pane horizontal sliders, Series 80 – 3 pane horizontal sliders and more. Each sweeping bay

After months of highly skilled refurbishment works, the Library re opened in early 2020. It is set to become a sustainable and cultural destination in the Plumstead area and a great legacy for one of the remaining Carnegie libraries in the UK.

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Project News PLANNING APPLICATION APPROVED TO ‘RESTORE AND REIMAGINE’ PRESTON’S HARRIS BUILDING £10.2m #HarrisYourPlace project is set to improve safety, accessibility and address structural issues at the iconic museum, art gallery and library

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lans to improve the accessibility and safety of Preston’s Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library have taken a step forward as proposed internal and external changes to the building have been unanimously approved by Preston City Council’s Planning Committee.

The project to reimagine the Harris – called #HarrisYourPlace - is designed to conserve the Grade I listed building and ensure its future as a community hub and world-class cultural attraction for future generations.

The planned works have been informed by in-depth consultation with local people, community groups and partners, as well as Historic England.

The improvements are designed to return the building to its original splendour and reveal some of the Harris’ original architectural details which have previously been hidden.

#HarrisYourPlace will also make the building more accessible to an additional 100,000 visitors per year – attracting more visitors and tourists to other businesses and services in Preston.

Plans include accentuating an original entrance way to improve accessibility and introducing a new internal lift and staircase, replacing the aged fire exit stairs and helping visitors to move more easily between different floors and spaces.

They also allow much-needed conservation works on the roof and basement will help to address the building’s long-standing damp problem, which poses a future threat to the Harris’ collections.

The alterations to the internal layout would mean that more of the Harris’ extensive collections of paintings, textiles, sculpture, photography, historic books and digital art many of which are internationally significant - can be displayed.

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Services at Preston City Council, said: “Planning approval is a major step forward in this project which is important not only for the Harris building, but for Preston and Lancashire more broadly helping to bring more visitors to our city.

“We are proud custodians of the Harris Museum and we take very seriously our role to protect the building and ensure that it can be used and appreciated by generations to come.

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“The Harris is a building in use and, as such, we have a duty to ensure that it can be accessed and enjoyed by all. We are therefore pleased to have received approval for the plans which are both sympathetic to its architecture and offer vital benefits to its accessibility, safety and suitability as a home to its precious collections.”

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Project News “The Harris is a building in use and, as such, we have a duty to ensure that it can be accessed and enjoyed by all. We are therefore pleased to have received approval for the plans which are both sympathetic to its architecture and offer vital benefits to its accessibility, safety and suitability as a home to its precious collections.”

Neal Charlton, Director at Buttress Architects, said: “We are pleased to have been given the green light from Preston City Council, which brings us one step closer to the realisation of our proposals. The Harris has been at the centre of civic and cultural life in Preston for more than 125 years. The plans aim to enhance the role the building plays in the community while allowing it to reach new and more diverse audiences.”

Following approval by the planning committee, the application now requires final ratification by the Secretary of State Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden.

A bid for £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable delivery the project has also been made, with a decision due in March 2021. An additional £3.6m of funding is already in place from Preston City Council; Lancashire County Council; the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal; Arts Council England and local supporters including members of the public and the Friends of the Harris.

If approval is gained from both the Secretary of State and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, then works will get underway in October 2021.

STEELWORKS UP ON FOUR NEW UNITS AT ST. MODWEN PARK LINCOLN St. Modwen is continuing to deliver against its growth plans for the East Midlands with a further four industrial and logistics units, scaling more than 123,000 sq ft, at its site in Lincoln.

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teelworks have been erected on the new speculative units - ranging from 16,000 sq ft to 52,000 sq ft - and construction is expected to be completed by July 2021.

Build to suit opportunities will also be available across the remainder of the site up to 410,000 sq ft.

St. Modwen’s latest builds form part of the third phase of development at the popular 70-acre site, which is already home to occupiers such as DHL Parcel (UK) Limited, Deutsche Post DHL, NIC Ice, and George H Kime & Co Ltd. Planning application for phases four to seven have also been submitted, which will see St. Modwen deliver an additional 460,463 sq ft of warehouse space at the site.

Strategically located approximately just eight miles from the A1/A46 junction, St. Modwen Park Lincoln provides excellent access to seaports, airports, and the national motorway network, making it the ideal home for leading industrial and logistics companies.

Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said:

“We’re really encouraged to see the progress underway at St. Modwen Park Lincoln - with quality affordable housing, excellent schools and delightful countryside nearby, it has always been a highly sought-after development and we expect that St. Modwen will experience yet more success as Phase 3 continues to be developed.”

Matt Harrison, Construction Manager at Lindum Construction, added: “We’re delighted to be building on our solid relationship with St. Modwen, following our successful completion of both Phase 1 and Phase 2. We are pleased to be continuing with the project and seeing more of this site regenerated and brought back into use.”

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Gemma Butler, Development and Leasing Manager at St. Modwen Industrial and Logistics, said: “It’s great to see our next phase of development taking shape in Lincoln.

We’re increasing our offering of high-quality logistics space, countering the lack of supply in the immediate area and providing a range of size options for businesses to choose from when relocating or expanding into the East Midlands.”

Joint agents for the scheme, Simon Lloyd of Cushman and Wakefield, and William Wall of Banks Long & Co, added: “The scheme at St. Modwen Park Lincoln offers unrivalled transport links, giving occupiers the ability to easily carry out operations across the UK and overseas. The previous success of this scheme shows that St. Modwen is highly-skilled in speculatively developing quality, flexible space.”

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WARM UP YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN WITH THESE WINTER TRENDS With winter upon us, it’s no surprise we tend to retreat indoors and create a safe and cosy haven. The kitchen is the hub of the home, so it’s important that it doesn’t get left out during your hibernation transformation.

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e’ve rounded up the latest trends to warm up your kitchen space this winter.

Not only will they offer comfort to take the chill away, but they will also enhance your style, so you’re on point this season!

Read on to discover how to incorporate as much or as little as you want…

1) GREY AS A TEXTURE Grey is an iconic and timeless kitchen colour; however, we’re talking about a new dynamic, textured shade.

Lights in the cabinetry create a cosy atmosphere, so it’s perfect for when you wake up in the mornings and can’t bear the bright lights or are winding down on an evening.

This hue comes in the form of grey woods, stones, steels, concretes and aged metals. It offers a more energetic, vigorous finish to your kitchen space, rather than a flat, monotone look.

Embracing the wonders of the natural world, Wren’s Elements colour collection offers a moody range of greys to suit industrial or glam style kitchen designs.

Grains and textures such as washed concrete, metallic slate and smoked oak offer this on trend look, especially when paired with stainless steel units from Wren’s Infinity Plus Autograph collection.

A mix of colours can bring this design to life such as rose reds, greens, blues, oaks and rich woods. Don’t forget you can accessorise with concrete coloured crockery or grey textured furnishings such as rugs or curtains to keep the cold at bay.

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2) STANDOUT FEATURE UNITS

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During festivities, we always need that extra space to serve up warming tipples or platters of food… we have the answer, a bespoke feature dresser that can act as an extra station when you need more space!

Designed with plate racks, deep cupboards or feature glass shelving it’s

not only practical to house everything you need, but it also creates a real focal area in your kitchen.

On trend are metal framed units with textured glass coloured in a contrasting shade so it stands out from your other units.

Lights in the cabinetry create a cosy atmosphere, so it’s perfect for when you wake up in the mornings and can’t bear the bright lights or are winding down on an evening.

3) KEEPING IT CLEAN Now more than ever, it’s important to keep those bugs at bay and the kitchen is an essential space to keep sleek and clean.

As worktops make up a large proportion of your kitchen space, it’s important to get it right. Non-porous designs create a hygienic surface and we’d advise Wren’s Xena Quartz which is not only bang on trend, but it’s extremely dense and compact so it inhibits the growth of

bacteria or its transfer on to foods and objects.

Sleek, handleless kitchen designs which offer a sense of minimalism are easier to clean such as Wren’s stunning Infinity Plus Milano range. Without compromising on style, these clean faced beauties make housework effortless… there’s no need to clean around grooves and handles, as with one clean swoop you’re done!

Integrated appliances such as induction hobs and hidden extractors not only create a sleek look but are also much easier to clean as the flush design means you can wipe them down as easy as your worktop.

Don’t forget to create a dedicated area in your kitchen or utility to store your cleaning essentials.

4) HOT WATER ON DEMAND As the chilly mornings and dark evenings bring a sense of urgency for warming brews, upgrading to a boiling hot water tap will be a life changer!

5) THE NEW MOODY BLUE Classic blue was the colour of the year for 2020 and is still a very popular kitchen option, however we’re loving the new blue, it’s deeper and darker and more of a focus on deep teal colours.

Strong blues create a sense of grandeur and calm in any space, and this colour palette is especially suitable for kitchen spaces as it offers a crisp and clean look.

Similar to green, blue works beautifully with a strong contrast of marbled quartz worktops and brass hardware such as taps and handles.

The bolder hues are perfect for classic kitchens, but we’re starting to see interesting mixes of blues with greys and concretes in industrial settings.

Grey units are the perfect backdrop for deep blue walls or splashbacks, and for the ultimate look, add a rustic brick feature wall such as Wren’s TekBrick.

Finishing touches such as luxe velour or velvet furnishings will add that extra warmth in your space.

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Not only are they more efficient in terms of energy (let’s face it we all need to save a little during Christmas!), but they free up worktop space removing the need for a kettle and are perfect for saving precious time for those

with busy lifestyles. Leading brands such as Quooker and Insinkerator offer a stylish yet practical range which are childsafe too.

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2021 DESIGN PREDICTIONS Designing for people, not only a pandemic

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fter a turbulent year in the interior design industry, workspace design continues to evolve to reflect the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, whilst employers also look to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. Here’s a look at some of the top trends for commercial interiors in 2021 from Chameleon Business Interiors.

“There’s been some talk around the pandemic prompting an end to open plan workspaces. It would be a shame to see the open plan design gone for good so it’s up to designers to look for clever new approaches within their concepts,” said Fiona Thornham, interior designer at Chameleon.

“In response to recent briefs, we’ve been incorporating dividers into our designs to make sure spaces are flexible and workable for everyone. A key trend for conscious companies, there are more and more innovative and aesthetically pleasing dividers available – meaning there’s no need to compromise on design and functionality.

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“The pandemic has reminded us of the benefits of coming into an office: the opportunity for collaboration, socialising and idea-sharing. But our workspaces now need to give employees the freedom to work in a way that’s productive but also flexible.

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“With many of us spending so much of our time at home this year, I definitely expect to see a shift in commercial interiors towards a more domestic feel, becoming commonly referred to as ‘resi-mercial’. We’ll be looking to designate a larger amount of floor space to breakout and collaboration areas, ‘pods’ and zones, as well as high benches to allow for standing desks, hot desking opportunities and further integration of technology.

“We need to design workspaces that serve a purpose and suit the bespoke needs of the people who work there, providing spaces that professionals enjoy working from as an alternative to their home office.”

A lot of our recent designs have looked to bring the outside in with planting, exposed natural finishes including brick, concrete and steel and muted tones.

This approach creates a space that people actually want to spend time in – and inspires higher levels of concentration and lower levels of stress.

A key trend for conscious companies, there are more and more innovative and aesthetically pleasing dividers available – meaning there’s no need to compromise on design and functionality.

Kevin McIntosh, head of design at Chameleon continued: “It’s been a really tough year for everyone. I think a lot of us have really seen the value in protecting our mental health and I believe that workspace design will really take this new appreciation on board.

“In order to evolve, employers need to seriously consider wellness principles and biophilic design in 2021. A lot of our recent designs have looked to bring the outside in with planting, exposed natural finishes including brick, concrete and steel and muted tones. This approach creates a space that people actually want to spend time in – and inspires higher levels of concentration and lower levels of stress.”

“I’m also noticing that more manufacturers are using recycled ocean plastics and eco conscious materials in their products, which is really encouraging to see. In a ‘nothing is lost, everything is transformed’ trend, upcycling or repurposing office furniture is something designers should always consider when creating a ‘new’ space.

“I’m hopeful that next year, we’ll see a real commitment by companies to create sustainable workspaces designed for the future.”

“This year was a huge wakeup call for a lot of people in the industry. Designing for people, not only a pandemic, with long-term sustainable considerations and a flexible approach is certainly the way forward - into what will hopefully be a more stable 2021 for the industry!”

Chameleon Business Interiors has been designing and creating people-inspired workspaces for over 20 years. With an integrated team of designers, project managers and site managers, Chameleon creates working environments that are as flexible, creative and inspiring as the people who will work there!

For more information visit: www.chameleon-businessinteriors.co.uk.

Fiona Thornham Kevin McIntosh

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CHAMPALIMAUD DESIGN ANNOUNCES ROOM RENOVATIONS TO THE ICONIC BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL, ST. MORITZ Champalimaud Design has recently completed work for historic Swiss hotel Badrutt’s Palace. The legendary hotel is known for its discerning clientele seeking the best hospitality experience in both Summer and Winter seasons.

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he room re-design celebrates the much loved classical elements of the hotel, whilst incorporating contemporary elements expected by the modern luxury traveller. The refurbished 31 guestrooms and 9 suites will be ready for guests this winter.

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Champalimaud Design Partner and CEO Ed Bakos comments on the projects’ inspiration, “We thought about all the reasons people come to St Moritz and designed around that mindset. Badrutt’s guests have always sought adventure, comfort, and great experiences that are both social and private. The rooms were designed to facilitate long stays, and recognise that guests will arrive with outdoor gear as well as evening wear, so we developed great closets and intimate personal spaces. One of the great features guests will appreciate are the new bathrooms, which are elegant with references to the old world detail one expects at Badrutt’s Palace with contemporary touches.”

Continued >>

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“The rooms were designed to facilitate long stays, and recognise that guests will arrive with outdoor gear as well as evening wear, so we developed great closets and intimate personal spaces. One of the great features guests will appreciate are the new bathrooms, which are elegant with references to the old world detail one expects at Badrutt’s Palace with contemporary touches.”

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The design for the rooms is a continuation of hotelier Hans Badrutt’s passion for collections.

Each of the color stories for the suites were built around and inspired by the Persian carpets from the Hotel’s collection of rare carpets. The design is layered with a mixture of other antiques from the Hotel’s collection as well as more contemporary furnishings and lighting to give the rooms a curated residential feeling that speaks to the property’s history in a modern way. The team integrated modern conveniences

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and technology, which created spaces that combine old and new.

Each of the suites has its own personality which is expressed through bespoke fabric and colour selections.

Ed continues, “One of the most spectacular aspects of St Moritz is the quality of the light, and we designed the rooms with that in mind.

“Subtle texture is made rich by the reflected daylight, and we crafted great lighting to bring it alive at night.”

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INTERVIEW: CALLUM MCPHERSON

Refurb Renovation News spoke with Callum McPherson, founder of Occupyd about the creation of his online marketplace.

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alk us through the inspiration behind this new online Marketplace Occupyd

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It was during my time in a previous role where I was seeking properties and speaking to landlords, tenants and commercial agents that I identified a big gap in the industry. Aside from being old fashioned and generally lagging behind the residential property industry, it was clear that the commercial property world served the agents better than the actual occupiers of space. With surveyors taking a 10% fee for their time, they are much more interested in large floor plate offices or warehouses than they are spaces for SMEs and micro-business.

A use case that I frequently observed whilst at Moto Stable was small and microbusinesses sharing space, joiners sub-letting their units to furniture makers, wholesale bakers subletting their kitchens to caterers. This end of the market is woefully underserved by the traditional commercial property market and is where Occupyd was built to operate.

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Today, Occupyd is a first-of-its-kind online marketplace that connects businesses and individuals searching for workspace with companies looking to monetise their extra capacity. We’re driven to make life a little easier by facilitating relationships between businesses on the hunt for workspace, and those that have extra capacity,

so they can help each other out and continue to grow.

We talk about the ‘hidden market’ something which is already there, but people are unaware of. Monetising afterhours capacity, which would otherwise be empty, or renting out supplementary workspace could be a goldmine for some companies. Many of us are sitting on something valuable - we just don’t know it.

Occupyd offers businesses a simple way to maximise their income in what is a very challenging part of the economy owning physical premises in big cities.

These proprietors will have either been missing out on this additional income, or managing the timely process themselves.

How can this directly help businesses within the hospitality sector?

Occupyd’s vision is to make physical space more accessible and less burdensome for businesses regardless of sector, size or location - and the hospitality industry is a huge focus of ours.

When a hospitality business signs up, all they need to do is create a profile and field enquiries from interested parties. Occupyd does all the marketing and platform development so space owners can kick back and watch the

bookings roll in. Once they reach a deal and accept a tenant, the money will be deposited into their bank account, so no need to issue or chase invoices.

Here’s how it works: a cafe, for example, that closes its doors at 3pm each day can advertise its kitchen space on Occupyd for small businesses or entrepreneurs who cater to the evening market. This provides out-of-hours income for the owner - during a time when it’s needed most - and cuts down the financial responsibility for the occupant.

Taking a five or 10 year lease on a building, paying a hefty deposit and having access to it 24 / 7 is not what most SMEs and microbusinesses want or can afford. We give them access to space in prime locations, when and where they need it, so they don’t have to pay for more than they require. Not only do we save them money on space, but also equipment such as ovens and mixers, which would otherwise have to be bought. Occupyd makes it infinitely easier to get started in business, test your concept and expand.

What’s next for the business?

Occupyd has become well established in 2020 and our immediate goals are to continue growing our user base and enter the US market with an immediate focus on New York City.

The middle part of 2020 has been all about kitchen space, given the explosion in demand from delivery operators during the pandemic. As more and more types of venues open up, Occupyd is growing in new areas with salons in particular signing up to the platform in droves. In addition to this we also have therapy rooms, offices as well as studios and other types of spaces. Occupyd is very much a multivertical platform, intended to be used by anyone requiring access to flexible work-space.

We talk about the ‘hidden market’ - something which is already there, but people are unaware of. Monetising afterhours capacity, which would otherwise be empty, or renting out supplementary workspace could be a goldmine for some companies. Many of us are sitting on something valuable - we just don’t know it.

Occupyd exists to help businesses access space when and where they need it. We’ve been adamant for a long time that long leases are dead and small businesses need flexibility, which is where we come in. On the other side of our market is businesses who have space but perhaps now find themselves tied to more than they previously needed. We give these businesses an opportunity to monetise the underutilised space which in the new normal could be extremely valuable.

How did you realise that there was a need for this, in this ‘new normal’ way of life?

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One of the main things we as business owners have all learned during this difficult period is the importance of flexibility. Things change all of the time, but the rate of change has been rapid over the last nine months and the businesses that have been able to adapt quickly have managed to mitigate many of the challenges.

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People On The Move GLEEDS STRENGTHENS INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS International property and construction consultancy Gleeds, has continued the expansion of its infrastructure division with the announcement of two senior appointments within its UK team. Paul Knighting and Paul Robinson join the business as head of UK infrastructure and UK rail lead, having previously worked at Turner and Townsend.

The hires come in response to a number of high-profile project wins for Gleeds in recent months.

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ased in Manchester, Paul Knighting brings with him over 20 years’ experience in delivering large capital programmes, working with clients across the public and private sectors. In his previous role as Head of North West Infrastructure he was instrumental in establishing a successful infra consultancy team at both a regional and national level, prior to which he was responsible for strategic planning, project delivery improvement, and the implementation of operational excellence initiatives as a board member with Atkins’ Rail Business.

In Newcastle, Paul Robinson will take on the post of UK rail lead. With an impressive track record in the rail, water, and infrastructure sectors, Paul lists the likes of HS2, Network Rail, Edinburgh Tram, Nexus, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water amongst his previous clients and has extensive experience in facilitating the delivery of complex transportation programmes. His collaborative approach to projects and commitment to

enabling the professional development of his teams means he is perfectly placed to support Gleeds’ growth ambitions going forward.

Commenting on the appointments, Gleeds UK Executive Chairman, Douglas McCormick said: “Gleeds has invested heavily in its infrastructure business over recent years and these latest high-profile hires demonstrate our continued commitment to making our offering the best it can be. Both Paul Knighting and Paul Robinson bring with them a unique skillset which will be invaluable as we seek to strengthen our presence in the infrastructure and transportation sectors and embark upon a number of major schemes. Their experience speaks for itself and their desire to inspire their team mirrors the Gleeds ethos, so we are confident that they will be able to deliver positive change business-wide.”

The appointments follow a series of sizeable project wins for the infrastructure and rail teams, including schemes for Network Rail, TfL, Highways England, and Crossrail.

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT JOINS GODWIN DEVELOPMENTS ADVISORY BOARD UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has announced the appointment of regeneration specialist Owen Michaelson to its advisory board of leading property experts.

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rior to commencing his non-executive role with Godwin, Owen spent a decade at the helm of Ha rworth Group plc as the company’s CEO. Leveraging his 30-years of experience in the remediation and repurposing of brownfield land and low carbon energy development, he led the firm’s listing on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015, after it was demerged from UK Coal Group in December 2012.

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“Both Paul Knighting and Paul Robinson bring with them a unique skillset which will be invaluable as we seek to strengthen our presence in the infrastructure and transportation sectors and embark upon a number of major schemes.”

Joining Godwin’s established team of advisors as Regional Chairman - London, Owen will play a key role in driving growth as the business seeks to accelerate its plans across a number of sectors nationally, including urban and suburban BTR, PRS and affordable homes, as well as commercial and industrial schemes.

Owen said: “I am delighted to be joining Godwin Developments at what is proving to be a very busy and exciting time for the business.

“Godwin’s aspirations of delivering marketleading growth, investor returns and community regeneration, in support of the levelling-up agenda, is just the place to be as we all try to create better places for people to live and work.

I am very much looking forward to supporting the team and being part of the journey as the business continues to grow.”

Stuart Pratt, group development director at Godwin Developments, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Owen to the advisory board. His experience and reputation across the industry are second to none, and his previous achievements speak volumes of his vision and ability to drive change that secures impressive growth and returns for investors.

“Owen’s appointment adds additional weight and value to our already highly credible in-house team and advisory board, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he will be a real asset to the business.

I look forward to working closely with Owen to continue to deliver our long-term ambitions.”

In addition to his recent executive experience, Owen served as a board member for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and is the current chair of the British Property Federations Regional Policy Committee. He has also previously served on the boards of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the North West Forrest Trust and the Tall Ships Youth Trust. In his executive capacity, Owen currently serves as the President of Covanta Europe a global provider of waste management services in the USA and Europe.

This announcement follows Godwin’s appointment of the highly experienced property lead Lindsay McCombe to the position of senior development director in 2020.

People On The Move ISG’S AGILITY BUSINESS FURTHER STRENGTHENS ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM ISG’s Agility business, which specialises in sub 50,000 sq ft fit out projects, has further strengthened its leadership team, with the high-profile appointment of LOGO OPTIONS WITH Darran Brand as divisional director.

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arran will bring his extensive out solutions is driving the growth in our FAWN 40/45/50/5 industry knowledge and 25+ business and forward order book. Private BLUE 74/44/21/24 years of expertise to the fast- LIGHTER and public sector organisations now growing Agility business, which made GREY recognise that ISG’s peerless reputation 40% BLACK strong progress in 2020 and enters for innovation and delivery excellence the New Year with a record forward extends across the full range of project order book and pipeline of highsize and values, and we continue to raise quality opportunities. Reporting the bar on expectations of service and directly to managing director Nick quality outcomes within this market Oddy, Darran will oversee Agility’s segment. continued expansion into the public sector arena and focus on “The appointment of the company’s growing reputation for agile delivery in the commercial Darran in this senior office market and education sectors.

Darran Brand commented: “I’ve charted the progress of the Agility business for some time and recognised the real impact that the ISG brand has made, alongside its commitment to transform customer expectations across the sub 50,000 sq ft market. The opportunity to join the business at a time of real growth and ambition is incredibly motivating and I’m looking forward to working alongside the wealth of talent within ISG to deliver exceptional spaces for our customers.”

Nick Oddy, managing director of ISG’s Agility business, added: “The continued market demand for agile and dynamic fit

leadership role brings a hugely talented and highly regarded industry professional into our business at a time of significant opportunity.

I confidently expect Darran to play an influential role in the next stage of our success story and I’m delighted to welcome him to our business.”

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Project News HISTORIC POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT STARTS ON SITE The transformation of Bury St Edmunds’ former post office has now begun as part of a council’s investment in the future of its high street.

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he £8.4 million redevelopment project at 17-18 Cornhill will completely demolish the rear of the building to make way for 12 flats and two commercial units, while the Victorian frontage will be retained.

Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle was appointed by West Suffolk Council to provide quantity surveying, project management, and structural, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering and architectural advisory services for the scheme.

The project was procured through SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings on construction projects.

Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the regeneration of this site and can truly appreciate the importance of the historic front of this building and its preservation for the local community.

“The frontage is iconic in Bury St Edmunds as it has been home to the town’s post office for more than 100 years, so we’re glad we can help to bring it back to economic use.

“Not only will we be working to preserve the post office’s historic front, but we will also be helping to improve the masterplanning of the town centre by joining together two of its most popular shopping destinations.”

The build will better links between the historic town centre – around Cornhill and Buttermarket – and the contemporary arc shopping centre by widening the adjoining walkway by more than 50% to encourage an increase in footfall between the two sites and improving visitor experience.

Victoria continued: “The new, mixed-use development will bring many benefits to the town centre, including residential and commercial units that will act as a catalyst for community regeneration. It will also help to rejuvenate the local economy and aesthetically improve the overall environment of the shopping district in Bury St Edmunds, so we’re glad this is something Perfect Circle can be a part of, providing a lasting legacy for the area.”

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West Suffolk Council secured £2.75 million in government investment, which provides cost certainty for the redevelopment. Managing a strict budget has been a key part of Perfect Circle’s role.

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Paul Darlow, regional lead for the East of England at Perfect Circle, said: “One of the main challenges we have experienced with this project so far was creating a design that met the client’s brief, was visually cohesive with the rest of the town centre, and kept within the budget of the scheme.

“However, we have worked closely with the client’s architectural consultants to create a design that not only meets these requirements, but also perpetuates a new legacy that will stay with Bury St Edmunds for years to come.”

Project News OFFICE PRINCIPLES DELIVERS INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT FIRM’S NEW £1M HQ Leading interior design consultancy Office Principles has delivered the new Nottingham headquarters of an expanding executive recruitment consultancy.

F “Once completed this will deliver so much, including a better and wider walkway between the arc and the historic town centre, as well as a new commercial frontage onto St Andrews St South and improved access to the historic Cornhill front.”

Councillor John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “It is a challenging time for our residents, businesses and indeed the council, but we are continuing to invest in the long-term future of West Suffolk and Bury St Edmunds town centre as a place of economic, social and cultural activity.

“Furthermore, we are delivering on what people asked for when they helped to shape the vision for the town centre in the masterplan in 2017.

“Once completed this will deliver so much, including a better and wider walkway between the arc and the historic town centre, as well as a new commercial frontage onto St Andrews St South and improved access to the historic Cornhill front.”

The building, which has remained vacant since the post office relocated in November 2016, will also benefit from a new commercial frontage on St Andrews Street South to help improve the town centre.

orsyth Barnes has invested £1 million in the full fit out of its new commercial office space on Friar Lane in the city, as part of its ambitious plans to create 100 new jobs.

environment that encourages collaboration and physical movement and reflects the sector specialisms of the brand. It’s great to see an expanding business commit its future to the city of Nottingham.”

Office Principles has created a vibrant activity-based environment which has been designed to reflect Forsyth Barnes’ specialisms in the sports and emerging technology sectors.

Scott Parsons, managing partner, Forsyth Barnes, said: “Office Principles have taken our vision and created some really cool brand concepts. The team has been superb in challenging external circumstances. All of our team are delighted with the new space, and we look forward to welcoming future FBers to the coolest office in Nottingham!”

It includes video theatre rooms for international virtual meetings, smart switchable glass that frosts at the touch of a button and Alexa-enabled coffee machines and projectors.

The sports-themed workspace also features basketball nets, a golf putting green, neon lighting and a large Asian-inspired gong stand to celebrate new job placements.

Office Principles worked with the landlord, who had recently refurbished the office to Grade A accommodation, to ensure the maximum benefit of that investment was gained by Forsyth Barnes.

The new office will accommodate up to 48 employees with the potential to develop further vacant office space located next door as the business continues to expand.

Gary Tailby managing director of Office Principles, said: “Forysth Barnes is a young and dynamic business, with its own very unique culture and values. We’ve very much enjoyed working together to design and deliver a fun and energetic working

Forsyth Barnes was named by the Financial Times as one of the fastest growing businesses in Europe. It plans to create up to 100 new roles for research and recruitment executives all over Europe and the US in the sports, tech, fintech and eCommerce markets.

Established over 30 years ago, Office Principles specialises in office refurbishment, commercial fit out and corporate furniture systems. It delivers services on behalf of a wide range of leading UK and international companies including Visa, Twinings and BDO.

We’ve very much enjoyed working together to design and deliver a fun and energetic working environment that encourages collaboration and physical movement and reflects the sector specialisms of the brand.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “The long-term impact of Covid-19 on the high street is a key consideration for local authorities as they look to evolve their masterplans for town centres and help the nation to build back better.

“West Suffolk Council, supported by Perfect Circle, should be commended for their bold vision, which will have a significant positive impact on the local economy while maintaining the historic features of the high street in Bury St Edmunds.”

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“This project is a great example of a historic site being redesigned to better support the community, not only through high-quality living but also by stimulating commercial activity through improved town planning.

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Project News NEWCASTLE’S RVI AND FREEMAN HOSPITALS UNDERGO £5M TRANSFORMATION IN JUST FIVE MONTHS TO RESPOND TO COVID-19 Almost £5m worth of work to transform wards across two Newcastle hospitals has been completed in just five months by Gateshead-based contractor Tolent.

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he works completed across two wards at the RVI and one ward at the Freeman hospital have aided the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to respond to the second wave of COVID-19.

At the RVI, Ward 49 underwent a full design, reconfiguration and refurbishment from its existing model to create a new intensive care ward to care for COVID-positive patients.

Now a 17-bed facility complete with standard air locks for patient isolation, the design of Ward 49 from P+HS Architects meets the needs of patients and staff operating in critical circumstances including the ability to ensure non-COVID emergency and elective work is able to continue.

The ward also benefits from the highest levels of technology available as well as much needed rest and quiet areas, creating a more comfortable working environment.

Works to Ward 48 in the RVI included a mechanical refurbishment to its ventilation system that enables all 29 beds to be used for COVID-positive patients.

“I’m incredibly grateful to our teams who have worked around the clock to deliver such critical works for our brilliant NHS.” At the Freeman Hospital, works to upgrade Ward 12 included a full refurbishment which is now an exemplar of a new Trust branding to be rolled out on future ward refurbishment programmes.

Working with Medical Architecture, the design of the new 27-bed ward focussed on simplifying design and improving the patient experience and compliance with dementia standards. Using carefully placed local landmarks as signposts to the entrance of patient spaces and the smart use of colours used, this helped give each area of the ward its own identity, helping patients navigate their way around the new facility.

Improvements were also made to elevate the quality of spaces for staff, including the nurses’ stations and better planning of each rooms’ fitted furniture to make the clinical teams’ jobs easier and accessible to all.

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Thanks to the works completed, this ward was

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able to be used to help relieve bed pressures for non-COVID patients during the second wave of the pandemic.

David Thompson, regional director for Tolent, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to our teams who have worked around the clock to deliver such critical works for our brilliant NHS. Working in a live hospital environment during a global pandemic and still delivering an exceptional quality of work that is going to make real differences to the care of patients and the wellbeing of the staff who care for them is something we’re proud to have been involved in.”

Tolent is currently underway with a further £2.1m worth of ward refurbishment work at the RVI and is also on site in the Newbiggin area of Newcastle building a new medical centre worth £2.5m.

This increase in public sector jobs follows its success earlier this year when it delivered the NHS Nightingale Hospital in Sunderland back in March.

Completed in around three weeks with support from a regional-wide supply chain, the project included the transformation of a vacant commercial building into a fully functioning facility providing 460 beds.

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Project News PLANNING GOES IN FOR GROUNDBREAKING ‘UK FIRST’ DEVELOPMENT Contemporary interpretations of Victorian railway arches and a stunning atrium are among the key features of the latest phase of the groundbreaking The Island Quarter development in Nottingham.

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roposals for a ground-breaking multi-million ‘cohesive use’ scheme designed by Jestico+Whiles, feature a combination of hotels, co-working space, apartments, green public realm and leisure facilities.

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conviviality and collaboration. The design we have brought forward really reflects the synergy of uses that the wider scheme will create, and we hope will create a ripple effect across the entire site and across Nottingham itself.

The latest phase - which is the flagship of Conygar’s The Island Quarter development has been hailed as a ‘UK first’ which leads the way in terms of sustainability, innovation and engagement with nature and green space in a post-Covid world.

“This building is inspired by the rich and layered context of The Island Quarter, respecting and referencing its centuries of heritage while creating something entirely new. This isn’t helicopter architecture – we aren’t just dropping something in and hoping it works with its surroundings, it is born of its special context.”

The ambitious plans submitted to Nottingham City Council today (4 January) include a 223room hotel, 247 residential apartments and an extensive food and beverage area featuring a stunning bar and busy forum for people to meet.

Richard Watson, of developer Conygar, said: “The Island Quarter is the biggest city centre regeneration schemes in the UK, and we believe it is vital for the development to bring something outstanding to Nottingham, for which the city and the Midlands can be proud of.

James Dilley, director at architect Jestico+Whiles, said: “This design truly blends with Canal Turn and its surroundings. It is about place making, focused on a spirit of community,

“We are fortunate to have a site in Nottingham with its great heritage and an international reputation - with developments such as this and, among other schemes, the renovation of

“We are fortunate to have a site in Nottingham with its great heritage and an international reputation - with developments such as this and, among other schemes, the renovation of Nottingham Castle, we want to ensure it retains its rightful place as the Queen of the Midlands and a core UK city.

It is an ambitious project unmatched across the UK. The scheme will raise the profile of Nottingham, so we are working closely with our team of architects and designers to create a lasting legacy and community for Nottingham.”

Nottingham Castle, we want to ensure it retains its rightful place as the Queen of the Midlands and a core UK city.

“It is an ambitious project - unmatched across the UK. The scheme will raise the profile of Nottingham, so we are working closely with our team of architects and designers to create a lasting legacy and community for Nottingham.”

The first glimpse of the new images highlights such features as large archways, wide open

Project News spaces within the hotel areas and a 100m-long atrium to create a light and airy atmosphere for residents and visitors.

The proposal – which also features a luxury day spa and green space for visitors – is believed to be the UK’s first cohesive-use development, incorporating multiple uses within the same flowing space, similar to Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.

Several aspects of the design have been created to meet changing needs anticipated in the aftermath of the pandemic, such as flexible spaces, relaxing community areas and green public realm.

David Jones, director at Axis Planning, which has coordinated all planning-related inputs on the scheme since its inception, said: “This latest phase of the Island Quarter is groundbreaking in a number of ways. The innovative blending of hotel, office and residential space and the distinctive combination of high quality internal and external environments will, I’m sure,

generate significant footfall in this soon to be revitalised part of the city”.

ranging from student housing, office space and community living.

“The ground floor provides an extensive, mixed-use food and beverage-led experience incorporating restaurant, bar, forum and atrium space in a way that hasn’t been done before in the UK.

The development will introduce a network of public realm and access routes for pedestrians and cyclists, with green spaces at the heart of the plans.

“The mix of linked buildings together with integral and adjacent open spaces provides a fluidity within the development which will be essential in a post-Covid world. We’re convinced this will create a truly unique experience for people to visit and to stay, live, work and play.

“The scheme will complement future plans for the city, such as the highly anticipated redevelopment of the Broadmarsh. Together, these developments will lead the way for the ambitious Southside regeneration.”

The Island Quarter masterplan, which received outline planning approval in April 2019, has been designed with a full lifecycle of uses,

Operating in tandem with Canal Turn, the opening phase of the scheme, the architecture mirrors the heritage buildings opposite, as well as taking inspiration from the nearby Victorian railway buildings.

Alongside the hotel – which will provide short and long-stay accommodation with city views from a landmark 17-storey building – the proposals feature 3,000 sqm of serviced flexible office space.

The latest phase will also see the creation of significant amounts of landscaped green space in the form of a linear park, creating a clear link through the site from the city centre to the suburbs to the east of the city.

MIDLANDS CONTRACTOR APPOINTED TO MAJOR NHS SBS CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORK G F Tomlinson has been successfully selected as an approved partner for the NHS Shared Business Services PS-Works: Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which launched on 17 December 2020.

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he framework will provide a compliant procurement route to market for all NHS and wider public sector construction works requirements across the UK, and G F Tomlinson has been appointed to deliver projects up to the value of £5million across the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire regions.

Bidding for the framework, which lines up trusted construction partners for the next seven years, started in February 2020, with 82 UK contractors vying for limited places of up to 10 for each regional lot.

41 contractors in total have been selected to work on projects up to the value of £5million across the UK including G F Tomlinson, and projects to be delivered will include healthcare, education, housing, social care, leisure, libraries, blue light, transport, recycling and waste, industrial and commercial facilities, as well as mixed use regeneration projects.

Additionally, contractors must provide the NHS and wider public sector authorities with pre-

as a hardworking and tenacious team, we fully embrace the opportunities this provides in extending our reach across the UK, leaving a positive legacy in the regions in which we operate.

Providing social value to local communities is a key framework driver, which includes the use of local supply chains to focus on SME impacts and sustainable local outputs, whilst being actively managed to ensure efficiencies and innovation are being delivered.

“With our experienced management team, commitment to high-quality project delivery, collaborative working, together with the provision of social, economic, environmental and sustainable benefits for local communities, we are ideally positioned to deliver projects up to the value of £5million, as part of this NHS Framework.”

G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on social value, and its policy and processes focus on four key investment areas including: 1. Employment, training and skills 2. Sustainable procurement 3. Environmental protection and enhancement and 4. Community support.

In the last three years, the contractor has generated £22.5million of social value, investing £1million in terms of corporate time, expertise and funding to local community projects and charities. 59% of local labour is sourced within a 20-mile radius of recent projects and 89% within 40 miles of sites. The contractor also diverts 97% of all waste from its projects away from landfill.

Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are very pleased to have been appointed to this major NHS Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which is streamlining the procurement route to market of all NHS and wider public sector construction work requirements across the country. We look forward to delivering significant healthcare and public sector projects for the next seven years. G F Tomlinson has already delivered in excess of £640million projects through public sector frameworks to date and

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As part of the complex bidding process, G F Tomlinson was required to prove innovation and sustainability in its delivery, as well as consistency of engagement with stakeholders.

Following its successful appointment to the framework, the contractor must embrace and commit to eight core framework objectives when delivering projects, which include: value for money, collaboration, approved organisation satisfaction, quality, sustainable procurement, social value, modern methods of construction and an integrated supply chain.

approved supply chains with suitable levels of training, experience and compliance for master planning, integrated design and construction works.

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LIBERTY LONDON: GRADE II* LISTED BUILDING GETS A GRADE-A REVAMP The restoration project led by UK conservation contractor, DBR (London) Limited, is due for completion next year

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BR, a leading UK conservation construction company responsible for the restoration of some of the country’s most famous historic sites, has been working for nearly a year to revive one of the capital’s most iconic destinations.

Founded in 1875, Liberty London has been selling haberdashery, high-end fashion and other lifestyle products for almost a century-and-ahalf. This year, the renowned Grade II* listed department store sought comprehensive external works to ensure its Tudor Revival architecture continued to thrive in the 21st century, while preserving the building’s unique heritage.

DBR, which has worked on major conservation projects such as the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, was tasked with a wide range of conservation works at Liberty. This included: masonry, timber, roof, window and structural repairs, paint stripping and a new lighting scheme to enhance the façade.

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Liberty London

“In the early days of my career, I was quite shocked by the gender bias in this sector. Over the years, working on site on a daily basis and managing only male peers has allowed me to grow in confidence, develop an outspoken personality and establish an inclusive and respectful environment.”

BELOW

Bianca Buretea

The initial plan was to complete the refurbishment work in phases, minimising disruption to shoppers and back-of-house activities. While two lockdowns have allowed restoration activity to continue without interruption, a concertinaed approach was required to allow business to run as usual in between. The refurbishment of the Kingly, Carnaby and Little Marlborough façades are set to be completed in early 2021, with the next phase of the project, the main Great Marlborough façade, set to begin in January 2021 and end in December of that year.

shopping streets. Other unique historic features, such as the Liberty Clock, the gong of which can be heard on a quiet day throughout Oxford Street, and the hidden stone gargoyle keeping a watchful eye over shoppers, have also kept things interesting for the DBR team during the renovation process.

Mends in high places

DBR’s in-house design team is also responsible for Contractor Design Portion elements of the project including elements of the M&E installation and atrium lantern design.

The project is currently in phase one, which includes the site-set, designed scaffold installation, paint stripping, facade repairs, lead works, and windows and frame restoration on the Carnaby, Kingly and Little Marlborough façades.

While these may sound like standard repairs, when it comes to heritage buildings they are far from simple.

Complex conservation techniques were required to repair the external walls and render panels, timberwork, stonework, glazed bricks and all of the windows.

For example, one main challenge was the development of a paint-stripping method that could be used on timber and render.

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Further, Liberty London has various historic features throughout the store that need to be carefully considered during the renovation process, including a series of miniature glass paintings in the windows, which sit amongst the wood panelling.

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After the paint stripping had been carried out, a highlight was the reveal of the original, exposed timber. In 1924, the store as we know it today was constructed from the timbers of two ships—HMS Impregnable (formerly HMS Howe) and HMS Hindustan—while the original, 19th-century premises were being renovated. This construction took place as part of founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty’s vision of having a docked ship in the middle of London’s

Further, the company has implemented a mix of innovative technology and traditional methods to deliver the best possible results, such as Zutec Asset digital tracking, which is used to monitor the restoration process of the leaded and timber windows.

The captain of the ship Leading the Liberty London DBR project team is Bianca Buretea. With extensive heritage architectural and interior design expertise, and having worked previously on several occasions as site, project and design manager, she was a natural choice for principal project manager.

But while she has learnt a great deal over the years and came on to the project with confidence, working in the construction industry has not always been easy for her. Commenting on her experience in the field, she said, “I work in a challenging, fast-paced and dynamic role and enjoy the fact that almost every day brings something new for me to tackle. I love the sense of achievement at the end of a project, knowing that I was part of something that has improved people’s quality of life.

“It wasn’t an easy journey, and I have noticed that women are a minority in site-specific roles. In fact, I often found myself to be the only woman on site or in stakeholder meetings.”

Climbing the industry ladder requires overcoming challenges, and those met by women can be particularly difficult.

“In the early days of my career, I was quite

shocked by the gender bias in this sector.

Over the years, working on site on a daily basis and managing only male peers has allowed me to grow in confidence, develop an outspoken personality and establish an inclusive and respectful environment.”

The COVID-19 effect While DBR has achieved a great deal this past year with its various projects, the pandemic has posed some problems for the construction industry as a whole, and the Liberty London renovations project was no exception. Although this is one sector that has to actively continue to work, the safety and wellbeing of the team and operatives is key. Both short-term and long term-measures had to be very quickly assessed and implemented to ensure both people’s wellbeing and the vital flow of work for the business.

DBR’s procurement team was hands-on in ensuring enough stock of PPE and disinfecting materials for all operatives was provided. Its site management team constantly monitors the cleanliness of the site and assigns operatives, specifically with disinfecting duties ,for all the sites at least twice per day and a few of the other project managers were providing great support in the weeks of the first lockdown when this was the only site running at DBR. On the building site the team also implemented quite a few social distancing measures such as one way system on the scaffolding, reducing the day shift workforce and carrying out works also during night time or staggering operatives lunches to ensure that the canteen occupancy is kept at a minimum.

In terms of the pandemic’s effect on women in the industry, it generally has

“I’m lucky as a construction industry professional, as I’ve had the opportunity to work with several women who are all amazing at what they do and who inspired me to continue on this path to at least crack—if not break—the glass ceiling,” said Buretea. “Unfortunately,

ABOVE Miniature glass paintings in Liberty London windows

“I’ve received great support when required both from upper management as well as from all subcontractors and the skilled workers on site.

It’s great to work in an environment where people are passionate about their craft and want to share their knowledge.”

A Liberty London gargoyle

BELOW

not everyone has had as positive an experience, and the pandemic seems to have only made things that much harder.”

Leaders in conservation construction While the works are not yet complete, good headway has been made on the project thanks to Bianca’s leadership, the dedication of her team and the processes DBR has put in place. The company’s workforce of skilled craftspeople and a skill set that covers all the historic trades, from stonemasons, restorers, lead workers and conservation specialist, allows it to take on any heritage project, large or small, and successfully deliver the renovations through to completion.

Further commenting on her contribution to the project, Buretea said, “I’m a big supporter of innovation and always try to empower my team to create an environment for success and combine logical and technical thinking with creative ideas. I strive to empower the whole team to be self-organised and I actively participate in most of the decision making on site, as quite often the specialised operatives who are doing the actual work come up with very clever solutions to the issues.

“I’ve received great support when required both from upper management as well as from all subcontractors and the skilled workers on site. It’s great to work in an environment where people are passionate about their craft and want to share their knowledge.”

DBR’s management structure is progressively changing, with more women taking on leadership and strategic roles within the company.

This, in addition to the knowledge and expertise that the company brings to its conservation projects, is what sets DBR apart, and ensures not only fantastic final results but a smooth and pleasant experience for all those involved.

For more information about DBR and its projects, visit: www.dbrlimited.com.

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DBR’s team at Liberty London also embraced new software and technology which not only helped to reduce the number of physical site visits, but allowed the team to maintain the project’s level of progress via virtual site walk arounds, as well as videos and images to update all stakeholders.

had an increased negative impact. A recent study published by McKinsey & Company found that women in all industries are more likely to have been laid off or furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis, in turn stalling their careers, jeopardising their financial security and intensifying the challenges they already faced. This is particularly concerning when it comes to the construction industry, where the shortage of strong female role models already discourages women from choosing a career in this sector or advancing in their current fields.

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ERGO REAL ESTATE UNVEILS GREAT CHARLES STREET, A UNIQUE OFFICE REFURBISHMENT IN THE HEART OF BIRMINGHAM’S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Ergo Real Estate is proud to reveal details of its £1.6m Great Charles Street office refurbishment in Birmingham’s central business district (CBD).

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reat Charles Street is perfectly placed within the central area of the city, with easy access to many of Birmingham’s major transport hubs with the city’s best known squares, attractions and amenities within a few minutes walk Comprising buildings at numbers 148 and 154 Great Charles Street, both buildings include state-of-the-art lighting solution FUZONE500 that harnesses anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties to keep spaces clean and safe 24/7 in a Covid-19 world.

Both buildings, which are being let by CBRE and Colliers, provide modern office accommodation across nine floors, with 148

offering stylishly refurbished office suites from 777 sq.ft, to 3,715 sq.ft while 154 has suites from 1,342 sq. ft to 3,725 sq.ft. To enhance occupiers working lives, every tenant at both 148 and 154 automatically becomes a member of ‘In The Mix’ - Great Charles’s very own business club. This includes access to a new, stunning roof terrace, where members can meet and entertain guests.

The Great Charles Street office suites and reception areas have been fitted out to an extremely high-standard with contemporary touches such as exposed services, breakout spaces and bookable meeting rooms. The refurbished office space and meeting rooms

are fully 2020-ready with the inclusion of ground breaking FUZONE500 lighting.

This solution uses the natural properties of Ozone (O3) to eliminate up to 99.99% of unwanted bacteria and airborne viruses without direct contact with the treated areas.

Unlike ultraviolet light, FUZONE 500 can be operated whilst premises are fully occupied, to guarantee that a space is being cleaned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As the impact of Covid-19 is likely to be felt for months and even years to come, the reassurance for potential occupants of refurbished modern office space such as at Great Charles Street is unparalleled.

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Latest News BRITS COULD BE LEFT IN THE COLD THIS WINTER AS DEMAND FOR BOILERS PLUNGES BY 34% New data from Rated People suggests people are failing to upgrade or service their boiler.

Not only could neglecting boilers cost households significant sums of money each year, but there are also important health and safety factors to consider as well.

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ind-a-tradesperson service, Rated People, reveals that there was an overall 34% year on year decrease in people installing, servicing or repairing boilers in 2020, with gas boilers down by 36% and electric boilers by 25%.1 Estimates from price comparison sites suggest a new boiler could save a detached house up to £305 annually on its heating bill.2 In addition, 55% of what a household spends on energy will come down to heating, and so a new boiler can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to save on their heating bills.3 As well as looking at our boilers, energy saving measures, such as wall insulation and window glazing improvements, could save households even more on their fuel costs. Technology solutions like smart metres can be an effective way of lowering heating bills by allowing homeowners to monitor usage and access the cheapest energy tariffs available.4 The top 5 most effective ways people can make their home more fuel efficient are – 1. A new boiler – the best way to make your home more fuel efficient and save on your monthly bills 2. Smart thermostats – these can help you track your energy use and manage your heating when you’re not around

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3. Cavity wall insulation – a third of heat loss is through uninsulated walls

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4. Energy-efficient windows – upgrade to double glazing if you haven’t already, or speak to a specialist about whether triple or secondary glazing is right for your home 5. Roof / loft insulation – 25% of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof As well as potential savings on energy bills, there are important health and safety considerations when it comes to our boilers.

A regularly serviced boiler not only keeps it fuel efficient but also ensures the unit is combusting fuel safely, considerably reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are hundreds of hospitalisations per year due to carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty appliances like boilers.5 What’s more, a failing boiler could deprive a home of heating and hot water.

Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People commented: “2020 was a tough year for many financially, and so it is understandable that

people have reigned back on their spending. But, putting your boiler to the back of your mind might end up costing you more in the future. Instead, it is better to think of upgrading and maintaining your boiler as an investment that can pay dividends in the long run.

“The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your finances and see where you might be able to save. If a new boiler is too big of an investment this year, a tradesperson can advise on other ways to make your home more energy efficient, helping to bring down your bills. Should your household heating be one area where you are spending a bit too much, and you have the space for a bigger boiler, you might want to consider using the government’s Green Homes Grant scheme which can offset the cost of switching to a biomass boiler.

Tradespeople will be able to advise you on which options are best for you.”

The coronavirus pandemic has left many households’ finances stretched, and affordability has likely been a key factor in people’s decisions to not take care of their boiler. But, this doesn’t mean our desire to make our homes more energy efficient has lessened.

Measures that have been supported by funding through government schemes, such as the Green Homes Grant, have proved incredibly popular, with installation of thermal insulation (+49%) and external wall insulation (+86%) soaring throughout 2020.

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RESTORATION WORKS COMPLETE ON HISTORIC WESTMINSTER HALL After vital restoration works, the iconic Grade 1 listed Westminster Hall – the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster – has been returned to its full glory so it can be appreciated for decades to come.

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orks to clean the hall’s 14th century hammer-beam roof internally; carry out essential repairs to the roof timber trusses; repair and restore the lead-covered roof lantern; install fire safety equipment, including an automated fire detection and voice alarm system; and install all cabling infrastructure for a future lighting scheme have now been completed.

Built environment consultancy Pick Everard – operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration – provided project management services for the scheme, which was accelerated by SCAPE Consultancy, a direct award framework that drives collaboration, efficiency, time and cost savings.

ABOVE Hidden since 2005, the ornate timber interior of the lantern can be seen once more

The roof lantern atop the hall was carefully dismantled and restored using traditional craftsmanship

LEFT

“The refurbishment of the public estate, including that at the very highest end of government, will play an important role in enabling the nation’s economic recovery. This project is an outstanding example of how it can be accelerated through the use of a framework that promotes collaboration and a collective effort to deliver outstanding project results.”

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Gary Buick, director at Pick Everard, which is one of Perfect Circle’s shareholders and founding partners, said: “Westminster Hall is a key thoroughfare to the Palace of Westminster and used by hundreds of people daily. Over the past few years, restoration and maintenance works have been carried out to ensure the hall remains safe for public use.

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“The roof lantern atop the hall has been carefully dismantled and restored using traditional craftsmanship. Hidden since 2005, the ornate timber interior of the lantern can be seen once more.

“Not only can the public experience Westminster Hall in its original glory, but the beams and lantern shouldn’t require further conservation work for another hundred or so years, providing a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

The hall – which is deemed to be the gateway to the Palace of Westminster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was originally built in 1097 by King William II and later remodelled to include the magnificent hammer-beam roof by Richard II in 1393. It is the only part of the palace that survives in almost its original form, despite being ravaged by a fire in October 1834 and damaged by an incendiary bomb during the Second World War. The uses of the hall have included great state occasions, tournaments, coronation feasts, state trials and even a marketplace.

Notable historical events include the trials of William Wallace and Charles I and, in more recent years, ceremonial addresses by the Queen, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Today, it continues to be used as the venue for lying-in-state royals, as well as a raft of events and public displays.

After the hall was bombed in the war, the roof lantern that sits atop the roof was rebuilt in the 1950s. In 2005, a temporary crash deck was installed to ensure the structure was safe, but which obscured the view of the lantern – limiting public appreciation for more than a decade.

Gary said: “As the roof lantern is a timber structure with lead cladding, cast lead detailing and internal timber panels, its restoration required a lot of specialist carpentry works. For health and safety purposes, we couldn’t put any additional weight on the roof so a complex, selfsupporting scaffold bridge was constructed so work could be carried out.

“It was of great importance that the lantern remained true to its roots, so the original sand-cast lead was removed, melted down and re-cast using the same traditional method that was applied when it was made in the 1950s.

“Now the repair and restoration of the lantern is complete, the temporary crash deck has been removed, which has once again opened up its true magnificence to all walking through the hall.”

Westminster Hall’s grand roof, which was commissioned by Richard II in 1393, is the largest medieval timber roof in Northern Europe. It is home to 13 oak hammerbeams, weighing some 660 tonnes, that were largely manufactured off site and transported to Westminster by barges and horse-drawn wagons for assembly.

Gary said: “When essential repairs and cleaning were being carried out on the roof, 360 litres of dust was removed from each roof truss. A fully automated fire detection and voice-activated alarm system was also installed as part of the works.

“The equipment has been obscured from view – remaining sympathetic to the traditional design but updating the technology to suit modern standards and safety requirements.”

“One of the biggest challenges was to maintain health and safety and the

“This involved installing large vinyl canvases that included photos of the windows before the temporary, complex scaffolding was put up. Not only did these cover up the supporting framework but, as lots of tourists visit the hall, it meant they could still experience the oldest parts of Westminster rather than seeing a construction site.

“A lot of the work was also undertaken out of hours during evenings and weekends so as not to disrupt the sitting of the House of Lords and House of Commons.”

SCAPE Consultancy is fully OJEU-compliant procurement route that brings together the strongest collaborative team with value for money, while contributing substantially to local social value.

Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in such a prestigious project to restore certain elements of one

“The roof lantern atop the hall has been carefully dismantled and restored using traditional craftsmanship.

Hidden since 2005, the ornate timber interior of the lantern can be seen once more.

Not only can the public experience Westminster Hall in its original glory, but the beams and lantern shouldn’t require further conservation work for another hundred or so years, providing a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

of Britain’s most iconic buildings, which has played a central role in our country’s history.”

Mark Robinson, SCAPE chief executive, added: “After almost a millennium of service, it takes extreme diligence, skill and care to give a building like Westminster Hall the restoration it deserves. “ The expert guidance and consultation that Perfect Circle has provided to support this high-quality project is befitting of this unique building that contains volumes of British history.

“The refurbishment of the public estate, including that at the very highest end of government, will play an important role in enabling the nation’s economic recovery.

“This project is an outstanding example of how it can be accelerated through the use of a framework that promotes collaboration and a collective effort to deliver outstanding project results.”

For more information on Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.

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Part of the project’s vision was for Westminster Hall to remain open to the public throughout the construction works, subject to closures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

operational requirements of the hall so the public wasn’t inconvenienced by the works,” said Gary.

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Emporio Bagno by NoCode UK based NoCode curates tap and showering solutions, chosen for their beautiful design and superior quality and these are showcased in the Emporio Bagno collection.

All brassware products are designed and made in Italy and undergo rigorous testing to ensure consistent high quality and enduring performance.

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mporio Bagno offers a wide selection of designs, colour finishes and installations. EcoAir options are available for shower installations where water conservation is a key issue.

The VersoBox shower valve is available in on trend colour finishes, with a plating service offered for more customised looks. Different handle options also add to the versatility in terms of design. Shower valves are on an ultra slim 70mm back plate and the new VersoBox Plus is even more minimalist with valves on individual trims for a stunning look. With an impressive shallow depth of between 70–90mm, VersoBox can be used in any type of wall.

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The performance element is impressive with a 2 outlet shower valve delivering 39.6 lt/min at 3 bar water pressure. Shower valves will perform at a low minimum pressure of 0.2 bar with high flow rates for an invigorating water experience.

Thermostatic mixer arrangements can be customised for bathroom project requirements.

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The VersoBox shower valve is available in on trend colour finishes, with a plating service offered for more customised looks. Different handle options also add to the versatility in terms of design.

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Shower kits can be colour matched with Emporio Bagno tap finishes – this allows for a truly coordinated bathroom look.

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