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.

Metsec underlines commitment to accurate product information

 

voestalpine Metsec has become one of the earliest adopters of the Code for Construction Products Information (CCPI), introduced by the Construction Products Association in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, set up following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

CCPI assessments are undertaken by Assessors from Construction Products Information Ltd. and are carried out on a manufacturer’s specific products and systems, not the company as a whole. As such, an organisation or brand cannot, in itself, gain assessment or make any claims of conformance beyond a specific product set.

To date, voestalpine Metsec has successfully achieved assessment for four of its key construction systems; SFS light gauge galvanized steel structural framing systems and Metframe pre-panelised framing system from its Framing Division, dry lining metal framed components for gypsum plasterboard systems from its Dry Lining Division and roof, side rail and mezzanine floor systems from its Purlins Division.

Alan Harris, Quality and BIM Compliance Director at voestalpine Metsec, states, “Continuous investment in independent performance testing and quality assurance is what keeps our construction solutions at the forefront of the industry.

“Ensuring that the data and information derived from these tests is conveyed in a clear, unambiguous fashion is key to providing specifiers, installers and users with more confidence in the systems’ capabilities and suitability for their projects. Successful assessment to the CCPI confirms we are doing things right and underlines our commitment to the industry’s needs.”

CCPI aims to address the stipulation from Dame Hackitt’s review that construction product information needs to be communicated in a clear and accurate way. Its aim is to help organisations drive for higher standards in the presentation of construction product information, with a priority on building safety.

voestalpine Metsec has set up a rigorous information review process to ensure that messaging from all divisions is based on accurate, verifiable data and that this information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, which can be easily found and assimilated by its intended target audience.

For further information CLICK HERE to visit the website

or here TO EMAIL METSEC

 

 

 

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The cost of Remediation work – £30m

House builder Crest Nicholson has revealed that its remaining building safety work will cost more than £30 million.

The figure was calculated following a reassessment of the company’s completed sites that were in need of remediation work. In March 2024, the house builder reported that the discovery of building safety defects at four sites built before 2019 was expected to cost up to £15 million to remediate.

This has led to the house builder appointing external consultants to reassess the money required to fix building safety defects across the remainder of its sites. As of June, a review of remediation work at 140 sites is expected to leave Crest Nicholson with a bill of £31.4 million.

In its unaudited interim results for the six months ending 30 April 2024, the company explained:

 “As announced in the AGM statement in March, the Group has undertaken a comprehensive review, supported by external consultants, of the Group’s remaining cost obligations on completed sites. Initially work focused on four sites that were completed prior to 2019 when the Group closed its Regeneration division.

“Subsequently, a review has been carried out on all sites that the Group has completed but maintains an obligation to carry out remediation or maintenance prior to adoption by the relevant local authority or management company. The review of completed site costs is now concluded resulting in a one-off charge of £31.4m, of which £25.5m is treated as an exceptional item as it relates to non-standard developments started prior to the change in strategy in 2019 and the balance of £5.9m is recorded within pre-exceptional items.”

In January, it is understood that 90 of the company’s buildings were being worked on, with its total provision for building safety standing at £144.8 million. As Construction Enquirer reports, this has now been revised to £145.2 million.

Having signed the government’s developer remediation contract in March 2023, committing it to resolve any historical fire remedial work on buildings completed since 5 April 1992, the company stated it had a dedicated team in place to “manage the remediation programme and to progress work on these buildings to ensure high-quality delivery”.

As reported by Inside Housing, chief executive at Crest Nicholson Peter Truscott said:

“The group is now prioritising establishing a comprehensive roadmap to resolve these issues in a timely manner to allow the group to capitalise on its high-quality land portfolio and drive margin improvement in the future.”

 

Source: FPA

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AUSTRALIA: The marvels of glass-reinforced concrete

Asurco Roofing and Cladding’s glass‐reinforced concrete panels used in The Ribbon create a unique and

welcoming environment amid busy road infrastructure. (Images: Asurco Roofing and Cladding)

 

In the realm of contemporary architecture, innovation is the cornerstone of progress. Structures no longer solely serve utilitarian purposes; they are canvases for artistic expression, statements of engineering prowess and embodiments of sustainable practices. Amid this architectural renaissance, one material stands out for its transformative potential: glass-reinforced concrete (GRC).

The marriage of glass fibres and concrete ushers in a new era of possibilities, redefining the boundaries of construction. Among the myriad of awe-inspiring examples, The Ribbon in Sydney’s Darling Harbour emerges as a beacon of GRC’s spectacular results, showcasing its unparalleled benefits in shaping the skylines of tomorrow.

At the heart of Sydney’s bustling waterfront, The Ribbon, a part of the W Hotel complex, captivates onlookers with its sinuous form and ethereal façade. Rising from the vibrant surroundings like a modernist sculpture, its seamless curves and undulating surfaces command attention. Yet, beyond its aesthetic allure lies a testament to the versatility and durability of GRC.

National Precast Concrete Association Australia (National Precast) Master Precaster member Asurco Roofing and Cladding engineered, manufactured and installed the feature curved wall panels for the project. The panels were strengthened with steel frames to withstand the area’s wind loads.

According to National Precast’s CEO Sarah Bachmann, GRC offers architects a palette of possibilities previously unimaginable with traditional building materials.

“GRC has afforded the architect the flexibility to design intricate shapes and daring designs, which is difficult to achieve in other materials and transcends the limitations of conventional construction methods,” says Bachmann. “Sinuous forms elevate guest arrival experiences by creating a unique and welcoming environment amid a myriad of road infrastructure.”

“We are fortunate to have a company which is able to carry out such intricate work, right here in Australia.”

Hassell’s principal Glenn Scott agrees. “The Ribbon’s sinewy silhouette is a testament to this freedom, as GRC has enabled base building architect Hassell to design fluid forms that reflect the concept of The Ribbon, which is play on the ribbon-like quality of the surrounding expressways,” says Scott.

“The GRC references the ‘concrete infrastructure environment’ but represents it by harnessing the material’s incredible adaptability.”

GRC’s lightweight nature offers a myriad of practical benefits as well, revolutionising the construction process. Unlike its traditional counterparts, GRC significantly reduces the weight of structures without compromising strength or durability. This not only streamlines assembly but also minimises the structural load, resulting in cost savings and environmental efficiencies. The Ribbon’s intricate façade, adorned with GRC panels, exemplifies this lightweight advantage, allowing for swift installation and ensuring structural integrity without excess weight.

In an era defined by environmental consciousness, sustainability takes centre stage in architectural discourse. Here, GRC emerges as a champion of eco-friendly design, embodying the principles of sustainability without sacrificing performance. Composed of recyclable materials and requiring less energy-intensive production processes, GRC minimises the carbon footprint of construction projects. Being fully manufactured by Asurco Roofing and Cladding in Australia, the carbon impact is significantly reduced, as it is not shipped in from overseas.

Furthermore, its longevity and resistance to weathering ensure lasting durability, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and preserving resources in the long run. As The Ribbon stands resilient against the passage of time, it serves as a testament to GRC’s sustainable legacy, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious architects.

Beyond its aesthetic and practical advantages, GRC holds the power to redefine perceptions of space and light. Its translucent properties allow for the diffusion of natural light. With its GRC façade acting as a canvas for light, dynamic patterns and shadows are cast that animate the surrounding spaces. This interplay of light and material transcends the physical boundaries of architecture, imbuing the structure with a sense of ethereal beauty and serenity.

As The Ribbon in Darling Harbour showcases the transformative potential of GRC, it beckons us to reimagine the possibilities of architecture. In its sinuous curves and luminous façade, we find a synthesis of form, function and sustainability – a vision of the future cast in concrete and glass.

As architects continue to push the boundaries of innovation, glass-reinforced concrete remains an indispensable tool in their arsenal, shaping the skylines of tomorrow with its boundless potential. In embracing this versatile material, we embark on a journey towards a more sustainable, resilient and aesthetically captivating built environment – a testament to the enduring legacy of GRC in the annals of architectural history.

Source: Inside Construction

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Planning Granted but Homes Unbuilt

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More than a million homes with planning permission left unbuilt since 2015

The inaugural Planning Portal Market Index has found that more than a million homes granted planning permission since 2015 have not yet been built, equating to around a third of the total given the green light over the period. The figures cast doubt on the near-exclusive focus of the major parties on boosting housebuilding numbers by tweaking the planning system.

At the same time, planning applications over the first five months of 2024 are at the lowest level since 2020, calling into question the scope for housebuilding numbers to recover in the coming years to meet ambitious manifesto targets.

The Planning Portal Market Index report offers the most up to date statistics on planning applications in England and Wales, with data reflecting the state of play as recently as 31 May – two months later than the period covered by the most recent official statistics. The statistics are drawn from planning applications submitted to local authorities in England and Wales – more than 90% of which are made through the Planning Portal.

Had all homes granted planning permission ultimately been built, the government’s target of building 300,000 new homes a year would have been achieved in eight of the last 10 years.

Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, the operator of Planning Portal, said: “These figures suggest that the near-exclusive focus on the planning system in the political debate around housing is misplaced. Until recently, planning permission was being granted for enough new homes to meet the government’s targets.

“While the planning system is by no means perfect, and those homes granted permission could be in the wrong places, this data strongly suggests that policymakers need to look more widely at the factors stifling the completion of homes for which planning permission has been granted.”

The Planning Portal Market Index report highlighted the impact of high interest rates, skills shortages in the construction industry and materials shortages as possible culprits.

Geoff added: “High interest rates have a double impact on the completion of new homes. By dampening the housing market in the short term, they limit the potential commercial rewards available to housebuilders for proceeding with projects. At the same time, the high cost of borrowing to finance projects in the first place pushes up costs and eats into developer profits.

“This is compounded by the well-publicised challenges facing the construction sector in overcoming skills shortages that have left its headcount more than a quarter of million short of the number needed to meet projected demand. Meanwhile, the supply of fundamental construction supplies of bricks and blocks are down by 4.3% and 9.8% over the year to April, according to official statistics.

“Our analysis shows just how profound the challenges are for policymakers in ensuring enough new homes are built to meet the needs of a growing population.

Rosalind Andrews, Partner, Head of Planning, Highways and Environment at HCR Law, added: “The findings from the Planning Portal Application Index June 2024 report highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by the housebuilding sector. Increasing the delivery of much-needed homes across the UK is incredibly complex, with the number of residential planning permissions granted being only one aspect of the issue.

“Project viability is also a concern, given the increases in material costs and lending rates, as well as the new expenses associated with BNG requirements. Housebuilders are eager to commence construction and break ground.

“To meet the ambitious target of delivering 300,000 homes a year, it is crucial to address the industry’s capacity in terms of skilled labour. With the right support and training initiatives, the housebuilding sector can rise to this challenge and achieve these goals.”

 

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SFS publishes new Isoweld® brochure

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SFS Group Fastening Technology has introduced a new brochure covering its successful Isoweld® field fixing system, highlighting such benefits as speed of installation and reduced density of fixings, as well as explaining the principles involved in securing single ply membranes, along with the technical back up available.

The eight-page publication, encompassing explanatory photography and technical drawings, conveys how employing the Isoweld® system, as the strapline quotes, “increases efficiency, ensures security, saves on cost.” Basically, it uses induction technology to weld single ply membrane to dedicated stress plates to secure it across the roof deck employing the Isoweld® 3000 machine.  Impressively, the welding process takes just three seconds for each plate and requires around 50% fewer fixings for thermal insulation in comparison with traditional seam fix applications.

As well as avoiding penetrating the tough membranes, opting for the advanced induction welding means fewer overlaps while Isoweld® is particularly strong at resisting wind uplift around the perimeter of roofs, and further facilitates choice of direction across the roofscape. The brochure explains how SFS can offer support at every phase of a project with the highest level of application expertise and commitment. Technical and logistical support ranges from the provision of specification advice to the training of site operatives and site inspections or help with project specific details where required.  The company can additionally arrange equipment rental.

In addition to applications with uniform insulation thicknesses, the SFS Isoweld® systems is also fully suitable for use on projects featuring tapered insulation arrangements: where examples in the publication include using the system on profiled steel decks, or on in-situ and precast concrete decks.

Providing further confidence for specifiers, the brochure states SFS Isoweld® system and products are FM approved (Identification: 3052878) and the products are also assessed and covered by European Technical Assessment ETA 08/0262.  Reassuring testimonials are related in this very accessible publication on a method which has been successfully employed for securing over 20 million square metres of single play membrane worldwide.

CLICK HERE For further information

OR call 0330 0555888

 

 

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Construction Forecast: Gloomy, Getting Brighter, but No Heatwave

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Disruption stifles short-term growth

Construction starts have remained sluggish during the first six months of 2024, as high interest rates and a weak economic outlook dented investor and consumer confidence.

The General Election has also affected the pipeline of public-sector construction projects. The purdah period has disrupted the progress of public-funded projects, while decisions will also be delayed post-election as the new government reviews existing programmes such as the Lower Thames Crossing.

Starts on the up

However, an easing in borrowing costs and improved economic conditions – with the UK economy forecast to grow around 0.8% in 2024 – together with greater political certainty, should help to lift investor confidence from the second half of 2024 and into next year.

Despite a tough start, renewed growth in project-starts is forecast for H2 2024. The gradual easing of interest rates is also expected to feed through to lift housing market activity from the second half of this year.

Further, the Spending Review will set out the new government’s funding commitments and priorities and is expected to strengthen public sector construction activity during the second half of the forecast period.

Commenting on the Forecast, Glenigan’s Economic Director Allan Wilen says, “The UK construction sector is still facing significant headwinds as the economy struggles to pick back up. However, there are signs of growth in several key areas, particularly in the private verticals, signalling a gradual recovery from mid-2024. In the private housing sector, for example, we anticipate starts will pick up in the latter half of this year, driven by improved affordability and brighter economic prospects.

“Similarly, we’re forecasting improved activity in consumer-related verticals such as retail and hotel & leisure, as a gradual easing in price inflation is set to provide a boost to households’ spending power. Elsewhere, structural changes are expected to create new opportunities in office refurb and fit-out, while logistics is poised for renewed investment fuelled by online retail growth.

However, he acknowledges the upcoming General Election will have a significant upfront impact on industry performance, particularly in the public sector, “Public-funded investment is expected to stagnate in the near term. The election has disrupted the progress of many projects, with the purdah period leading up to the 4th of July preventing civil servants from making any announcements that could influence voting intentions. As a result, decisions will be delayed until post-election. For example, the Department for Transport has already announced that ministerial decisions on several major projects, including the Lower Thames Crossing, have been pushed back by six months. This means we’ll have to wait until the new Government’s Spending Review for further clarity on budget allocation, and this might not be until Q.4 2024.”

Taking a deeper dive into sector verticals…

Private housing set to rebound

Housing market activity fell sharply in 2023, with the value of project-starts dipping 11% as housebuilders reacted to weakening market conditions and more stringent building regulations.

Private housing starts are predicted to experience slow growth over the forecast period, with Glenigan predicting a 2% rise in 2024 as the market environment gradually picks up. An increase in mortgage approvals in March 2024 (the highest in 18 months) points to a strengthening in house sales in the coming months.

Renewed project-starts recovery is also anticipated in the second half of the forecast period, rising 14% in 2025 and 6% in 2026, as interest rates dip and consumer confidence improves.

Social housing stabilises

The forecast for social housing is mixed, with starts predicted to experience modest growth over the next three years, with a slight dip in 2025.

Greater stabilisation to previously eye-watering construction materials costs in 2024 is expected to boost the sector, with a 4% rise forecast for 2024.

Student accommodation starts are expected to stagnate significantly over the forecast period, due to the government’s visa restrictions on graduate schemes which will likely weaken demand for purpose-built student accommodation. Having been a key driver of sector growth in 2023, this is anticipated to slow down sector recovery.

Glenigan is forecasting a slight decline (-1%) in 2025, however, increased government funding for social housing provision, a major political priority, is expected to lift starts by 7% in 2026.

Slightly brighter outlook for industrial

The industrial sector is experiencing a period of consolidation following a boom post-pandemic, largely driven by significant growth in warehousing and light industrial projects. Looking forward, industrial project-starts are expected to remain weak for the rest of the year, before returning to growth in 2025.

A decline in consumer spending caused the online retail market to lose momentum, tempering the demand for logistics space. Meanwhile, manufacturing output has also been subdued, limiting investment in facilities.

Nevertheless, as the economic outlook and household finances improve, the sector should see renewed growth fuelled by the demand for warehousing and logistics. Consequently, Glenigan is forecasting a 3% growth in 2025, and 4% in 2026.

Utilities to boost civil engineering

A sustained rise in civil engineering starts is anticipated over the next three years, driven by an increase in utilities projects as energy and water companies roll out planned investments. Overall, civil engineering starts are forecast to grow 12% in 2024, with further growth in 2025 (+6%) and 2026 (+4%).

The delivery of existing and planned major capital projects will also drive sector growth from 2025, including HS2 Phase 1.

Retail recovery

Weak consumer spending and the growth in online sales’ market share have constrained retail construction starts over the past year.

Despite this, improving consumer spending is expected to support a recovery in starts from 2024 as retailers and developers move forward with planned projects, with Glenigan forecasting 3% growth in 2025, and 19% in 2026.

Investment by the deep discount supermarkets, Aldi and Lidl, is set to be a relative bright spot within the sector over the forecast period, boosting growth.

Refurb opportunities for offices

Office starts have rebounded since 2023, after weakening economic growth and high interest rates dampened investor confidence and project-starts.

The sector is predicted to benefit over the forecast period from a rise in refurbishment projects, as landlords adapt premises to further accommodate for the rise in hybrid working.

Furthermore, demand for premium ‘green’ office space, is set to support a rise in new build starts during the forecast period.

These opportunities for the sector are predicted to drive growth over the next two years, 12% in 2025, and 4% in 2026.

Hospitality bounces back

The sector was slow to recover post-pandemic, experiencing a period of financial pressure thanks to sharp cost inflation, labour shortages, and weak sales.

However, the hotel & leisure sector is poised for a comeback, with rising disposable incomes and a projected surge in UK tourism expected to fuel investment and propel project-starts over the next three years.

The sector is forecast to see a growth of 6% in 2025, and 7% in 2026.

School projects in danger

A modest rise of 9% in school project-starts is forecast for 2024, building on the momentum from the previous year. Increases to the Department of Education’s capital funding and committed work to tackling RAAC deficiencies saw the sector enjoy significant growth.

However, the general election and the subsequent review period by the incoming government and a decline in higher education projects could dampen overall education project-starts during 2024 (-5%) and 2025 (-5%).

Despite the temporary disruption, Labour’s commitment to increased education funding could lead to a surge in demand for school building projects, driving 6% project-starts recovery in 2026.

NHS investment fuels health growth

Although the post-election spending review may moderate project-starts in 2025, the long-term outlook for the health sector remains positive.

14% growth is forecast for 2024 as delayed projects from 2023 progress to site.

Longer term, NHS capital funding is set to support a rise in starts from 2026, when the sector is forecast to see 4% growth.

These forecasts are built upon the analysis of Glenigan’s database of current and planned construction projects, which have been examined alongside other market and economic variables. To request a copy of Glenigan’s UK Construction Industry Forecast 2024-2026, click here.

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Keepmoat Homes secures first build scheme in Weston-super-Mare

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North Somerset Council has selected national housebuilder, KeepmoatHomes, to build more than 400 new residences at Parklands Village, Weston-super-Mare, making this the developer’s first venture in the area.

The scheme, in partnership with Homes England, will deliver 425 much-needed homes in the area, including 30% affordable homes, 20% accessible homes and 15% zero carbon homes, with the remainder achieving up to 80% reduction on carbon output.

The homes will be built using modern methods of construction, using off-site, precision-manufactured components which will improve the efficiency and quality of the build process.

As part of its commitment to the local community during the development process, Keepmoat Homes has pledged to help generate opportunities in training and employment and will create at least 20 apprenticeships, as well as funding for local volunteering and biodiversity projects.

Dan Haines, Regional Director at Keepmoat Homes said:

“We’re delighted to be working with North Somerset Council to deliver new, sustainable housing on the Parklands development. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our presence in the South West and create what will become a thriving new community.”

Cllr Ash Cartman, Executive Member for Finance and Procurement at North Somerset Council, added:

“I am thrilled to announce Keepmoat as developer for our land. The selection process set out rigorous standards that the developer would have to meet, and Keepmoat met and exceeded those requirements.

“We hope this development will set a new standard for housing in North Somerset, showing that it is possible to deliver large numbers of homes at the same time as securing quality and improved sustainability and delivering affordable housing. I am especially pleased to see that 15% will be zero carbon homes.”

Keepmoat Homes was chosen as the developer for the site after a year-long, multi-bid procurement process. Work is due to start on site in October 2021 with a forecasted build rate of at least 85 homes a year.

Source: Showhouse

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Waverley launches open protocol S3 intelligent shading system

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Waverley, the leading designers, manufacturers and installers of inventive shading and screening solutions, are excited to announce the launch of the highly innovative S3 Synchronised Solar Shading range. Designed to aid building efficiency, reduce carbon footprints and for cost-effective installation, it only seems fitting to launch on the summer solstice – the longest day of sunlight this year.

With sustainability and cost-effectiveness being prevalent in architects’, designers’, and specifiers minds, innovative shading solutions that optimise building performance are providing huge opportunities to impact a building’s efficiency and energy management.

Through leveraging open protocols via KNX® controls and SMI® blind motors, Waverley’s new S3 Synchronised Solar Shading system seamlessly interacts with any Building Management System. Fully customisable, the range is also offered in 3 tiers – Core, Advanced and Premium, each providing general functionality upgrades that make an automated control system increasingly more intelligent & powerful as a tool to optimise shading, reducing the demand for cooling.

 

 

VIEW THE VIDEO

 

Frazer James, Sales Director at Waverley, comments,

“We’ve seen the methodology behind S3 significantly disrupt the market over the last 2 years.  The system brings benefits at the construction phase of the project both from a cost perspective and ease of install due to the significant reduction in wiring and power supplies required.  The commissioning is also simplified and gives so much flexibility.  Post handover is where the benefits are really seen with S3 being able to proactively manage the solar shading in the building to reduce energy usage and aid occupants’ productivity.”

James continues,

“The flexibility of the S3 system allows landlords and developers to reconfigure zones, add extra devices in with limited changes to the initial install meaning upgrades in functionality come at a greatly reduced cost.”

 

The only open-source solar shading system that can reduce building energy usage and raise environmental impact and sustainability credentials, S3 delivers against seven key benefits, and exemplifies the Guidehouse* [2021] study’s assertion that “solar shading, specifically dynamic solar shading, is a key energy efficiency measure for a cost-effective improvement of the energy performance of buildings.”

The S3 System can be designed to allow diffuse daylight into the building while blocking direct sunlight. By optimising natural lighting, artificial lighting needs can be reduced, resulting in lower electricity consumption and associated CO2 emissions. With our automated blind system, it can be utilised as part of a daylight harvesting strategy. The blinds can work in tandem with light sensors to maintain a desired level of daylight in a space. When the sensors detect sufficient natural light, the blinds can adjust to balance the daylight and supplement with artificial lighting only when necessary. This approach optimising energy usage by minimising the use of electric lighting during daylight hours. Reduced Cooling Load Automated blinds when connected to an S3 System can be programmed to close or adjust their position during periods of intense sunlight or high outdoor temperatures. By blocking or shading windows, they prevent direct sunlight from entering the building, which significantly reduces heat gain. This is particularly important with regards to complying with Part O and Part L of the Building Regulations.

The S3 system helps to maintain cooler indoor temperatures and therefore reduces the need for excessive cooling, leading to energy savings and lower CO2 emissions. By integrating S3 with building management systems, you can be synchronised with other building systems like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The blinds can automatically adjust their position based on the cooling requirements of the space, ensuring optimal thermal comfort while minimising energy consumption and CO2 emissions

The open protocol nature of the system is designed to be independent of any fixed supply chain, meaning all the components of the system are interchangeable with any SMI/KNX devices on the marketplace, and any KNX engineers with suitable training can maintain and upgrade the system. This is designed to give the client complete control of their building. The system is also fully digital meaning any changes to switching and zoning are software based. Once you have the Core of an S3 system in place there is never a need for further disruptive and expensive wiring for any changes, ensuring the open-source system is fit for the future.

PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information on S3

 

 

 

 

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Sustainable Synthetic Building Materials

Synthetic material is proving to be versatile and adaptable, particularly as a building material. In some cases, it even represents a more ecological alternative to other raw materials. As one of the leading manufacturers of polycarbonate light building elements, Rodeca proves that synthetic material has environmentally friendly properties. The translucent panels are characterized, among other things, by their durability, energy efficiency and recyclability.

 

Synthetic materials have many properties that can be influenced. Hardly any other material is so versatile and can be used in so many ways – from disposable bottles, colorful children’s toys or CDs, to clothing and building materials.

 

Production basics

Synthetic materials are solids made from artificial or partially artificial polymers. These in turn are made up of repeating monomer units. Based on their physical properties, polymers are divided into three groups: Thermosets, elastomers and thermoplastics. The latter can be repeatedly deformed above a certain temperature. In addition to polycarbonate, some examples of thermoplastics are polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. The production of polycarbonate can sometimes consume less energy than the production of other materials. For example, the melting and molding processes for glass require high temperatures, which means a considerable amount of energy. Furthermore, polycarbonate can have very different properties depending on the base material, manufacturing process and admixture of additives. As a result, it is impossible to imagine the automotive, aviation and electrical industries, construction and architecture without polycarbonate.

 

Long-term durability and service life

One challenge is that many everyday synthetic items – such as plastic bags or plastic lids – have a short service life but remain in the environment for centuries. However, there are certainly areas in which synthetic materials are a more sustainable alternative to other materials from a life cycle assessment perspective. With an average service life of around 30 years, polycarbonate panels from Rodeca offer a long-lasting solution for building façades. Provided with a co-extruded UV protection layer, the elements are effectively protected against the effects of solar radiation. In addition, the UV protective layer maintains the high hail resistance and light transmission over a long period of time, while significantly slowing down the natural ageing of the panels. High resistance to other weathering influences and chemical substances is also guaranteed.

 

Light building elements that reduce energy consumption

However, the Rodeca products not only score points for their long service life: the polycarbonate façade elements increase the energy efficiency of a building in a variety of ways. Thanks to their translucency, daylight illuminates the interior, which significantly reduces the need for artificial lighting. At the same time, the panels provide shading to reduce the heat input from direct sunlight, which in turn reduces the energy required for air conditioning. The multi-shell structure of the Rodeca façade elements serves as additional insulation. This effect, combined with the high thermal insulation of the polycarbonate, reduces the building’s heating and cooling requirements. Energy balance analyses underline the low fuel requirement for heating an industrial building with polycarbonate panels compared to buildings with glass windows. In addition, their low weight also facilitates construction and installation. This is a particular advantage in the case of refurbishment – additional structural strengthening of the building is often not necessary. Conversions and contemporary upgrades are therefore easier to realize in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

 

Rodeca shows that polycarbonate can be a sustainable solution for synthetic material applications. This is because the light building elements are characterized by high durability, recyclability and energy efficiency. Furthermore, Rodeca remains committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation in the construction sector, always keeping the environmental impact of its products in mind.

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Galliford Try Returns to Social Housing Construction

Major construction firm Galliford Try will return to the affordable housing market after a four-year absence #UKhousing

The firm was excluded from building in the sector when it sold its Linden Homes and partnerships businesses to Vistry for £1.1bn in 2020.

The non-competition agreement has now lapsed, allowing Galliford Try to re-enter the market as part of its growth strategy.

Announcing Galliford Try’s new five-year plan, chief executive Bill Hocking said:

 

Bill Hocking, Galliford Try CEO

 

“We see this as a big area of growth, with scope to increase our housing offer as we move forward.

“Initially we will concentrate on contracting for housing associations and landlords.”

 

 

 

 

Mr Hocking said the return to affordable housing was part of the firm’s plan to deliver a 4% group-wide margin and reach £2.2bn turnover by 2030, up from £1.4bn today.

Angela Brockbank, affordable homes sector director at Galliford Try, joined the firm in September 2023 to restart this side of the business.

She told Inside Housing the firm is “building up to” a target of 1,200 affordable homes delivered a year by 2030.

Currently Galliford Try will pursue schemes as a contractor, rather than developer. However, she said, “we will be scoping out partnership opportunities” and may start taking on more of a development role in future.

Ms Brockbank said the firm wanted to build “mid-rise, urban, dense schemes”, not houses, and was looking at cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Mr Hocking continued: “Our strategy will be delivered through continued growth in our existing core markets within building and infrastructure, as well as in higher-margin adjacent markets including the private rented sector, affordable homes, capital maintenance and asset optimisation within water, and green retrofit.”

In a stock exchange update, Galliford Try said the UK’s “planned, and required, investment in economic and social infrastructure continues to support growth in our chosen markets”.

It said the firm had a “high-quality order book”, including recent framework and project wins, as well as a “robust and resilient pipeline of opportunities”. “We are confident that we will continue to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to 2030,” it added.

Some personnel moves were also detailed in the update. Andrew Duxbury, group finance director, whose resignation was previously announced, will leave Galliford Try on 31 May. Mr Hocking will assume interim responsibility for the finance role.

Kris Hampson, whose appointment was previously announced, will join the firm as chief financial officer in September.

To reflect the growth of the infrastructure business, David Lowery will join the executive board on 1 July as divisional managing director, infrastructure.

Galliford Try completed its sale of Linden Homes and Galliford Try Partnerships, its housebuilding businesses, to Bovis Homes in 2020. The deal was valued at £1.1bn and included a £300m cash payment. Upon completing the deal, Bovis renamed itself Vistry.

 

Source: Inside Housing

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