Construction bosses fear EU workers won’t return to UK after Christmas

The UK construction industry is asking its highly valued EU workers, who might be travelling home for Christmas, to please come back after the Christmas break, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Research focusing on how the bosses of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms view their EU workers concluded that:

  • 85% of construction SME employers that employ EU workers say that these workers are important in allowing their business to maintain and expand its workforce
  • 76% of these firms say it would have a negative impact on the health of their business if any of the EU workers they employ returned to their country of origin, now or post-Brexit
  • 94% of firms describe the quality of EU workers they employ as ‘good’ or ‘very good’

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said “Our research shows that EU workers are vital to the success of the UK construction industry and our message to these individuals is clear – you are highly valued and we need you. Christmas is now upon us and there’s a risk that those EU migrant workers who go home to their home countries for the festive period might not come back. With Brexit looming large on the horizon, EU workers in the UK are facing high levels of uncertainty over their future. Furthermore, since the depreciation of sterling, their wages aren’t worth as much as they were previously. Construction employers are genuinely concerned that this mixture of uncertainty about the future and less money in their pockets will make the UK a much less attractive proposition that it was pre-referendum.”

“Ministers haven’t done enough to reassure EU workers that they have a future in the UK. In our ‘Construction Industry Brexit Manifesto’, seven of the major trade bodies have called on the Government to embark upon a communications campaign that makes clear to our EU workers that they’ll have no serious impediments to gaining settled status. Indeed, both the Government and the industry need to do all that they can to put a positive message across. In the medium term, the construction industry can and should do more to attract and train a greater proportion of domestic workers. However, such is the extent of the current construction skills shortages, we’ll continue to need to draw upon a high number of EU migrant workers post-Brexit if the Government wants to meet its target for new homes and infrastructure projects.”

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London to spend £30 million to develop deprived areas

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has awarded nearly £30 million to projects which will boost local economies, improve the environment and bring people together in some of London’s most deprived communities.

The money has been awarded through the second round of the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund to 33 projects across the city – and will be delivered through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the capital.

The projects focus on supporting Londoners in areas with high levels of unemployment, youth violence and poor mental health, by supporting the creation of new jobs, investing in community assets and driving sustainable economic growth.

Nearly two-thirds of the funding will be invested in areas of London which rank in the top 20 per cent of the country’s most deprived wards, according to the well-established Indices of Multiple Deprivation.

The Good Growth Fund supports regeneration schemes which help Londoners influence how their local areas are shaped. Successful projects in this funding round include:

  • delivering up to 20,000 sq m of much-needed new industrial space in Barking to support local jobs;
  • creating new and refurbished performance, rehearsal, learning and play spaces at the Polka Children’s Theatre in Wimbledon, to support community outreach and creative learning opportunities for disadvantaged children and hard-to-reach families; and
  • investing in Centre 404 to provide much-needed support and services for people with learning disabilities and carers from the LGBTQ+ communities in Islington, Camden, Haringey, Enfield and Hammersmith & Fulham.

In the first funding round earlier this year, the Mayor awarded £24 million to deliver 27 projects. In addition, a further 27 projects were awarded a share of £1.6 million to develop their proposals with a view to submitting a full funding bid in due course. This support helps us to build a balanced programme by addressing any gaps resulting from the open call process.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said “These projects aim to give Londoners of all backgrounds the opportunity to be actively involved in shaping how their city grows and delivering more places to live, learn, work and play.

“I’m so impressed by the range of bids we received – this is testament to the creativity and ingenuity in London’s diverse communities.

“I’m committed to supporting ‘good growth’ by building a city where all Londoners have access to the same opportunities and I look forward to seeing all the positive impacts these projects will have in the future.”

LEAP Board Member, Alexandra Depledge MBE, added “I have always believed that Londoners know what’s best for their communities and this is evidenced in the wide variety and depth of innovation on display in the projects backed by Round 2 of the Good Growth Fund. These investments are good growth in action.”

Sarah Preece, Executive Director, Mountview – which received £843,000 in round one of the Good Growth Fund – concluded “The support from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund means Mountview is able to open fantastic new performance and training facilities to Londoners, including artist hub spaces, studios and a welcoming box office space – as well as an enhanced public realm with new planting and seating and opening up access to Peckham Square, the Surrey Canal greenway and the green route to Burgess Park.

“These spaces help us to achieve our mission of providing affordable performance training for people of all ages as well as opening community spaces for hire and providing two brand new theatres. Generations to come will benefit from the access to culture, recreation and learning that this enables.”

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UK housing market faces challenging 2019, warn experts

The UK housing market is unlikely to see much change in 2019 with a continuation of weakening sales activity, according to the RICS UK Residential Housing Forecast 2019.

The UK housing market has lacked impetus in 2018, having continued to struggle with a lack of homes on estate agents books; affordability issues; uncertainty caused by Brexit; and prospective interest rate rises.

Looking ahead, it is unlikely that sales will grow in 2019. In the past two years, sales activity has declined, and annual completed transactions remain significantly below the 1.7million high reached in 2006. Given the obstacles in the current market it is anticipated that activity will weaken further.

As sales activity continues to falter, house price growth will continue to fade in the first half of the year and is expected to come to a standstill by mid-2019. As such, the RICS Housing Forecast 2019 suggests prices will neither grow nor fall in the near future (0%).

The stagnation of house prices is underpinned by the lack of new properties being listed for sale. In the second-hand market, not enough properties have been listed to replenish those sold. This has been evident in the RICS data throughout 2018, as average stock levels remain near all-time record lows. The number of new properties being listed for sale has fallen consistently, and in November, almost half of survey participants reported the number of market appraisals undertaken over the month was down on the year before. All these indicators suggest it is unlikely that the coming months will see a marked increase in supply across the second-hand market.

Furthermore, despite new policy announcements from Government, overall growth in new builds has slowed, falling short of targets and therefore failing to help replenish estate agents’ stock levels.

A consequence of these lower levels of stock is the impact this will have on those contemplating moving home. Respondents to the UK Residential Market Survey have pointed to a sustained decline in the number of new enquiries they are receiving from would-be buyers throughout 2018, resulting in a fall in the number of agreed sales being made. In the near term, it is doubtful that activity levels will improve.

Uncertainty created by the Brexit process is causing buyers and sellers to sit tight in increasing numbers, according to the November 2018 RICS UK Residential Market Survey.

In the lettings market, the sustained demand vs supply challenge prevails, which is likely to squeeze rents higher, albeit modestly, over the coming four quarters.

Tarrant Parsons, RICS Economist comments “Demand has tailed off over recent months, with Brexit uncertainty causing greater hesitancy as the withdrawal deadline draws closer. That said, the current political environment is far from the only obstacle hindering activity with a shortage of stock continuing to present buyers with limited choice, while stretched affordability is pricing many people out.

“For the year ahead, this mixture of headwinds is unlikely to dissipate, meaning sales volumes may edge a little lower. On the back of this, house price growth at a UK level seems set to lose momentum further, although the lack of supply and a still solid labour market backdrop will likely prevent negative trends.

“It’s not all bad news for the outlook however, as sentiment could be lifted if a deal were to be reached on the withdrawal agreement before too long. Furthermore, mortgage rates are set to remain favourable, with any changes in monetary policy expected to be minimal over the next twelve months.”

Hew Edgar, RICS Head of Policy, adds “We would hope that uncertainty around Brexit will be resolved toward the beginning of 2019, allowing for fluidity to start to return to the housing market. However, there are a number of domestic hurdles to overcome, such as a lack of supply, labour shortages, and the infrastructure deficit, amid increasing material costs.

“Throughout 2018 as the supply pipeline remained weak, a number of policy proposals were made to address the market issues, most notably land value capture across the UK, and vacant land tax in Wales; but discussions around innovative policy measures need to continue through into implementation. It will be interesting to see if the divergence of policy in the constituent parts of the UK will bear results and we will continue to monitor the effects of housing policy through our market surveys.

“Looking at transaction levels, residential property taxation is in urgent need of review; and this goes for both SDLT and the current council tax system. Both affect buying behaviours and therefore market activity, with council tax being particularly outdated.

“If the Government wish to alleviate market concerns, that will persist Brexit or otherwise, then all possibly approaches and outcomes should be considered, including looking at tackling the rising number of long term empty homes – which number 250,000 across the UK; a figure that borders on the Government’s new homes target.”

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Ariston introduces Aures – a new electric instantaneous water heater

Ariston has added the Aures Slim Multi to its portfolio of electric water heaters. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from bathrooms and kitchens to loft conversions and utility rooms, each compact unit can simultaneously supply multiple outlets – such as a sink and a shower – with instantaneous hot water. As a result, users no longer have to wait for the water to heat up.

The Aures Slim Multi has an ‘A’ class ErP energy rating, making it the most efficient method of providing water at the point of use. Plus, each unit is also supplied with a two-year warranty as standard.

To ensure an advanced level of performance, the Aures Slim Multi is equipped with a flow sensor system, which initiates instantaneous water heating when an outlet is opened. The unit also boasts an easy to operate, front facing dial complete with LED indicators to highlight the selected power level: ‘low’ (4.5kW), ‘medium’ (5kW) or ‘high’ (9.5kW). In addition, all internal components can be accessed from the front of the unit for easy maintenance, while a double thermal cut-out is in place to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Aesthetically, the Aures Slim Multi benefits from premium Italian design by Umberto Palermo, including an elegant brushed effect front panel and a sleek cover to conceal the water inlet and outlet pipes. The product’s compact size (L = 304mm, H = 178mm, D = 98mm) also ensures plenty of space is saved in whatever application it is installed.

Commenting on the new electric water heater, Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston, said: “The Aures Slim Multi is a great addition to our range of hot water products. Because of its compact size, the unit can be fitted in narrow spaces, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including utility rooms, garages and conservatories.”

Ariston Thermo UK, which is part of the Ariston Thermo Group, is a manufacturer of domestic heating, hot water and renewable products. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Ariston Thermo is a worldwide leading company in the heating and water heating industry.

For more details about Ariston, visit: www.ariston.co.uk or follow @AristonUK on Twitter.
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London trialling indoor air pollution filtration systems in nurseries

The Mayor has launched a programme of air quality audits to help clean up toxic air and protect the health of young children at nurseries in some of the most polluted parts of London.

The audits will target sources of indoor and outdoor pollution, with five of the 20 nurseries trialling new air filtration systems to test their effectiveness at reducing indoor pollution. They will focus on reducing NO2, PM10 and PM 2.5 as research shows children exposed to these smaller pollution particles and gases are more likely to grow up with lung problems and to develop asthma.

The new scheme follows 50 successful audits the Mayor delivered to primary schools earlier this year, which have already led to some schools taking action to close roads, upgrade their boilers, tackle engine idling and promote car-sharing schemes.

A recent study by University College London and the University of Cambridge,funded by the Mayor, found that indoor air pollution was significantly higher inside classrooms, due to a range of factors including the age of buildings, ventilation, positioning of windows, and wall-to-wall carpeting.

The findings suggested that the protection offered by the building increased the further away it was from the busiest roads and that airtight buildings may offer greater protection against pollution. The report also found that, in most classrooms, annual exposure to small particles was higher than recommended World Health Organization guidelines, and that this was caused by a combination of indoor and outdoor sources.

The impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality underlines the importance of the hard-hitting measures Sadiq is already taking to tackle London’s toxic air, including introducing the 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone in Central London and cleaning up the bus fleet.

The audits will also review a range of methods to reduce pollution outside nurseries,including restricting road access outside entrances at drop off and collection times, moving playgrounds away from congested roads, installing green ‘pollution barrier’ hedges, tackling engine idling and promoting cycling and walking.

The £250,000 programme is funded as part of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund and audits will be conducted by global engineering consultancy WSP, who will spend the next few weeks in the nurseries, assessing indoor and outdoor air pollution sources, looking at how children travel to the nurseries, and reviewing local walking routes including traffic crossings. These will be the first City Hall trials of indoor filtration, beginning in spring 2019, with results expected later in the year, alongside a toolkit that can be given to all non-participating nurseries so they can conduct their own audits.

Built into the programme is a ring-fenced starter grant of £4,500 for the 20 nurseries to help kick-start recommendations on completion of the audits.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said “It remains a shameful fact that London’s toxic air health crisis is harming the lung growth and respiratory health of our young children, and City Hall is determined to everything in our power to protect them. These nursery audits focus on indoor pollution as well as outdoor sources, and will help us understand ways we can stop toxic air from our congested roads raising pollution limits inside nurseries.

“The 50 school audits we delivered are already resulting in positive changes that are helping reduce pollution and clean the air for thousands of pupils. We will continue to prioritise the health of all Londoners with a range of strong measures including the introduction next April of the 24-hour Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone, cleaning up our bus fleet and working with boroughs on local interventions.

“Now it is high time the Government stepped up and matched my ambition by delivering a new Clean Air and Environment Act and introducing the scrappage scheme we need to remove the dirtiest vehicles off our streets once and for all.”

Dr Simon Lenton, representative of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health added “The adverse impact on health of air pollution is now well established in adults. Infants and children are more vulnerable as their lungs and brains are still developing. Children and infants spend many hours in nursery or at school and it is imperative we know what air pollutants they are exposed to and then take action to ensure the air they breathe is as pure as possible. This is particularly important in proximity to high traffic density and close to industrial areas.”

Louise Beanland, Governor of Melcombe Primary School who received an audit, concluded “I welcome the commitment that the Mayor is showing to doing everything he can to improve the health and wellbeing of our children. The announcement of the 20 nurseries selected to receive an air quality audit and, other interventions, is yet another sign of such a commitment’.

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Rinnai A-rated Infinity range for a low NOx infinite supply of safe hot water

Available from leading manufacturer Rinnai is claimed to be the most energy efficient, low NOx and cost-effective range of A-rated water heaters across a range of load profiles compared with any other gas fired continuous flow water heaters on the UK market.

RINNAI’S HEAVY-DUTY CONDENSING (HDC) INFINITY MODELS

The Infinity HDC1600i, tested to below 20 ppm NOx, produces the lowest emissions on the market, with 107% net thermal efficiencies. The newly developed unit with down-firing burner allows increased efficiency.

The established award-winning condensing HDC1200 internal and external models show an impressive energy performance of 107% net thermal efficiency while the larger Rinnai HDC1500 internal and external models turn in 105% net thermal efficiency.

The Rinnai Infinity Low NOx HD55i internal water heater is a room sealed, wall hung, LPG or natural gas fired continuous flow water heater. The Infinity Low NOx 55i is capable of supplying in excess of 980 litres at 50º rise per hour. Up to 25 units can be cascaded to satisfy any specification.

RINNAI SOLO

The Infinity Solo condensing, low NOx condensing water heater, is the first Rinnai product for the UK to combine the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless-steel storage cylinder in one compact unit.

RINNAI INFINITY PLUS

The Infinity Plus solution brings together multiple units of the company’s award-winning low NOx water heaters into single, easily manoeuvrable modules. All pre-assembled on ready fixed racks designed to fit through standard door frames.

RINNAI INFINITY INDUSTRY SPECIFIC BESPOKE PACK

The Rinnai Bespoke Packs have been designed to provide better on-site efficiency and is supplied to site in one complete package, ready for instant installation. The A rated, low NOx system offers proven tested 105% efficiency and is G3 and Legionella (ACOP L8) compliant.

RINNAI INFINITY DOMESTIC AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL UNITS

The 24kW multipoint Rinnai Infinity 11i and 35kW 16i with push fit flue systems join the Rinnai Infinity 17e for external mounting to create a flexible range of domestic and light commercial water heaters that boast high efficiencies and on-going savings, with ease of installation and reliability.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Gradus and Groundwork partner to dispel Urban Myths

When contract interior specialist, Gradus, launched a new design-led, contemporary carpet range called “Urban Myth”, they took the opportunity to take on some ‘urban myths’ within their own community in nearby West Gorton, Manchester.

Working in partnership with leading communities charity, Groundwork; Manchester City Council and The Guinness Partnership, Gradus provided an opportunity for the local community to have hands-on involvement in the creation of a pollinator garden; large containers filled with a diverse collection of pollinating flowers. The purpose of the mobile biodiversity initiative is not only to increase the biodiversity of the residents’ local environment, but also dispel the myth that people don’t value green spaces.

Anthony Roberts, Group Marketing Communications Manager, at Gradus explains: “There is a misconception that urban communities such as those here in West Gorton, don’t value the green space or green initiatives. However, as we’ve witnessed, that is far removed from reality.

“A project like this helps to transform all-too-rare green spaces and by ensuring that a variety of plants are chosen, we can breathe new life in to these areas. We’re also able to create multi-functional, multi-purpose green spaces that appeal to all members of the local community.

“As a manufacturer that works closely with architects, we understand that the role of the architect and architecture is changing. RIBA’s update to its ten mandatory CPD core curriculum topics highlights social purpose as integral to the role and responsibility of architects. Architecture for social purpose is about understanding the social value and economic and environmental benefits that architecture brings for individuals and communities. The project at West Gorton is an exemplar of that, this resonates on a much deeper level, enhancing social spirit and fostering cohesion within the community.”

Gradus worked closely with Groundwork, a charity active in the West Gorton community, to make the mobile biodiversity initiative a reality and as Julie Hyslop, Senior Project Officer, adds: “Through our work and projects like this, we’re able to maximise the space available and engage the local community at the same time. Here in West Gorton, we’ve seen school children of every age passionate about the garden’s creation and its ongoing upkeep, whilst older residents have been enthused at the chance to get to know their neighbours better and spend more time with them.”

Local residents were actively involved in the creation of the containers in which the plants have been arranged. They are wrapped with a variety of educational messages to reinforce both the value of the garden’s creation and its ongoing contribution to the local community.

Anthony concludes: “We’re looking forward to seeing how the project we’ve created here is cared for and enjoyed, as well as the contribution it makes to strengthening the local community. It has certainly dispelled the myth that such initiatives aren’t valued, and we very much hope to work in other areas of the UK to similarly make a difference.”

For more information on Urban Myth or Gradus’ complete carpet range, please visit www.gradus.com or contact Gradus Technical Support on 01625 428922.
More information can be found about Groundwork’s community work within Greater Manchester at http://groundwork.org.uk/Sites/msstt/
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New 2019 manual is extensive, informative and contains excellent construction solutions

Cavity Trays of Yeovil is the longest-established specialist in its field, and importantly is the only UK cavity tray manufacturer awarded European Technical Approval.

The Company is releasing a new technical handbook that contains more information and more problem-solving products than any previous publication.

Volume 28 bears the appropriate title: ‘Protecting the Building Envelope’ and contains approved national and international best practice build detail.

The official publication date is January 2019, but early release copies are being made available now, upon request.

Containing 190 pages, this latest publication addresses construction details from ground to rooftop, and lists new products and solutions including the Protective Adjustable Threshold that recently won the Housebuilder/HBF/NHBC award for Best New Building Product of 2018.

Cavity Trays approved products are accompanied with a performance warranty for the benefit of Architect, Builder and Client.

During the past three years the Yeovil-based Company has expanded its research and development department that for many decades has operated a national survey of building envelope problems and weaknesses, identifying where changes can be beneficial.

A Company spokesman explained: ‘Whilst our ongoing survey provides us with insight into the problematic areas of construction, most importantly it highlights error trends and where improvement is required.

We are regularly contacted by Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Architects seeking guidance from the survey.’

Advance copies of this latest technical manual are being despatched throughout December.

Register your request now to receive this manual free of charge from the only UK cavity tray company awarded European Technical Approval.

Essential reading for those seeking best practice build details with an accompanying warranty – from the longest-established company in this specialised field.

For further information please contact, Tel: 01935 474769 Email: enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk Web: www.cavitytrays.com
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Evinox Comment on Changes to Hot Water Services in NHBC Standards for 2019

The NHBC is the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, setting standards for registered builders and working to help improve the construction quality of the homes they build.

They recently announced the launch of their 2019 Standards, which will become effective from 1st January 2019. The standards apply to all properties with foundations laid on or after that date.

Evinox are happy to see some updates to ‘Hot water services’ in the new standards, where changes have been made to some of the flow rates and supply temperatures at the outlets. For example, the supply temperature at the kitchen sink has been reduced from the previous 60C to 55C, which is in line with the delivery temperature that was selected for the majority of Heat Networks, during the last year.

NHBC-Table-3-web

Helen Gibbons, Evinox Technical and Design Manager, Comments, “This change to the outlet temperature is a very positive development as it will enable district and communal heating system flow temperatures to be reduced, something which is especially important for the growth of 4th Generation Heat Networks in the UK. In addition, the lowered DHW temperature combined with the new table in the NHBC standard for simultaneous hot water use, will give design engineers the confidence to reduce the kW demand for individual properties, something which will improve both efficiency and cost of UK Heat Networks.”

Helen continued, “whilst we are very happy to see that the required temperature from the kitchen outlet has been lowered to 55C for 2019, we do hope to see this further reduced to 50C for heat network developments using instantaneous DHW heat interface units in the near future.”

Find out more about Evinox’s Products and Services for Heat Networks by visiting www.evinoxenergy.co.uk or contact Evinox at info@evinox.co.uk for further information.
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Art meets architecture pt.1 – Music

Architecture is a very tangible example of creativity. You can see it with your eyes, touch its exterior, feel its fabric and walk its hallways. Music however is much more visceral art form. The notes and harmonies paint vivid pictures in your mind rather than in front of you. These landscapes are unique to you because music by its very nature is subjective. Imagine then, if you could hear architecture. The way a structure is perceived would immediately change and the landscape you perceive would be a perfect combination of the visceral and the tangible. This has been achieved with a restoration project in Croatia.

Following utter devastation to Zadar in Croatia during WWII, hasty reconstruction work was carried out soon after in an earnest attempt to rebuild the area. The result (as so often following WWII around the world) was a bland and uninspiring expanse of concrete. In this case, an unbroken, monotonous concrete wall along the seafront.

Architect Nikola Bašić decided to try something different and breathe life into the area as part of a project to redesign the new city coast, Nova Riva. On 15th April 2005 he opened a wind and wave powered organ to the public – the first of its kind. As waves break against the altered shoreline, the organ creates somewhat random but harmonic sounds.

wave-organ_11212015

As wind and waves pass through the organ, notes are sounded at random. Pipes within the organ have been carefully tuned so as to only produce notes that harmonise well together, meaning that despite the unpredictability and spontaneous nature of this instrument/structure, the overall sound is always pleasing on the ear.

The sculpture is 230 feet long and comprises 35 organ pipes embedded within the concrete, which sound different notes as you walk along the promenade. The pipes are an intricate system of polyethylene tubes and resonating cavities which turn the site into a large musical instrument, played by the wind and the sea.

The Sea Organ (known locally as Morske Orgulje) has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, as well as drawing regulars from the surrounding areas to enjoy its song. Since its original opening, white marble steps leading down to the water have now been added, giving people somewhere to sit and gather their thoughts.

In 2006, the Sea Organ was awarded with the prize ex-aequo of the fourth edition of the European Prize for Urban Public Space.

Listen to the organ’s beautiful music below:

Whilst this is obviously a very special and unique concept, it perhaps raises the interesting idea that architecture can actually be multi-functional and appease more senses than just sight. We all live, work and play within the built environment. Wouldn’t it be interesting if as well as us interacting with our surroundings, our surroundings could also interact with us?

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