You will learn from reading this article that the potential for recycling found in today’s building materials is “nowhere near” as great as the potential found in materials used in the past. Built environment specialists are sounding the alarm about the fact that modern techniques of construction (MMC) make it more difficult to recycle resources after a project has been dismantled. In the meantime, Enrok Construction, which has its headquarters in Derbyshire, has begun working with Node to develop 63 luxury homes with one or two bedrooms in the London neighbourhood of Brixton. These flats will be located in the City of London. In addition, Savannah Williams Duberry, who works as an architectural assistant apprentice for L&Q, discusses her professional path, the place of women in the construction industry, and the necessity of recruiting new talent in an interview with PBC Today. In addition, Charlie Luxton, who is the resident architectural designer at Ideal Home, shares some of the design knowledge that he has acquired over the years.

Demolition firms argue MMC limits material reuse

Original Source: MMC makes it harder to reuse materials, say demolition firms

Built environment experts warn that contemporary techniques of construction (MMC) make it harder to repurpose resources when a structure is dismantled.

Howard Button, CEO of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors, said composite materials used in MMC projects are “nowhere near as recoverable” as traditional materials in older buildings such as Victorian houses.

Several industry groups have pushed for wider reuse of steel and lumber as a strategy to minimise embodied carbon during demolish-and-rebuild projects.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) called for a measure to report the carbon savings of material reuse last week.

Climate advocacy organisation Architects Declare, endorsed by AHMM, Haworth Tompkins, and DSDHA, invites signatories to work toward a circular economy in the built environment by reusing as many building materials as possible to reduce waste.

The same groups have backed MMC approaches like modular construction to get net zero emissions.

But Button said composite materials, which are cemented together and can’t be easily separated, are a “challenge for [the demolition] sector.”

If we want a circular economy, we must consider what we put in so we can take it out in the future.

Rachel Hoolahan, architect and sustainability coordinator at Orms, said designers accidentally specify composite materials without considering their future reuse.

“They’ve never thought of it.â€� They’re only trying to make the best building for their clients, but I think they don’t realise the whole consequence.

It’s easy to assume you’re doing the right thing by glueing materials together, but we mistakenly attach them so much together that we can’t pull them apart.

Robin Powell, former managing director of DSM, claimed that builders “don’t think of demolition at all.”

“I find that the folks who designed the components and the whole building didn’t consider recycling and reuse.”

He said “almost nothing” from an MMC student housing complex at Birmingham City University could be utilised after its demolition by DSM in 2020, and the volume of recyclable material had decreased by 30% compared with a traditionally built structure.

Reusing materials has become more difficult in recent years due to tighter building requirements, particularly minimum thermal efficiency criteria.

Years ago, all demolition companies sold steel to the building sector, said Button.

“Reusing steel halted when building codes got so rigorous and particular, it was hard to acquire second hand steel that satisfied the law and could be certified.”

Just 1% of building materials in NW Europe are reused after their first use, according to the FCRBE, an EU effort to enhance material reuse. 30% of a Victorian house’s bricks and timbers can be reused, according to Button.

Ben Griffiths, operations director of Rye Demolition, said reusing steel is often “more hassle than it’s worth due to rules” and that clients typically regard material audits on rebuild projects as a “BREEAM box tick.”

Last year, Orms proposed a new system for determining if building materials can be reused. Architects can scan QR codes on building materials with their phones to acquire fire ratings and maintenance information.

Enrok Construction wins £4.6m Brixton project

Original Source: Enrok Construction secures £4.6m Brixton construction project

The specialist has worked on the project since March 2022 and can now announce the formal contract. In a short period, Enrok has completed roof work, installed windows, and begun cladding and inside fit out. It is now committed to completing the programme successfully.

In total, the project will convert a four-story structure on Shakespeare Road, adding a fifth floor with six luxury apartments. The penthouses will provide views of The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben, and Westminster Palace.

Enrok’s operations manager, Simon Bennett MCIOB, stated, “We’ve been working with Node for four months, and it’s amazing to be able to brag about what will become our flagship project.”

In high-density locations, building outwards isn’t always viable; thus, building upwards is an effective alternative. This is becoming more common in London and other densely populated cities where space is limited.

“Working in London has its challenges, but our project planning and current presence in London have allowed us to start the programme quickly.� We look forward to delivering it successfully.

We believe this begins a good working relationship with Node and look forward to future cooperation.

Savannah Williams Duberry talks construction

Original Source: Women in construction: Savannah Williams Duberry discusses her career

Tell us about yourself and your job.

I’m Savannah, an architectural assistant apprentice with L&Q Design and Technical. Nearly two years ago, I worked at a Croydon residential development that will add 137 new dwellings. I recently worked at the old Kodak factory in Wealdstone.

How did you get into construction?

Initially, I was drawn to interiors and aesthetics, but structural components also interested me. I’m someone who pays attention to details and the big picture.

I saw the Walt Disney Music Hall’s distinctive appearance and structure. After conducting some investigation, I found that architecture united all my interests. This opened my eyes to the construction sector’s duties and potential.

The apprenticeship approach seemed appealing because on-the-job training in design is unusual. Not only am I working toward a degree, but I’m also obtaining exposure to live projects and industry people on site. Putting everything I’ve learned into practice.

What’s a typical day like for you and what do you appreciate most about your job?

No day is the same; I’m continually learning, experiencing new problems, and working with various team members. A typical one includes evaluating design drawings, consulting with external architects, engineers, and mechanical engineering consultants, and responding to RFIs from subcontractors.

Working for a developer that’s also a housing association means I’m not only tied to architecture. Whether it’s planning applications, building requirements, or design concepts, I know the construction process inside and out.

When you’re on site, it’s rewarding to witness your hard work pay off.

Do you think construction has improved in recruiting and retaining women?

The sector has made development and is headed in the right direction. Construction has never been better for women.

I was shocked by the industry’s diversity when I started working. The boy’s club stereotype is one.

On Addiscombe Road in Croydon, the site staff is diverse in origin, gender, and age. There are no boy’s or girls’ roles, and it’s a friendly environment. I can’t speak for other areas, but I’ve always been respected here.

Historically, women in construction lacked a network to discuss objectives, obstacles, and advice. Now women’s networks are thriving, giving women the support they need to succeed.

What can the industry do to improve diversity and inclusion in the future?

Now that female representation has improved, attempts to acquire new talent must keep up. Many young individuals may not have chosen a career in construction due to a lack of role models, job advice, and parental encouragement.

but rarely at schools, colleges, or universities. Construction isn’t promoted to kids as a rewarding, well-paid career.

Fix? As an industry, we must educate young people about alternative careers and what a career in construction entails. By marketing the varied positions and offering more work experience placements, the sector can show it’s a profession for anyone.

A bungalow for renovation? Luxton explains

Original Source: Is a bungalow a good investment for renovation? Charlie Luxton explains

Many of us overlook the UK bungalow’s housing possibilities. While Victorian and Georgian terrace fans are everywhere and thatched cottage fans are common, bungalow fans are less common. As a result, these properties are a terrific value when everything else is pricey. This has always seemed odd to me because, if you’re seeking a property for a project, you should buy a property for what it can become, not what it is. Given this, bungalows are best.

Many of these one-story buildings were erected between and after World War II, when motor mobility became popular. As a result, they were built on the edges of communities with large plots and expansive vistas. They’re rarely in conservation areas or limited by conservation constraints, and their rooms are usually larger and more linked than Edwardian and Victorian homes.

Should you renovate a bungalow?

Bungalows offer certain advantages over other housing styles that make them easy to adapt. By nature, there is no higher floor to support or prop walls. Nearly invariably detached, they’re easier to deal with than semi-detached or terraced homes, especially when externally insulating walls or insulating above the rafters and elevating the roof. Both are needed for sustainable remodels. The lack of a first story allows for rooflights and daylight wherever you desire. It’s also straightforward to rewire, re-plumb, or retrofit MVHR using the loft area, which is easy to super-insulate.

The golden age of bungalow development coincided with a boom of bad reconstituted and fake stone and doubtful bricks. They seem to be the cottage builder’s choice du jour, and many look gloomy. Insulation and over-cladding, rendering, or mineral paint can transform the look of a bungalow. Using huge formal modern triple glazing and falling window sills can make a home mid century cool (not last century naff).

What is a bungalow remodel?

Many solutions exist to rebuild a bungalow, but if you want extra space, look up rather than sideways. Because foundations are the breadth of a digger bucket and deep enough to reach solid ground. This means they are overengineered for a one storey structure and may take a second without strengthening. This allows adding a partial or full second story to a bungalow without the difficulty, cost, and carbon involved in foundations.

Bungalows have a poor form factor, with more walls and roof than volume, making them harder to heat than typical houses. Adding a second story will make the structure more efficient and provide extra space. Whether you’re modifying the appearance or dramatically changing the form and layout, a bungalow’s major skill is adaptability, so focus on the location, plot, and views rather than the current house. This flexibility to adapt suggests you should buy a bungalow.

Summary of today’s construction news

This post has provided you with a significant amount of knowledge, which you have read. Traditional materials found in older buildings like Victorian houses are “nowhere near as recoverable” as composite materials used in MMC projects, according to the CEO of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

Meanwhile, since March 2022, the specialist has been working on the project, and as a result, they are now able to announce the formal contract. In a short amount of time, Enrok has finished the work on the roof, installed the windows, and started on the cladding and the interior fit out. It has been decided that it will see the programme through to a successful conclusion.

Furthermore, Savannah Williams Duberry was asked if the construction sector is better at attracting and retaining women. The industry has advanced and is on the right track. Construction has never been better for women. Women in construction haven’t had a network to discuss goals, issues, and advice. Women’s networks are prospering and helping women succeed.

On top of that, Bungalows have many advantages that make them flexible. Nature doesn’t provide a higher floor to support or push up walls. Because they’re usually freestanding, they’re easier to manage than semi-detached or terraced homes. Especially when externally insulating walls or insulating above the rafters and raising the roof.