Both the Building Safety Act and the Grenfell catastrophe have shone an unflattering light on the work that is done in high-rise residential buildings. In the West Midlands, Kristina Smith visits the Seddon crew while they are in the process of repairing and recladding three residential towers. In addition, a “topping out” celebration was held by FHP to commemorate the completion of an important stage in the construction of a residential complex in London that cost 150 million pounds. In addition to that, work has begun to turn a historically significant location in Rhyl into something that the local community, tourists, and businesses can all take pleasure in using. Furthermore, at a community event held locally, Network Rail presented three different ideas for the rebuilding of the Troon Railway Station. Over and above that, due to the success of a trial low-cost housing program, developers are now urging their nationwide implementation.

Seddon improves cladding safety

Original Source: Seddon raises safety standards on cladding project

Currently, recladding residential tower complexes is difficult. Such developments are scrutinised due to new fire safety standards and the Grenfell legacy. Construction teams must be flexible as legislation changes.

This was the setting for Seddon’s recladding and refurbishing of Alfred Gunn House in Oldbury, West Midlands. Adding an outdoor stairway to one of the three tower blocks required destroying a corner.

Rob Moore, Seddon’s regional director, says risk allocation was crucial. “Getting the contractual specifics and risk management right from the outset, at the pre-tender stage, is also a challenge,â€� he says.

Seddon’s risk assessment and negotiating procedure included determining who designed what. The contractor says it examines client competency in relation to project complexity. Moore: “We’ve turned down comparable proposals with organisations that weren’t ready.”

Scope expansion

In early 2020, Seddon began cladding three 1960s tower complexes. This involved enclosing balconies; adding 10 flats on the top, establishing new flats in the basement; and building 16 two- and four-bedroom residences.

A BBC news item on residents living in moist circumstances may have led to this decision.

Seddon’s contract comprises new plaster, electrics, kitchens, baths, soil, and ventilation pipes. The deal has grown from £14m to £21m.

Had everything gone according to plan, occupants wouldn’t have been in the buildings throughout the repairs. Covid-19 struck one week after Seddon began construction in March 2020. This limited what could be done on the tower blocks and slowed tenant decant; some only left this summer.

New houses could be developed around the skyscraper amid former parking and vacant areas. Seddon finished them in August 2021; they’re entirely occupied.

Starting demolition

Early in 2021, skyscraper construction resumed. The roofs were demolished and stripped to make room for the 10 new dwellings. The plant and bin storage facilities were removed from the basement.

Seddon repaired the building’s external concrete, which wasn’t in the original scope.

The demolition of the central tower corner to make way for the new external staircase required considerable temporary and structural work. Seddon supported and braced each story before dismantling external walls with remote-controlled Brokk robots and erecting new blockwork as they went.

Jim Reidy has over 40 years of construction expertise but has never done this. He says, “It’s interesting.” because we were working on a live block. You must safeguard people and cut corners. “

Moore thinks preplanning paid off. Seddon raised the steel steps, which will match the rest of the structure, in July 2022.

Fire safety improvements

Project fire safety is important. They include fire stops, fire doors, sprinkler systems, new water mains, gas removal from flats, fire breaks, and fire protection for the new vertical drainage system. Sandwell MBC is also the designer.

The council subcontracted Ridge to design the fireworks, cladding, and M&E.

Seddon install insulation and cladding. 80% of the cladding is natural cement finish, 8mm compressed fibre cement from the first to ninth floors. Ceramapanel rests atop 100mm of Rocksilk RainScreen Slab.

The top floors will be clad in 8mm Boothbay Blue HardiePlank and 150mm Earthwool OmniFit.

The ground level and basement are coated with Staffordshire blue Corium slip bricks above 100mm of OmniFit insulation.

The project’s goals changed as the Building Safety Bill was amended up until April 2022. This was also the case with the “golden thread,” or how information is recorded and made available throughout a project.

“Fire protection hasn’t altered much. Testing, certification, and QA processes have been improved, says Moore.

Seddon’s contract with the council included testing and inspection. Moore said Seddon helped improve the council’s process.

Seddon has divided the building into grids and inspected, photographed, and signed off on every bit of work.

Moore says testing was inevitable. “It’s better and stronger because we can establish who installed it, when it was signed off, and who approved it.” This went beyond Sandwell’s plan. “

Seddon had to invest. We’ve also added site management and project administration resources, “says Moore. “We need future stability and comfort.”

Seddon trains subcontractors. “We’re bringing the supply chain along, and perhaps these techniques will transfer to future projects,â€� adds Moore.

More time

The original project plan was for completion in summer 2021. The last residents left in summer 2022, when Seddon began putting up cladding rails.

Roofwork has been delayed. Mobile phone antennas must be moved to allow installation of lightweight steel framing for extra dwellings. The design wasn’t agreed upon with the antenna company in time for the program to continue. Seddon was careful to limit the council’s risk at the contract stage.

This is a complex project, says Moore. “We don’t take design liability in critical areas, so it’s appealing. Our experience, knowledge, technical support, and delivery expertise are assets.

East London development reaches “topping out”

Original Source: Building services firm celebrates ‘topping out’ of £150m East London development

FHP celebrated a critical phase of a £150m residential complex in London with a ‘topping out’ event.

The transfer ends phase three of the Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, a mixed residential complex with 620 units spanning four blocks and nine to 14 floors.

The Hallsville Quarter is a new $600 million town centre for Canning Town being created by Linkcity, Newham London Borough Council, and other project partners. It’s part of Bouygues UK’s plan to redevelop East London.

Phase three will also include new healthcare facilities, 378 sq m of offices, 1,500 sq m of recreational and community space, 259 parking places, and expanded public areas and manicured gardens.

FHP offered MEP 3D Revit services for RIBA Stages 2-6. This includes designing the building to have high air quality and low noise levels.

As the project was developed in 3D Revit, FHP could give construction set out information early in the design and build phase, ensuring all embedded services and recessed outlets were in the precise location for the concrete pour.

The topping out event was attended by FHP managing director Tony Hewitt, developer Linkcity and its principal backers One Housing Group and Grainger, Hawkins Brown Architects, Sweco Structures, and the Bouygues construction team. The project is planned to open in 2024.

Tony Hewitt: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Hallsville Quarter topping out.” We’re proud to serve as building consultants for this complex project.

It demonstrates our knowledge and understanding of workplace design, buildings, and the design and construction process.

Rhyl’s Queen’s Market redevelops

Original Source: Regeneration of Rhyl’s Queen’s Market begins

Denbighshire County Council, the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns program, and ERDF money.

Bodelwyddan-based Denbighshire County Council hired Wynne Construction to design and build the new Queen’s Market, the first step in transforming the Queen’s Buildings along the town’s promenade.

The project is the latest stage in Rhyl’s larger regeneration vision and will transform the site into a community space by summer 2023.

Wynne is doing groundwork on site, including installing piled concrete for the building.

The development will include a new indoor market hall with additional seating and pop-up vendors, an event and commercial space, and a landscaped external realm.

Wynne will preserve the historic Queen’s Chambers on Sussex Street, including its 1902 stone entrance.

Traditional brickwork and signs will help the structure blend into its surroundings.

The project features photovoltaic panels and an all-air heating and cooling system to cut energy usage and generate a low-carbon footprint.

Wynne Construction’s Richard Beatson said, “The new Queen’s Market was designed with community engagement in mind, and we’re happy to get construction begun on the historic Rhyl seafront.”

“The site will help with the town’s revitalization and provide a new market hall experience.” Visitors can enjoy high-quality local meals while shopping at local merchants.

As part of all our builds, we’ll collaborate with the local supply chain to give learning opportunities for apprentices and anyone wishing to enter the sector, as well as engage directly with the community.

Wynne will hold two community-facing events at Rhyl Pavilion on September 22.

The day will include a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event for subcontractors and social enterprise and third-sector organisations interested in joining the supply chain.

A public job fair will highlight the scheme’s local career options.

Cllr Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation, said, “We’re really thrilled to be collaborating with Wynne Construction to deliver the first phase of the Queen’s Buildings.”

Working Denbighshire provides apprenticeships, job experience, and placements for locals.

I’m delighted to see this development progress for the county.

After Wynne developed the Queen’s Market, the Council is developing the rest of the Queen’s Buildings site.

The Council, the Welsh Government Transforming Towns program, and ERDF funded the project.

Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters said, “This makeover of Rhyl’s renowned Queen’s Market means Denbighshire residents can support local companies and organise community activities.”

“I’m glad Denbighshire County Council is using Transforming Towns cash and I look forward to seeing the revitalised promenade.”

Wynne Construction will build the building through NWCP.

Redevelopment plans for Troon station unveiled

Original Source: Troon railway station redevelopment plans for revealed

Three concepts for redeveloping Troon station were announced during an event showcasing platform one’s station building, which burned in 2021.

The first approach involves rebuilding the ancient building with contemporary materials.

The second alternative reinstated the old building but changed its size and access/egress.

The third option modernises the existing building. Each of the three choices will have a modern interior layout for customers and workers.

The community drop-in session gave Troon residents the first chance to study the three proposals. It was well-attended and generated positive conversation and input. Locals were able to ask the project team questions about the designs, construction, and timing.

The event’s comments will guide a more complete design using just one option. A proposal will be presented to the Troon community before being filed for planning approval and listed building consent, which is expected in November.

The station building should be finished in time for The Open in Troon in 2024.

Project sponsor Jo Noble said:

“Interest in the station redevelopment was great.” We appreciate that Troon residents came to review our proposal and give us feedback.

“We want opinions not only on the designs’ aesthetics but also on how the internal space should be used to serve station users and the community.”

We received fantastic comments, questions, and suggestions and look forward to further feedback in the coming weeks.

£80-a-week pod house trial in Bristol expands to UK

Original Source: £80-a-week pod homes trial in Bristol rolled-out across UK

Developers want to expand a successful low-cost housing pilot program nationwide. The £80-a-week ZEDpod homes in St George’s House YMCA-referred young adults.

The zero-carbon modular apartments were built in six months atop a Chalks Road car park as part of Hope Rise, a housing project for homeless young adults.

For two years, nine young adults and one community builder lived there. Sofa surfers, care leavers, and refugees at risk of homelessness were among the 20-35-year-old tenants.

One year after moving in, six were working, one was NEET, one was at college, and one was doing an apprenticeship. Two-thirds chose community builders, who helped with decorating, job applications, and exam preparation.

One resident commented, “This location makes me feel supported.” Sometimes there’s an activity or food. People here are incredibly lovely, you always feel welcome. Each person I’ve met has helped me become more outgoing.

One-bedroom dwellings cost just £370 per month, while energy expenses averaged £46, making them affordable for housing aid recipients. According to Zoopla, the average one-bedroom apartment in Bristol costs £1,084 a month, making ZEDpods two-thirds cheaper.

The residences have solar panels, heat pumps, and triple-glazed doors and windows. The Hope Rise project retained all car parking and added three electric vehicle charging stations and cycle storage facilities.

Up to 103,000 dwellings might be erected atop parking places in England, providing tens of thousands of inexpensive homes for vulnerable young people. A study by Centrepoint indicated that 122,000 homeless youth asked for aid in 2021.

Commonweal Housing funded a report on Chalks Road’s pilot project. Ashley Horsey blamed “limited access to mainstream social housing, persistent rises in private rents, an explosion in zero-hours contracts, and the “ongoing cost of living crisis” for increased housing vulnerability.

When people at risk of homelessness face systemic housing challenges, fresh creative solutions are needed, he said. Commonweal was happy to support Hope Rise’s partners.

Bristol City Councillor Tom Renhard claimed there’s a crisis in affordable housing in the UK. Rising building costs and the need to build high-quality, energy-efficient homes are making it difficult to supply new council homes.

“Hope Rise has shown us the importance of ingenuity in meeting Bristol’s housing needs.” We hope this pilot project will lead to designing and delivering hundreds or thousands more homes.

ZEDpods may now begin building 1,200 new houses, most of them affordable and social housing for people at risk of homelessness, housing register households, and critical workers.

Summary of today’s construction news

In today’s construction news, identifying who was responsible for what in terms of design was part of Seddon’s risk assessment and negotiation procedure. The contractor asserts that it evaluates the client’s level of expertise in relation to the difficulty of the project. Moore said, “We’ve turned down comparable proposals with organisations that weren’t ready.”

Meanwhile, FHP managing director Tony Hewitt, the developer Linkcity and its primary funders One Housing Group and Grainger, Hawkins Brown Architects, Sweco Structures, and the Bouygues construction team were present for the topping out celebration. It is anticipated that the project will launch in 2024.

In addition, Wynne Construction was commissioned by the Denbighshire County Council in Bodelwyddan to design and construct the new Queen’s Market. This was the first phase in the process of converting the Queen’s Buildings that were located along the town’s promenade.

Furthermore, the feedback from the event will be used to inform a more thorough design of a single possible solution. In November, the community of Troon will be presented with a proposal before it is formally submitted for planning approval and listed building consent.

Finally, two years ago, £80-a-week ZEDpod homes were built in St. George to house young adults the YMCA had referred. Since the pilot was a success, ZEDpods can now start building 1,200 new homes, most of which will be affordable or social housing for people at risk of being homeless, people on the housing register, and key workers.