Tariff Uncertainty Slows Construction

Construction project starts continued to fall in Q1 2025, according to Glenigan’s April 2025 Construction Review, as the value of project starts dropped 4% compared to the previous three months and fell sharply by 21% year-on-year.

Fewer major (£100m-plus) projects are making it through to the construction stage and underlying (less than £100m) schemes have also underperformed both quarterly and annually.

While sectors like community and amenity have shown promise, with main contract awards growing 26% year-on-year, Glenigan says these wins haven’t yet translated into on-site momentum.

The review claims that delays in moving projects from contract award to construction start are prolonging a sluggish start to the year.

Planning approvals rose 8% compared to the previous quarter, with several sectors such as hospitality and leisure, showing solid growth.

According to Glenigan, these figures suggest that confidence is slowly returning to early-stage project planning which could support a recovery in project starts in the second half of the year.

The data provider’s review says that the introduction of new US tariffs on UK building materials adds further uncertainty.

UK goods now face a 10% tariff, rising to 25% for steel and aluminium, materials that accounted for a significant portion of the UK’s £1.01bn construction materials export market to the US in 2023.

Glenigan warns that a sharp decline in trade could cost the industry over £130m, while displaced global suppliers may shift focus to the UK and European markets, increasing the risk of oversupply and pricing volatility.

According to the review, the short-term outlook remains challenging for firms dependent on new project starts, but rising planning approvals and increased public sector investment provide some cautious optimism.

Allan Wilen, economics director at Glenigan, commented:

“The sharp drop in project starts reflects the ongoing struggles within the industry.

“While the surge in major contract awards and detailed planning approvals suggests a strengthening pipeline, real, sustained growth hinges on improved market confidence and the smooth conversion of approvals into on-site activity.”

Source: Development Finance

 

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CEA becomes IMechE Membership Partner – Supporting Engineering Excellence across the Industry 

The CEA (Construction Equipment Association) is pleased to announce that it has become an official Membership Partner of the IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers). This new collaboration marks a significant milestone in the CEA’s ongoing commitment to advancing standards and investing in the future of engineering across the construction equipment sector. 
The IMechE Membership Partner scheme is designed for organisations committed to the professional development and recognition of their engineering and technical teams. By joining the scheme, the CEA supports its member companies and their employees with access to expert guidance, professional development resources, and a clearly defined path to professional registration — from apprentices to Chartered Engineers.
This partnership presents a valuable opportunity for CEA members to strengthen their engineering teams, improve retention and recruitment, and align with internationally recognised standards of engineering excellence. It also reflects the CEA’s commitment to driving a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement within the UK construction equipment industry.
Through the Membership Partner programme, engineers and technical staff within member organisations will have access to tailored support from the IMechE. This includes personalised advice, workshops, webinars, and practical assistance, with many resources included as part of the partnership. Whether an individual is an apprentice, a recent graduate, or an experienced engineer, the programme provides structured and accessible support at every stage.
The programme also supports a clear pathway to Professional Registration and ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development), helping engineers maintain and improve their skills in a structured and recognised way throughout their careers.
Beyond individual benefits, the partnership allows CEA member companies to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the professional development of their workforce. It also contributes to raising the profile of engineering as a respected and attractive career choice for future generations.
“Partnering with the IMechE is about making sure our industry stays ahead,” said Viki Bell, Chief Executive of the CEA. 

“Too often, the technical expertise and innovation within our sector go under the radar – especially in small and medium-sized businesses where engineers wear many hats and make a huge impact. This partnership gives our members and their teams a clear pathway to professional recognition and support at every stage, from apprentices just starting out to senior engineers ready to become Chartered. 
It’s about giving people the tools to grow their careers and giving businesses – large and small – the confidence to invest in their teams. For the UK to remain globally competitive in construction equipment manufacturing, it is essential that we champion engineering as a profession and create opportunities for career progression. This is a practical, positive step towards that goal – and one we’re proud to lead on.”

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Public Misunderstanding of Planning System

Majority of planners say public misunderstands planning system, RTPI survey reveals

A recent survey by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and its member magazine The Planner has revealed a significant disconnect between professional planners and the public’s understanding of the planning system.

  • Fewer than 14% of planners believe the public understands the purpose of planning.
  • 96% say social and online media contribute to misinformation about planning issues in their area, up from 86% in 2023.
  • 85% feel the public views planning as a hindrance rather than a benefit.
  • Six in ten believe the public neither knows when nor how to engage with the planning process.

According to the survey, most planners feel the public holds deep-rooted misconceptions about planning, planners, and the wider system. This lack of public understanding undermines trust in planning decisions and weakens confidence in the plan-led system.

As recent years have shown, misinformation online can fuel campaigns that distort facts and mislead communities. This is especially damaging at the local level, where public involvement is essential to achieving fair and effective planning outcomes.

The RTPI is advocating for the inclusion of a clear, statutory statement defining the ‘purpose of planning’ in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This approach was successfully implemented in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, helping to enhance understanding and restore confidence in the planning system.

 

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said:

“This low public understanding and often negative perception of planning has serious consequences for planners and the important work they do.

“We believe the time has come to embed the purpose of planning in law. A clear legal definition would not only guide the work of planners, but also serve to educate the public and other stakeholders about what planning is truly for.”

 

Simon Wicks, Editor of The Planner, said:

“The work of planners is highly complex and multi-faceted and requires considerable time navigating between the various views of how we want to live as a society.

“There’s a danger in oversimplifying this complex role that can easily lead to misrepresentation or misunderstanding, and the frustrations of planners is evident in their responses to these questions.”

 

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Repair and Remediation of UK Universities

 

Revealed: the UK universities that have invested the most in building maintenance

A new Freedom of Information request spotlights the UK’s leading universities for

building repair and remediation works

Recent figures reveal that the maintenance backlog for the Department for Education was in excess of £13.8bn in 2023-24.* The excessive costs spotlight the need for more cost-efficient repair and remediation works of education buildings in the UK, particularly with the discovery of RAAC across several education institutions.

To investigate the state of building maintenance across UK universities, SFG20, the industry standard for facility management, submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to universities across the country. They received responses from 61 universities, who were asked to provide information on: total costs spent on repair and remediation works in the most recent financial year; completed repair projects; outstanding projects; and total budgets.

From the universities that responded, 904,000 maintenance projects were logged in 2023, however, as of January this year, there were still approximately 76,527 outstanding maintenance requests left to carry out. This demonstrates the sheer volume of maintenance tasks that need to be carried out to keep universities to a safe and habitual standard.

The universities that invested the most in building repair and remediation 

The University of Oxford ranked top position for the university that had invested the most into repair and remediation works across its facilities and buildings, with an overall score of 75.41.

As part of their overall ranking, the University of Oxford had one of the highest repair project completion rates of the institutions that responded, with almost 40,000 completed. In the most recent financial year, the University of Oxford spent a total of £18,500,000 on building maintenance projects. With a budget of £26.4 million, they were also the university that came most under budget, reflecting their cost-efficient allocation of resources.

The University of Oxford was closely followed by the University of York, which spent a total of £12.8 million on repair and maintenance works in the most recent financial year, approximately £3 million under budget.

Universities such as the London School of Economics (53.28), Arts University Bournemouth (53.01), and The Open University (52.73) were categorised into the bronze tier category. The Arts University Bournemouth had the lowest average spend per maintenance request of all the universities that responded to the FOI request at just £23 per request, calculated with their total spend and total maintenance requests completed.

The London School of Economics and Edinburgh Napier University, both finished the most recent financial year exactly on budget for repair and remediation works to their buildings, having spent £3.02 million and £1.11 million respectively.

Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, on the issue of building maintenance in UK Universities, has said:

“Staying significantly under budget on maintenance costs and keeping a low cost per repair request are both strong indicators of a well-structured, proactive maintenance strategy – one that prioritises efficiency and minimises more serious and costly unexpected downtime.

To attract and retain the best calibre of staff and students, universities must provide outstanding learning environments, supported by high-quality leisure facilities and living conditions. Even before Covid, we saw a shift towards improving indoor air quality to enhance student focus and well-being. Now, more than ever, delivering a great experience is critical. Well-maintained facilities not only create inspiring spaces for learning but also play a vital role in university recruitment and retention.”

 

CLICK HERE for the full findings of the report

 

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RESEARCH: Self-Repairing Building Materials

A team of researchers has developed a living building material composed of fungal mycelium and bacterial cells capable of self-repairing and surviving for extended periods.

Unlike conventional construction materials, this bio-based composite remains viable for weeks, opening new possibilities for regenerative architecture.

The scientists behind the project, based at Montana State University in the USA, say the material is produced at low temperatures and relies on living cells, making it a potentially groundbreaking solution for reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry.

With cement alone responsible for nearly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, the team believes their innovation could help pave the way for more sustainable and adaptive building systems.

“Biomineralized materials do not have high enough strength to replace concrete in all applications, but we and others are working to improve their properties so they can see greater usage,” Chelsea Heveran, PhD, an assistant professor at Montana State University and corresponding author of the study, reveals.

What the study reveals

According to Heveran, while most similar biomaterials tend to have a very short lifespan and often remain viable for only a few days or, at best, a couple of weeks, the new material developed by her team has shown significantly greater durability, maintaining its functionality for at least a month.

“This is exciting, because we would like for the cells to be able to perform other functions,” Heveran says, emphasizing that this extended lifespan opens the door to more practical, real-world applications in construction and infrastructure, where longevity is crucial

The research, led by Ethan Viles, PhD student at the university, shows that when the bacteria remain active within the material for longer periods, they can carry out multiple beneficial functions.

These include repairing structural damage autonomously and breaking down environmental contaminants, making the material not only more resilient but also capable of contributing to cleaner, more sustainable construction environments.

Heveran highlights that while materials made from once-living organisms are entering the market, those with still-living cells remain tricky to develop due to their short lifespan and simple structure.

Exploring the breakthrough

To tackle the challenge, the team used fungal mycelium from the fungus species Neurospora crassa, commonly known as orange bread mold, as a scaffold for biomineralized materials, taking inspiration from previous uses of mycelium as a scaffold in packaging and insulation products.

After a series of experiments, the scientists were surprised to discover that the fungal mycelium could be used to create materials with a wide range of complex internal architectures – a versatility that demonstrated its potential not only as a structural base but as a tool for designing intricate forms that could meet the diverse demands of modern construction and material engineering.

“We learned that fungal scaffolds are quite useful for controlling the internal architecture of the material,” Heveran concludes in a press release. “We created internal geometries that looked like cortical bone, but moving forward, we could potentially construct other geometries too.”

The researchers hope their new biomaterials will serve as a greener alternative to traditional construction materials with high carbon emissions, such as cement. They now aim to enhance the material by extending the lifespan of the living cells and developing efficient methods for large-scale production.

Source: Interesting Engineering

 

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Alternative Buyer Sought as Scheme Fails

 

Quarry Hill flats scheme: Planned building of 78 affordable homes has fallen through

 

The planned building of 78 affordable homes in the city centre has fallen through after a buyer pulled out of buying the site.

The apartments would have been built on St Cecilia Street in Quarry Hill under a deal between the council and investment group Legal and General.

It would have seen an 11-storey block of socially-rented flats built near Leeds Playhouse.

But an alternative buyer is now being sought after the deal collapsed.

A Leeds City Council report said rising building costs and stricter safety regulations meant it was no longer financially viable.It said: “A development of new apartments would have a positive effect on health and well-being as the availability of good quality homes is known to impact positively on people’s welfare.”

Planning permission was previously sought for the scheme, which would have delivered 46 one-bedroom, 28 two-bed and four three bedroom flats.

A council spokesperson said an agent would be brought in to re-market the site.

They said: “Unfortunately the purchaser previously selected has struggled to bring forward a scheme to develop the site at St Cecilia Street due to funding availability but also due to changes that the Building Safety Act has had upon their proposed scheme.”

Funding for the project included a £1.4m grant agreed by the council, along with other grants and loans secured seperatley.

The council report said an eventual sale would raise cash for the local authority. It said:

“Major financial investment will be brought to the city centre.”

Source: Yorkshire Post

 

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Robodog, a Woman’s Best Friend

Larissa Zeichhardt and her robo-dog on patrol, Image: LAT

Female construction workers often say they like their jobs because they can accomplish something tangible. And yet not many women work in the industry. New technologies could help change that.

Larissa Zeichhardt employs a robotic dog at her construction company — a four-legged machine equipped with various cameras and sensors to document the daily work done at the Berlin-based business LAT.

LAT specializes in laying high-voltage cables along railway tracks, and Zeichhardt says none of her 130 employees is really keen on getting back to the office to write down what’s been done after a full shift on the construction site. But without proper documentation, the next shift wouldn’t know exactly where the cables are located, she told DW.

This is where LAT’s new robo-dog comes into play, as the high-tech mobile machine starts to roam along the tracks, records locations and transmits the data directly into a virtual 3D model of the structure, allowing human colleagues access to it.

This kind of automated data collection also helps prevent damage to the cables that eventually could lead to power outages and costly repairs if their exact location isn’t known.

A ‘sisterhood’ of entrepreneurs

Zeichhardt and her sister Arabelle Laternser took over the medium-sized family business a decade ago after their father’s sudden death. Their enthusiasm for modern technology, made them venture into digitally transforming the old-fashioned construction business.

Zeichhardt said the transformation was also partly born out of sheer necessity.

The electrical engineer by profession was pregnant when their father died, and her sister kept bringing new documents home for her to sign. Eventually, the pair grew tired of lugging around binders and decided to digitize the entire administration so they could work from anywhere.

The employees out in the field also use digital apps for documentation, tool management and work safety documents, which have since been consolidated in a construction-site database.

“Our working hours are tough,” Zeichhardt told DW, and the administrative work often needs to be done at night, on weekends or during holidays. That’s why she tries to relieve her team of paperwork wherever possible..

Construction still no job for women

The construction industry has a reputation for being dirty, loud, male-dominated and technologically conservative. Issues like high waste production and carbon emissions are persistent challenges.

The industry’s biggest problem is the shortage of skilled labor. According to the German Construction Industry Association (HDB), a quarter of skilled construction workers will retire within the next decade. However, younger workers — especially women — are few and far between in the years to come.

The construction sector, according to HDB, has the fewest female employees in Germany, at just 14%. Even years of strong economic growth in the industry, with good earning potential, have not made much of a difference.

In trades that require heavy manual work such as bricklaying, road repair and underground construction, only 2% of workers are women — a figure that has barely increased for the past two decades, HDB data show. In planning and supervising projects, however, the proportion of women is a slightly better 28%.

After all, moving from construction site to construction site, which is part of the job, is hard to reconcile with family life. An internet campaign supported by the construction industry and called WIR.KÖNNEN.BAU in German (We can construction) seeks to attract more women to construction careers and calls for more flexible hours, child care support, and remote work options.

Despite being a “small company that doesn’t invest heavily in recruitment,” Zeichhardt said LAT received a number of “impressive applications” from women and young people. She attributed this to the company’s modern image, which has already won awards for family-friendliness, and for projects with startups.

Never bothered by being ‘the only women’

Bianca Weber-Lewerenz told DW that digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) are creating new roles for women in construction.

Weber-Lewerenz herself became the first female mason in the regional German state of Baden-Württemberg in 1997, just three years after then West Germany lifted its ban on women working on construction sites.

Having learned the bricklayer trade from the ground up helps the construction engineer — who now holds a PhD — convince entire workforces that construction, women and AI are a perfect match.

“Back then, crane technology relieved us from heavy physical work. It’s the same with AI now,” she said. “When I’ve laid pipes, I take a photo and send it to the billing department. Thanks to AI image recognition, they can immediately generate an invoice because the completed section is identified.”

Such tasks — as well as taking measurements, planning and design — can be efficiently handled from a home office, she said. Though, she said, an architect or engineer must be on-site at times. “But the only question is how often and for how long.”

eber-Lewerenz said being the only woman among men never bothered her during her career. She said she remained friends with her former supervisor.

“The men were amazed to see the first female apprentice mason on a construction site. Little by little, they started trusting me with physically demanding tasks. Men respect women who can handle tough conditions outside in all weather and who have a plan.”

Weber-Lewerenz said modern tools meant that contemporary construction requires much less muscle. As a mentor within the so-called Spitzenfrauen  organization of top female leaders in Germany, she also advises female students interested in construction careers.

Making effective use of AI

Great hopes are being placed on BIM (Building Information Modeling)  — a digital platform increasingly seen on German construction sites that gives all trades involved in a project access to documentation.

Weber-Lewerenz said BIM simplified communication and “prevents a lot of chaos and conflict.”

“My focus is on identifying the tools that make sense for a company, that allow machines to take over heavy and monotonous tasks, build more efficiently, reduce material waste and protect data,” she said, adding that this can reinforce the industry’s “core values of appreciation, reliability and quality.”

In 2020, she launched a so-called Initiative for Excellence that aims to promote “sustainable, human-led AI in construction.” The initiative has made her a pioneer in linking ethics, AI, and construction, and has since gained support from the German construction industry and beyond.

 

By Mathilda Jordanova-Duda

Source: DW

 

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Why AI and Why Now?

By Samudrapom Dam   

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a major player in construction management, helping teams plan better, manage risks smarter, and deliver projects more efficiently. As the tech evolves, AI-powered tools are no longer just “nice to have,” they’re becoming essential to staying competitive.

AI’s growing role in construction is no accident. The rise of computing power and access to massive volumes of unstructured, internet-based data has opened up new possibilities for managing complex projects. And complexity is exactly what modern construction teams are dealing with.

Projects today are bigger, involve more moving parts, and face tighter constraints on time and budget than ever before.1-3 Traditional management methods are starting to show their limits—there’s only so much human planners can juggle without help from smarter tools.

To put it in perspective: since 2013, project complexity has grown by more than five times. The average large-scale project now includes over 150,000 discrete activities and coordination across 27 specialized trades. A study of 214 such projects showed that 98 % experienced delays or budget overruns, with average costs running 32 % over budget and schedules falling 66 % behind.1-3

This is exactly where AI comes in.

AI tools can process vast amounts of data to improve planning accuracy, reduce risk, and optimize resources in real time. Whether it’s machine learning, computer vision, robotics, or natural language processing, these technologies are being used to support decisions across every phase of a project.

And they’re working. Construction firms using AI-enhanced project management tools have seen a 37 % boost in labor productivity, a 41 % drop in change orders, and budget deviations kept within 7.3 % of original estimates.1-3

Smarter Scheduling with AI

Scheduling is a critical, and often underestimated, challenge in construction. It’s not just about timelines—it’s about aligning resources, budgets, labor, and logistics, often under changing conditions. AI is making that process faster and more accurate.

Heuristics, search algorithms, and optimization techniques are already used in advanced scheduling tools. When combined with AI and building information modeling (BIM), especially during the early design stages, teams can improve how they forecast time and cost. But BIM’s automation is mostly limited to internal model data. It often misses real-world variables—which is where AI, particularly deep learning, adds serious value.2

In a study of 567 construction projects across Asia-Pacific, AI-based planning systems using neural networks reduced project variations by 31.7 % and improved scheduling accuracy by 42.3 %.1 These systems analyze historical data—on average, about 8750 activities per project—to deliver data-driven predictions.

AI-powered monitoring systems are also playing a big role. In research across 1234 Southeast Asian sites, projects that used monitoring tools with inputs from roughly 275 IoT sensors per site improved schedule adherence by 39.5 %.1 These systems give teams real-time insights, helping them make proactive decisions before small issues become major delays.

Digital twin technology, when enhanced by AI, is another game-changer. Among 89 large-scale projects studied, digital twins enabled early detection of project issues in 91.3 % of cases, analyzing around 32,000 data points daily with 96.5 % accuracy in detecting schedule deviations.1

AI is even helping teams get more out of their equipment. At 234 sites operating 1567 heavy construction units, AI-powered scheduling and maintenance tools improved equipment utilization by 52.3 %.1 These systems analyze 67 variables per unit and can predict maintenance needs with 94.7 % accuracy, cutting unplanned downtime by 61.8 %. Similarly, predictive maintenance applied to 892 units reduced downtime by 52.3 % and achieved 91.8 % failure prediction accuracy.1

Stronger Risk Management, Backed by Data

Risk management is crucial in construction, but many teams still rely on informal methods and fragmented communication. That’s a problem when you’re managing multi-million-dollar projects with dozens of stakeholders.

AI can bring structure, clarity, and foresight to this process.

By using knowledge-based systems, optimization tools, and machine learning, construction firms are improving how they identify and mitigate risks—and seeing measurable financial and safety benefits.2-4

In a study of 845 projects, predictive risk assessment systems powered by AI reduced insurance claims by 36.8 %, cost overruns by 49.3 %, and safety-related incidents by 67.5 %—leading to average annual savings of $2.4 million per project.1 Firms also reported a 45 % drop in design errors and a 38 % decrease in safety incidents.1

What makes AI particularly useful here is its ability to handle complexity. In one study of 312 infrastructure projects, machine learning models identified 87.4 % of potential risks during planning, compared to just 43.2 % using traditional methods.1 These systems evaluated around 156 risk variables per project, including regulatory compliance, market conditions, environmental factors, and resource availability. The result was a 58.9 % reduction in project uncertainties through better mitigation strategies.

More advanced AI applications are now capable of simulating over 1000 risk scenarios and detecting potential issues with 91.3 % accuracy.1 They’ve helped reduce uncertainties by 67.8%, making project planning more resilient and responsive. And in health and safety, AI is helping prevent accidents through innovations like BIM-integrated fall detection, sensor-based site monitoring, and wearable safety tech.1

AI Is Enhancing Project Delivery—Start to Finish

AI isn’t just improving how construction projects are planned, it’s also changing how they’re delivered. And BIM plays a central role in this shift.

When AI is integrated with BIM, it enhances digital management across the full construction lifecycle—from design and coordination to execution and operation.5 This integration is helping close the digital transformation gap in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC).

For co-design efforts, AI allows all stakeholders to share and access design data in a standardized format, improving collaboration and information flow. This has also had a big impact on supply chain coordination—by identifying bottlenecks and quality risks earlier, projects stay on schedule and deliver better outcomes.2-5

In one study covering 556 infrastructure projects, AI-optimized project delivery shortened timelines by 31.6 % and saved an average of $5.1 million per project in indirect costs.1 Workflow optimization algorithms also reduced critical path delays by 47.2 %, contributing to significant gains in overall efficiency.

Wrapping Up

AI isn’t just enhancing how construction projects are managed—it’s redefining what effective project management looks like. From data-driven scheduling and proactive risk management to optimized delivery workflows, AI tools like predictive analytics, digital twins, and real-time monitoring aren’t optional add-ons—they’re becoming core to performance, safety, and profitability.

As construction projects grow in scale and complexity, relying on traditional methods alone is no longer sustainable. The companies already investing in AI are gaining a serious edge: they’re delivering projects faster, staying on budget, and making smarter decisions with fewer surprises along the way.

In short, AI isn’t the future of construction—it’s the standard being set right now. The question is no longer if you should adopt it, but how soon.

 

Source: AZO Build

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Aptus Fasteners launches the timberfix® 360 collection

 

Aptus Fasteners is building on the success of one of its most popular product lines.

The business has launched the timberfix® 360 collection which features its bestselling high performance, multi-purpose woodscrew in the three new and innovative pack formats.

“The introduction of the timberfix® 360 collection opens up a host of exciting commercial opportunities for our stockists” explains Stewart Taylor, managing director at Aptus Fasteners.

“The new pack formats now available provide a plethora of merchandising and display opportunities, helping to ensure maximum impact and presence at the point of sale.

“They are also ideal for use as potential promotional items and can help stockists to target different customer groups – whether that’s trade professionals who use large volumes of woodscrews or DIY enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive all-in-one selection of fixings.”

 

The three pack formats that make up the timberfix® 360 collection include a 1,800 piece Grab & Go trade pack which features multiple boxes of screws contained within one larger, heavy-duty, fully recyclable cardboard box with an easy carry handle.

The second pack format is a 1,333 piece robust, metal carry case complete with spring latches to ensure more secure closing and a reduced risk of accidental spillages.

The third and final format is a 1,000 piece, recyclable and water resistant plastic organiser case.

All three packs within the timberfix® 360 collection contain an assortment of the brand’s most popular sizes, are available as both torx and Pozidriv options and contain free insert bits.

An all-round performer that’s often imitated but never bettered, the timberfix® 360 woodscrew remains a highly sought after choice, and especially amongst professional users, because of its versatility and assured performance.

These UKCA and CE certified fixings can be used for both manufactured boards and natural wood and offer a faster drive with less torque and a reduced risk of splitting the wood.

timberfix® 360 woodscrews also benefit from a countersunk head for a neater finish and are zinc and yellow plated, ensuring increased corrosion resistance and durability.

“The creation of the timberfix® 360 collection is the result of an active programme of product development that’s all part and parcel of our commitment to being our customers’ ‘Trusted Fastener Partner” adds Stewart.

“We want them to know they can count on us not only for high quality products sold in an ethical and honest way, but also for new range additions and enhancements that can enhance their continuing success.”

CLICK HERE For more information on Aptus Fastener Systems Limited

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World First: Toronto’s Digitally Integrated Building

COURTESY TMU — A rendering of the two-storey smart building set to open on TMU’s campus in 2025

A new structure is rising on the campus of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) that will be the world’s first fully digitally integrated building and showcase technologies to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The state-of-the-art Smart Campus Integration Testing (SCIT) Hub promises to be the most advanced smart building research facility in the world with the latest cutting-edge bells and whistles.

The two-storey SCITHub, at the intersection of Dundas Street East and Mutual Street, is slated to open this fall. The structure will be used as a testing ground for a full range of smart-building technologies and is intended to foster collaborations between university researchers and industry professionals.

Systems such as lighting, security, IT and communications will be controlled remotely and allow researchers to explore solutions to decarbonize built environments.

Construction is well underway on the L-shaped, 3,229-square-foot modular structure. The final touches are being put on the façade and work will continue indoors. The building envelope is made of mass timber panels and components that are produced off-site and trucked in.

“The last timber envelope is being fabricated, and we are expecting that to show up onsite sometime in May,” explains Jenn McArthur, an associate professor in the department of architectural science at TMU and dimensions faculty lead at the faculty of engineering and architectural science.

“It’s going to be a really nice, clean sort of building. We’re really trying to express the sustainability by expressing the timber structures so that they are really visible.”

The SCITHub has been in development since 2019. It took several years to obtain site plan approval and a building permit.

WZMH is the architect on the roughly $6-million project. It is funded primarily by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund as well as donations from companies and partners.

The facility will be like a living lab where new technologies for smart campuses and smart city solutions, including energy, water, transportation and smart living and working are developed. In addition to being a model for sustainable construction, the building itself will be part of the research.

“There is nothing on Earth like it,” says McArthur. “This is world-leading research infrastructure.”

By integrating different technologies such as AI and machine learning, SCITHub will allow researchers to explore solutions to decarbonize built environments and bring Canada closer to net-zero emissions.

The ground floor of the building will facilitate research and development for smart homes and host an operations and data visualization centre that will process data about building automation, campus pedestrian and traffic flow sensors, and weather. Data will be sent to a brain of sorts, a Cognitive Digital Twin.

A digital backbone will tie together all the digital equipment and sensors, which will be connected to a command and control centre that allows integration of a multitude of building-systems information.

The second floor of the building will have workshops and test cells to compare different technologies for smart offices. It will be home to a lab, comprising a visualization suite and workshop to develop Power of Ethernet technologies and test them and controls in different conditions.

Three parallel all-electric HVAC systems will support the development of energy optimization and fault-detection algorithms, to keep buildings operating at their peak performance. One will be air-source, a second will be water-source and a third will be water-source heat pumps on a geo-exchange loop.

“We can actually have two of our test cells running side by side and different kinds of systems,” says McArthur.

“We can also compare different types of equipment, and we have the ability to actually bring in other equipment.”

Interestingly, the building will feature an intelligent structural panel, which is a modular structural system that integrates digital access via ethernet wiring and electrical systems through built-in ports.

The university is using a modular approach to building the structure.

“Wherever it’s possible, we’re trying to do as much offsite as possible, obviously, because it makes it that much faster and easier,” says McArthur.

“We’re not building the whole thing onsite. Everything is actually coming in. It’s cross-laminated timber panels and they just come in with the panels.”

The modular approach leads to a cleaner and safer construction site and speeds up the work, says McArthur.

“It’s going to be really, really neat. It will give us a sense of how you can create these integrated, really clean and neat buildings and be able to do a lot of manufacturing off-site.”

While the project took time to get off the ground, McArthur notes the university has been fortunate as it has received support from research and industry partners. It also managed to beat the tariffs imposed on some materials.

“We’re glad that we put in all of our orders early — we got them in before all these tariffs,” says McArthur. “Everything that could be sourced as made-in-Canada has been sourced and made in Canada.”

Source: Construction Connect

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