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.

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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300-YEAR-OLD VOLCANIC ASH PRODUCT LAUNCHED

300-YEAR-OLD VOLCANIC ASH PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK LONDON

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A revolutionary home decorating material which uses 350-year-old volcanic ash from Mount Etna received its world premiere at this month’s UK Construction Week (UKCW) London.

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Etna® is the brainchild of Sicily-based manufacturer Nikkolor Italia, and is composed of volcanic ash from the Etna eruption of 1669, pure natural hydraulic lime, natural active ingredients and mineral aggregates.

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It is supplied as a dry powder which, when mixed with water, can be applied like plaster to create a range of incredible finishes and effects. A sustainable and breathable product, Etna reinforces, protects and restores interior and exterior walls.

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Etna® was the result of the REUCET 2018/2020 project (recovery and use of Etna volcanic ash) conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Catania and financed by the Ministry of the Environment.

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Nikkolor Italia was one of 16 companies that exhibited at a special Sicilian Pavilion at UKCW London (May 7-9), the UK’s biggest show for the built environment.

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The founders of Nikkolor Italia, Salvo Caniglia and Ierna Tiziana, said:

“Visitors could not believe that we use volcanic ash that is older than any living creature on the planet. It was fantastic to use UK Construction Week London to launch our unique product to the world, and we hope this is the start of a promising relationship between UKCW and Sicily.”

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Vito Ruscigno, Foreign Technical Sales Manager, Nikkolor Italia, added:

“The reaction and feedback to the launch of Etna at our stand within the Sicilian Pavilion was brilliant – at some stages we had people queuing up to speak to us!”

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Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented:

“The launch of products like Etna at UKCW London helps to further strengthen the show’s international status and reputation, and it’s exactly what our event is all about – innovation, international collaboration and bringing the very latest products and learnings directly to those at the heart of the construction industry, from architects to contractors, surveyors to engineers.”

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More exclusive launches and live demonstrations will take place at UKCW Birmingham, which runs from October 1-3 2024; UKCW London will return next year, from May 6-8 2025.

Registration for the Birmingham event is now live. click here to register.

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Portakabin Completes Installation in just 19 Days

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Portakabin completes installation in just 19 days for a new state-of-the-art, 200-place special educational needs school in Leeds.

 

Portakabin, the UK’s market leader in modular construction, successfully installed a 70-module complex at the Cross Green Road site in Leeds earlier this year, with installation complete in under three weeks.

Following a successful bid to the Department for Education in 2019, Leeds City Council announced Co-op Academies Trust as the successful sponsor of the special educational needs free school. The DfE selected modular specialist, Portakabin, to deliver this project.

The school opened in temporary accommodation at another Co-op Academy Trust site, on time and welcomed 56 children in September 2022. The new building will welcome the second cohort of students, an additional 86 children in September 2024. Full capacity of 200 is expected to be reached the following year.

Portakabin precision-engineered the modules, that were designed specifically for Co-op Academies Trust project, at its manufacturing facility in York and transported them less than 35 miles away to the site in Leeds. Known as ‘Co-op Academy Brierley’, the new SEND school will host 200 students from the ages of 4-16 in Leeds. The school is set to have a primary and secondary provision and will become an essential part of the local community in East Leeds.

Constructed off site using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the school was installed quickly and safely despite having to manage around periods of high wind, with all custom-built modules on-site in less than three weeks.

James Pearson, Divisional MD at Portakabin said:

“Co-op Academy Brierley is one of the projects awarded to us on the DfE’s MMC framework. Despite the inclement weather, we were able to successfully deliver and install 70 modules safely in just 19 days, maintaining the agreed contract programme.

Particular attention has been paid to preserving existing trees on site, despite the need for extensive sculpting of levels on the site, to achieve the gradients required for compliant access.

It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the first milestone in this project, which will become an important part of the local community.”

Alongside over 27 classrooms and dedicated teaching space, the completed school will boast extensive minibus drop-off facilities, approximately 130 car parking spaces for staff and visitors, an immersive technology room, therapy, and sensory rooms.

After starting on site in January, installation was completed on 18 February, with the project set to be handed over before the start of the new school year in September 2024.

Tim Leach, Contract Manager at Portakabin alongside Sarah Harridge, Headteacher at Co-op Academy Brierley

Sarah Harridge, Headteacher said:

“The pace that our new school was built was nothing short of spectacular, this new school will give children with special needs in Leeds a state of the art, custom built provision with their needs at the heart of every decision made in the build process.”

Vicki England, Co-op Academy Project Manager said:

“This project has been very smooth and has remained on budget throughout which is of course very important when we’re working with Department for Education budgets, the school looks fantastic so far and we look forward to welcoming all 142 children to their new facility in September.”

The planned opening date for Co-op Academy Brierley is September 2024.

 

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE PORTAKABIN WEBSITE

 

 

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Fire safety: What specifiers need to look for when reviewing render and EWI performance information

By Lee Lambley, technical director at Saint-Gobain Weber

 

The issue of fire safety remains of paramount importance. The Building Safety Act is arguably causing the biggest changes the construction industry has seen since the implementation of the Building Regulations in 1984.

 

As part of this, there has been a large focus on the performance claims of product manufacturers. This was originally highlighted in Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, when she pointed out that the system for testing and ‘certifying’ products for use in construction was “disjointed, confused, unhelpful, and lacks any sort of transparency.”

 

Since then, the Construction Product Association (CPA) has initiated the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), which aims to provide assurance that users of product information have the necessary facts when making decisions about specifying or installing their products.

 

The government’s Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime further reinforced the need for accurate product information, concluding that manufacturers have a responsibility to develop products that do the job expected of them and to market them honestly, making no false or misleading claims.

 

With so much information out there, what should specifiers and designers consider when reviewing the fire safety claims being made by any product manufacturer today?

 

When it comes to renders and related external wall insulation (EWI) systems, specifiers should be encouraged to interrogate the evidence provided and review the following information…

 

Conduct wind load calculations

 

The design of any EWI or cladding system is required to resist predicted wind load pressure both in relation to the location and height of the building, and considering its orientation, surroundings and building design/shape along with the weight of the system. The specified fixings and fixing systems need to be designed to deal with these predicted loads in mind and installed accordingly.

 

Any installed cladding system must be able to resist the effects of predicted wind pressure.

 

Ensure a pull out test is completed

 

Normally performed to establish the load-bearing capacity and strength of fixings specified for a wall, slab or soffit, pull out tests are vital to ensure that anything fixed to the building will stay safely secured under duress. In the case of EWI, the correct length, type and material of fixing are all relevant to ensuring the insulation is reliably fastened to the substrate.

 

The assessment involves attaching a suitable test rig to the screw, anchor or fixing. This is then put under tension to the designed stress load level to determine how strong and secure the fixing is, enabling potential early diagnosis of underlying problems. It is also advisable to undertake site pull out tests on the product being used while installation is taking place, as data found in manufacturers’ literature may vary and there can be a difference in product batches of the same product.

 

Don’t just look for an A1 or A2 reaction to fire classification

 

Look much deeper into claims around fire safety performance than you may have done in the past. It’s not enough just to look for the required classification; it’s the information that sits behind this grading that matters most, along with a lot of other complementary data.

 

The Euroclass test relates to reaction to fire. Do you have all the test data and, if so, to what standard was that test carried out? Was the testing done by a UKAS-accredited test centre? Have you seen the actual test data or just gone from claims in the marketing literature?

 

There is also the possibility that product/system may also need to meet a fire resistance requirement in addition to reaction to fire, which takes into account load-bearing capacity, integrity and insulation.

 

Product decisions should only be made based on the full suite of documentation, including the complete set of individual test reports to fully appreciate if the proposed solution meets all requirements of Building Regulations.

 

Consider how colour impacts performance

 

Historically, manufacturers have only tested lighter colours such as white or cream for reaction to fire – not just because these are the most popular colours, but also because of the amount of organic (and therefore less combustible) content, so they are more likely to pass a fire test more easily. This is clearly not in the spirit of the Hackitt recommendations, nor the culture of product safety now required.

 

An appropriate range of colours should be tested separately with the support of a UKAS-accredited testing facility. Weber is one such manufacturer to have this assessment covering its full colour range – including reds, which are most likely to contain the highest level of organic content. Dark colours such as greys and yellows can also throw up interesting test results that need careful checking.

 

Ensure that all documentation matches up

 

The Euroclass certification for a product should align with the individual test reports. The test reports should align with the Declaration of Performance (DoP).

 

Another thing that needs checking is the date of the test data to ensure it is still valid and hasn’t expired.

 

Any change to a product’s formulation, no matter how small, means that previous test data may be invalid, and the product should undertake an agreed level of testing working with a notified body.

 

The biggest hurdle is just becoming better educated and familiar with testing regimes and what different test reports are saying. Once you are familiar with what you’re looking at, it’s not difficult to identify anomalies.

 

As part of the new building safety regime, all dutyholders – the client, the principal designer and the principal contractor – are required to ensure that there are arrangements and systems in place to plan, manage and monitor design and building work to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

 

Architects and specifiers will likely be the principal designer or designer dutyholder. The principal designer is the designer who is in control of the design work and is responsible for ensuring that the design phase complies with Building Regs and building safety. This includes checking the design elements, such as EWI systems, and the associated documentation.

 

Keep asking questions and complete the necessary research to ensure the product/systems will meet the required performance claims. Any reputable product manufacturer will be happy to share all their test data openly and honestly.

CLICK HERE

For further advice on the specification of Weber EWI and render systems

 

 

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3D Construction Arrives in Ireland

Louth County Council has begun using 3D printing technology for the construction of a new social housing development in Dundalk.

The council said the Grange Close pilot project is the first of its kind in Ireland.

The project is using 3D Construction Printed (3DCP) technology which involves using large-scale 3D printers on-site to create three-dimensional structures layer by layer.

In the process, layers of Ready-Mix Concrete are sequentially deposited through a gantry-based 3DCP machine according to a digital model.

The result is the creation of a housing superstructure at a rate which is up to three times faster than traditional methods.

The project aims to use 3D construction printing technology to provide three three-bedroom terraced units that will have a floor area of around 110 m² over two floors.

“The provision of high quality and sustainable social housing is a core objective of Louth County Council, and this project is a significant example of the use of innovative technologies and organisational collaboration in the delivery of new homes,” said Joan Martin, chief executive at Louth County Council.

The Grange Close pilot project involves a collaboration between Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), Irish-owned company Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company.

“The transformative potential of this technology is very exciting, offering a viable solution to help address our housing challenges,” said Justin Kinsella, MD and co-founder of HTL.tech.

Roadstone described the approach as an efficient and high-tech modern method of construction.

“Integrating new technology and traditional building materials offers a new era of efficiency and carbon reduction – working towards a sustainable future,” said Patrick Diviney, Roadstone, Commercial Manager.

Scource: RTE NEWS

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The Final Phase of Lewishams Regeneration

Amro Partners has completed an 18-month land assembly plan in south east London, as part of a residential-led redevelopment with a GDV of £400m, DFT can reveal.

This has now concluded with the purchase of the Lewisham Retail Park site and remaining land holdings from Legal & General.

Scheduled to launch with phased openings in 2028/29, this represents one of the final pieces of Lewisham’s 20-year regeneration plan.

“This acquisition is the culmination of two years’ hard work piecing together this incredibly complex site,” said Raj Kotecha, chairman and CEO at Amro Partners.

“It’s an honour to play a part in the regeneration of this bright and thriving neighbourhood, with a site that has such vast potential.“We look forward to working with the council and the people of Lewisham to bring forward a landmark development that sets a new bar for placemaking, sustainability and brings long-term value to the local community.”

The land island is adjacent to Lewisham train station and has a connectivity rating of PTAL 6b.

As well as new units, this redevelopment will create new green spaces, cycle paths and permanent community spaces. Flexible commercial space on the ground floor will accommodate local businesses.

With plans to improve the existing planning consent for 550 homes, Amro is working closely with the London Borough of Lewisham to secure permission for ESG-leading units.

“Amro has the ability to deliver an exceptional development with outstanding placemaking, and much-needed housing,” said Adam Cradick, head of London residential land at CBRE.

“This transaction is another example of the current positive sentiment within the London residential land market, and the demand we are seeing for best-in-class sites.”

Source: Development Finance. Today

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