Creative Build Magazine - July Issue by Ryan Leon Media

July Issue Pioneering school puts sustainability first

Top 10 considerations for finding a happy family home

Would you trust a selfdriving van?

Pages 12-13

Pages 25-28

Pages 50-51

creativebuildmagazine.com

Contents 6

Get hands on with Makita’s 40V/80V MAX XGT and outdoor power equipment

Innovative railway footbridge could transform rail crossings in Britain

Choosing the Right Door - By Wojciech Brożyna - MD of Aluprof UK

Pioneering school puts sustainability first

Commitment to advancing green building

Top 10 considerations for finding a happy family home

Summer in the city, Roof terraces in a post-Covid world

Designing a bespoke kitchen - 3 Top Tips from Alex Main

Advertising Requests - Cy D’Anjou cy@creativebuildmagazine.com

Editorial Requests - Katie Sirdefield katie@creativebuildmagazine.com

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Britain builds back: Construction will need 216,800 new workers by 2025 to meet demand Construction has bounced back quicker than expected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the industry will reach 2019 levels of output in 2022. By 2025, the industry will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet demand. That’s the forecast of the Construction Skills Network (CSN) 202125, published by CITB today. According to the CSN, most English regions will experience an increase in construction workers by 2025, with East Midlands (1.7%) and West Midlands (1.4%) forecast to lead demand. Scotland (1.4%) and Wales (0.7%) are also predicted to fare well. The only region forecast to see a slight decline in workforce is the North East (-0.1%). Major projects such as HS2 are driving growth in some regions and infrastructure (5.2% per annum) and private housing (6.7%) should see the healthiest pace of

expansion by 2025. The report predicts a growing contribution to come from repair, maintenance and improvement work, as retrofitting existing buildings to meet net zero emissions targets becomes more important. In terms of annual average recruitment requirement (ARR), the most in demand trades are forecast to be in wood trades & interior fit-out (5,500 per year), other construction professionals and technical staff (5,150), construction managers (3,600) and electrical installation trades and (3,400). There will also be a demand for non-construction, office-based professional, technical and IT support staff (7,850). However, it’s not all good news - the commercial sector faces significant near-term risks while the public sectors could be impacted by tighter government finances. Despite this, the CSN forecasts

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UK output to grow annually at an average rate of 4.4% across 2021-2025. CITB Policy Director Steve Radley said: “It’s great to see construction coming back so strongly and creating lots of job opportunities. We need to adopt new approaches to meet these growing skills needs and deliver these quickly. We are working closely with government and FE to build better bridges between FE and work and make apprenticeships more flexible. We are also making significant investments in supporting work experience that make it easier for employers to bring in new blood. “We must also make sure that we invest in the skills that will drive change and meet new and growing needs such as Net Zero emissions and Building Safety. We will be announcing plans soon to tackle specific skills and occupations such as leadership and management, digital skills and skills related to energy efficiency.”

Safety first as JCB Site Dumper crowned hire product of the year The safety benefits of JCB’s smallest site dumper have been honoured with a national award from the rental sector. The JCB 1T-2 site dumper has been crowned Hire Industry Product of the Year at the Hire Awards of Excellence 2021. The award has been presented to JCB and Travis Perkins, which has purchased 200 of the machines complete with a host of safety innovations designed and developed by the two companies. Organised by Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA), the winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony. JCB General Manager – National Accounts, Paul Williams, said: “We are delighted that our joint efforts to take safety to the highest possible level has been recognised by one of the top awards in the rental sector.”

Travis Perkins Tool Hire Fleet Director, Yas Swindell said: “We are pleased that our joint venture has been recognised in such prestigious national awards; it proves that working together to continuously improve safety has tangible benefits to our customers.” The EU Stage V compliant 1.0-tonne site dumpers were supplied to Travis Perkins by dealer Watling JCB and are equipped with a drive inhibit system, preventing travel unless the seatbelt is in use and an initial movement alarm, that provides an audible warning before forward or reverse travel commences. Another key feature of the machines is the Smart Safety pack which includes an intelligent tilt warning system using proven technology from JCB’s marketleading Loadall telescopic handler range.

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It is designed to sound an alarm when the skip is raised with the dumper sitting on dangerously uneven ground. It also shows the operator when they are driving the dumper on uneven ground that could pose a risk of overturning. The final safety development to catch the judges’ attention was the option to specify the machine with a wider track for additional stability. This uses an increase in wheel offset to raise the width of the machine from 850mm to 988mm, still allowing access through a standard one metre doorway. The increased track boosts machine stability, further increasing safety on rougher site conditions. The HAE EHA Hire Awards of Excellence 2021 celebrate the achievements of hirers and suppliers within the plant, tool, equipment and event hire industries.

Get hands on with Makita’s 40V/80V MAX XGT and outdoor power equipment Makita has relaunched its popular product demonstrations of its 40VMax and 80VMax XGT power tool range and for the first time, users are also able to get hands on with the range of cordless garden machinery products. This fantastic opportunity allows professionals to trial a wide range of Makita tools to test how they perform when users are considering new equipment. Professionals are now able to arrange COVID-Secure appointments locally with an experienced Makita team member to get the most out of its wide range of cordless power equipment. Demos are available for either its 40VMax or 80VMax XGT range or the cordless Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) range, with both offering guidance on tool and accessory selection, as well as hands-on testing with the tools of your choice. OPE - With summer ahead it is the ideal time to test out Makita’s outdoor

equipment. Cordless 18V and 36V LXT and 40VMax and 80VMax XGT garden tools, lawnmowers, linetrimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, will all be available to test, as well as many more. With many people considering the change from petrol engine machines to cordless equivalents, this is a perfect opportunity for contractors to see firsthand how the range performs. XGT - Launched in 2020, the 40VMax and 80VMax XGT system of cordless tools have been designed to offer the power and performance needed to tackle high-demand applications without compromising battery run times. With extensions to the range coming in 2021, these cordless tools are the most durable and powerful of the Makita line-up that are available to test. This hassle-free opportunity is the perfect time to test out the Makita tools you need before they get put to work.

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The product demonstrations will be organised locally with COVID safety protocols in place, so Makita staff will arrange to visit you on a mutually convenient date where you can test selected machines. Each tool will be cleaned before and after use and our staff will be wearing masks and implementing social distancing. On the demonstration days, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are pleased to reignite our hands-on product demonstration service after a year of restrictions imposed by COVID-19. As part of our ongoing commitment to training, the product demo’s offer end users the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest product innovations, put our products to the test and discover the possibilities that cordless offers.” To book a demo, fill out the on-line form available on: www.makitauk.com

Innovative railway footbridge could transform rail crossings in Britain The innovative circular bridge is set to revolutionise the way Network Rail builds footbridges over the tracks. Made from lightweight material, the environmentally friendly bridge can be installed in a matter of days, and its modern, modular design means it can be adapted to different locations. It also features built-in monitoring to assess usage and maintenance needs. Andy Cross, Network Rail Programme Manager, said “We were able to take a different approach. This has allowed us to work with several small and mediumsized businesses, many of whom haven’t worked on railway projects before but have the skills and expertise to bring the concept of a lightweight, low-cost footbridge to life. “In just 11 months we have developed a prototype bridge that is stunning in design, environmentally friendly and will take days and not weeks to install and thereby causing less disruption for the surrounding community.” Network Rail currently has just one option when considering building a new footbridge or replacing an old one, the standard non-station footbridge design that is heavy, unattractive and expensive to deliver. This new design is made from FibreReinforced Polymer (FRP) – a lightweight material that is widely used in other industries, including the manufacture of aircraft and cars. The material is very strong but lightweight, leading to lower transport and installation costs. It is hoped the ground-breaking design will be adopted across the country as part of a wider programmer of work to transform how footbridges are built on the rail network in future, as well as providing an attractive alternative to repairing existing crossings. The next phase of the project involves developing sustainable procurement and construction options as well as a ramped version of the bridge. The prototype has been trial built at a test centre in Long Marston, Warwickshire, and will go on show there at the 2021 RAIL Live event on June 16-17.

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‘Construction sector needs to maintain new techniques adopted in pandemic to ensure improvements’ The UK construction sector was heavily impacted by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Tactics, which were speedily adopted by the industry to keep sites open, will no doubt continue post pandemic. TOM WAKEFORD, joint managing director of 154-year-old family firm Stepnell, which operates throughout central and southern England, says the industry needs to work collaboratively to keep the recovery juggernaut on track. “’Build, build, build!’ was the rallying cry last June. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new deal to put infrastructure at the heart of the government’s economic growth strategy. Johnson said he was committed to build, build, build - in order to fix not just problems created by the pandemic, but issues that the UK had experienced for three decades. “Johnson said he was committed to building new homes, fixing the NHS and tackling the skills crisis – as well as mending the gap in opportunity, productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK. All the time, the construction industry needed to build back better, greener and faster. “Seen by many then as the industry to help lift the UK out of economic gloom, construction is vitally important to the UK’s recovery. In December, the government issued its Construction Playbook – a blueprint of how the government saw local authorities working more closely with the construction sector. It came at the right time and is being adopted by thousands of organisations across the UK – Stepnell included. “Looking back to March 2020, COVID-19’s impact was immediate. Within a few days of lockdown, remote working was the norm. For some contractors, work on site stopped overnight – and the construction sector stood blinking as companies took in the huge catastrophe before them.

“But, despite not being able to assess the future, the construction sector did what it always did – rolled up its sleeves and got on with the job in hand. Projects usually delivered from the board room were now being designed in people’s living rooms and kitchens, which meant contractors looked for new ways of working to ensure projects kept on track. “Alongside government support through furlough and other initiatives, there was stronger collaboration among contractors, supply chain and agencies. This unity meant a camaraderie and a strong sense of everyone having their part to play to achieve the common goal of delivering projects and keeping sites open. “Many contractors, including Stepnell, continued to work on site – and very quickly adapted to new ways of working to ensure colleagues’ safety. “By their very nature, contractors are agile, with their number one role being a problem solver for clients. This agility enabled us to swiftly adjust to solve a very different set of problems during lockdown one in 2020. As an industry, we moved at speed to meet clients’ expectations and we worked closely with clients to manage risk, ensure project delivery and overcome the many hurdles COVID-19 presented together. With our clients, we focused not just on project delivery, but also health and safety and wellbeing. “We also turned to managing our projects in an even more innovative way – using digital technologies and closely looking at new ways of working in order to achieve the results we needed. As well as taking a ‘partnership’ approach with clients, we also worked even closer with our supply chains. Again, working in partnership with supply chain partners, we were able to pay suppliers as early as possible and work together to achieve the results we collectively needed.

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“Stepnell had a flexible supply chain, which could also adapt quickly to demand. This, like many other factors we have adopted because of the pandemic, will be in place post-pandemic. The ‘not just for COVID’ approach means that the industry will continue to look at new technologies such as cloud working. The industry was way behind in terms of new technologies prior to COVID-19 - one of the positive things to come out of the pandemic for me is to see how crucial we view technology in the long term. “And of course, the pandemic has highlighted an issue that has been present in the construction industry for years – colleague wellbeing. Before the pandemic, the industry already had above average rates of divorce and suicide. Colleague mental health is something which became even more of an issue in 2020 – and will no doubt need to remain a focus for the industry once the worst of the pandemic is over. “On a positive note, the industry could potentially use the recent changes to ways of working to diversify its workforce. The pandemic has plunged the industry into the quickest and deepest possible experiment in flexible working — which has proved to be a success. “Not only that, but the construction industry was in the news during the first part of lockdown – not always for the right reasons as the public could see working sites when others had to stay away from workplaces. But the news pages highlighted construction and the way it was adapting, as well as new technologies. Construction companies’ ability to adapt to these changes, and so quickly, could make the industry more accessible and attractive to a wider talent pool - including young people. “Another key factor I see is the real importance of social value. Something that may have been seen as an

exercise to tick boxes and score points against competitors pre-pandemic has been brought to the forefront during COVID-19 to show the genuine benefit to communities which our construction projects can bring. Whether that’s sandwiches for construction workers from a local café which has been closed for months or CSR projects to engage with local schools, which were also forced to lock their doors. “Continuing to bring young people into the industry is crucial. Stepnell has 14% of our workforce as trainees and apprentices – we see opportunities to give young people (an age bracket affected by the pandemic like no other) a great opportunity in a fantastic rewarding industry.

performance to clients. Our score to March 2021 shows an NPS of 41 – showing that Stepnell is performing well above average. Key to this success is our ability to be involved early on in projects during the pandemic where we can understand our clients’ objectives and then ensure we work as a team to achieve them.

making assessments based on the year we have had and, crucially, what we have learned.

“We believe that, in part, this assessment reflects how we adapted very quickly to the new ways of working throughout COVID-19, keeping our sites operational as our staff adjusted practices on site, in our offices and at home.

“Companies which embraced the challenges to develop and adopt new processes and capabilities to protect their workers, minimise future project disruptions and comply with government regulations and restrictions while managing clients and suppliers were the best suited to weather the storm and may actually emerge stronger. With the turbulence of the past year comes an opportunity for positive, long-lasting change.”

“Like many others in the sector, Stepnell adapted and learned quickly in 2020. And like others, we will be reflecting and

To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.

“A recent report shows construction output is anticipated to rise by 14% in 2021 after falling 14.3 per cent in 2020. Further growth of 4.9 per cent in 2022 is expected to ensure that construction output at the end of next year surpasses 2019’s levels of output. “These figures are encouraging. Because of our commitment to serving our clients, despite the pandemic, Stepnell has experienced an increase in new project wins with a strong order book for this year and into 2022. “Many in the industry struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite working continuously throughout the various shut-downs, Stepnell was not immune to the increased costs of working and the delays in delivering projects. “A good level of orders has also been secured for 2021/22 across all its regions, which provides a solid stable business going forwards. We have a good workload secured for the new financial year to March 2022. “Stepnell is using the Construction Net Promoter Score to assess our

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‘Choosing the Right Door’ By Wojciech Brożyna - MD of Aluprof UK There are many options available today when it comes to deciding what door system should be chosen when opening up the rear of a home onto the garden. Not only are customers faced with different system materials, but also what type of opening style should be chosen? As a home improvement specialist, what should you be offering to your customers and why? Looking at the material choice, two framing materials are predominantly being used today to form large openings between the inside and outside of a property, that of aluminium and PVC, both of which have their own benefits. Other frame materials include timber, steel and some composite materials often made up of aluminium and timber. PVC is seen as a cost-effective choice, one that is corrosion resistant which can now be provided in a range of colours. PVC relies on a steel or aluminium core to give it structural rigidity and to help reduce thermal expansion. The only real downside of PVC is that of its wide profiles compared to the option of aluminium or steel. Aluminium, once the only material of choice for replacement windows, doors and sliding doors in the early 1980’s, lost a huge amount of ground to the more ‘timber-like’ PVC in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, which then became a firmly favourite with homeowners as a near

perfect replacement for rotting timber windows at the time. Today, whilst PVC still has a huge market share of the new house build and home improvement sectors, aluminium framed systems have been taking a small year on year increase of the market for well over a decade. Seen as an ‘aspirational’ material, its additional cost brings with it an ‘engineered’ feel and the knowledge that aluminium can simply be recycled back into another aluminium door in the future, indeed many times over, with no loss of its characteristics. Would it surprise you to know that of all the aluminium ever produced since its commercialisation in the 1880’s, that over 75% of all production is still in use today? Aluminium thermal breaks have become very sophisticated and aluminium systems can easily compete on thermal insulation properties against other materials. Where aluminium does score highly is its life expectancy. Given minimum maintenance and cleaning, aluminium system can last upward of thirty years and beyond. If you look round our towns and villages you will still see an odd house or two that has timber framed anodised aluminium windows still performing and looking well, that’s almost forty years! Given that aluminium is the aspirational choice today for homeowners, let us look at the style of openings that can be

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achieved, there are basically three types. We can specify sliding, sliding folding or an open out ‘French door’ style, with or without side screens. So, which to choose? Let us first consider the visual aspect. This is a feature of ‘what is seen’ something that the client will have to live with for the majority of the time as large opening doors in the UK are only opened infrequently in summer. If an open aspect is wanted, year-round vision, then a sliding door could possibly offer the best option with less ‘visible’ aluminium in the ‘sightline’ between the inside and the outside. For large sliding doors today, the ‘lift and slide’ is the best option as these doors offer the smoothest and easiest of opening as they lift off their weather seals when open. The only downside is that you will only ever get a part opening, as the opening panel or panels will stack behind each other within the opening. To enable to have a full width clear opening, where a door system is to be fully open, then the sliding folding option should be chosen, allowing all the panels to concertina to one or both sides of the opening. The next crucial decision for the customer would be the threshold detail. For many customers, wishing the ‘bring the outside inside’, would opt for a flush threshold with the outside of the property. This is often quite a detail to achieve depending on the

construction of the property. Not only will the door frame need to be fitted below the inside floor level, often below the DPC line, the outside detail should contain a drainage detail such as a channel draining arrangement to ensure that in heavy weather rainwater is quickly drained from the threshold area. Whilst sliding and folding doors can be provided with a flush threshold detail, a better weather rating will normally be obtained with a lift and slide door where the weight of the door in the closed position effectively seals the door to the threshold. Moving a little further into the design and structure of the building when choosing a door, the structure of the head of the opening should be considered carefully. Deflection in the structure, particularly on large openings, will have a detrimental effect on the operation of the door. If the opening in the property has been in place for some time, any settlement of the structure should have already taken place, which will allow the surveyor to cater for the head deflection in the final size of the door to be made. With a new installation, settlement can take place over a period of time and it is worthwhile to allow for this potential settlement in the door size and the fixings at the head of the door. On any wide door, and in particular sliding folding doors, any deflection at the head of the door can cause issues with the operation of the door, so with some adjustment built in that can be accessed during a maintenance visit will ensure that doors can easily be maintained for many years.

Regular yearly maintenance of doors is something that should be considered. As many doors are built to last, the cleaning, lubrication and adjustment will ensure not only an extended service life but also continued ease of use. Aluprof offer a very wide range of products and within each of the product ranges options exist to change profile sizes and frame conditions to meet customers’ expectations. Using the same high-quality systems specified by architects, Aluprof’s products are now widely use on homeowners ‘grand designs’. With extensive growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and with firm roots already in the East of the USA, the company is becoming a global player in new build and home improvement supply. Further information is available on the company’s website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.

Given the customer choices, the property survey needs to be carefully undertaken with someone who understands building structures and importantly the requirements of the door chosen to be installed. The need to understand the threshold detail and the structure above the door and the reveals should also be carefully considered. Older properties will have a brick or block cavity closure with a vertical DPC, even older properties will likely have solid walls. In order to minimise cold bridging, it may be necessary to incorporate a thermal cavity closer or alternative method of insulation to the reveal. Of course, buildings are built of other materials as well as brick, so the surveyor needs to know what to look for and what can be fixed to.

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Pioneering school puts sustainability first. Solar panels and Kebony wood complete Nordic Swan Eco-label school Situated in a rural forest in Norway, the new Torvbråten primary school has become Norway’s second school to achieve the highly-regarded Nordic Swan Eco-label, which is awarded for best practice in environmental of products and developments. Designed by Link Arkitektur, the pioneering school where pupils can both learn in and learn from, was developed to inspire curiosity for sustainable design and materials from the start of a child’s development.

With a gross area of 6,700m², the school caters to 470 students and 46 permanent employees and consists of two wings and a multi-purpose hall. Large-scale glass windows create a flow of daylight inside and foster an important connection with the surrounding natural landscape forest, which provides a natural home for an array of outdoor activities, including a mountain bike track and a light trail for skiing and walking to benefit the pupils as well as the local community.

Global leader in the production of sustainably modified wood, Kebony, was selected to clad the exterior of the building due to its strong environmental credentials and striking aesthetic quality. The school, which was designed as a passive house building, is also equipped with 800 solar cells and energy wells (geothermal heating) which supply the building with waterborne heat in all floors, while 97% of construction waste was sorted at source.

The special building is now being used as a learning centre where environmentallysound practices form a key part of education and learning.

Commenting on the project, Link Arkitektur said: “It is wonderful to be a part of this special school which instils the importance of sustainability from an early age. We are so proud to have achieved the Swan EcoLabel for this exceptional project, which wouldn’t have been possible without the use of innovative materials like Kebony.”

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the

Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager Norway at Kebony added: “We are delighted to have contributed to this beautiful school in Norway and are excited to visit the project as the Kebony wood develops and ages with the beautiful surrounding landscape.”

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softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness, and dimensional stability. Kebony’s uniquely natural aesthetic, durability and sustainable credentials were perfectly suited to complete the ambitious school project in Norway.

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Commitment to advancing green building LG Electronics was honored by the U.S. Green Building Council with the 2021 USGBC Leadership Award for the company’s LEED Platinum Certified LG North American headquarters campus in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The USD 300 million project is a showcase for environmentally friendly design, having achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum New Construction certification, the highestlevel rating that distinguishes buildings that promote employee well-being, are energy and water efficient, and preserve open space and ecosystems. LG increased green space on the 27-acre site by 50 percent, maintained woodlands and wetlands and planted more than 1,500 new trees native to New Jersey. Incorporating the company’s own greenbuilding technologies, the facility features highly efficient LG HVAC technologies to maximize energy conservation and an 7,900 square meter rooftop array of LG solar modules to generate clean electricity on-site and help reduce carbon emissions. Other award-winning technologies and systems from LG –

including digital signage displays and smart appliances – also are integrated throughout the property. The campus is one of only 10 new construction buildings in the state of New Jersey and one of 894 projects in the United States to earn the coveted LEED Platinum distinction. The 32,516 square meter building’s design has been applauded by conservation groups for protecting the iconic vistas and integrity of the nearby Palisades Park, a national natural and historic landmark. As one of the newest, most state-ofthe-art office facilities in the region, the LG campus can be considered a postCOVID-19 model for companies looking to move from urban centers to more suburbs, into more affordable space closer to where their employees live. The spacious floor plans will allow LG’s employees to spread out in the openplan office environment. Direct connections with the outdoors are emphasized. The architectural design of the building, which contrasts a wellcrafted, high-tech machine with nature, distinguishes it in the local market.

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Designed by global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK in collaboration with LG, the project has also garnered attention for its innovative and thoughtful design including multiple sustainability awards from regional chapters of the American Institute of Architects. Ken Drucker, HOK’s design principal, said, “The resilient design of the building supports the health and well-being of LG staff while also respecting and supporting the invaluable Palisades ecosystem and wider community.” Presented at the USGBC Live virtual event, the 2021 USGBC Leadership Awards recognize the best of USGBC’s 10,000 member organizations, a network of committed professionals with more than 106,000 LEED commercial projects in more than 180 countries and territories around the world. The efforts of the honorees such as LG stand out as exceptional examples of sustainability leadership among a strong and growing network of projects, companies and individuals. Contributed by LG USA

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Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze opens in the heart of Milan, presenting a new concept of hospitality Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze, the four-star superior hotel opens to the public as the new benchmark for hospitality in Milan. The architectural project for the interiors and outdoor areas by VudafieriSaverino Partners aims to overcome the traditional concept of “hotel” by creating a space open to the city. At the same time, a city hotel, a F&B destination, a location for business meetings and a hub offering innovative services. The structure has set a new benchmark on the hospitality scene, and not just in Milan. 173 rooms, approximately 600 m2 dedicated to restaurants and bars and a 1000 m2 internal garden. The hotel is located in the Porta Nuova – Garibaldi – Corso Como district, the area that represents the urban development and rebirth of Milan. Not just an important business quarter but also a go-to zone for design, finance, fashion and food & beverage. Concreta played an important role in the realization of this ambitious project. Concreta is an interior contractor based in Postalesio in Valtellina and it is specialized in customized furniture for hotel structures. In the Milano Verticale project, Concreta expressed its great attention to detail and its global approach combined with the ability to work in full synergy and in collaboration with the Vudafieri-Saverino Partners studio, following each phase of realization of the project.

The concept: A new urban invention for exchange, encounter and socializing Claudio Saverino and Tiziano Vudafieri have designed a new level of aesthetic and environmental experience to make Milano Verticale a place of uniqueness and distinction. Not just interior architecture, this is also a reflection on our new sense of time and space, our sharing of social experiences, work and play, in a setting with great visual and physical personality. The result is a hotel where visual identity, interior design, tone of voice, reception areas and entertainment tell a single, shared, consistent story. At the core of the project is Milan. The interiors are a contemporary reinterpretation of the tradition of Milanese design, with references to the elegant modernity of Milan’s maestros from the post-war period, evident in numerous details, such as the use of multi-colour marble and Lombardy stone. In the hall, reception, lounge and lobby, the storytelling is entrusted to spectacular marble walls, ceilings covered with different colours and a large, doubleheight space that leads out into the internal garden. Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze in fact also celebrates typical Milan-style understatement, with one example being the tradition

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of hidden courtyards that were the inspiration for the hotel’s magnificent private garden. But above all, Milano Verticale has been conceived as an extension of the city itself, an urban device at the service of Milan, with ground-floor amenities designed to play an active role in dialogue with the city: the hotel’s public functions. The structure has therefore been conceived as completely permeable and outward looking. Signs of this openness are the large internal garden, the redesign of the external forecourt and the whole of Via Rosales, restoring the link between the façades and exteriors and lending continuity to the vegetation in the public and private spaces. The existing building was completely renovated by Asti Architetti, responsible for the architectural project for the façades, part of a redevelopment project of enormous value for the entire block. Accommodation The hotel has 173 rooms on 12 floors. The same materials and concept that characterises the public areas continue into the bedrooms: the “public” and private part of the hotel in this way speak the same coherent architectural language. The rooms stand out for their careful choice of just a few minimal materials:

floors in ceramic stone and dark oak parquet, walls in marmorino plaster divided into large areas of colour in slightly different shades and bedheads in ribbed walnut wood. Worthy of special mention is the custom-designed desk/ console table in brass, a constant player in the hotel’s story and pivotal element for the rest of the room decor. Featured in all the rooms, its structure changes to adapt to the different layouts and arrangements, making it a strongly architectonic object. Another highlight of the hotel is its 530 m2 rooftop area on the 13th floor, belonging to the 4 Penthouse Suites: 4 exclusive super attic apartments with large panoramic terraces and jacuzzi pools. Rooftop and Penthouse Suites can be completely customized to suit different needs and can be modulated according to use. They can even be turned into a totally personalized single apartment measuring over 900 square meters. A location with unparalleled 360° views of Milan’s skyline and the Alps. Cuisine by Franco Alberti, the chef on team Enrico Bartolini Tiziano Vudafieri and Claudio Saverino have worked side by side with Chef Enrico Bartolini, to give shape, sense, soul and function to the hotel’s kitchens and eating areas. In fact, the real feather in the cap of Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze is its cuisine, which offers three concepts: a fine dining restaurant, contemporary tavern and cocktail bar, all curated by Franco Aliberti, resident chef and the new entry on team Bartolini, the undisputed main player on the Italian gourmet scene. Three interpretations that express the rich heritage of Italian tradition with sustainable modern taste. Linking these three public F&B locations, open also to non-residents, is a huge sloping tiled ceiling that contracts and dilates, making the three spaces fluid, connected to each other, but at the same time perfectly identifiable. The first environment is “Vertigo, Osteria Contemporanea” an open modern-day tavern with views into the kitchen and a natural inclination to project out towards the exterior and the garden. Here the great classics of Italian cuisine are the protagonists, prepared using top quality ingredients, in an informal atmosphere.

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The Bar with urban garden boasts a cocktail&drink list put together with consultancy from Mattia Pastori and food pairing by the kitchen. From the cocktail bar to the “Anima” fine dining restaurant, the atmosphere becomes more intimate and perfect for evenings, with its ten gourmet tables in their very elegant setting and two private rooms seating six and eight diners. Two tasting menus embrace the philosophy that has always distinguished Franco Aliberti’s cooking, linked to the sustainability of the ingredients and the entire supply chain. With Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze design, creativity, food and wine come together to define a new level in contemporary hospitality. The Garden Project The outdoor spaces play a very important role in the project: the surprising internal garden provides more than 1000 m2 of peace and quiet for chilling in the heart of Milan, to be enjoyed at any time of day. The landscape project by VudafieriSaverino Partners with P’Arcnouveau, was inspired by the Milanese tradition of secret courtyards, often hidden behind the sober fronts of noble palazzos in the city centre. The entire ground floor of the hotel acts as a filter for this space, separating it physically but not visually from the adjacent streets, in a continual game of rapport between inside and out. From outside in fact, the garden can be perceived as a jewel, glimpsed by passers-by and arousing their curiosity. This indoors-outdoors visual continuity contrasts markedly with the difference in sound. Outside all the noise of the city, inside only the murmur of clients and, in the background, the reassuring gurgle of water, an element that visually and acoustically characterises this space. The area where the bar and restaurant tables are neatly set out is in fact defined by the channel of water that runs the length of the garden. An informal space for ‘déjeuner dur l’herbe’, where nature is an ever-present element. Just beyond the outdoor area set up for bar and restaurant use, the garden unexpectedly becomes informal landscaping. 18

The plants here include paperbark maples, tulip trees, honey locusts, katsuras, groups of shrubs, grasses and herbaceous species including viburnum, Cornelian cherry trees and miscanthus. The materials and finishes are all about the spontaneity of nature and are juxtaposed to create contrast: the smooth stone edges of the water channel with the base in dark schist that seem to rise up out of the ground like some ancient rocky tool. The hardness and mass of the huge cages in natural metal, filled with large pebbles enhance the lightness and softness of the lawn. The forecourt at the front of the hotel entrance hints at the presence of the garden inside, in a privileged relationship. With plenty of hardstand for drop offs, this renovated versatile area can easily be transformed into external exhibition areas when needed. Here a large southern magnolia stands proud, preserved during the renovation work. The public space down the entire side on Via Rosales was also redeveloped with a project that sees hardstand alternating with shrubs and trees in pots.

Works progress on modern city apartment Works are in progress at ‘Hindle House’ – a modern residential development in the Southern Gateway area of Nottingham – due for completion in December this year. The scheme, which is being developed by KMRE Group Ltd, has brought 62 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments to market, including penthouses, with more than 75% already sold off plan. Just 15 properties remain available to purchase at the three-storey development, which features open-plan living spaces, ensuite bedrooms, modern kitchens with integrated appliances, on-site cycle storage, secure entry, a reception area and lift access. Optional car parking is also available for residents. Situated to the south of Nottingham city centre in an area currently undergoing extensive regeneration, known as the Southern Gateway, Hindle House is just one mile from the city centre and less than half a mile from Nottingham Railway Station – with regular travel available to London St Pancras in as little as one hour and 32 minutes. With excellent access to transport links, including frequent bus and tram services – buyers can enjoy everything the city has to offer, including prime retail amenities; of the likes of John Lewis, Flannels, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and Ted Baker, among high street stores. Just a short walk away are some of the city’s finest attractions such as the historic Nottingham Castle - complete with its famous underground cave network – which has recently undergone a £30 million transformation, ahead of its planned reopening in June this year. As well as a thriving retail offering, Nottingham also enjoys a lively food and drink scene with vibrant independent cafes, bars and restaurants – many of which are tucked away in the city’s picturesque, central historic areas such as Hockley and the Lace Market. The development also offers close proximity to Castle Marina retail park and Castle Park and NG2 business parks, with

Nottingham’s canal network, the River Trent and Victoria Embankment beauty spots within walking distance. Identified as one of the UK’s top cities to achieve capital growth when analysing recent statistics from Zoopla, Nottingham stands out as one of the key areas to invest in property – with the average house price having increased by 16.92% in the last five years, and growth predictions suggesting this is likely to continue over the next few years. The city is home to many major employers and large company head offices, including Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, Boots, Experian, Capital One and HMRC, and it is also set to benefit from the construction of the HS2 train railway network. Interested buyers wishing to enquire about the remaining apartments at Hindle House are invited to contact selling agent - Pygott & Crone. Kam Mogul, director at KMRE Group Ltd, said: “Hindle House offers buyers a modern, and extremely convenient place to live in the vibrant city of Nottingham. “The location is ideally suited to professionals who work and live in the city – with vibrant amenities within walking distance, and business districts, major employers and Nottingham station on your doorstep, ensuring easy and accessible travel. “The apartments will feature high spec fixtures and fittings, including modern kitchen and bathroom designs, integrated appliances and luxury, spacious ensuite bedrooms – providing a stunning and

relaxing place to live in the heart of Nottingham. “As an experienced property developer, we are always looking for new opportunities to invest in cities that offer residents excellent locations and investment opportunities, which is why we have identified Nottingham as a key contributor to our activities.” Tim Downing, director at Pygott & Crone, said: “Homes at Hindle House offer buyers the ultimate in modern city living, and all apartments are completed to the finest standard with quality design, fixtures and amenities within the building. “The location is second to none – close to transport links and Nottingham city centre – with all of its retail offering, rich history and cultural attractions within easy reach. “It is undoubtedly an exciting time for the city, and we have enjoyed periods of regeneration and investment over recent years that is only set to continue, with plenty of residential and commercial developments in the pipeline. Now is a great time to invest in the city for anyone looking to buy a contemporary home here in a superb location.” This is the second ‘Southern Gateway’ landmark scheme for KMRE Group Ltd in Nottingham, the first of which is the 81-apartment flagship development, known as ‘The Yacht Club’ situated on the banks of The River Trent, offering apartments and penthouses with panoramic waterside views in a prime location, close to West Bridgford. The Yacht Club development is due for completion in July of this year.

Can you turn an old, listed building into a gym? To withstand the high noise, high energy cardio activities, vibration control specialist Mason UK helped a popular fitness brand transform a Grade II listed warehouse in Covent Garden, into a fullyfledged gym equipment showroom. The building in question — a former Victorian seed warehouse — was never designed to be a gym equipment showroom or hold fitness classes. Today, however, customers use the building to try out attend classes and try out equipment before purchasing their at-home gym equipment. These taster sessions include high noise levels from audio equipment and high impact cardio activities such as running, jumping, and spinning frantically. Without intervention, the noise levels and energy created by these cardio activities, would enter the building structure, disturbing other building users and adjoining properties to the Grade II listed facility. As advised by the acoustic consultant, the answer to brand’s problem was installing floating floors supporting box in box structures.

Floating floors use slabs of concrete supported by springs or rubber isolators. Should you drop a weight on a floating floor, the shuddering is not dissipated to the rest of the building, much like throwing a dumbbell on your bed wouldn’t create a loud impact — but throwing it on the floor certainly would. The secondary concrete layer also acts like concrete double glazing to attenuate audible noise. The showroom is set in a tourist destination close to Covent Garden Piazza. The planning and commissioning for the project needed to ensure noise and vibration produced by the building did not disturb local businesses and residents. Similarly, the structural integrity of this building had to stand up against the impact associated with continuous high-energy gym classes. Mason UK has a wealth of experience in acoustic engineering and vibration control. The company was introduced to the project by the principal contractor Knight Harwood and commissioned to undertake the design and installation of

the floating floors for the three studios and a plant room on three different levels of the building. Pedalling flooring expertise Floating floors cannot be generic and must be tuned to suit the building and application which can easily be done with the Mason UK system. The ground floor studios posed the first structural challenge. The limited weight capacity of the existing structure, combined with the need for 200mm concrete floating floors with a sub 4Hz natural frequency, meant the spaces required an unusually large number of springs to distribute the weight of the floating floor more evenly, plus springs on this level had to be coordinated with the locations of existing structural beams. While more springs do distribute the weight of the slab more evenly, the spring selection needed to be considered to maintain the acoustic properties of the new floors without increasing the frequency of the floors. Striking the correct balance was critical, which Mason UK achieved. At certain locations in the studios, springs could not be located directly onto certain steel beams in the structural slab, further complicating the design. In these instances, additional steel spread plates were introduced to support the installation. For the studio on level one, the floor was constructed on a new steel frame. The Mason UK team had to carefully coordinate the design of the floating floor, to ensure the spring locations lined up perfectly with the steel beams and compensate for the way the frame itself responded to vibration. For this floor, and all other floors, a large number of recessed boxes were also installed to accept electrical floor boxes at a later date. These are essential to accommodate the gym equipment. Mason UK assigned two weeks to carry out these works. Due to the prime location of the building and planning

restrictions, delivery time was in short supply. All deliveries and works outside the building had to be completed between 8am and 1pm, or the local council would impose costly fines. Mason UK was able to complete all deliveries and concrete pours in this allotted time. Additional contract Mason UK was also appointed by Roskel Contracts, the dry lining contractor working on the building. This additional contract was to provide spring hangers and sway braces for the ceilings and walls of each studio and plant room, to complete the box-in-box constructions.

Due to the complex mechanical and electrical arrangement in the ceiling void, and the numerous structural steel beams, the hanger layout for each studio had to be carefully considered for each Studio. Mason UK provided springs of multiple stiffnesses, to be installed in specific locations to ensure consistent acoustic properties across each ceiling.

spring and jack used in the floating floors using data analysis. The main challenge was a common issue we face in our line of work — floating floors need to be heavy to retain physical stability, but not all structures can withstand this weight. We got the balance right, and we are confident this building is now fit for purpose.”

“As with many of the projects we work on, this project is a prime example of a building that wasn’t built for its new purpose,” explained Steve Hart, director of Mason UK.

The careful consideration that went into this project ensures this building will last the test of time — and weight drops.

“We had to carefully consider every

For more information on Mason UK, and its vibration control and mechanical engineering services, visit mason-uk.co.uk

Warning over hidden flood risks The Zurich UK insurance firm claims 530,000 properties in England alone face a more extreme risk of flooding than official maps suggest. It says that a home with what appears to be just a three per cent chance of flooding in any one year has in fact got up to a 63 per cent likelihood of being inundated over a typical 30 year mortgage. It is important buyers don’t skip crucial checks to assess whether a home is in danger of flooding. As surveys aren’t required to show the risks, the onus falls on buyers to find out whether a home lies in an area at risk of flooding. Buyers need to scrutinise the detail – or they could be hit by unexpected flooding. At Flood Protection Solutions Ltd we are the industry leaders in assessing and mitigating flood risk. We offer a homebuyer report to place you in a fully informed position. Homebuyer Flood Risk Report For most of us, buying a home will be the most expensive purchase we will ever make. It is therefore wise to fully understand the flood risk. Flood Survey Holistic site assessments by qualified professionals, for those looking to mitigate risk. Flood Risk Assessment If you require a flood risk assessment for your property, portfolio or project, Flood Protection Solutions have it covered. We have a team of leading flood consultants and Civil Engineers to provide the best advice to our customers.

Top 10 considerations for finding a happy family home Homebuyers searching for the perfect family abode can look to ten top considerations from property experts when choosing a happy family home. Whether you are looking for somewhere to settle down and start a family or need to accommodate a growing one, there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure your new home works for you and your household. As many of us are spending more time at home than ever due to working remotely or looking after loved ones, it’s important that your home enriches and complements your lifestyle, routines and habits, rather than restricting you due to a lack of space and flexibility. With so much to consider, searching for the ideal home can be daunting, but with proper planning and careful thought, finding the dream home for you and your family need not feel like an impossible task. Michael Taggart, CEO of Taggart Homes, says: “Finding your ideal family home can be a challenge, but it’s also an exciting prospect if you’ve chosen to move to improve you and your family’s lifestyle and environment. “There is a lot to take into consideration, from the space and location that a home provides, to the potential and resale value it has in the future. During the pandemic, the importance of our homes has become even more significant – and many people are deciding to move because their current property is no longer working for their new routines.

Here are the top ten considerations for finding a happy family home: 1. Space One of the most important aspects of any home is the space it affords you and your family – and that does not just mean the amount of space there is, but how it is used too. Smaller, compact houses still offer plenty of room if laid out and utilised in the best possible way, giving you plenty of options when creating rooms for working, dining and relaxing. When looking for your family home, try to envisage how each room would work for you and your loved ones – what it would be used for, how you can make the most of the natural light and layout, and what you might like to alter when it comes to décor and style. Consider your future plans – whether it’s to grow your family, downsize, or move out in the years to come, so any home you choose needs to be flexible to meet your changing needs, or have resale value in a desirable or up and coming area.

2. Location It’s the classic property cliché, but location really is everything when it comes to house-hunting. Proximity to local amenities such as shops, restaurants and bars, as well as schools, health and leisure facilities and places of interest, all add to the value and quality of life that a home can offer. Do your research around the area and surrounding neighbourhoods to get a good feel for the location. Remember to consider the proximity of the property to beauty spots and places of interest too – if you enjoy a short break to the seaside or nearby nature reserve for example, choosing a home with easy links to main roads and motorways within an hour’s drive from these attractions might be the right choice for you. 3. Quality The quality of a home – from the materials used to build it down to the finishing touches – will determine how enjoyable the space is to live in.

“At Taggart Homes, we are proud of the care we take in considering who our homes are designed for and always put ourselves in the customers’ shoes. Quality, practicality, energy efficiency and value for money are at the top of our aims when designing new homes and neighbourhoods – that’s why we’ve compiled this list of our top ten considerations for finding a happy family home, to help buyers make the right choice for both the short and long term.”

Practicality, aesthetics and energy efficiency are key aspects of an ideal home, with durability and value for money of materials and products used being equally important, to ensure several lifetimes of wear. The ideal family home is one that you can create memories in, and when planning for the long term, it is important to consider the quality of a property, so it will last and will not cause you problems in the long run. 4. New build vs traditional When choosing a new family home, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you would like to purchase a traditional or new-build house. There are benefits and advantages to choosing either, and it really comes down to your personal preference and taste. If you are planning to buy a new-build home, you have the added luxury of getting a ‘blank canvas’ that you can truly stamp your personality on. Many highstandard new-build homes will come with tasteful décor and quality fixtures and fittings already installed, so you can move in seamlessly and quickly.

If you are choosing a new-build property, research the housebuilder thoroughly to get a feel for the price range, style of homes, and areas that they are active in – this will help you to determine whether you are getting a quality home that will last. 5. Fixtures and fittings To ensure a richer quality of living, choosing a property that offers convenient and efficient fixtures and fittings will keep your family home running smoothly. Spending a little extra on a home that comes with quality appliances or has the potential to install new fittings over time, will be worth it for a more enjoyable living experience. From high spec kitchen appliances and fibre broadband, to smart technology such as lighting, heating and speakers – there is so much you can add to your home that is going to provide practical and useful features you’ll love. 6. The neighbourhood Researching the neighbourhood you would like to live in will help you to

decide on your next home – this can include getting a feel for the housing market in the surrounding areas, such as price ranges, how quickly houses sell and how often or how many properties are on the market at any one time. With the rise of property search portals and websites, it is easier than ever to look at the breadth of houses available in a chosen area, and you can compare prices and features to choose what suits you. 7. Travel Although working from home has become the new routine for many, the need to travel as circumstances return to normal may arise once again, so consider how close your new home is to travel links such as trains, bus routes and motorways. As attractions begin to reopen, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit family, take day trips out with the children and visit your favourite shopping and leisure parks, so it is worth researching how easy it will be to reach these places from your family home, whether that is by car or public transport.

8. Flexibility

10. Outside space

When purchasing a family home, it is important to choose a property that works for you both in the short and long term.

One of the most sought-after features in a happy family home is the outside space – a garden is an extremely valuable part of any house, and one that is becoming even more significant given the amount of time we find ourselves spending at home.

The use of space may change over time – rooms might become multi-functional, you may wish to convert a space into a home office, a gym or another bedroom, so keep in mind how flexible the space is before buying. The popularity of open-plan living continues to increase and is an extremely desirable asset in any property, as it allows the space to be used in various ways and can easily be adjusted over time. 9. Potential

A garden, patio area or courtyard can be transformed into a place to sit, dine, relax and play and will provide space for hours of fun and leisure time, where memories can be made. Access to outside space is also vitally important for our physical and mental wellbeing, as proximity to nature is known to help combat stress and provide us with

a calming environment – if this is high on your dream family home checklist, don’t be tempted to compromise! Looking ahead to the future, choosing a home with a garden will also provide plenty of scope for extending your property, as well as adding in features such as a gazebo or even an outdoor garden pod – perfect for use as a home office, yoga studio or even your very own bar. With more than 30 years in the industry, Northern Ireland and Birminghambased Taggart Homes currently has developments underway in Oxfordshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

A happy family home is one that can adapt to your changing lifestyle and needs over the years – so finding a property that can be extended or remodelled in the future is an important factor to consider. Most homes with outside space will have the potential to be extended, but it is worth doing some research and seeking advice on this before purchasing if you think it is something you might need to do in the future. Extending the kitchen, dining room, converting the loft, garage or basement, adding a roof extension, utility room or a new conservatory can all add value to a property, as well as provide you with that precious extra space to make your own. It is a good idea to look at other similar properties in the area to see if they have been extended too and this will indicate how easy it will be to get planning permission for such a project, as well as provide scope for what can be achieved with the space available.

Summer in the city – Roof terraces in a post-Covid world Simply Loft, the leading provider of loft conversions in London and the West Midlands, have recently completed two neighbouring loft conversions, which have provided each of their clients with a stunning roof terrace that is perfect for summer. A roof terrace is becoming a popular option for many homeowners seeking to renovate their homes, with roof terraces being titled a saviour in the recent lockdowns. They typically add 12% - 20% of your property value to your home, making them a worthwhile investment! However, their true value has recently been made more pertinent, with the recent pandemic sweeping through the country in 2020. In this new post-covid world, many people are recognising the importance of our mental health and its connection to being outdoors. Lots of people struggled spending months and months inside their homes, with limited opportunities to enjoy nature or take a breath in the outside air. For these two neighbouring clients in South London, they were blissfully

unaware of these troubles, being able to spend as much time as they liked in the comfort and safety of their own roof terrace. With stunning views across the city, who could blame them for being in their own little peaceful world? After a year of being locked away indoors, many families are wanting to enjoy the summer months with their families and loved ones. However, we are all much more cautious of the risks of being in large groups of people, and it can now seem overwhelming to resume our lives to the scale of what they were pre-covid. A roof terrace has given these families the option to ease themselves back into their social lives, being able to take time to themselves on their roof terrace and meet friends in small numbers at their homes, instead of crowded bars or restaurants. The freedom their roof terraces have allowed them is invaluable, with many of their friends and family reaping the benefits too. Amy, a Simply Loft client is thrilled with their loft conversion and roof terrace project, saying:

“The roof terrace has been a life saver during the pandemic. We do have a little back garden which is overlooked but our new roof terrace gives us the privacy we want and it’s amazing for sundowners. We’ve sat up there for dinners, used it for HIIT workouts and even had sunlounges out catching a tan during the warmer months of 2020. It’s a dream.” - Amy It is clear that roof terraces are only going to increase in popularity over the upcoming years, as London homeowners look for ways to find their own peaceful spaces in hubbub of the city. Summer in the city never looked, or felt, so relaxed, safe, and personal! If you are considering a loft conversion and want to know more about the costs of a roof terrace, contact Simply Loft on 0800 917 7571 or visit simplyloft.co.uk

Make your lighting fit your mood Gira, one of the world’s leading fullrange suppliers for intelligent build environments share its knowledge on how interior lighting can support your lifestyle with the latest wired and wireless smart home solutions. “Interior lighting can emulate your mood in the home and we are proud to offer the latest smart home systems and controls, so your lights are able to react to your needs without having to touch a button. Leading the field in smart lighting and home technology, Gira is here to make your life easier and enable your lighting to reflect your lifestyle 24/7” says Jacob de Muijnck, Director, GiraUK. Smart lighting controls enable you to create, save, recall and even automate mood lighting settings known as scenes – so you no longer have to adjust them from dawn to dusk, it’s all done for you. You can save different scenes under a unique name and the smart home technology will take care of the rest. Having the freedom to customise your mood lighting scenes means you can make sure that your lighting will always complement your life whether you want a romantic night in, are working or studying from home or entertaining your friends and family. Once your scenes are on your system you can have complete automated or manual control, so that you can schedule supportive lighting scenes around the clock or call them up as and when required. And you can keep creating new scenes manually, whenever you wish. For example, a ‘waking up’ scene for mornings could turn on lights to a gentle, dimmed setting every weekday at 7am and then increase the brightness every minute to ensure gentle waking. Another scene could be ‘going to bed’, and can be set to make all lights switch off automatically at a defined time, except the night lights in your bathroom.

With the help of the latest advanced smart home solutions from premium manufacturers, you now can set as many mood lighting scenes as you want with either a wired (KNX) or wireless Smart Home system.

If you want a KNX system, you’ll need a reliable, high-performance server which manage even the most complicated tasks and then ensure everything runs smoothly without you giving it even a second thought. Your server will need to be connected to an electrical KNX installation, which is wired into your home, as well as the internet and your computer network so that you can easily connect different technology and functions, to create the mood lighting scenes (or scenes with other functions such as heating, entertainment and blind control) of your choice. You will also need a smart control unit for creating, saving and activating your desired lighting settings – this can be via a smartphone app or a control panel. If you want to go to the next level, you can also control premium servers with your voice. You’ll need a secure encrypted connection for remote access, and a language assistant, such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, so that you can use voice commands. Another benefit of having a KNX system is that you can create If This, Then That (IFTTT) connections to make your lighting completely automated. IFTTT is

a popular cloud service, which integrates devices and apps so that they can all ‘talk’ to each other even when they are made by different brands. So if your smart alarm clock goes off in the morning, then your ‘morning’ lighting scene will switch on automatically in your bedroom. This works because you have defined certain sequences, known as ‘applets’. They will assign each ‘if this’ (trigger) to one or more ‘then that’s’(actions) in the system as a whole. You can match each to a trigger of your choice – so if you want to turn off the TV and lights at the same time, you can set the trigger ‘switch off the TV’ and the action ‘going to bed’ lighting scene for easy living and convenience. A wireless system is a good choice if you want to upgrade your house into a smart home without wires and cabling in the walls. Instead, you can send commands to your smart lighting devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from a dedicated wireless home server. Wireless set-ups are more flexible in comparison to a KNX smart home, and are designed for any small to moderate living space, making them ideal for upgrading any property of any age with the latest home automation systems and technology.

“It’s simple to create and trigger lighting scenes with a wireless system, by using an app on your smart device or manual control via the top unit. You can also use a console unit and voice control too. So, instead of reaching for your smartphone to turn on the light, you can simply say, ‘Alexa, good morning” to activate the pre-set ‘morning’ lighting scene’. “In response to rising demand for smart home technology and increased connectivity in the UK home, Gira is very pleased to offer a great range of userfriendly KNX and wireless products and systems such as the Gira HomeServer and the Gira X1 mini server for KNX and the wireless Gira eNet SMART HOME. In partnership with our dedicated Gira smart home apps and state-of-the-art security and data protection, our devices will anticipate your lighting needs, ensuring that it will enhance your wellbeing all around the clock.”

LUMINO brings Freshfields state-of-theart HQ to light Headquartered in London, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (Freshfields) is one of the largest and most prestigious multi-national law firms in the world. Seeking to minimise the firm’s environmental impact and support wellbeing, Freshfields relocated prepandemic to the 37 storey, 181m high tower at 100 Bishopsgate. Designers and creators of superior lighting products, LUMINO provided high quality lighting for Freshfields in its new state-of-the-art office. Covid-19 has had a profound impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing, and now more than ever there is a real opportunity to make significant and longlasting improvements in the workplace to enhance wellbeing for employees. Freshfields prides itself on creating a welcoming, supportive environment in which all can flourish; it was therefore essential for the expert project team comprising; 18 Degrees, LUMINO ISG and interior architect, ID:SR, to minimise the

office’s environmental impact, support staff wellbeing and flexible working. 18 Degrees, an architectural lighting design studio, were appointed to design the lighting throughout the office. It was essential to accommodate different ages and staff preferences as well as natural light availability, while providing a seamless visual transition between the spaces. Over 300 metres of LUMINO’s V36s optic with an 18° beam was selected for wall washing to prevent shadows and defects on the wall. In addition, approximately 700 metres of LUMINO’s V20 compact linear lighting was specified throughout the office’s joinery, from refreshment areas to communal meeting hubs. All LUMINO products were supplied with colour core chips to deliver guaranteed colour consistency throughout. Running on a renewable electricity tariff the building’s efficient installations, such as the LED system and associated

controls, have helped the project achieve a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating and SKA Gold. Chris Small, Sales Director at LUMINO commented: “We were thrilled to provide lighting for one of the world’s biggest law firms in a landmark building in Central London. Over the last year, flexible working has become the new norm and businesses have had to make significant adjustments to cater to the needs of their employees. Freshfields has gone above and beyond to create the perfect working environment for their employees, and it was fantastic to be involved in this process and be specified by 18 Degrees.” Christopher Knowlton, Director at 18 Degrees added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work on such a high profile and exciting project. LUMINO played a pivotal role in the overall success of this project, and the support the team provided to the contractors and design team was seamless from start to finish.”

StoVentec Glass creates striking appearance for new scientific centre A major new UK centre for health-focused scientific excellence in Hull features a striking interior design created with the use of materials provided by Sto. RB’s £105m Science and Innovation Centre has been constructed with the StoVentec Glass system used inside the building. “This is a genuinely high-tech building, achieving LEED Gold accreditation through the application of renewable energy systems and sustainability initiatives,” explains Toby Ingle of project architects and international design practice, Ryder Architecture. “It also houses world-class science and research facilities, so it was essential that any construction materials such as the StoVentec Glass system could provide the highest levels of performance and visual appeal.” Some 675m2 of white StoVentec Glass were installed in a three-story communal area inside the building. This reflects the natural light entering via the roof skylights to create an airy and open environment, while also contrasting visually with the exposed brickwork featured in this area. The StoVentec Glass panels were supplied in bespoke sizes and shapes to suit the specific requirements of this project. They were installed using Sto’s adjustable sub-construction which allows the panels to be perfectly aligned to each other, and so create the visually attractive, large and smooth surfaces which feature in this building. In addition to being used in the interior of a building as in this case, the StoVentec Glass ventilated rainscreen cladding system can also be used externally to provide an effective façade insulation system which keeps the wall dry and allows it to breathe, while also creating a visually striking façade. StoVentec Glass is supported by full BBA certification (Certificate 10/4792), and carries a wide range of impact and blast test approvals, making the panels ideal for use in external or high-traffic internal locations, including those in Public Safety Zones. RB’s 13,000m2 Science and Innovation Centre comprises a bespoke laboratory environment (analytical, formulation, microbiology) and 10th scale pilot plant. 34

A major UK centre for health-focused scientific excellence in Hull features a striking interior design created with the use of Sto’s StoVentec Glass system. Pic: Alex Wroe Photography

New Odyssey carpet tiles ready for launch Heckmondwike FB has launched its celebrated design-led commercial carpet tile range, Odyssey. Pairing a bold design with durable features, Odyssey is completely unique to the fibre bonded carpet sector. One of a kind, eye-catching interiors have never before been so easy to create. Contrasting colours are ideal for walkways, social distancing, or contemporary breakout spaces. The 50cm x 50cm tiles are interchangeable and can be easily moved, allowing for continuing customisation for years to come. Encouraging further creativity, Heckmondwike also suggests mixing and matching with their leading Supacord range for particularly striking designs. Choosing contrasting, strong colours will really pop against the cool tones of Odyssey for an original look. The diverse nature of the carpet tiles presents endless design benefits.

Chevrons, checks, and geometric patterns add character to any commercial area. Placing two alternating colours to create directional walkways and contrasting blocks can help to distinguish between specific areas, creating zones within open-plan spaces. Easy to lift and move, the tiles can be swapped to adapt to your changing needs. The updated range includes six specially curated colours in a range of modern blues and greys, blending effortlessly into any space. These shades are said to promote wisdom and calmness, the ideal environment for working or commercial areas. With Covid-19 bringing increased cleaning measures, this product has been built to withstand regular and intense sanitisation. A study in the Virology Journal recently found that carpets are less hospitable environments for viruses due to their porous qualities, making Odyssey the ideal purchase.

Odyssey has been developed with superior durability, withstanding heavy footfall and not ravelling or fraying. This heavy contract rated carpet is supported by a 10-year warranty, promising longlasting, quality results. Luckily, high quality does not mean a high price tag, and Heckmondwike value affordability. Instead of using cheap alternatives, the company encourages customers to try a free sample before they invest. Odyssey holds a Bfl-s1 fire rating, has anti-static properties and delivers a 20dB reduction in impact noise to encourage a more positive environment. A truly out-of-this-world range, the relaunched Odyssey range is available now. To learn more about Heckmondwike’s Odyssey range and its relaunch, contact the company’s expert team. Call 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

Commercial washrooms market to be worth £408m by 2025 The Commercial washrooms market has been growing steadily between 20162019, it was however not immune to the affects of the many lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic and experienced a sharp decline in 2020. Even with the new extensions to restrictions, this should not affect the commercial washrooms market as with previous restrictions and the market is expected to return to growth in 2021 and be worth £408m by 2025. Product developments in the commercial washrooms market have increasingly focused on quality and design with a trend towards higher value products with added functionality and improved performance. The commercial washroom sector is diverse incorporating an extensive range of products, ranging from stylish systems in commercial offices and hotels to more utilitarian and vandal resistant washrooms for use in prisons and schools. It is the washroom panel systems that represent the largest product sector of the market showing a gradual shift towards higher specification materials and finishes, in bespoke designs.

Abdul Tantouch, Research Manager at AMA Research and editor of the Commercial Washrooms Market Report states: “In recent years, the commercial washrooms market has benefitted from more stringent health, safety and energy efficiency legislation and increasing environmental concerns. This has stimulated product innovation and development. Since Covid-19 the need to accommodate the requirement for social distancing and stricter hygiene measures will be increasingly important. Solutions will include full height cubicles with floor-to-ceiling partitions, non-binary self-contained ‘superloos’, non-touch sensor taps, wall-hung sanitaryware, antibacterial coatings and surfaces etc. The use of smart technology and the digital control of washroom systems will also become more prevalent A smart washroom can deliver an improved quality of experience for users, also achieve building management efficiencies. “ It is within the commercial brassware sector, the need for hygienic

handwashing is now a key requirement, with a greater demand for non-touch taps. Safe thermostatic control is also an important attribute, to prevent scalding. Durability and ease of maintenance has also become an important consideration in the design of commercial washroom products, given the potential to extend the refurbishment cycle. The use of smart technology and the digital control of washroom systems has become more prevalent to deliver an improved quality of experience for users and achieve building management efficiencies. Commercial showers & mixers continue to benefit from the safety and water efficiency requirements stipulated by the Building Regulations. Inclusive level access showering areas are in greater demand. The prospects for the UK commercial washrooms market in 2021 are positive, with a strengthening pipeline of nonresidential new work and RMI activity going forward. The market is expected to achieve annual growth rates of 3-4% in value terms between 2022 and 2025, with a more settled economic outlook and the increasing demand for more premium, smart, and bespoke solutions.

Whiteville Ceramics launch premium range of eco-efficient WCs Innovative Egyptian sanitaryware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors, Whiteville Ceramics, is dedicated to its mission to help save the world’s water with the launch of its water SAVER® system and rimless VORTIX® technology: both now available to the UK bathroom market. Whiteville Ceramics believe that saving water is one of the main goals in contemporary living and the simplest way to achieve this, is through toilet water. Modern by design and innovative in function, the company’s range of contemporary WCs are designed using the latest water-saving technology and rimless system to reduce water usage, optimise flushing and increase hygiene standards in the bathroom. With outstanding design and innovation that is second to none, Whiteville Ceramics has elevated its range of sanitaryware to the next level and this is how: WATER SAVER® TECHNOLOGY - SAVER® by Whiteville Ceramics reduces water usage by up to 50% and is available across all WCs. This pioneering watersaving technology reduces energy costs, as well as help save the world’s water resources and given only 2% of the Earth’s fresh supply of water is locked in ice caps and glaciers, water conservation is integral to the company’s product designs and advances in technology.

reduces the volume of water on tank models, saving anywhere from 3 to 4.5 litres in full flush and from 2.5 to 3 litres in a small flush.

Furthermore, VORTIX® also reduces noise resulting in a rimless system that is functional, water saving, silent and with zero spray every use!

This gives the average UK homeowner a total saving of up to 50%, reducing general household utility bills and creating a more sustainable bathroom and lifestyle.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now and finding ways to save money and water in the home has become a key criterion for greener living – especially in the bathroom. According to a new report by Garnier, 73% of UK homeowners want to be more sustainable in 2021, which goes to show us all that the past year has made us think differently about how we behave.

THE VORTIX® SYSTEM - Not only does this system ensure better hygienic standards, since every part of the WC can be easily cleaned, the rimless design when combined with the VORTIX® technology, results in optimized performance with every flush. By removing the rim and using the powerful VORTIX® system to push water both horizontally and vertically around the bowl, means the water passes across more internal surface area and water is released through one or two separate nozzles. This patented innovation creates a vortex effect, which efficiently cleans the pan without splashing over the sides. The rimless technology ensures better hygiene standards, since every part of the WC can be easily cleaned preventing mould growth in hidden areas.

Of those 73%, almost half agreed that 2020 was a wake-up call to protect the environment and this is clear when we consider the latest trend for eco interiors that incorporate sustainable product design,” says Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group. Brand new to the UK and available now, please contact Whiteville Ceramics: t 01922 743 074 | e info@ whitevilleceramics.co.uk | w www. whitevilleceramics.co.uk | Latest news & updates, please follow Whiteville on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & LinkedIn

An average flush typically uses up to 6 litres of water each time. SAVER® actually

Designing a bespoke kitchen 3 Top Tips from Alex Main, Director of The Main Company Bespoke kitchens are on the rise, with many homeowners looking for stylish spaces with instant wow-factor that not only work for cooking but also entertaining guests. The benefit to bespoke design is that it can be tailored to suit the individual needs of the homeowner, therefore it’s important to make sure that all things are carefully considered during the early planning stages. Director of The Main Company, Alex Main shares his three top tips for designing a bespoke kitchen: 1. “Before you start contacting local architects or kitchen designers it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want the space to look like.

Pinterest and Instagram are great resources for saving your ideas into one place using ‘boards’ or ‘saves’. This exercise will help you to visualise colour choices, worktop materials and other key elements which help to inform the designer and bring the space to life alternatively, visit showrooms and get to grips with the raw materials in person.” 2. “Once you’ve selected a designer or company, there are a few items that need to be selected before the plans are drawn up - the size of the sink, type of fridge and also cooker all need to be agreed on to make sure the drawings are as accurate as possible. Also, make sure to let the designer know if there are any existing appliances in

the kitchen that you want to keep - often homeowners with an AGA like to retain this feature and include it in the new design.” 3. “In terms of aesthetics, we would always recommend choosing the worktop before the paint colour as this is much easier in the long run – take samples home and try these out in different lights to see which one works best for your space. If you are also installing new flooring choose this first, it’s best to fit the floor to the walls to avoid trapping appliances in.” Recognised for their beautiful bespoke kitchen designs, The Main Company works closely with each and every client to design a unique kitchen that closely aligns with the individual brief.

Selection for the handheld shower JK21 Zazzeri is pleased to announce that the innovative JK21 handheld shower has been selected for the ADI Design Index 2020. Designed by the Architect Fabrizio Batoni, this cutting edge piece of the collection will be on display at the ADI Design Museum in Milan from 3 June until 20 June 2021 and at the Aquarium of Rome from 28 June to 2 July 2021. ADI Design Index publishes the best of the Italian design, selected by the ADI Permanent Design Observatory, composed of about 150 members. This is the first step in the path of awarding the Compasso d’Oro Award 2022. Through the ADI Design Index Exhibition Route and its stages in Milan and Rome, the JK21 small showers will be exhibited and freely visible to both public and institutions. JK21 JK21 is an iconic, extremely versatile, refined and technologically advanced collection which shows many of the values that Zazzeri has built during its 90-year-old activity. It is an innovative project that only a company which has a long and rich history behind it could conceive and carry out by modelling its style up to a dizzying effect. The collection presents two typologies of small showers, one with a handle and a handheld one, both of them with a design which recalls, as for the handle, the shape of the delivery nozzle of mixer taps of washbasins and bidet; the small shower, instead, recalls the “capital” shape of levers. Innovative features The materical contaminations identify JK21 as an extremely original and functional collection, that perfectly fits with any kind of environment. The “capital” line of the handle and the prismatic shape of the delivery nozzle, which reminds an upside-down “Z”, characterize each element of this collection, from the numerous typologies of taps to the several versions of showers. The handheld shower installed on a special arm becomes an innovative shower head solution with “pull-out” hand shower.

Materials The choice of the material reveals the modern technological soul of JK21: this time stainless steel AISI 316L is employed challenging the intrinsic difficulties of its making because it is applied to sinuous, prismatic, smooth and definite forms without, at the same time, giving up the accurate, essential and simple style only this material is able to achieve by means of cold mechanical processing. Technologies Laser cutting of steel sheet, high precision laser welding, mechanical turning. Variants/Colours Both the small showers are bicolour since for the side of the nozzles they have a cover which is still in Carbon (pvd) finishing, while the remaining part of the top takes the finishing you choose out of the 7 available ones: Acciaio spazzolato, Carbon, Antracite, Bronzorame, Rame, Cognac e Orobianco.

From subtle to opulent New washbasins and striking colours bring sensuality to the bathroom Kaldewei washbasins are endlessly multifaceted, with fine accents or eye-catching effects; but at the heart of each model is the sustainable and hygienic material steel enamel. Such as the Cayono product family, which Kaldewei has completed with three new washbasin variants; plus both the Ming and Mien washbowls. As recently photographed by Bryan Adams making a statement “Natural Union” focussing on hand hygiene in these current times of pandemic. Cayono washbasins - three versions for a perfect match in the bathroom Kaldewei has added a third product group to the popular Cayono series joining the bathtubs and shower surfaces. Whether as a trendsetting washbowl, classic countertop or under counter solution – the three versions maintain the clear consistent lines of Kaldewei’s design elements to its washbasins. The Cayono washbasins have a generous interior depth and combine pure aesthetics with intelligent functionality. An overflow placed to the back of the washbasin ensures a consistently harmonious look and the generously proportioned interior of the basin makes cleaning particularly easy. Thanks to their uniquely natural design, the washbasins made of sustainable steel enamel can be used in a number of ways – from guest bathroom, private spa through to the office and hotel sector. When combined with the bathtubs and shower surfaces of the Cayono series, a perfect match is created with a uniform design language. Creating unique moments of well-being at particularly attractive price point. Washbowl duo Ming and Miena as photographed by Bryan Adams Further product highlights are the Asian-inspired Ming washbowls and the fine lines of the Miena. Whether for a classically simple bathroom or a uniquely individual location – the delicate elegance of the new Ming washbowl with its convex curved silhouette leaves room for visions that turn the bathroom into a

sensual retreat. The models are available in lava black matt, black, alpine white glossy and alpine white matt. The legendary musician and excellent photographer Bryan Adams photographed as part of the 2021 campaign “Natural Union”. Continuing to raise awareness of the need to maintain good hygiene in turbulent times. Trend setting colour options bring life to the bathroom Miena skilfully brings accents to the bathroom with a new palette of strong blue and purple tones.

The restrained design allows interior designers to play with colour; to turn a bathroom into a room with an individual character. The sheen and glow of the steel enamel makes the coloured washbowls similar to a bold piece of jewellery, but by contrast they are easy to clean and cannot be damaged by continuous use. The trendsetting colour editions of Miena bring life into the bathroom. Available in a “Soft Touch” Mint, “Sweet Love” Pink, “Deep Dream” Petrol, “Navyblue” matt and in the new colours of the Coordinated Colours Collection.

Makita launches new cordless LXT pressure washer Makita UK has expanded its cordless power tool range with the new 36V LXT Cordless Brushless Pressure Washer. The first of its kind from Makita, the new high Pressure Washer features a 50L storage tank enabling users to tackle dirt and grime anywhere. Featuring a self-priming function to extract water from an external water source such as a rainwater tank, the new 2x18V (36V) LXT Pressure Washer can be supplied with water not only from a tap, tank or bucket, but features a storage case that doubles up as a 50-litre capacity water tank to create a functional pressure washer without the need for a mains water supply. Powered by two 18V LXT batteries in series to supply energy to a powerful 36V brushless motor, this cordless pressure washer offers up to 34-minutes run time when used with two 6.0Ah LXT batteries. With two pressure selections, the solution delivers an impressive pump speed of up to 3,450rpm and a maximum water flow of 380L per hour.

Perfect for outdoor stairwells, patios, washing down vehicles, or cleaning off tools at the end of the day. As well as the standard accessories supplied with the DHW080, a wide range of useful accessories are also available (sold separately) such as the curved underbody spray lance, extension pipe set, wash brush and foam nozzle perfect for cleaning vehicles. The rotating brush head accessory is ideal for cleaning smooth surfaces such as glass or garage doors. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are pleased to launch this useful addition to our growing cordless line up, enabling those working outdoors to work flexibly, without the constraint of cables. What’s more, as the DHW080 Pressure Washer can be used without needing to be connected to a tap, users can work with total freedom on site with the power to tackle dirt and grime in places never previously accessible.” To find out more about Makita and the new LXT Cordless Pressure Washer DHW080, please visit www.makitauk.com

Liebherr relies on HBK force sensors for structural testing of excavators Moving a large mass of material quickly, reliably and safely usually requires the use of hydraulic excavators, mining trucks and material-handling machines at construction sites, scrapyards or ports. However, to ensure that they function reliably and withstand extreme conditions in the long term, Liebherr tests the loadcarrying capacity and service life of its machines and components very precisely. “In our load tests, we subject assemblies, such as a hydraulically adjustable boom, to the load an excavator normally experiences over its entire life in just a few weeks,” says Nils Dippon, a test engineer at Liebherr’s development and demonstration centre. For the complex series of structural tests in the modern test stand in Kirchheim, Germany, Liebherr relies on the U10M and S9M force sensors and strain gauges from Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer. The U10M sensors, for instance, measure the forces produced and compensate for

bending moments in doing so while the strain gauges from HBK simultaneously measure the strain on the components. “Our U10M series force transducers achieve very high precision over a wide measuring range. They provide highresolution measurement data for the various measurement setups at Liebherr and offer maximum flexibility. Our highquality strain-gauge technology also accurately acquires minimal component deformations to provide a comprehensive data basis for further development,” explains Thomas Kleckers, the product manager for force sensors at HBK. Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hydraulic excavators and mining trucks that meet the highest demands. More information about HBK’s force sensors is available on the company’s website: www.hbm.com/en/0249/forcesensors-and-force-transducers/

Soil, excavated rock, sand… How do you manage them on site? The problem with excavated earth and rocks is, from an economic, regulatory, and an environmental perspective. However, there is a solution and is within reach. Although NASA’s Ingenuity drone helicopter landed on Mars, the earth continues to be the only planet we can inhabit. The soil we live on is a nonrenewable resource and needs to be preserved by any means necessary. When it comes to managing excavated soil, the first form of safeguarding the material is reusing the soil, which leaves the environmental quality unchanged. The focal point is that excavated soil is not waste needing to be thrown away, but becomes a valuable resource for everyone involved. Companies and operators aim to recover a large amount of soil to use it again on the job site or in neighboring areas. One of the necessities is to separate the different types of extracted material in to reuse the soil. With the right equipment, the solution is within reach. One case happens in Quillagua, a small Chilean town in the Antofagasta province; National Geographic considers this town the driest place on the entire planet. Over the past 40 years, there are only been 0.2 millimeters of rainfall. On this barren land, they used an MB-S18 screening bucket to select sand and reuse it again to cover the solar panels’ cables: finally, the town’s citizens can communicate with the rest of the world. Due to the location’s particularities and the operations, the case has gained a plenty of media coverage.

soil using an MB-S18 screening bucket, which is easily transported and used at any location. Before this solution, the company took the excavated soil to another site and deal with the expensive management and transportation costs. With its attachments, MB Crusher provides a solution to companies who manage soil, excavated rocks, and sand while maintaining the soil’s quality and functionality. There are several advantages: the environmental benefits, the company becomes more ethical, they respect the complex regulations, and the construction site enjoys a positive economic turnaround. Another delicate concern surrounds excavated rocks containing polluted materials. Even in this situation, MB Crusher’s units provide an excellent solution to reduce the soil contamination. The MB-HDS320 shaft screener bucket was recently used in China to move

polluted earth, mixed it with other products, and neutralized pollution. Excellent quality soil was obtained quickly and allowed the company to use it immediately. The best advantage is that the MB-HDS sorting bucket enables you to change the rotation shafts directly on the job site: you can switch from one material to another whenever necessary. From the examples, using the right equipment is possible to speed up operations, improve profitability, and limit the environmental impact when managing excavated earth. Thanks to MB Crusher’s units, companies who want to be more ethical have been able to handle the problems present worldwide and improved their goals to protect the environment and grow their reputation by multiplying their requests to take on similar jobs. A success on all fronts.

The screening and crusher bucket’s teamwork has won over many operators in the industry who have used it both for operational efficiency and economic performance. They’ve obtained lower operating, maintenance, and logistics costs while increasing how quickly they execute and work on their project. In Croatia, a company has several working construction sites and solved their problems separating rocks from

Would you trust your parcels to a self-driving van? Doorstep deliveries are more a part of our lives than ever before – but the way that we receive those parcels could be undergoing a change. Ford has announced a new Self-Driving Vehicle Research Programme designed to help businesses in Europe understand how autonomous vehicles can benefit their operations. One of the U.K.’s leading consumer delivery specialists Hermes is the first business to partner with Ford on the programme. Using a customised Ford commercial vehicle, the research aims to better understand how other road users would interact with an apparently driverless delivery van. The specially adapted Ford Transit features sensors that mimic the look of an actual self-driving vehicle plus a “Human Car Seat” in control of the vehicle – this enables an experienced, hidden driver to drive while giving the impression to others around that there is no one at the wheel. “As we plan to bring autonomous vehicles to the roads, it is important that we focus not only on enabling the technology, but on enabling our customers’ businesses,” said Richard Balch, director, Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility, Ford of Europe. “Clearly, there is no better way to identify how they may need to adapt than to experience those processes in real life.” Ford has for six years been Europe’s market leader in commercial vehicles.1 By harnessing this experience with expertise from delivery firms, the company intends to identify new opportunities and models for autonomous vehicle operations – in particular understanding how existing processes and human interactions can work alongside automated vehicles. Commercial vehicles’ planned operations and many human interactions are an ideal test case. A commercial vehicle driver’s responsibilities sometimes extend beyond simply driving from one destination to another. In a delivery or logistics operation, for example, the driver may also be tasked with sorting and loading goods, manually handing packages over to recipients – or reloading them onto the van if delivery is not possible.

However, in this research, the driver will play an entirely passive role, simply driving the vehicle. Pedestrian couriers who support the delivery van are equipped with a smartphone app that lets them hail the vehicle and remotely unlock the load door after it is safely parked at the roadside. Once inside, voice prompts and digital screens direct the courier to their locker, containing the parcels to be delivered. Understanding and designing how humans will interact with the vehicle will ensure that business processes are able to continue safely without a driver present. The two-week research project with Hermes builds on the success of Ford’s “last mile delivery” trials in London, in which a team of pedestrian couriers collects parcels from a delivery van and fulfils the last leg of the delivery by foot resulting in fast, sustainable and efficient deliveries in cities. The research vehicles will enable Hermes and other businesses to begin designing how their teams could work

alongside driverless vehicles. For Hermes, this user design research has included developing an app that enables the pedestrian couriers to access the van to collect parcels, once again, this is a role that the human driver would normally fulfil. “We’re excited to collaborate with Ford on this proof of concept trial, which is all about understanding the potential for autonomous vehicles and if they have a role in delivery in the longer-term future,” said Lynsey Aston, head of product, Innovation and Onboarding. “We’re constantly innovating to incubate and then explore concepts like this, and we look forward to the initial findings, which will no doubt be useful on an industry-wide level.” Ford researchers are already investigating how self-driving vehicles will integrate seamlessly into our daily lives, including developing a light-based visual language to convey to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists what autonomous vehicles intend to do next.

Ford has been testing self-driving technology in major cities across the U.S. and plans to invest around $7 billion in autonomous vehicles during 10 years through to 2025 – $5 billion of that from 2021 forward – as part of its Ford Mobility initiatives. In collaboration with Ford’s self-driving technology partner, Argo AI, autonomous test vehicles operate daily in six U.S. cities. Last year, Argo AI’s comprehensive selfdriving system enabled address-to-address autonomous deliveries of fresh produce and school supplies through a charitable goods pilot in Miami, Florida, in the United States.

David Beckham invests in UK electric vehicle company: Lunaz “Lunaz represents the very best of British ingenuity in both technology and design. I was drawn to the company through their work restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling and electrification. David Lorenz and his team of world-class engineers are building something very special and I look forward to being part of their growth.” - David Beckham, Investor, Lunaz Lunaz is a rapidly growing technology company that upcycles and converts motor vehicles to its proprietary electric powertrain. Today, it announces an ambitious new growth phase following backing by a group of strategic investors. Lunaz provides a proven response to the requirement legislated by global governments to sustainably transition vehicle fleets to clean-air powertrains. David Beckham is joined as an investor by the Reuben and Barclay families and Alexander Dellal. They join founding investors; Navid Mirtorabi and CJ Jones who are both entrepreneurs and investors in clean-tech startups. Through his investment arm Beckham has successfully identified and backed fastgrowth start-ups in sectors as diverse as eSports and athletic recovery products. He took a 10% stake in the company. The company established its global leadership in vehicle electrification through its work furthering the legacies of the most celebrated classic cars in history. Bringing to market the world’s first fully-electric Range Rover, Bentley, RollsRoyce and Jaguar sports cars through its Lunaz Design brand. It did this to much global customer and critical acclaim. The 1961 Bentley Continental Flying Spur by Lunaz was awarded by BBC Top Gear in its ‘Electric Vehicle Awards’ issue. Since Lunaz started production of its first cars in 2019 it has drawn an entirely new generation to some of the most revered marques in history. They have been compelled by the answer electrification provides to the key questions of reliability, usability and sustainability that surround classic car ownership.

This growth has accelerated as individual and hospitality buyers across the globe rebalance their fleets in response to increasing pressure from legislators to limit the use of high-emissions vehicles in city-centres. The company is headquartered in Silverstone, Britain’s advanced automotive technology heartland. It is the fastest-growing and now largest company by manufacturing space and employees within the Silverstone Technology Cluster. Expansion to the electrification of industrial vehicles “The upcycling of existing passenger, industrial and commercial vehicles presents a sustainable alternative to replacing with new. Our approach will save fleet operators capital while dramatically reducing waste in the global drive towards de-carbonisation. There is evidence everywhere in the global economy that responsibility and commerciality are no longer mutually exclusive.

This top tier investor commitment is testament to Lunaz’ path to defining the market for remanufacturing and conversion to clean-air powertrains.” - David Lorenz, Founder and CEO, Lunaz Following this injection of growth capital Lunaz is announcing ambitious plans to grow its offering to the upcycling and electrification of industrial vehicles on a mass global scale. Lunaz will begin with industrial HGV vehicles including refuse trucks, of which 80 million currently exist in the UK, EU and USA alone. The Lunaz remanufacturing and electrification process will extend the life of up to 70% of the existing weight and embedded carbon within a vehicle. It also saves fleet operators significant costs compared with replacing existing vehicles with new. For example, a municipal authority could save more than 43% in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an upcycled and electrified refuse truck versus replacing their existing fleet with new equivalent electric vehicles.

The Lunaz proprietary powertrain has been developed under the technical leadership of Managing Director and Technical Lead Jon Hilton. As a global leader in powertrain engineering he has won three F1 World Championships as Technical Director and pioneered the use of hybrid technology from motorsport for mainstream industrial and passenger vehicles. He successfully grew and exited Flybrid in 2016. The Lunaz proprietary powertrain is modular in design meaning it can be applied to nearly every class, size and classification of vehicle. By 2030 when internal combustion engine (ICE) bans in major markets come into effect, more than 2 billion conventionally powered vehicles will exist on the planet. Remanufacturing, upcycling and electrification can prevent a large proportion of these vehicles from being scrapped. This approach is in line with the principles of the rapidly emerging circular economy. The expanded Lunaz Group The Lunaz Group will remanufacture and electrify passenger, commercial and industrial vehicles through three distinct companies: Lunaz Design: Revives, re-engineers and converts pinnacle classic cars to electric powertrains. Lunaz Applied Technologies: Upcycles and re-engineers specialist industrial fleet vehicles to factory new standard and converts them to the Lunaz proprietary electric powertrain. Lunaz Powertrain: Provides the Lunaz proprietary modular powertrain as a turnkey, white-label product for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and independent automotive engineering businesses. Lunaz applied technologies: The Lunaz Group’s industrial vehicles offering, delivered through the Lunaz Applied Technologies business, will initially focus on heavy industrial vehicle classes 6, 7 and 8. This includes HGVs, refuse trucks, fire engines and commercial vehicles.

Lunaz is unburdened from the capital expenditure requirements of manufacturers building electric vehicles from scratch. By taking vehicles and upcycling them using components proven over millions of miles, the Lunaz solution is de-risked and provides an instantly deployable alternative to ICE vehicles or new EV vehicles. To meet these ambitions and following sustained demand for converted classic cars, Lunaz has moved into an expanded manufacturing facility adjacent to its current site within the Silverstone Technology Cluster. This position provides Lunaz with essential proximity to the very best automotive, engineering and technology talent. The new facility will serve as the permanent manufacturing HQ for Lunaz Design and the R&D Centre for Lunaz Applied Technologies and Lunaz Powertrains. Strong commercial foundations: Lunaz Design was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur David Lorenz and triple F1 World Championship winning Technical Director Jon Hilton. Since then it has proven its technical and commercial approach through the successful launch and growth of Lunaz Design, the global leader in the restoration, re-engineering and electrification of pinnacle classic cars. Prices for which start at £245,000 (excluding local taxes) for an electrified Range Rover Classic. An electrified Rolls-Royce Phantom V, a limousine that is coveted by the world’s best hospitality institutions, starts at £500,000 (excluding local taxes). Under Hilton’s technical leadership, Lunaz delivers through a world-class group of technical specialists drawn from companies including Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Renault Formula 1, Prodrive, Ferrari and Cosworth. Jason Hill joined the company in January 2021 as Engineering Director. As a multiple Le Mans 24 Hour Race winning Technical Director he pioneered the use of clean-air powertrains in racing. This growth of Lunaz supports the creation of skilled jobs in an area of key strategic importance for UK engineering. Lunaz’ presence will establish the region’s long-term standing as a centre of excellence in the rapidly emerging upcycling, re-manufacturing and cleantechnology industries. 54

By the end of 2021, Lunaz Group will double the number of jobs for engineers and manufacturing technicians. This number will grow steadily through execution of the Lunaz Applied Technologies and Lunaz Powertrans Business plans, with a projected 500+ highly skilled jobs in Silverstone by 2024. Global success, anchored in the UK “Our commitment to Silverstone affirms the United Kingdom’s status as a leader in the development of clean-air automotive technologies. Firms like ours, which operate in the principles of the circular economy show that British industry can provide potent answers to the global need to transition to less impactful industrial practices.” - David Lorenz, Founder, Lunaz The Lunaz Group has committed longterm to Britain and specifically Silverstone as its global HQ. This reflects the company’s confidence in the United Kingdom’s leadership in the development of electric powertrains. From this global R&D and Technical HQ, the Lunaz Group will manage a network of manufacturing facilities placed in proximity to its major global markets. The company is already in discussions with European governments seeking to attract fast-growth clean-technology engineering businesses. The Lunaz approach: Remanufacturing and electrification “Our engineering is defined by a belief that a more sustainable approach should not come with a financial or functional penalty.

An upcycled and electrified vehicle by Lunaz represents an extension of the usable life of diminishing resources and a commercially astute answer to the global rebalancing of fleets to cleanair powertrains.” - Jon Hilton, MD and Technical Director, Lunaz Group No matter if it is a priceless Bentley or a municipal refuse truck, the Lunaz restoration and conversion process represents re-engineering from the ground up. To answer the pressing requirement to extend the life of redundant commercial and industrial vehicles, Lunaz employs a smart remanufacturing process. Duty cycles are studied to tailor the approach to the exact requirements of the fleet operator. For example, the Lunaz proprietary powertrain offers the flexibility to adapt torque requirements, battery size and motor specification for the specific route a refuse truck will take. This means, economic or ecological resources are never wasted. This engineering and design principle is guided by a philosophy to not limit the function of the vehicle. Infotainment, navigation and technological functions can all be updated to cutting-edge standards. This means the fleet operator is able to make a commercially sound and sustainable choice with no penalty to the usability of the asset. Lunaz has developed a modular powertrain meaning this approach can be applied to multiple vehicle classes, sizes and functions.

All-Electric Renault Vans chosen by Kent County Council for ‘Try before you buy’ Renault electric vans are providing Kent and Medway businesses with an insight into making the transition from a conventional ICE-powered commercial vehicle to an all-electric version via a new ‘try before you buy’ scheme by Kent County Council in partnership with Highways England. Kent County Council has taken delivery of 20 all-electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech and four Renault Zoe Vans for its new Kent Realising Electric Vans Scheme (REVS), through which local businesses can enjoy a free trial of one of the award-winning light commercial vehicles for up two months. Kent REVS is being operated by Commercial Services Kent Ltd (CSKL), with the ultimate aim of reducing carbon emissions and air pollution across the Kent road network and to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles throughout the region. Notably, and in line with the goal of this year’s Clean Air Day to highlight the impact of air pollution on the health of children, the introduction of the scheme’s electric vans with zero tailpipe emissions will help to reduce roadside pollution that youngsters can be particularly susceptible to. The rationale of Kent REVS is that more businesses will be more likely to convert their fleets to electric if they have an opportunity to try the vehicles for an extended period, before committing to a purchase or long-term lease. The zero-emissions-in-use Renault vans are the first vehicles available via the project, with Kent County Council choosing them due to their impressive range and usability. Highways England has provided £1.5 million funding for the two-year initiative, with the eventual aim that Kent REVS will have a fleet of 48 EVs available for trial. As part of the funding, and to aid with the efficient charging of the new Renault vans, CSKL has installed new charge points at its operating bases in New Hythe and Kings Hill, with a further 10 rapid chargers planned for other

publicly accessible locations across the County. The installation complements Kent County Council’s plans to increase the number of EV charging points for businesses and the public across the county. The new Renault vans feature a bespoke Kent REVS livery that highlights their 100 per cent electric power, with Kent County Council complementing the standard Business specification of the Renault Kangoo E-Tech with the additions of satellite navigation and ply lining in the load area. With fully automatic transmission and instantaneous torque the vans are ideal for use in Kent’s busy urban areas, providing Kent REVS participants with a drive that is also relaxing as well as environmentally compatible. The launch of Kent REVS follows the successful implementation of a similar scheme by Leeds City Council in 2020, which was also funded by Highways England and features 20 Renault Kangoo E-Tech vans. Kent REVS also supports Kent County Council’s drive for net-zero emissions for its estate and operations by 2030. Together with investment in renewable energy and smarter working practices, core to achieving its target is a shift to electric fleet vehicles.

Tony Hills, Cabinet Member for Environment at Kent County Council, said: “Making the transition to electric vehicles can seem a big step for businesses and Kent REVS provides a risk-free way for them to experience the many benefits over a significant period. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Renault Zoe Van were identified as the ideal electric vans to include in the launch of Kent REVS with their easeof-use ensuring that all types of drivers can quickly get used to the driving and charging experience of an electric vehicle, whilst also being suitable for a wide range of businesses.” Reflecting on Kent County Council’s decision to choose Renault electric vans, Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Renault UK, commented: “It’s fantastic to see that Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Renault Zoe Van have been chosen as the electric vans to launch Kent REVS and that they will play a part in helping Kent County Council achieve a greener, cleaner transport infrastructure throughout the region. Their adoption by the scheme reinforces how easy they are to drive and how they epitomise all the benefits there are to switching from a van that is powered by a conventional diesel or petrol engine to one that is pure electric, all without having any impact on the operational effectiveness of a business.”

The Renault Kangoo E-Tech can be specified in three body styles (Panel Van, Maxi Panel Van, and Crew Van) and two trim lines – Business and Business+. Standard features include electrically-operated door mirrors and front windows, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with Hill Start Assist, and DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Business+ specification adds extra equipment, such as electrically-operated and folding door mirrors, one-touch driver’s electric window, body-coloured bumpers, metallic paint and rear parking sensors. Depending on the model, it offers a load area of up to 4.6 cubic metres. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech has a potential range of up to 143 miles (WLTP) and can be charged to 100 per cent in six hours when using a 7kW wallbox. It is priced from £23,000, excluding VAT, after the Plug-in Van Grant. The Zoe Van is based on the multi awardwinning Zoe electric passenger car, which won the ‘Best Small Electric Car’ category in the 2020 What Car? Awards and which has been honoured at the annual What Car? ceremony for the last seven years. The commercial version is already an awardwinner, having recently won the compact van ‘Best Value for Ownership Costs’ category in the new What Car? Van Awards. Combining the same advanced specification of the Zoe with a load volume of one cubic metre and a maximum payload of up to 457kg excluding the driver (Business specification), the Zoe Van is available in two generous trim levels – Business and Business+. It offers a WLTP combined range of up to 245 miles on a single charge on Business models and via the 50kW DC charging option can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in just one hour and ten minutes. As it’s based on the regular Zoe, the Zoe Van benefits from the same assurances that Zoe customers enjoy. That means it boasts a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty that gives customers greater peace of mind, mirroring the rest of Renault’s car range.

The first two years feature unlimited mileage restrictions, while the remaining three have a 100,000-mile limit. In addition, the E-Tech electric 50 battery receives an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The Zoe Van is priced from £23,450,excluding VAT, after the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). Renault PRO+ now offers the widest range of all-electric commercial vehicles of any manufacturer, the line-up also including the Renault Kangoo E-Tech 100% electric and the Renault Master E-Tech 100% electric. Renault is Europe’s best-selling electric LCV brand YTD, with the Kangoo E-Tech also

being Europe’s best-selling electric LCV. For details of the Renault PRO+ E-Tech 100% electric range, please visit www. renault.co.uk/live-electric/business Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. With the ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan, Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.

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