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.

Breathing Buildings Supports World Ventil8 Day!

   

Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems is celebrating World Ventilation Day (#WorldVentil8Day). World Ventil8 Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of ventilation as a crucial part of enabling health and wellbeing of people. Taking place on Thursday 8 November 2024, World Ventil8 Day was initiated by a group of researchers and professional bodies who are passionate about the importance of ventilation. This year the theme is ‘Enabling Action’ and aims to spread the word about all that is good in ventilation and how to help people to improve ventilation in their buildings whether it be a home, a school, a workplace or a social space. It also aims to highlight ventilation’s role in healthy buildings and a healthy life.

Breathing Buildings is keen to support World Ventil8 Day. Since the company was founded, it has been dedicated to energy efficient ventilation which improves indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. Prior to the pandemic there was already an increasing awareness of how indoor environments impact our health and wellbeing. In the UK ventilation guidance for schools already existed in the form of Building Bulletin 101 (BB101). The last revision, the 2018 edition of BB101: ‘Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools’ looks at the key design elements of modern ventilation systems in schools. The document sets out requirements for schools to improve ventilation to create a healthy and comfortable environment that will help improve children’s learning outcomes.

 

 

“Breathing Buildings is delighted to support this year’s World Ventil8 Day. Since it was founded, Breathing Buildings has been committed to energy efficient ventilation that improves IAQ and thermal comfort. Over the years we have helped a raft of schools improve their learning environments. Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, our hybrid ventilation is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. Our latest innovation the NVHRe raises the bar on energy efficient ventilation, marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology,” said Louise McHugh, Product Manager at Breathing Buildings.

 

Breathing Buildings is committed to improving IAQ and enabling action by helping schools improve their ventilation and indoor environments. For example, Breathing Buildings supplied ventilation to High Point Academy, a secondary school for students with complex learning difficulties in Wednesbury, West Midlands. The 90-pupil school features classrooms that are designed to be safe and calming for autistic pupils, it includes a range of specialist rooms that enhance the children’s experience. In addition to this specialist learning environment, the two-storey school benefits from Breathing Buildings’ NVHR (Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling) hybrid ventilation units that help provide good indoor air quality and keep the school warm in winter and cool in summer. This boosts comfort and health which is essential for the pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

 

But it is not only schools that can benefit from hybrid ventilation technology. For example, Breathing Buildings supplied ventilation to ECO MEP’s carbon negative headquarters in Ashford, Kent. Recently purchasing the building, ECO MEP are mechanical and electrical contractors who focus on delivering lean, sustainable solutions to commercial clients. In line with these values, their objective was to ensure their own new offices were a beacon of sustainability and so specified Breathing Buildings’ innovative NVHRe Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery to provide energy efficient ventilation.

 

Breathing Buildings’ award-winning NVHRe, raises the bar on energy efficient ventilation. Marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology, the key difference between Breathing Buildings’ original NVHR® range and the new innovative Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe) is an addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing great occupant comfort, and allowing users to include it within the building energy assessments (SBEM).

 

Offering the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance IAQ and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary.

 

Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants.

 

The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; needing no radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control.

 

The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver superb thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy efficient mode possible at all stages.

 

Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space, in return reducing energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor, as well as an intelligent controller the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing.

Breathing Buildings’ NVHRe won ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024. Breathing Buildings is currently shortlisted in the Energy Saving Awards and the ECN Awards for supplying ventilation to the ECO MEP project.

For further information on NVHR®, NVHRe and E-stack ventilation, 
as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings, 

PLEASE CLICK HERE

or call us on 01223 450 060

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NOT GOING TO BREAK THE BANK

 

Overflows from an adjacent river into the Grand Union Canal had increased water pressure in one of the waterway’s locks, damaging nearby banks and towpaths. With the possibility of the river and canal merging becoming increasingly likely, The Rothen Group stepped in to mitigate this risk.

 

The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in the UK, running 137 miles from the Thames to Birmingham. Its connecting Leicester Line is also highly important, providing a 41-mile route linking the main waterway to routes across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. Crucial to this is the Line’s link to the River Soar, with boaters joining a stretch of canalised river at Leicester, before carrying on to the River Trent and eventually the Trent & Mersey Canal.

 

Consequently, the River Soar is highly significant to the country’s waterway infrastructure, while also providing a scenic route for narrowboats along quiet meadows and picturesque villages. However, the canalised portion of the river was under threat following extreme weather events over this winter and spring.

 

Overflows and Overtopping

High levels of rainfall over multiple months had caused the main river to overflow, resulting in overtopping into the adjacent canal. Though the immediate flooding stemming from this phenomenon is a disruptive issue by itself, its impact on waterway infrastructure is even greater still.

 

After a member of the public drew down the section between Lock 37 and Lock 38 to create a barrier between the overflowing River Soar and nearby properties, water pressure supporting the pilings dropped. In turn, the sides of the canal could no longer withstand the strain from the overflowing river water and subsequently flooding into the empty canal. As a result, damage occurred to the canal walls and towpath that required immediate attention.

 

If this existing bank protection were to fail completely – a distinct possibility, considering the increasing frequency of extreme weather events – the risk of the canal and larger River Soar bleeding into each other would increase. The impact of this merge would be huge for the villages and communities dotting the waterway, as an ensuing build-up of silt in the expanded river would lead to more flooding in the area.

 

Site Challenges

The Canal & River Trust, the charity responsible for the upkeep of the UK’s waterways, engaged Jackson Civil Engineering (Jackson) to carry out urgent repair works and prevent a worsening situation. The project site presented immediate challenges for Jackson. Namely, any bank restoration works had to be carried out on a remote stretch of canal that was not navigable by land-based construction machinery.

 

Taking this into account, the company contacted marine engineering specialists The Rothen Group (TRG) to implement an effective solution, designed by the Trust. The design saw improvements across one 30m and two 25m sections as well as along a 60m non-failed stretch. This included replacing the waling bar, tie backs and back piles. These renovated canal walls would then be backfilled with clay, soil and stone to restabilise the towpath after damage caused by increased water pressure from the lock.

 

Major works were carried out by a five-tonne digger situated on an adjustable, stabilised pontoon on the waterway. Alongside this, a tug boat and hopper were used to assist in the removal of previous bank protection via the canal. This floating plant machinery was also used in the final step of the project – the installation of new mooring bollards to invite more waterway users from the area.

 

Removing the Risk

Though the return of boaters to the affected area was undoubtedly pleasing to TRG Founder Ian Rothen, he is keen to emphasise the structural and environmental importance of these works.

 

“Sections of canalised river do not only offer boaters a convenient way to navigate much-loved boating routes,” he explains. “The towpaths and banksides around these waterways also provide flood protection for the nearby area.

“Consequently, the erosion of canal walls in these areas can have a catastrophic effect on local housing and businesses. Had these works not been carried out, more of the bank would have crashed and led to a real risk that the river and canal would merge. Had this happened, the buildup of silt in the river would have majorly disrupted life in the area for the foreseeable future.

“By successfully completing this project, we have been able to avert this situation. As they say, prevention is better than the cure, and this remediation and maintenance work will undoubtedly help safeguard the surrounding community for years to come. This is some of the most important work that we do, and we are thankful to Jackson Civil Engineering for engaging our services here.”

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Innovative precast foundation system

Engineering specialist Akela Ground Engineering, part of Akela Group, has achieved NHBC Accepts certification for its precast foundation system, ABeam.

Launched earlier this year, ABeam features a special mechanical pinned joint, allowing for prefabricated ground beams to be installed in a matter of hours, offering housebuilders an exciting new and sustainable alternative to ground beam installation.

By combining precise off-site fabrication, alignment and interlocking sections with secure fastening, this joint design ensures a robust, reliable and efficient way to connect precast ground beams.

Following significant investment, including the creation of a state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Akela’s headquarters near Glasgow, ABeam has been specifically designed to offer housebuilders greater efficiencies in delivery of new homes.

NHBC Accepts enables a more efficient assessment of a home for warranty and reduces the risk to the builder of delays in their project.

Jermaine Medina, accepts technical operations manager at NHBC, said:

“As the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, we’re pleased to welcome Akela Ground Engineering to NHBC Accepts with its ABeam pre-cast ground beam system. Systems with NHBC Accepts certification give developers faith and confidence in the quality of the products they are building with.”

Will Payne, manager director at Akela Ground Engineering, said:

“Our new ABeam precast system offers significant advantages in terms of construction install, performance and overall project quality. Designed and manufactured at our purpose-built facility at Thornliebank, near Glasgow, our expert team has the capability to fabricate the product in a controlled environment to ensure quality and production output.

“We are proud to have achieved NHBC Accepts certification and believe this is a testament to the quality and expertise employed to deliver a robust and industry-leading pre-cast product.”

 

Source: Scottish Construction Now

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Joint Managing Directors Acquire Frameclad

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Nicholas Teague (left) with Martin Jamieson and founder Mark Munns (centre)

Light steel specialist Frameclad, announced that following a transitional period, Joint Managing Directors Nicholas Teagle and Martin Jamieson, have acquired the company from founder Mark Munns and his wife Diane.

 

Back in 2022 they were invited to become joint Managing Directors as Frameclad’s founder intended to eventually step back from his day-to-day role. During the last two years they have been working collectively to make strategic decisions to ensure a smooth handover of the business.

 

“We are excited to share the news that this transition is now complete, and we have officially acquired Frameclad,” said Nicholas Teagle. “We have many plans to build on the success Mark and Diane achieved, and we will continue with our long term strategy of ‘investment and innovation’ which is yielding positive results.

 

“I’m delighted to report that there will be no major changes in Frameclad’s management team, manufacturing output or our procedures. Delivering high quality light steel frame systems, backed by excellent customer service, will remain our priority.”

 

Martin added: “We would like to thank our team for their incredible support throughout this time. We are proud of the skills and specialisms we have within our Frameclad community and as many know, people are at the very heart of our operation.

 

“We look forward to growing our relationship with all our clients, partners and suppliers as we continue to deliver cost effective light steel solutions that are designed and manufactured to outstanding building safety standards.”

 

In line with Frameclad’s strategy, on the back of launching the company’s Lightweight Engineered Adjustable Frame – LEAF, the new owners have purchased a further five cold-roll forming machines and have increased their design and engineering team from 12 to 14.

As a leading BOPAS-accredited manufacturer of steel framing systems and components, Frameclad offers a complete package of services to customers. The business has invested significantly in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and the in-house design and engineering team provides cost estimates within 10 days and detailed designs within one week. The precision steel roll-forming machinery produces one of the largest ranges of steel sections available in the UK today from a single manufacturer.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FRAMECLAD CLICK HERE

 

 

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JAMES HARDIE LAUNCHES NEW ‘TOOLBOX TALKS’ SERVICE

 

James Hardie, a world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions, has launched a new ‘Toolbox Talks’ service to provide builders and homeowners with essential installation knowledge across its product portfolio.

 

Two new Technical Support Specialists have been appointed to deliver the service.  Mitchell Pearson will support clients in the South West and South East. He joins from Persimmon Homes where he was Site Manager and brings with him extensive project management and construction experience.

 

Andrew Coote will be responsible for clients in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland. He has worked at James Hardie as a Channel Manager for 2 years and has an excellent understanding of the full product range.  Prior to that he worked as an installer using James Hardie products, giving him a comprehensive knowledge of potential on-site project issues.

 

The new service will include pre-installation training sessions for every project and a pre-project meeting with the builder or developer to ensure drawings and products are aligned before on-site work begins, preventing any costly downtime.  Once the project has begun there will be regular site visits to carry out project audits, ensuring all products have been installed correctly.

 

Simon Buckmaster, Technical and Sales Service Manager at James Hardie said:

“Our new service will elevate the James Hardie offering even further providing our clients with wraparound support throughout the duration of their project.

“Having Andy and Mitchell on board means that any questions or concerns can be dealt with early, and that installation is a smooth and stress-free process.”

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ‘TOOLBOX TALKS’

 

 

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Exciting Times at Breathing Buildings as Company Strides Ahead in Indoor Air Quality

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Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems, is striding ahead in indoor air quality (IAQ) with three exciting developments. Firstly, the company has led the way in innovation by recently celebrating winning ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024. The company won the award with its new NVHRe, Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe), which is the latest addition to its award-winning range of Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling (NVHR®) systems. Secondly, building on this success, the company has invested in a new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper to help grow the Breathing Buildings brand providing industry leading ventilation solutions. Thirdly, Breathing Buildings is exhibiting for the first time in Ireland at the Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition.

 

Breathing Buildings scooped the Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year award at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 12th September at London’s Chelsea Harbour Hotel. Breathing Buildings won the award for its innovative NVHRe, which raises the bar on energy efficient ventilation. Marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology, the key difference between Breathing Buildings’ original NVHR® range and the new innovative Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe) is an addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing great occupant comfort, and allowing users to include it within the building energy assessments (SBEM).

 

Keen to raise the importance of energy efficient ventilation and the benefits of good IAQ in buildings, Breathing Buildings is excited to have welcomed a new member to its team. Matthew Cooper joins Breathing Buildings as Business Development Director. With over 15 years’ experience within the HVAC industry, Matthew comes with drive and enthusiasm to help steer the team to even more wins.

Matthew Cooper, Business Development Manager

 

 

On joining Matthew said “I’m super excited to join the team and it appears to be perfect timing with our new NVHRe winning the Commercial/ Ventilation Product of the Year at the HVR Awards in my second week of joining! I’m eager to go out and about, meeting customers, gaining new contacts and helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand.”

 

 

Expanding its brand presence beyond the UK, Breathing Building is exhibiting in Ireland for the first time at Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition on 6-7 November 2024, collaborating with Lindab on Stand 519 at RDS Dublin, Hall 2. At the exhibition, the company is hoping to share the wealth of experience it has on how to improve IAQ in schools. The event is organised in partnership with the Government of Ireland and comprises a 2-day multi-stream conference and an exhibition. The aim of all those involved is to create high-quality learning environments for all students and learners. IAQ is recognised as an important part of this goal.

 

The focus on indoor air quality in schools is not new. Prior to the pandemic there was already an increasing awareness of how indoor environments impact our health and wellbeing. In the UK ventilation guidance for schools already existed in the form of Building Bulletin 101 (BB101). The document’s last revision, the 2018 edition of BB101: ‘Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools’ looks at the key design elements of modern ventilation systems in schools. The document sets out requirements for schools to improve ventilation to help create a healthy and comfortable environment that will help improve children’s learning outcomes. Breathing Buildings is now hoping to offer its help to improve learning environments in Ireland too by enhancing IAQ.

 

“It is exciting times at Breathing Buildings at the moment. Not only did we win the ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category with our NVHRe at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024 but we have been shortlisted for the H&V News Awards’ ‘Commercial HVAC Product of the Year – Ventilation’ category too, and we are looking forward to the event that will be held on 28th November.

We also welcome our new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper who has joined the team with 15 years of industry experience and is focussed on helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand,” said Alexis Roberts, Brand Manager at Breathing Buildings.

 

 

The company’s award-winning NVHRe offers the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance IAQ and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary.

 

Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants.

 

The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; needing no radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control.

 

The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver superb thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy efficient mode possible at all stages.

 

Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space, in return reducing energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor, as well as an intelligent controller the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing.

 

Breathing Buildings’ multi-award-winning natural ventilation with heat recycling (NVHR®) range won the Energy Efficient Product of the Year Award at the prestigious Energy Awards, and also recently won three awards for providing ventilation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance project with the Breathing Buildings’ NVHR® range.

CLICK HERE

For further information on NVHR®, NVHRe and E-stack ventilation,

as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings

or call us on 01223 450 060

 

 

 

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Canadian Researchers develop Innovative Connection System for Modular Homes

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Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada have reimagined the construction of modular homes with the development and testing of an innovative new design that allows the structures to be more easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas.

The design of the Structural Timber and Applied Research Team (START), located in Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a wall-to-floor connection with few bolts needed in each connection. Unlike traditional fasteners, the novel connector plate was intentionally designed for ease of disassembly and reassembly, ideal for multiple reuses and relocations.

The demand for flexible housing options — compounded by concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities — is spurring the need for inventive solutions that can expedite the deployment of safe, sustainable and affordable homes. The ability to reuse walls and other parts means fewer materials end up in landfills. The lightweight and durable CLT is ideal for modular housing in remote areas with limited road access. The system is conceived to be transported in a flat pack arrangement and be assembled using little to no heavy equipment.

“Our goal is to redefine how modular buildings are conceived and implemented,” said Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Waterloo and lead on the project. “We are leveraging mass timber in combination with other lightweight and sustainable materials to create a system that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without compromising structural integrity or affordability.”

START’s connector runs counter to common design methodology as it is purposefully designed to allow for multiple reuses and relocations. Moving away from the use of multiple small fasteners closely spaced allowed the team to develop a connector that is practical for disassembly and reassembly.

The researchers tested the strength of their design by standing two CLT panels measuring 2 meters by 2.8 meters upright in a lateral design setup and pushing on it with 60 kN of force, which far exceeds the lateral forces each panel would usually experience. In testing, the novel wall-to-floor connection system proved fit for reuse following several cycles of loading, disassembly and reassembly.

“Reuse means less waste and fewer carbon emissions, so our design’s reusability is an important step forward in circular economy construction methods,” said Daniela Roscetti, who led the research as part of her master’s thesis under the supervision of Lacroix and Dr. Andrea Atkins, a professor in CEE.

START plans to refine their design and conduct rigorous testing in the next stage of development. The team is pursuing partnership and funding opportunities.

Source: University of Waterloo

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Riverside project showcases modern construction techniques

CREAGH Concrete has played a key role in the delivery of Granary Quay, the third phase of the Dandara riverside masterplan in Glasgow Harbour.

The stylish rental development, comprising 342 new homes on the banks of the River Clyde, has helped revitalise an empty area of land and introduced a vibrant way of living to the community.

Creagh Concrete was entrusted with the design, manufacturing, and installation of the precast frame and sandwich panels, a decision that the company revealed ultimately ‘streamlined’ the construction process.

The GH20 project consists of an L-shaped block of accommodation designed to offer a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom flats. Additionally, the ground floor features commercial spaces, social areas, and a gym.

The design incorporated a large podium landscaped courtyard, creating a series of outdoor spaces that provide views of the shipbuilding site on the opposite side of the River Clyde.

Creagh Concrete explained that the use of a ‘limited palette’ of architectural concrete finishes contributed to the building’s aesthetic appeal. The construction involved concrete sandwich panels and a precast frame, all of which were prefabricated with windows fitted prior to delivery to site. The entire on-site assembly was completed within one year.

For the task, Creagh utilised Rapidres, described as a fast-track offsite crosswall build system developed for residential projects, including apartments, student accommodation, hotels, social housing and custodial accommodation.

Creagh design, manufactures and installs the complete structure. The firm added that Rapidres is ideally suited to multi-storey projects where the layout is replicated consistently across each floor.

The system is a ‘high performance precast insulated sandwich panel built offsite for high quality factory internal finishes with a wide range of external finishes that can match that of virtually any other build type’.

“The GH20, Granary Quay project stands as a successful collaboration between Dandara, the architects, and Creagh Concrete Products Ltd. The innovative use of precast concrete components not only accelerated the construction process but also ensured a high level of quality and durability,” Creagh stated.

“Granary Quay has become a landmark in Glasgow Harbour, showcasing the potential of modern construction techniques to create sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional living spaces. Creagh Concrete’s expertise and commitment to excellence have played a crucial role in the success of this transformative project.”

Source: Project Scotland

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CLAY: cheap, abundant, and sustainable (video)

Printing with earth-based materials ETH Zurich researchers have developed a fast, robot-assisted printing process for earth materials that does not require cement.

 

Entire houses can be constructed using clay or excavated earth, materials that are inexpensive, widely available, and sustainable as they do not require cement. However, traditional building methods for these materials are labour-intensive, slow, and therefore costly.

 

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a rapid robotic printing process for earth-based materials that eliminates the need for cement. This process, known as “impact printing,” involves a robot shooting material from above to gradually build a wall. The components bond upon impact, requiring minimal additives. Unlike concrete 3D printing, this method does not necessitate pauses for the material to solidify. The current mixture used includes excavated materials, silt, and clay. 75 per cent of the material is reclaimed waste.

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ZENTIA’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

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The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for change within our industry. At Zentia, we are working hard to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible and help in the journey towards a better future.

Our comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report details our ongoing efforts and ambitious targets to significantly reduce our environmental impact and support the global drive towards Net Zero by 2050.

 

What we have achieved so far

In our ceiling tile manufacturing process, we repurpose 1,400 tonnes of pre-consumer waste, sourced from local suppliers. That is the equivalent to the weight of approximately 12 blue whales! When newspaper production was in decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing trends of online readership compared to traditional print, we reviewed our manufacturing process and now we also incorporate 200 tonnes of pre-consumer egg cartons into our ceiling tiles, the equivalent of 16 cruise ship anchors.

Our recycling initiatives extend beyond our manufacturing process. Members of our award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme gain access to our off-cut recycling scheme, allowing them to return tile off-cuts to our factory in Gateshead. These off-cuts are then reintroduced into our manufacturing process to create new tiles, promoting a circular economy.

We aim to conserve as much water as possible by also recycling the water used in our manufacturing processes.

Our commitment to ESG goes beyond just our environmental impact. As members of the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, we are passionate about apprenticeships and retaining core skills within our local area. This initiative helps to ensure a skilled and competent workforce for the future.

Our promises and targets

Zentia’s journey from Armstrong Ceilings to an independent UK manufacturer marks the beginning of our focused ESG efforts. By 2025, we aim for all UK-made products to be covered by single product-level Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). We predict that 91.8% of our products will be manufactured in the UK by then. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we have started measuring resource usage at the product level and are working with BRE to enhance the value of our EPDs.

We have set a target to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025, supported by £4.5 million investment and various process improvement projects. Our commitment to providing transparent information about our sustainability credentials will help us gain recognition in the market.

Health and safety best practices are also integral to our operations at Zentia. We strive for zero recordable incidents across our business, reflecting our responsibility towards our people and our dedication to creating a sustainable business environment.

We are proud of the strides we have made and remain dedicated to achieving our ambitious targets, ensuring a positive impact on the environment, our community, and the industry as a whole.

For more detail CLICK HERE to see our report

 

 

 

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