Old Railway Arches get a New Lease of Life

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to see The Arch Company commence work on the transformation of four dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark, into spaces for restaurants, cafés, bars, and other leisure businesses to thrive. As design architect for the scheme, SGP has drawn on both its technical expertise and strong track record working with historic buildings to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches.

The arches, located under a 19th century railway viaduct in a prime London location between Southwark Bridge Road and Great Guildford Street, will now undergo extensive renovation and revitalisation works that will include the re-lining of all arch spaces, new insulated floor slabs suitable for restaurant use, and glazed front infills. In restoring these arches, a key priority has been to meet relevant energy efficiency standards, with all four arches intended to achieve an EPC ‘B’ rating.

“At Stephen George + Partners we firmly believe that the adaptive re-use of former industrial buildings can play a significant role in the revitalisation of our urban centres and the redevelopment of these railway arches on America Street is a prime example of the transformative potential of these important assets,” says SGP Studio Director Alan Soper. “Located in an area undergoing significant renewal and encompassing the Low Line urban regeneration initiative, the America Street scheme will transform previously unloved arches into contemporary spaces for new leisure, food and drink and retail businesses. Their prime location and Arch Company’s investment will help to create a vibrant destination for the neighbourhood, while also supporting local businesses and the wider community.” 

SGP’s proposals for the alteration of the America Street arches have been carefully considered in a site-specific response, providing contemporary and adaptable arch spaces for prospective tenants. The specification of high-quality façade materials will restore a superior appearance to the elevations; while the design and style of the infills will create an on-brand aesthetic that will enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and contribute to the Low Line regeneration initiative, which should be attractive to potential occupiers in the current marketplace.

Strategic Account Director, Santosh Patel, from Pick Everard said:

“This unique project will transform America Street’s historic railway arches into a vibrant cultural hub. By converting these once disused spaces into bustling restaurants, cafés, and bars, we are not just revitalising the arches but fostering a community and destination that supports local business and community. Our teams have worked closely with the client and architectural team on investigation works of the existing site, to allow efficient structural and drainage solutions to be designed. Our building services team have also coordinated with local electricity network providers to construct a new substation, to provide sufficient power to the new development, and have designed the necessary ventilation, power and lighting solutions for the new arch fitouts. We eagerly look forward to seeing the completion of this transformative project.”

SGP Principal Architectural Technologist, Josh White, comments:

 “The ultimate aim is for the street to be pedestrianised and so our design incorporates active frontages to increase the connection with the street. We have large glazed frontages along America Street and to firmly anchor the scheme within the local milieu and further enhance the streetscape, bifold doors can open up onto the street, while a space to the front of two of the units can be adapted for outside seating and planting to create an appealing aesthetic to the Low Line.”

Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive at The Arch Company, said:

“We’re investing £2.5m into these spaces to provide much-needed additional commercial space suitable for leisure use. Repurposing these arches is part of our ongoing programme to create fit-for-purpose spaces in which businesses can thrive.”

The America Street project is just one of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. Two schemes have recently achieved planning consent in Manchester, whilst elsewhere in London Crucifix Lane and Witan Street are progressing on site. The latter is already on site and due to complete soon and comprises the refurbishment of six arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use located just 16 minutes away from the City of London.

Alan Soper concludes:

“We are delighted to be working with The Arch Company on their ambitious programme, bringing these derelict arches back to life so that they can boost local employment and help local areas grow and prosper. America Street is perfectly located for leisure and retail businesses to thrive and it’s incredibly gratifying to see work commence on these arches. We very much look forward to seeing them fully renovated and back in productive use.”

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Revolutionising Tunnel Infrastructure with Robotic AI – video

Credit: Andrei Zota/ Costain

 

14 May 2024: A consortium of mechanical and civil engineering, and robotic automation industry leaders, including Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering, has developed the first robotic and AI solution set to revolutionise the installation of mechanical and civil services in tunnels.

 

Traditionally, installing these services in tunnels is hazardous, labour-intensive and time-consuming. The prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them. In doing so, the automated solution can improve on-site health and safety by reducing the risks associated with manual labour at the tunnel work face, for example, working at height in confined spaces, and hand-arm vibration experienced by workers during installation.

 

Once fully-developed, the final system can be deployed in tunnel construction for a variety of sectors including transport, water and energy. It is expected to increase productivity by 40% due to faster installation, reduce installation costs for new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems by 30%, and cut construction plant movements by 40% to decrease embodied carbon.

 

The 22-month project, partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, was led by TES, which developed the initial concept in partnership with the consortium. Leveraging its expertise in robotics and automation, MTC spearheaded the design and manufacture of the robot’s end effectors.  i3D developed crucial visualisation software for precise navigation, whilst Costain and VVB provided industry knowledge and expertise in tunnelling and fit-out requirements.

 

 

Alan Worsley, Design and Project Manager at Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd said: “TES has over many years designed and manufactured Mechanised Tunnelling Machines and special purpose equipment for the construction industry. Over this time, innovation has been at the forefront of our business, and the need for automation in traditionally manual M&E fit-out techniques has led us to develop ATRIS and make it commercially viable for the market. We believe the system can offer a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable solution for future infrastructure projects.”

 

Steve Nesbitt, Chief Technologist for the Built Environment at MTC, said: “Like many sectors, construction has faced labour challenges over the past few years which has driven greater interest in using robots, beyond manufacturing and logistics, to address these issues. By contributing our expertise to this project, we are paving the way for construction companies to adopt technology for greater control and structuring of on-site works, making infrastructure delivery safer, more productive, and more sustainable.”

 

Dr Jon Storey, Lead Engineer at i3D, said: “Developing an automated system to install infrastructure in tunnels has been a long-standing ambition for the construction sector. ATRIS has moved us significantly closer to that goal. The use of stereo vision with machine learning and robotics to place bolts precisely on a curved surface is an unprecedented achievement, with potential applications beyond the construction sector, such as nuclear decommissioning and defence.”

 

Lee Bateson, Mechanical and Engineering Manager and Robotics Lead at Costain, said: “Teaching the robots to learn seemingly simple tasks – such as how to avoid cross-threading the screws that go into the sockets – has been hugely fulfilling, thanks to the consortium’s collaborative spirit. Whether it’s carbon reduction, increasing productivity or improving workforce health and safety, this is transformative technology that will have enormous benefits for the customers that we build tunnels for.”

 

Nicholas Beedle, Group Operations Director at VVB Engineering, said: “Tunnel works historically are expensive to build and maintain, and in the higher risk bracket for safety during construction and operation. It is important that ongoing improvements are made to address both of these issues.  The development of the robotic AI solution is a step towards solving both of these industry challenges.”

 

 

 

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Sun Power: £600 million contracts to build fusion energy plant

 

Bidding to begin building the world’s first nuclear fusion energy plant in Nottinghamshire will begin within weeks.

The pioneering work at the decommissioned West Burton A power station near Retford will be constructed by 2040, using the same clean energy process which powers the sun.

The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) could produce large amounts of clean energy and reduce reliance on oil and gas.

The bidding process to find a company to handle construction and another to handle engineering – collectively worth around £600m – will formally open on May 22.

The initial contracts will be awarded in late 2025 and will last until 2029.

The STEP project is being led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, which is owned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

A new government policy issued May 8th also proposes declaring all fusion energy facilities as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

This means they would be given approval by a Secretary of State rather than local authorities, which it says removes the risk for first-of-its-kind facilities.

It is hoped that the STEP project would bring hundreds of highly skilled jobs to the region and significant investment.

Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, said:

“We are looking towards a very significant milestone for STEP in the next two weeks as we are set to launch our search for industrial partners in engineering and construction who will join us in designing and delivering the STEP prototype plant at West Burton.

“This will demonstrate that fusion energy can work, and through that endeavour, we will develop an industry that can deliver commercial fusion for decades beyond.

“The launch of formal consultation on a National Policy Statement for fusion energy is very welcome and an important milestone in the journey towards a new energy source, deployed in the right way.

“It reflects the UK’s proactive leadership in fusion energy by putting in place the critical enablers that all fusion developments will need, and in a way that will bring communities and the public along.”

Minister for Nuclear and Renewables, Andrew Bowie, said:

“Fusion could provide a near limitless source of energy and the UK is leading the way in trying to harness this power and deliver long-term energy independence.

“Building STEP is a major opportunity for the sector and will provide investment and jobs in a former industrial area of Nottinghamshire.”

 

Source: West Bridgeford Wire

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UK Expert given worldwide media coverage on Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Bridge Image Sky News

 

Yorkshire structural engineer Julian Carter has achieved international prominence, following media appearances, as an expert commentator, on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

 

Julian says:

“This was a tragic incident which caused the deaths of six construction workers on the bridge, after a fully loaded container ship apparently lost power and collided with one of the concrete bridge supports. Being invited to comment on it was a sobering experience.”

 

The scale of the incident quickly attracted international media attention. At this point Julian became involved.

 

He explains:

“I’m on a database of expert witnesses in structural engineering, and it appears that’s how the initial contact was made. I was first called by Sky News who quickly arranged an online video interview.”

Julian adds: “Being an expert witness is normally a relatively sedate affair, requiring the assembly of facts and copious preparation. On this occasion it was much different. I was reliant on the latest intelligence about the unfolding events, provided by the media sources.

“I’ve worked on extensive bridge structures including the mile long Thelwall Viaduct on the M6, near Warrington, and was able to provide an insight into the nature of the Baltimore Bridge design.

“They were keen to understand how the bridge could have collapsed in such a catastrophic manner. I explained the nature of continuous span bridges, in terms of both their strength and their vulnerabilities.

“The design basis of the bridge meant that it was a continuous structure. The unforeseen collision with the concrete pillar created a catastrophic collapse.”

 

Julian soon discovered that the news media industry is a kind of eco system where each outlet monitors the coverage of others.

 

He says:

“Following the Sky News TV piece, the pace was off the scale. I was invited by media outlets worldwide to comment on the event, as we best understood the facts. News agencies including the BBC, ITN and others from America, Canada, Singapore and Europe were amongst those who called me to arrange TV, radio and newspaper interviews.”

 

At the latest count Julian is credited with about 350 media mentions.

 

Julian concludes:

“In this case, the extraordinary circumstances of a container ship which lost power created a tragic outcome. The only good news is that the accident happened at night. The crew of the ship were able to notify the authorities of the likely collision and they closed the bridge to traffic, preventing further loss of life.”

 

The press and TV coverage has prompted colleagues old and new to get in touch. Julian says:

“Expert witness work is often done on my regional or county ‘patch’ but in this case my comments had global reach and re-ignited friendships from colleagues, worldwide.”

 

Enquiries into the exact cause of the collision are ongoing, and authorities in Baltimore are continuing with contingency plans to enable the harbour to continue trading.

 

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The London Eye to Keep Spinning

 

Photo credit: Merlin Entertainments

The London Eye’s long-term future secured

 

One of the UK’s most iconic visitor attractions – the lastminute.com London Eye – has had its long-term future secured, after Lambeth Council confirmed that it could remain on London’s South Bank.

 

At the meeting of the Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday 7th May, Lambeth Councillors voted unanimously to support a recommendation from officers to discharge a condition attached to the 2003 planning permission that required the local planning authority to decide whether the attraction could be retained beyond 2028.

 

This followed the submission of a report for Merlin Entertainments co-ordinated by Lichfields which assessed the continued acceptability of the Eye in this location. The comprehensive assessment included Further Environmental Information assessing a range of topic areas, with assessments from Lichfields on planning, heritage, townscape and socio-economic impacts.   Lichfields identified the wide ranging benefits of the London Eye, including £143 million GVA per annum within London and over 200 direct jobs, as well as the benefits that elevated views of heritage assets such as the adjacent world Grade II* County Hall and the World Heritage site at The Palace of Westminster has to users of the London Eye.

 

The Council agreed with the conclusions of the report and that the benefits of the London Eye weighed significantly in their decision. In approving the report the Committee has confirmed that the Eye can remain in place – with current arrangements continuing beyond 2028. This includes a requirement for 1% of the attraction’s annual turnover to be paid towards the maintenance and management of the public area surrounding the site. These monies are invested in partnership with South Bank Employers’ Group and South Bank Business Improvement District.

 

Last night’s decision builds on the planning and EIA advice Lichfields has provided on the London Eye since 1999 when Lichfields secured the temporary planning permission for the 32 capsule London Eye and subsequently a separate planning permission and listed building consent for its retention in 2003.

 

Nick Thompson and Hannah Whitney, who led Lichfields’ work, said

“We are very pleased with the decision and having advised on this project for 25 years seen it become such a popular feature providing many benefits for the local area, London and the UK.  We are delighted that it will be in place for future generations to enjoy.”

 

Speaking following the decision, Merlin’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott O’Neil, said:

“A landmark decision for a landmark attraction. The London Eye is both the centrepiece of Merlin’s central London offering and visitors’ itineraries, drawing millions to the South Bank each year to enjoy unrivalled views of the capital.”

 “It is impossible to imagine the London skyline without the iconic structure of the London Eye, and with its long-term future secure, we will continue to invest and expand Merlin’s presence in this great city, which is one of our key gateway clusters. We will work closely with key partners locally, including the re-elected Mayor Sadiq Khan, to further boost London’s attractiveness to both international and domestic visitors, offering them experiences that bring joy and everlasting memories.”

 

Merlin’s Divisional Director of Gateway UK, Sunny Jouhal added: “It was clear from the council meeting that there is strong and enthusiastic support for the Eye – and a recognition of the immensely positive contribution it makes to the vibrancy of this part of London and the businesses and communities it works with on a daily basis.

 

“When the Eye first opened at the turn of the century, no-one could have envisaged it would become synonymous with all that is great about our capital city. Following this decision by Lambeth Council, we can now confirm that this attraction will continue to play its part, long beyond 2028, in attracting visitors to the South Bank. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with others to further boost footfall in the surrounding area – whilst also ensuring that our contributions help make this area a safe, sustainable and welcoming place to visit.”

 

 

 

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Planning Rejections as Housing Crisis Deepens 

 

Despite the ongoing housing crisis in the UK, London and the Southeast of England have the highest proportion of developer planning applications in the country, according to new data. Councils have warned they run the risk of going bankrupt in the next year. 

Property data provider Search Acumen has found that at least one in two planning submissions for major housing developments are disproportionately in London, the Southeast and the East of England amid reports of homelessness on the rise. As property prices soar, working Brits are struggling to get on the property ladder due to housing shortages and lack of affordability. Search Acumen has analysed planning application records from the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for 2023.

A total of 15 local planning authorities refused half of planning submissions for residential development last year, 80% of which are based in the capital and surrounding areas. Liberal Democrat run Mole Valley in Surrey had the highest amount of refusals for housing out of any local authority in the UK, with 77% of decisions refused. Mole Valley neighbours the Surrey Hills, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty – with an average house price of £565,00o. Building on areas such as the Surrey Hills requires an order from Natural England under section 82 of the CROW Act for the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.

12 out of 15 local authorities who refused applications were based in London and the East, meaning housebuilders based in those areas have the lowest chance of obtaining a successful planning application. The analysis also points to councils were no one party has a majority to have a 60% higher likelihood of refusal due to political instability. There is a greater need to ‘protect the land due to its scarcity’, according to Andrew Lloyd, Director of Search Acumen.

The ONS have released stats showing that the UK population may increase by 6.6million people by the year 2036, with a prediction of a further 5.7million homes needed over the next 15 years to make up for the deficit. Meeting this target would require building an average of 382,000 homes per year – which is above the current rate of 240,000.

Lloyd said:

 “Where the housing pressure is the greatest is where opposition to new housing is the highest. This research shows that overwhelmingly the wealthier parts of the country, in particular the commuter belts in the Southeast, is where the greatest amount of opposition comes from to new housing. With more land being used for development, voters and politicians alike are becoming more protective of land due to its scarcity.”

“Councils where no one party is in control can mean planning applications can take a more political lens when considered for approval, ultimately finding consent harder to achieve. Local elections on May 2nd for these areas up and down the UK will be key to removing political stalemates through majority wins, creating a better chance for local authorities to be able to commit to new housing projects and the associated town investment that often goes hand in hand.”

The news comes as nearly one in 10 councils in England have warned they will go bankrupt in the next 12 months as authorities are having to plan widespread services cuts, above-inflation council tax rises and across-the-board increases to resident charges.

For larger developers, the places where they are most likely to be greeted with YIMBYs (Yes In My Back Yard) and get planning permission granted reside broadly in the Midlands and the North.

Lloyd has said:

“YIMBY areas are places that either want or need the investment, marking them as high growth areas for the future. If we take Bexley, for example, this area has been opened up thanks to Elizabeth Line, actively looking for more investment and being pro-development as a result. Whilst there is no hard and fast rule, Brent is also an area for London that has had a housing boom. Located close to Wembley it has seen a plethora of investment pour in with a high need for more affordable housing, making planning approvals more likely.”

Source: Todays Conveyancer

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House Building Declines but Construction Output Increases

S&P Global UK Construction PMI® for April 2024

 

Business activity growth gained momentum across the UK construction sector in April, largely due to solid rates of expansion in the commercial and civil engineering segments. Near-term prospects remained relatively positive, as new work increased for the third month running amid reports of a boost to sales from improving domestic economic conditions.

Supplier lead times meanwhile shortened to the greatest extent in 2024 so far, which survey respondents linked to rising materials availability and relatively soft demand for construction inputs.

At 53.0 in April, up from 50.2 in March, the headline S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®) – a seasonally adjusted index tracking changes in total industry activity – registered in positive territory for the second month running and signalled the strongest pace of expansion since February 2023.

Commercial building (index at 53.9) increased for the first time since August 2023 and was the fastest-growing area of construction activity in April. Survey respondents commented on rising workloads and a turnaround in customer demand, in part driven by refurbishment projects. Civil engineering activity (index at 53.6) meanwhile expanded again in April and at the strongest pace for nine months.

The latest survey signalled a setback for house building activity (index at 47.6). April data pointed to a moderate fall in residential building work, although the rate of decline was the steepest since January. Construction companies again noted sluggish market conditions and the impact of elevated borrowing costs.

New business volumes increased for the third successive month in April, although the rate of expansion eased since March and was only modest. Those reporting higher new order intakes typically cited improved client confidence, particularly in the commercial segment.

 

COMMENT

Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiles the survey said:

“The construction sector consolidated its recent return to growth in April, with total industry activity rising at the fastest pace for 14 months amid an ongoing recovery in order books. Demand was boosted by greater confidence regarding the broader UK economic outlook. Commercial construction outperformed in April and civil engineering also provided a solid contribution to overall growth.

“Lacklustre market conditions in the house building segment continued to weigh on activity. The latest survey pointed to the fastest reduction in residential building work since January, although the speed of the downturn remained much softer than in the second half of 2023.

“Hiring trends were subdued in April despite a recovery in workloads, which mirrored trends seen in other part of the UK economy, as construction firms sought to maintain a tight focus on costs against a backdrop of strong wage pressures. Purchasing prices nonetheless increased only modestly in April. An improved balance between supply and demand helped to contain overall input cost inflation, as suggested by the fastest improvement in vendor performance so far in 2024.

“Business activity expectations for the year ahead picked up slightly in April, supported by a sustained recovery in new orders, positive signals for sales pipelines, and anticipated interest rate cuts in the second half of 2024.”

 

 

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Beating the Heat

 

Many years ago, on a blisteringly hot day in Granada, Spain I visited the 12th century Alhambra and

noted that when inside the buildings the heat, which was quite overpowering in the very beautiful gardens that

surrounded them, dropped to a comfortable temperature.  At the time I presumed that something about

the architectural layout had been incorporated to give them a natural cooling.

Given our recent report about ‘Adapting to Heatwaves’ and my experience at the Alhambra,

I thought this article by Dr Pandiri Harsha Bhargavi of the Hans News Service in India might be of interest to our readers.

 

How Bharat’s ancient architecture can cool us down today.

(Bharat, or, in the English language, India)

Contemporary architecture faces several challenges when it comes to dealing with heatwaves. Concrete structures, with their high thermal mass, tend to retain heat, making indoor spaces uncomfortably hot. Limited natural ventilation and the urban heat island effect further exacerbate the problem. Cooling these structures consumes a lot of energy, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change. Additionally, elevated indoor temperatures pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. By harnessing nature’s power, ancient architecture can create homes that naturally cool themselves.

Key elements include the courtyard, high ceilings, and strategically placed windcatchers (jalis) that channel cool air into the building. Water plays a vital role in cooling the surrounding air through evaporation, and buildings often use thick walls made of local materials like brick and terracotta.

Previously, houses with rainwater soak pits were designed to collect rainwater efficiently and recharge groundwater. These houses had sloping roofs to collect rainwater, and adjacent soak pits lined with permeable materials to store and infiltrate the water into the ground. This provided a sustainable source of water for communities in water-scarce environments.

Contemporary Bharat’s architecture is a blend of modern design principles and traditional elements, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian architecture. However, there are notable differences between ancient and contemporary architecture. Ancient architecture used materials like stone, brick, and wood, while contemporary architecture often uses concrete, glass, and steel due to their availability, strength, and ease of construction. The design philosophy of ancient architecture focused on harmony with nature, spiritual symbolism, and community integration, while contemporary architecture leans towards functionality, sustainability, and individualism.

Modern architects can integrate these principles into contemporary designs, such as reimagining courtyards as light wells or atriums in multi-story buildings, mimicking the function of jalis with louvers and operable windows. Water features can be incorporated for aesthetics and cooling effects. The benefits of these techniques extend beyond just beating the heat. By relying less on air conditioning, we can significantly reduce our energy consumption, lowering our carbon footprint and saving on electricity bills.

These designs often promote natural lighting and improved air quality, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. In a world grappling with climate change and rising energy demands, ancient Indian architecture offers a beacon of hope. By embracing the wisdom of the past and adapting it for the present, we can create buildings that are not only comfortable but also sustainable. In terms of scale and function, ancient architecture emphasized grandeur and religious significance, while contemporary architecture focuses on more versatile spaces catering to diverse functions and user needs. Technology and innovation in contemporary architecture allows for innovative structural designs, sustainable practices, and efficient construction methods.

As urbanization and globalization continue, contemporary Indian architecture faces challenges related to urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and cultural homogenization. Balancing modernization with preservation of cultural identity and heritage is a key concern. Some potential issues in contemporary architecture include loss of identity, overemphasis on commercialization, neglect of sustainability, lack of integration with context, and inadequate planning and infrastructure. To address these challenges, a holistic approach that balances modernity with tradition, prioritizes sustainability and cultural heritage, involves community participation, and promotes responsible urban development practices is needed. Auroville, a township in Tamil Nadu, uses stabilized compressed earth blocks (SCEBs) for affordable single-family homes, showcasing the beauty and practicality of earthen construction. These blocks provide excellent thermal insulation, keeping interiors cool naturally. Bamboo, abundant in India’s north-eastern states, is a game-changer in housing projects due to its strength, lightweight, and quick growth, making it a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional building materials.

Ancient architectural features and structures have proven to be resilient to natural disasters. These include earthquake resistance, flood management, heat and sun protection, and fire resistance. The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, known for its intricately carved stone wheels and interlocking joints, provides stability during earthquakes. The Chennakesava Temple in Karnataka, known for its Hoysala architecture, is renowned for its flexibility and structural elements. The Harappan city of Mohenjo-Daro uses advanced urban planning and drainage systems to mitigate flooding from the Indus River. Stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan, like the Rani ki Vav in Patan, store water during the monsoon season and prevent flooding. The 800-year-old Ramappa temple of Telangana state with wet sand technology and floating bricks with marvellous architectural expertise. The Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, uses Pallava architecture with sturdy stone construction and sloping roofs to withstand coastal winds and cyclones. Chhatris in Rajasthan feature domed pavilions and wind-catching structures that provide shelter from strong winds while allowing natural ventilation. Kerala architecture features steep sloping roofs, extended eaves, and ventilated courtyards to promote airflow and mitigate heat in the humid tropical climate. Monsoon management involves deep stepwells like Chand Baori in Abhaneri, Rajasthan, and traditional wooden houses in Assam using lightweight and easily replaceable roofing materials.  Fire resistance is also evident in temples like Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, built using durable sandstone and granite. Ancient architecture offers passive cooling techniques for a more comfortable living experience. By leveraging these principles, affordable housing can be made more achievable.

Ancient Indian construction relied on local and natural materials like earth, bamboo, and stone, which eliminates high costs associated with long-distance transportation and requires less processing than modern materials like steel and concrete. Earthen construction offers excellent thermal regulation and can be surprisingly durable. Traditional building techniques in India often relied on skilled labour, minimizing the need for complex construction methods and specialized equipment. This approach can benefit affordable housing projects by reducing overall labour costs. Smart space planning and modular design can be used in ancient Indian architecture, maximizing usable space and minimizing unnecessary square footage. Courtyards can also serve as multifunctional spaces, reducing the need for dedicated rooms. Prefabricated components can streamline construction and reduce waste, particularly beneficial for large-scale affordable housing projects. Passive cooling techniques in buildings require less reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning, leading to significant savings on utility bills for residents.

The use of durable and locally sourced materials also translates to lower maintenance costs. By combining ancient architecture principles with modern technology, affordable housing solutions can be created that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly and comfortable, contributing to a more sustainable future for cities.

 

Source: Hans India

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SFS Highfix handles challenges of PV install on low pitch roofs

 

SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd has drawn on its expertise in the field of fall protection to offer specifiers a foolproof and cost effective solution to mounting photo-voltaic (PV) systems on flat or low pitched roofs.  Importantly the Highfix product not only features the manufacturer’s  tried and trusted SOTER®II Horizontal Lifeline System base plate, but is fully adaptable to a variety of roof constructions.

 

As set out in a very visual installation guide, these include reinforced concrete decks, composites, standing seam systems, all the popular types of trapezoidal roof profiles and even green roofs and historic buildings.  The installation work is recommended to be undertaken by an experienced roofing contractor, drilling down into the deck to use the appropriate fixing, such as concrete screws, stainless steel gravity toggles, chemical resin anchors or special rivets; but specifiers and building owners can be reassured that each base plate is rendered weatherproof as soon as it is secured in place.

 

The Highfix range was originally launched with a choice of either 30mm or 50mm diameter supports, but this has now been extended to include the 100 mm alternative, while the corrosion resistant base plates are also available in several formats, including with a PVC coated version.

 

Product Manager Scott Kelly commented:

“We have been able to design the Highfix support column to interface with the same multi-hole SOTER II base plate we use for our fall prevention systems.  And because of the engineering that went into ensuring it can withstand high, dynamic loads, it means the supports for solar panels can be spaced further apart; therefore requiring fewer components and bringing down the total cost across a project.

“Also, importantly, the multi-hole base plate has been designed so that the fixings will align perfectly with the crowns to 90% of the roofing profiles currently used in the UK.  This means they are likely to be the right fit for the majority of retrofit contracts.  Then the Highfix support is designed to connect directly with typical PV bracketry.”

 

As well as Focus document for the product SFS Group Fastening Technology Ltd is able to provide specifiers with full details on the technical standards the Highfix system complies with, as well as its suitability for different, project specific applications.  Thanks to the fixing specialist’s long experience of working with OEMs, the Highfix system also carries approvals from the UK’s leading membrane manufacturers including Sika, Protum and Bauder.

CLICK. HERE for further information from SFS

 

OR CALL 0330 0555888

 

 

 

 

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Gove receives warning letter from Steel Giant

 

By Mark Kleinman City editor of Sky News

 

ArcelorMittal has told Michael Gove it may be forced to “cease operations in Britain” unless he blocks the redevelopment of Chatham Docks in a letter obtained by Sky News.

The world’s second-largest steel company has warned the government that a planning verdict due this week could lead to a key division quitting the UK.

Sky News has seen a letter sent by ArcelorMittal to Michael Gove, the levelling-up secretary, in which it says that a decision to allow the closure and redevelopment of part of Chatham Docks would have “seismic adverse consequences… [for] the British economy and multiple strategic industries”.

In the letter from Matthew Brooks, who runs ArcelorMittal’s construction solutions arm in the UK, the company urges Mr Gove to issue an urgent order to allow fuller government scrutiny of the redevelopment proposals ahead of Wednesday’s decision by Medway Council.

“This is highly time-sensitive – calling in the application after next Wednesday will not be possible,” Mr Brooks wrote.

He warned that if the proposals were approved, ArcelorMittal would “regrettably be left with no alternative but to leave Chatham Docks and, more than likely, cease operations in Britain, given the lack of suitable alternative sites”.

“This, too, would likely be the case for the majority of businesses at the Docks,” Mr Brooks wrote.

“This would have a significant impact on Britain’s manufacturing and construction industries, delay countless critical national infrastructure projects, come at a significant cost to the economy, and leave Britain vulnerable and exposed to the volatility of international supply chain shocks.”

The application, submitted by Peel Waters, part of the industrial conglomerate Peel Group, would see the site used to build housing and commercial facilities in place of part of the docks.

It has already been recommended for approval by local planning officers, according to reports last week.

ArcelorMittal uses the site in Kent to transport materials produced by its construction materials arm.

If the application was approved, it warned, it would

“spell the end of Chatham Docks and have a significant impact on the UK reinforcement industry, leading to serious, potentially irreversible long-term harm, with immediate consequences for the resilience and carbon intensity of the sector”.

ArcelorMittal, which has operations in more than 60 countries, is an integrated steel and mining company, serving the automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging industries.

The company, which is based in Luxembourg, is chaired by Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian businessman.

It is a significant supplier of steels in Britain, and has been involved in construction projects such as Wembley Stadium, Crossrail and the O2 arena in southeast London.

“Our concern is that Peel’s application to redevelop Chatham Docks is not only wrong for Britain but has proceeded with little scrutiny and a lack of public awareness,” Mr Gove was told in the letter.

“Many key stakeholders are therefore unaware of the consequences if it were to proceed.

“As the largest operator in the Docks, we of course believe that the application should be rejected.

“However, our sole request today is for an Article 31 holding direction so you can secure the time to assess whether to call in this application for consideration at the national level.”

According to ArcelorMittal, Chatham Docks – which it described as “a 400-year-old thriving commercial port with a proud naval heritage” – employs nearly 800 people and generates economic value equivalent to £112,000 per worker, which it argued was “considerably higher than the Medway average of £63,900”.

“This is in direct contrast to proposals put forward by Peel, whose economic proposition is unclear,” Mr Brooks wrote.

He added that the redevelopment plan would spell the end for £20m of new investment with the potential to create nearly 2,000 jobs.

“However, none of this can be realised while there is uncertainty about the future of our lease on Chatham Docks,” Mr Brooks warned, adding that £5m of investment had “already been delayed by Peel’s application”.

Source: Sky News

 

 

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