Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

BUILDING BRIDGES WITHIN LIGHT STEEL FRAMING

Raising awareness of light steel frame technology

#construction #constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #lightsteelframing #LSFA #offsite #buildingtechnology #fasteners @EJOTUKindustry

EJOT looks to fastening technology to build bridges within light steel framing

EJOT UK has recently chosen to join the newly launched Light Steel Framing Association (LSFA). The UK subsidiary of this global fastener manufacturing giant is not alone in making this strategic step, with several other manufacturing OEM’s and market leading system providers opting to make the same decision.

Since its inauguration a little over 12 months ago, the LSFA has set a clear objective to raise awareness of light steel frame technology across all building sectors, notably the exacting demands of offsite construction. Working closely with its members, the LSFA has set out its stall with a dedicated mandate to engage and educate the wider industry by highlighting the performance, productivity, and sustainability benefits light steel framing technology offers.

 

 

Historically, dedicated categories within EJOT’s traditional construction fixing portfolio have developed in tandem with light steel framing systems. As the latter have become an integral part of the modern building envelope – so EJOT has developed niche fastening solutions to satisfy growing market demands. For the fastener manufacturer, this has been most evident within application areas such as rainscreen and façade installation and external thermal render systems.

Utilising cross-sector expertise
However, the progressive development of offsite construction and its potentiality to the future of the industry is opening the door to utilise EJOT’s cross-sector expertise in order to capitalise on its engineering knowledge, worldwide research and development capability –  all of which contributes to advanced fastening technologies that feed into applications that span virtually all assembly based products found in every corner of the globe. Unlike any other fastener manufacturer concerned with construction oriented products, this gives EJOT unique market positioning by bringing together products and expertise from the industrial and engineering sectors, thus utilising this fastening technology by integrating it into the products and installation techniques that we see on building sites today.
Whilst already an established sector, light steel framing can also be identified as one that will grow and develop to meet many future needs of an industry that is without doubt, going to face fresh challenges in balancing productivity against more focused legislation and the demands of an expectant local and global economy.

As one might expect, cross sector collaboration is not without its own cultural differences.  EJOT’s traditional product range for the construction industry has in essence, evolved historically to provide high performance solutions for known on-site applications, delivered on time to where and when they are needed. It is a fast-moving flow of solutions and support.


In contrast, EJOT’s industrial engineering fastener capability worldwide is based upon a more long-term ethos of project development, managed side by side with customers. That often means modifying or re-engineering fastener thread, material – even coating technology – to arrive at a bespoke solution that delivers greater assembly and application performance efficiencies. So whilst the undeniable inevitability is that as original manufacturers of such a vast array of fastening applications across so many industrial sectors, the science of thread-forming, metallurgy and organic coatings, have cross-pollinated all of the sectors via a learning curve on all sides, not least what could equally be badged ‘the science of installation technology’.

Synergy with lightweight engineering assembly
EJOT’s application engineering team will tell you that the joining of different lightweight material compositions within engineering applications is as much to do with the measured precision of installation tools and techniques as the fastening products themselves – and it is here that synergy between EJOT’s overall expertise matches the potentiality of the light steel sector.
EJOT’s Technical Business Development Manager in the UK is Brian Mack:

“We are already seeing the adaptation and integration of highly technical industrial engineering processes into the planning and specifications for various modes of offsite construction and this will transform next generation building processes.
“As an example, we are finding increasingly that innovations developed for automotive assemblies are supporting the development of construction products and installation processes, with engineers on both sides of the fence now sharing common ground within joint project arenas”.

Such innovations in engineering technology include revolutionary fastening systems for vehicle frame assembly known as ‘body-in-white’. Such integration of products and installation programmes are now vastly contributing to the global need to ‘build lighter, build stronger’. Fully automated and semi-automated solutions developed in conjunction with industry partners such as the screwdriving specialist Deprag, are already proving to be pivotal in delivering an engineering-based approach to a rapidly developing construction sector.
Brian Mack continued:

“The development of cross-industry solutions via the origination of new technologies and products can support best practice and the progressive needs of light steel framing, especially within the MMC, volumetric and modular off-site sectors that we are already heavily involved with”.

Dedicated research, development and testing
Testing and technical support for the development of fastening products and installation systems is provided by the EJOT Applitec Centre which is based within the company’s UK manufacturing centre in North Yorkshire – with additional expertise provided by sister laboratories around the world. The investment made locally and internationally within all of these centres is evidence of the Group’s commitment to support the objectives and forward-thinking approach of institutions such as the LSFA.
Globally EJOT operates 15 manufacturing centres in ten countries, employing over 3,100 people. In addition to the manufacturing operations the Group has 34 subsidiaries in 32 countries, with six research and testing centres in strategic locations. EJOT has also developed partnerships with several academic institutions, aimed at maintaining the development of advanced fastening solutions for the future.

EJOT’s UK manufacturing centre is in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. Visit the website or call 01977 687040.

www.ejot.co.uk

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Totally Modular Secures a ‘Hat-trick’ of Innovate UK Grants

Three projects that are key stepping stones to progress in the MMC evolution.

#construction #construction industry #sustainable #architects #local authorities #contractors #developers #innovation #building technology#MMC #housing crisis #grant awards @totallymodular

 

After months of hard work and collaboration, Totally Modular have successfully secured a hat-trick of Innovate UK grants as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund & UK Research and Innovation, following three successful submissions to the Transforming Construction Challenge.

This success, is a unique achievement that highlights Totally Modulars strong commitment for driving new innovative methods to enable positive transformation within the UK construction sector for numerous reasons. These projects will unlock the much needed MMC innovation which is vital to overcome the current UK housing crisis, creating highly skilled and paid jobs of the future and set global standards for house-building.

The three trail blazing projects are;

1)  STELLAR – Supporting SMEs and Social Housing Providers to embrace Modern Methods of Construction – Totally Modular has created a consortium of academic, technical, industry and end-user stakeholders with the of intention of producing a common steel framing platform that can be utilised without the need to start from first engineering principles each and every time designs change alongside the demonstration that a satellite manufacturing facility can be fully operational within a shortened time frame whilst negating the need for a multi-million pound capex investment.

 

2)  Enabling Housing Innovation for Inclusive Growth – Totally Modular are proud to have been chosen as a delivery partner for such a high profile project with the aim being to deliver multiple developments within Bristol City Councils region demonstrating residential assets whilst encompassing the many facets of R&D that MMC innovation offers.

 

3)  IGNITE – Integrated, Intelligent, Digital Tendering System – Working with one of the UK’s prestige housing associations, Places for People, Totally Modular form part of a consortium that aims to implement an integrated software solution that will transform housing design, costing, tendering and manufacturing for MMC delivery. It will create a transparent procurement process for housing developers and MMC suppliers, and give certainty of specification back to housing providers and asset managers.

 

The variety of scope from the projects shows Totally Modulars commitment to the whole MMC journey, as the projects show a combination of accelerated housing delivery, digital planning and production technologies that will enable the industry to attain new levels of quality, variability, and efficiency.

John Connolly, Managing Director of Totally Modular said,

“In business you often plan for the worse and hope for the best, however in being awarded three Innovate UK grants via the recent Transforming UK Construction call, which having been advised by our partners is a unique achievement for a UK based SME, we are quite overwhelmed with this outcome which demonstrates the level of importance that is being placed on changing the way we build in this country!”
 “This achievement, by all of the various individuals involved from all consortium team members, is a testament to their hard work and commitment and should be greatly recognised by the organisations they represent and most importantly, the outcomes of all of these projects will deliver the benefits that residents of affordable housing will need going forward to ensure they have a safe, comfortable and future proof environment to call home.”

Simon Hart, Head of Construction for Innovate UK said,

“The Transforming Construction Challenge is transforming the places where we live, work and learn using digital manufacturing techniques. In a sector worth over £100 billion a year in the UK, around 6% of GDP. It is one of the most vital industries in the country. The challenge will support the industry in adopting technologies and help buildings to be constructed 50% faster, 33% cheaper and with half the lifetime carbon emissions.
It is fantastic to see the successful investment in innovation that Totally Modular have made towards these goals. My team and I would like to congratulate Totally Modular on their recent grant awards and we look forward to working with them over the next two years to maximise the impact of the projects.”

The innovation that drives these projects will showcase better delivery, enable more certainty and transparency during the design, construction and operation of MMC housing. Therefore, increasing asset availability, lifespan and maximise performance.
As Totally Modular are a SME volumetric, offsite manufacturer they believe that these three projects are a key stepping stone to progress this MMC evolution.

www.totallymodular.co.uk

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Deceuninck: the commercial fenestration expert

The latest innovatons in window technology for developers and specifiers

#construction #construction industry #doors #sustainable #windows #architects #local authorities #contractors #developers #innovation #building technology @deceuninckUK

 

John Duckworth, Deceuninck Head of Commercial Sales explores the role of suppliers in assisting in the design of commercial projects.

Although sometimes overlooked, windows and doors are a crucial part of the build process, providing natural light, ventilation, and architectural interest. And the latest innovations in window technology give developers and specifiers a choice of materials, styles and designs to choose from.
Coupled with advice and guidance from experienced window suppliers, the very best of this window technology works seamlessly with modern construction methods to create the right aesthetics, reduce installation time, and improve the building’s overall performance.

Products designed for commercial applications

Deceuninck is a leading window systems company with a thriving commercial business. Our windows and doors are engineered to create the perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines that translate into beautiful looks and performance, combined with outstanding security, energy efficiency and weather performance. Deceuninck’s flagship commercial 5000 window with Linktrusion™ technology is a popular choice with developers. Linktrusion offers the best attributes of aluminium and PVC-U in one system, combining pultruded glass-fibre with PVC-U for strong but light windows with slim sightlines and outstanding thermal efficiency. When used with Deceuninck’s Decoroc colour finishing system, it’s hard to distinguish it from aluminium in looks, touch or performance.

 

 

Commercial partnerships

Deceuninck has strong ties in the commercial and housebuilding sector, working with a number of prominent developers including Berkeley Group, Crest Nicholson, Countryside Properties, Weston Homes and Catalyst Housing. Product is just part of the offering. Our strength in the commercial sector comes from our ability to work with all parts of the supply chain and give advice in the early stages of product specification. Our commercial and technical teams and partner fabricators have extensive experience in off-site, modular and steel frame construction and we offer guidance on the interface of windows in modern construction methods, working with EPDM suppliers such as Tremco at specification stage. We work closely with developers, specifiers, fabricators and contractors to see the full picture of how windows work within the build, be it timber frame, steel frame or modular, to ensure products meet technical specifications and are correctly installed and perform effectively in the finished project.
A recent example of this close collaboration with supplier and client in providing a full design solution came in the Springfield Park development with Weston Homes. This was a complex development of over 300 apartments in one tower and three low storey blocks. It incorporated a concrete frame construction with the windows fitted on front of the frame in steel brackets, followed by EPDM shrouding. Deceuninck’s commercial and technical teams worked with window fabricator FastFrame to provide the technical information required for the interface and correct installation of the windows. Our Linktrusion 2500 Fully Reversible Window (FRW) in Decoroc Quartz Grey successfully broke the original specification for aluminium because it combined slim, contemporary profiles with outstanding thermal and acoustic performance. The development, close to roads, railways and the river Thames called for acoustic windows to minimise the impact of external noise and low U-Values to meet stringent energy requirements. Deceuninck’s FRW comfortably met these requirements with decibel reductions in the mid-40s and U-Values as low as 1.3 W/m2K.

Experts in modular developments
The Hinkley Point Worker Accommodation development was another technically demanding project in which 80% of the 1,400 windows were installed into pre-fabricated modules off-site. Working in partnership with fabricator Dempsey Dyer, Deceuninck’s technical team ensured our Tilt and Turn windows met the highest energy and weather requirements both off-site and in installation. Once assembled, the windows passed the most stringent CWCT water testing, normally only used for curtain walling. Deceuninck’s technical team worked with Dempsey Dyer to successfully cut the windows’ decibel rating down by RW35db to RW40db and RW43db, helping to minimise the impact of noise on workers to make a quieter, healthier environment.
More recently, Dempsey Dyer has started supplying Deceuninck’s 2500 series windows for university student accommodation. This modular construction project in conjunction with Bouygues will see the windows shipped to Morocco for installation in a modular factory, with further commissioning on site in the UK. Together with Dempsey Dyer, we’ve facilitated this project by giving advice on design, purge ventilation and interface detail. Dempsey Dyer is also sending a team to Morocco to train workers on effective modular installation. It’s an exciting project and we predict the strong trend for modular construction will continue to grow.
Call 01249 816 969 or the below website to see more commercial case studies and learn more about our commercial work. You can also download Deceuninck’s full product portfolio from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com/deceuninck-ltd.

www.deceuninck.co.uk

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A Material Supplier’s Responsibility to Offsite & Modular Builders

Modular & MMC the success of this approach is key to the future success of our construction industry, challenging suppliers to seek a much wider knowledge resource

#construction #constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #innovation #buildingtechnology #MMC #modular #suppliers #adhesvies @LiquidPlastics

We hear a lot in the media relating to Offsite Construction, Modular Buildings and Modern Methods of Construction – the success of this approach is key to the future success of our construction industry. The challenge for component or material suppliers is to be able to transfer their ideas and knowledge to the specifiers and manufacturers.  It has been my experience that we have an abundance of companies in the UK with innovative ideas for Offsite Manufacturing in the construction industry, but they may be failing to access a much wider knowledge resource.

Many material and component suppliers from diverse industries have something to offer for offsite construction, even if their heritage is not from a construction background. I see my responsibility as bringing positive ideas to the table and helping manufacturers to avoid reinventing the wheel. Here are two examples from my own organisation’s experience.

 

Adhesives Create Opportunities
My first example is the rail market.  In the 1980’s most trains and carriages were constructed using traditional joining technologies (welding, rivets, and other mechanical fixings).  This limited design possibilities and with a greater reliance on a very skilled workforce, created a restriction on what could be achieved.  With the main train manufacturers, Sika worked on providing elastic bonding systems which helped in so many ways.  It allowed design flexibility as alternative materials could be used.  Mixed materials could be joined, with the use of bonded solutions allowing structural integrity to be improved dramatically.  Bonded processes allowed greater process repeatability which in turn improved quality and reduced the requirement for skilled labour.  The use of elastic and structural adhesives is now common amongst all rail rolling stock manufacturers.  I would make the same recommendation to the Offsite Construction market – there is an alternative to the mechanical fix norm.

Dramatically Improve Efficiency
The second example is the automotive Industry.  Whilst the offsite and modular building market still sees a degree of bespoke manufacturing, the trend is towards reducing components and design complexity, and increasing potential output.  The challenge again is that many traditional construction techniques are used where an automotive manufacturing approach will see reduced costs, higher levels of efficiency, and higher quality.  The automotive market provides vehicles of different specifications allowing customers to make choices but can still have a production line running at sub 60 seconds per work-station.  The automotive industry relies on building a critical mass of vehicles so any ideas that can level out the build process and reduce build time is welcome.  Whilst employing many engineers, the automotive manufacturers utilise a pool of highly experienced and knowledgeable suppliers to create ideas, new concepts, and novel ways to help them achieve their goals.

We Are Here to Help
I would therefore venture that the Offsite, Modular, and MMC market can benefit from a lot of great ideas and know-how from key suppliers. I would also say an investment in key partners is extremely valuable.  The challenge is for the industry to work together, to create collaboration, and more importantly to develop the right supplier partnerships.
For more information on Sika Offsite, contact James Taylor on 01707 363893 or visit the
below website.

www.gbr.sika.com

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Fastest Rise in Construction Activity for 2 years

June data pointed to a sharp turnaround in the performance of the UK construction sector as the phased restart of work on site helped to lift output volumes and boost business confidence. At the same time, new orders stabilised after three months of sharp declines and purchasing activity expanded at the fastest rate since December 2015.

 

The headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index jumped to 55.3 in June, from 28.9 in May, to signal a strong increase in total construction output. Moreover, the latest reading signalled the steepest pace of expansion since July 2018.

 

Higher levels of business activity were overwhelmingly linked to the reopening of the UK construction supply chain following stoppages and business closures during the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Residential building was the best-performing area of construction activity in June. Around 46% of survey respondents noted an increase in housing activity, while only 27% experienced a reduction. The latest expansion of residential construction work was the steepest for just under five years. Commercial work and civil engineering activity also returned to growth in June, although the rates of expansion were softer than seen for house building. New business volumes increased marginally in June, which ended a three-month period of decline. However, the rate of new order growth was far weaker than seen for business activity, reflecting ongoing hesitancy among clients and longer lead-times to secure new contracts. A number of construction firms noted that new work related to infrastructure projects was a key source of growth in June

 

Employment numbers fell at the end of the second quarter, according to the latest survey data. Reports from panel members suggested that worries about the longer-term demand outlook had led to cautious hiring policies and, in some cases, redundancies alongside furlough arrangements in June. The index measuring business expectations for the year ahead remained historically subdued, but climbed to its highest since February amid a boost from the reopening of work on site.

 

Exactly 46% of the survey panel anticipate a rise in business activity, while 31% forecast a reduction. The latter mostly commented on concerns about the wider UK economic outlook. Severe supply chain disruptions continued in June, reflecting stronger demand for construction inputs and ongoing reports of constrained materials availability (especially plaster). This resulted in another rise in purchasing costs, with the rate of inflation accelerating to it’s highest since the start of 2020.

 

Tim Moore, Economics Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey:

 

“June’s survey data revealed a steep rebound in UK construction output as more sites began to reopen and the supply chain kicked into gear. House building led the way with the fastest rise in activity for nearly five years, while commercial and civil engineering also joined in the recovery from the low point seen in April. “As the first major part of the UK economy to begin a phased return to work, the strong rebound in construction activity provides hope to other sectors that have suffered through the lockdown period. While it has taken time for the construction supply chain to adapt and rebuild capacity after widespread business closures, there is now clear evidence that a return to growth has been achieved.”While some survey respondents commented on cautious optimism about their near-term prospects, construction companies continued to face challenges securing new work against an unfavourable economic backdrop and a lost period for tender opportunities. At the same time, operating expenses are rising due to constrained capacity across the supply chain and the impact of social distancing measures. “Looking ahead, construction firms are more confident than at any time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ongoing reductions in staffing numbers seen in June provide a stark reminder that underlying conditions across the sector are a long way off returning to those seen before the public health emergency.” Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply:”Builders were the stars of the UK economy in June with the fastest rise in purchasing activity in almost five years, as pent-up building plans were unleashed following the easing of lockdown measures. Housing led the way with the other main sectors closely behind as several larger infrastructure projects were also on the move.”As business confidence improved to its largest extent since February, companies were buying up materials and laying the groundwork for a stronger summer’s end. This resulted in the highest input price inflation since the start of the year as supply chains creaked under the strain of increased shortages. Building performance is dependent on other sectors recovering at a similar pace, and as businesses were opening up, some fell short of their usual delivery capacity. “Only two months ago the construction sector produced the worst results in the history of the PMI, and there are still some potholes to navigate around as Government support for jobs is stripped away. Employment levels remained deflated, with reports of redundancies, furloughed staff and a reluctance to boost staff numbers when new order levels remained so flat. But with a significant rise in the headline output number, it looks as though all the building blocks are there for the sector’s increasing health…”

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SELF BUILD – live webinair 10th July 10 am

Click here to register now

 

This webinar will cover the following topics:
  • Self-Build options
  • Design & cost considerations
  • Energy efficiency trade offs
  • Personal experiences with self-build
The webinar will be followed by a live video Q&A session, hosted by our Managing Director Keira Proctor along with staff from our technical & sales team.
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Rinnai UK open for business

Rinnai UK is continuing to be open for business throughout the current situation with staff able to take any orders or enquiries via telephone or online.

We believe it is both critical and a duty to do our part in helping stop the transmission of COVID-19.  Therefore, we have staff who can and are working from home. And business is continuing as usual via phone and online. 

The company supplies a range of continuous flow hot water heating units and systems for installation in commercial and domestic sites.

Rinnai has very good stock levels of all units in the range plus spares and accessories.

Please contact our company direct if you are having any problems in gaining access to the supply of units – 

Call:   Head Office 01928 531 870 or Rinnai London 0203 903 9030

Email info@rinnaiuk.com

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MCALPINE – ZERO EMISSIONS IN FIVE YEARS

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Building and civil engineering company, Sir Robert McAlpine, has set a path to achieving net zero carbon emissions within the next five years.

The commitment came as the company launched a new sustainability strategy for 2020-2024. McAlpine has also targeted realising year on year increases on social value delivered across its operations.

The sustainability strategy aims to have a measurably positive impact on local communities and the environment. Working hand in hand with the supply chain, it tackles the challenge to deliver sustainable construction, operate ethically and address issues known to be underlying causes of climate change.

“As individuals, we are passionate about the work that we do and delivering quality projects for our clients, yet the impact that our industry has on the environment and society cannot be ignored.”

 

 

 

 

–Simon Richards

Head of Sustainability, Sir Robert McAlpine

 

Collective responsibility

“It is collectively our responsibility to address this” continued Richards. “This strategy gives our people and projects a framework to do so proactively and collaboratively with our supply chain partners and the wider construction industry.”

Environmental contractor of the year

The strategy builds on the previous sustainability roadmap, which earned Sir Robert McAlpine the title of “Environmental Contractor of the Year” in 2018. The strategy incorporates lessons learned from employees, projects and supply chain partners. The result is a sustainability framework with the flexibility to allow for targets that are specific and adapted to each project.

The strategy will focus on four key areas:

Becoming net zero carbon – Sir Robert McAlpine is focusing on reducing emissions through carbon reduction initiatives implemented across the business and industry collaborations, resulting in year on year reduction in carbon emissions and achieving net zero carbon emissions within five years. The Carbon Trust will provide third party certification to validate the claims

  • Resource efficiency – year on year reduction of construction waste, maximising resource efficiency and applying circular economy principles in the delivery of projects. Achieved through the implementation of modern methods of construction, modularisation, offsite construction, as well as collaboration across the industry
  • Ethical procurement – increasing the transparency of supply chains to ensure services are ethically sourced, and improving the responsible sourcing of building materials to minimise impact on the environment
  • Social value – year on year increase of social value delivered across the company’s operations. A partnership with the Social Profit Calculator allows the business to set targets, forecast, monitor and improve the social value delivered by each project.

“We all have a role to play. Our strategy emphasises our skills and expertise to take up the challenge and lead on embedding change, making a meaningful, lasting difference.”

 

Source: ThisWeekinFM.com

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BUILD ON FLOOD PLANES? YES BUT…

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The UK’s house building target is often blighted by where to build, as a result a lot of recent housing projects have been developed on or very near to potential flood sites. As the evidence of climate change is being demonstrated more by the actual weather than the experts, flooding will become a far greater problem in the future than the one the UK is currently facing.

We have many villages and cities that have a long heritage with their footings going back centuries. It may well be that in the distant past of their beginnings when roads were nothing more than lanes, the land they laid their cornerstones on was well clear of the flood planes of the river ways that gave them commercial service. However as many of the Scandinavian countries know, the land is not fixed, over centuries it can be viewed as slow motion fluid and what was once out of reach of potential flood waters is now dangerously near.

So are we foolish to continue to build on potential flood planes. The answer would seem to be no and yes. No, if we continue to use the same old tried and tested specification that expects what is considered normal rainfall for the UK, because realistically that normal is quickly changing making our ‘normal’ quick build housing totally unable to cope with even minor flooding, but ‘Yes’ if we adapt to natures wrath and think more of not where we build but what we build.

Wuhan city in China has been in the news recently for reasons that I am sure no one needs reminding of, but in 1931 it headlined for a very different reason. Considered to be one of the worst floods in history, the effects of flooding in Wuhan in wreaked dreadful devastation and took the lives of more than 300,000.

 

The problems began in the spring as river water began pouring into the streets and mingled with effluent disgorged from overflowing sewers. Soon the whole city was permeated by a horrific stench, which only grew worse under the heat of the sun. Rickshaw pullers and other menial workers had to wade through filthy water to earn a living, while customers perched precariously on the awnings. This was one of many inequalities to define experiences of the disaster.

In late July, the dykes that encircled Wuhan collapsed. The water that had been held back now cascaded into the city at terrifying speed. Flood waves scoured whole neighbourhoods from the landscape. Thousands of people living in houses constructed from timber and earth drowned or were buried alive. Those who survived salvaged what they could – a little food, religious artefacts, anything buoyant – and began their search for refuge.

Chinadialogue.net

 

A grim picture indeed, as the century unfolded Wuhan continued to suffer with the rainy season almost guaranteed to produce flooding but in 2015 a project was begun to make 16 Chinese cities, ‘Sponge’ cities and one of them is Wuhan.

“A sponge city is one that can hold, clean, and drain water in a natural way using an ecological approach,” says Kongjian Yu, the dean of Peking University’s College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, who is helping to coordinate the national project.

Traditionally, Chinese cities handled water well, Yu notes. “But in modern China, we have destroyed those natural systems of ponds, rivers, and wetlands, and replaced them with dams, levees, and tunnels, and now we are suffering from floods.”

Reverse-engineering a city to make it more spongey requires a mental rather than physical shift, he argues. “It’s a whole new philosophy of dealing with water. It is about how we plan and design our cities in an ecological way. Not about piecemeal, manmade engineering projects.

The idea of a sponge city is simple – rather than using concrete to channel away rainwater, you work with nature to absorb, clean and use the water.

“Floods are not enemies,” explains Yu. “We can make friends with floods. We can make friends with water.”

During the dry season, the terrace is a park for residents to enjoy. But during the rainy season it can flood, protecting the city without the need for grey infrastructure like flood walls or dykes.

Not only does this safeguard the city by working with nature, but the water is clean, vegetation can grow and a habitat is created for wildlife.

It’s not just wetlands and restored riverbanks, though. Sponge cities also include green walls and roofs, permeable pavements and green buildings.

CLICK HERE FOR KONGJIAN YU’S VIDEO

 

Many other countries through out the world have experienced flooding to a much greater degree than the UK for a far longer duration, in 2016 writing for The Earthbound Report, Jeremy Williams sited 5 construction resolves that could help to hold back the potential destruction and havoc that water, out of control can deliver.

 

Elevation


This is the oldest and most obvious way to build a flood proof house. If you must build near a river or the sea, just make sure you lift your building above the likely height of the flood waters. There are a number of ways to do that. You can build a house on stilts, a traditional form in many places. You can build it on a raised platform like a beach house, or on a bank of earth or concrete. Larger office buildings might put a sacrificial car park underneath. A treehouse could also fall into this category. Here’s a an elevated house from Thailand and one from New Orleans.

 

 

Floodwalls

Rather than raise your home above the waters, a second common technique is to protect your home or property from the water by building a sturdy and waterproof wall. This can be done to protect whole towns and villages, but there’s no reason why it can’t be done on individual dwellings. Perimeter walls with watertight gates are one approach. You can also incorporate berms and walls into the landscaping, keeping the water out of a whole property or allowing the garden to flood while protecting the house. That’s what engineer Carl Canty did, below left, so his garden can be under three feet of water and his house is still dry. The example on the right is less subtle, but still effective.

 

 

 

Dry floodproofing


If you’re going to let the flood waters reach the walls of your house itself, you might want to make them watertight. This can be done with sealant, or building in a waterproof membrane. Doors and windows will need to be flood proof. Airbricks and utilities entry points can be raised or sealed. Essentially, dry waterproofing is all about keeping the water out of the building. Germany’s Hafencity, which I wrote about recently, uses this approach for properties on the waterfront. Those are some Hafencity storm doors on the right below, and a house in Grand Rapids demonstrating the principle on the left.

 

 

Wet floodproofing

Rather than keeping the water out of a building, an alternative approach is to let it in but minimise the damage it can do: fit a solid floor rather than wood, move power outlets up the wall and ensure that any unmovable furniture is made of a material that can safely take a soaking. Wet floodproofing is often used to retrofit flood-prone properties that the owners can’t sell, which is making the best of a bad situation. Houses built for it are much better, such as the house on the left below which is built to withstand a tsunami, or this waterfront hospital in Boston. Planned with climate change in mind, its lower floor has a swimming pool and non-essential services so that the whole thing can flood without interrupting patient care.

 

 

Floating homes


Second-guessing how far future floodwaters might rise is a dangerous game in an age of climate change. If your house can float, it’s guaranteed to always be above the water. One way to do it is to build on pontoons and have a building that’s always floating. Below is an ice-bound floating development in the Netherlands, which has many examples of waterborne architecture. Amphibious houses are slightly different. They’re on land and only float when there’s a flood.

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Hassle-free insulated precast concrete flooring

With three key projects under the spotlight, we hear more about Spantherm – the innovative insulated precast concrete ground-floor system which is being adopted by a growing number of housebuilders and developers in GB.

By producing high performance insulated structural concrete units offsite Creagh have redefined the speed of installing a fully insulated ground-floor.  Spantherm is an efficient alternative to labour intensive beam and block installations. It has been utilised at a housing development in Peterborough by NRI Civils who opted for the work to be completed by Creagh’s expert fitting team, requiring no labour from them and saving them time onsite.
Adam Moody, Contracts Manager for NRI Civils said: “We chose Spantherm because one of the things that we are looking for as a business is to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, reduce labour and time onsite and when you’ve got a difficult site, where you’re struggling for storage, that’s exactly where Spantherm is perfect!”
Spantherm’s initial appeal is clear, as a typical floor on a detached house or a pair of semi-detached homes is fitted onsite in less than two hours. Once in place and grouted, the floor achieves its full structural capability within 72 hours, however building activity can commence on perimeter walls within 24 hours. “The team have been absolutely fantastic” adds Adam. “They are always on hand for technical support. We will definitely be using Spantherm again to help our optimum goal of achieving better efficiency and reducing costs and labour times.”
Spantherm has also been used in Nottinghamshire, where a new homes development is being built by Geda Construction. With no additional site works or laying out required, a typical 90m² floor can be installed in just 90 minutes and provides level base without camber for timber frame or block construction.
Installation is not affected by adverse weather conditions and secondary screeds with extended drying times are not required. Spantherm is designed to reduce cold bridging at wall / floor junctions making an important contribution to Part L performance, whilst achieving U-value as low as 0.11W/m2K.
“Geda used Spantherm to push the project along as its one operation that just makes it so much quicker and easier to facilitate onsite,” said Shaun Wormall, Site Manager for Geda. “We are impressed on the installation of the slabs and the time that it saves us onsite. From a site management point of view it’s been really good, Creagh have been very responsive and the production timescales and installation has been quick and painless.  We would definitely use Spantherm again, brilliant product, well-managed and well-run.”
An increasing number of builders in GB are switching from traditional beam and block builds as its significantly reducing labour onsite.  Malcolm Flinn, Director of Stapleford Oaks Ltd in Nottingham states “I chose Spantherm because it’s labour saving, has made life easier for me, its quick, efficient and clean”.
“I would use Spantherm again because the block and beam method takes so many more men and machines on site, and takes a lot longer
to lay.  It also leaves a lot of work for the bricklayers to do at floor level.  With Spantherm we are in and building off it almost straight away” stated Malcolm.
Watch the testimonial videos at

www.creaghconcrete.co.uk

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