BCSA - British Constructional Steelwork Association’s Post

The Architectural Record article "𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲" explores the intersection of sustainable design and affordable housing, highlighting innovative strategies for creating energy-efficient, cost-effective housing solutions. The health impacts of the #BuiltEnvironment are especially significant in the affordable sector, “more so than for market-rate buildings because for a long time the built environment has perpetuated social inequities.” Susan Puri, #AffordableHousing director at #ILFI, referring to data that correlate low-income communities with poor air quality and other environmental hazards, The article discusses the importance of incorporating #SustainableDesign principles into affordable housing projects and showcases examples of successful projects that prioritize energy performance. It also emphasizes the role of continuing education in advancing sustainable design practices in the affordable housing sector. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gCB5d339 #EnergyEfficiency #LivingBuildingChallenge #LivingFuture

Ireland, we’ve got you covered - Schools move to zero this summer! For us, the summer months are a time to manufacture, install and help schools and businesses to #movetozero. Delivering for educational sites across Ireland, July & August are when we can install new modular buildings on school grounds with minimal disruption. This summer marks our busiest period, and as we close out July and start a new month, we’re nearing completion on some of our biggest educational contacts to date including the provision of new facilities for: ✔Ériu Community College, Dublin ✔Inver College, Carrickmacross – phase 2 ✔Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Keash, Sligo ✔Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles A significant install landed onsite just last month for Ériu Community College, Blanchardstown. Featuring 52 modules, the sustainable two-storey block spans 1,600sqm, and includes specialised classrooms for SEN and Home Economics. A SEN soft play area will also feature. We are happy to report that all four schools are on target for handover by the start of the new academic year. We want to extend our thanks to our outstanding supply chain team for their unwavering dedication and efficiency. This combined with the strong working relationships we have cultivated with our client teams enables us to deliver exceptional results, with the majority of our project timeframes being below 16 weeks from contract to handover. Our educational projects sit alongside many organisations and businesses who are #movingtozero, recognising the huge benefits of Modular Construction and Green Building Practices. (Pictured are our latest installs in progress on site) #greenbuildingpractices #movetozero #sustainablebuildings #modularbuildings #educationalbuildings #lowcarbon #modernmethodsofconstruction #futureproofing JV Tierney & Co. Consulting Engineers Healy Partners Architects Rogerson Reddan P.Coleman & Associates Moloney Fox Consulting Ipsum Consulting Engineers Ltd Barrett Mahony Consulting Engineers #ALArchitects #AssetRentals

📝 Case Study: Planning permission secured for Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT) Our Gatwick-based planning team was appointed by Chichester College Group to secure planning permission for a brand-new education facility south of Crawley College campus. The £15 million Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT) is designed to provide high-quality learning environments housing specialist construction, engineering and digital ‘learning factories’. The designs embraced renewable energy technology and water harnessing and recycling systems to reduce energy consumption and wastage. Planning partner, Suzanne Holloway collaborated with key stakeholders on the design to ensure swift approval – from our client and the architects, to the local planning authority. Having addressed water neutrality challenges to deliver an efficient and sustainable development, planning approval was achieved. Construction is already underway and the centre is due to open to students in Autumn 2025. "We are indebted to Suzanne Holloway and the team at Vail Williams for getting this vital development across the line. This new building will give us more opportunities to educate and train people to address the skills shortages in the engineering, construction and IT industries." Andrew Green, CEO, Chichester College Group. https://lnkd.in/e_64ACp4 #Sussex #Surrey #planning #waterneutrality #planningpermission #planningexperts #education #educationpropertyadvisers #energy #sustainability #greentechnology #engineering #construction #digital #Chichester #Gatwick #Crawley #WestSussex

We are delighted to confirm that 'Net Zero Carbon in Operation' Northolt High School has received planning permission. VZDV supports the Department for Education's (DfE) ambition to deliver the next generation of schools as net zero carbon in operation (NZCiO). VZDV are proud to be associated with Kier and Jestico Whiles Architects as part of delivery of schools under the DfE's Construction Framework. Sustainable schools are top of the political agenda. By incorporating energy-efficient design principles, sustainable schools mean lower operational costs and better environments to learn, ensuring a school's viability and endurance for future generations. It's a key reason the DfE stipulate that all new schools are 'net zero carbon in operation'. The drivers are simple, by delivering solutions for low carbon schools that are climate resilient, it will reduce energy demand, adapt to climate risks, deliver savings, drive innovation in construction and act a a catalyst for green jobs. The outcomes will contribute to a vibrant and resilient education community including health, biodiversity, the environment and learning and play opportunities. Read more here about how the design is going to contribute to achieving these sustainable outcomes and the works associated with this scheme https://lnkd.in/ehfueK2j Kier Group Jestico + Whiles Northolt High School #netzero #sustainability

🏛️ South Dakota State University’s campus is 387 acres, and is home to more than 160 buildings. It’s a place where thousands of faculty, staff and students live, work and learn every day. For Facilities and Services, #SDState operates like “a city within a city.” Dozens of workers spend countless hours cleaning, servicing and maintaining campus and its operations. Campus has evolved throughout time and has grown considerably in recent history. According to Facilities and Services, since 2010, 30 buildings have been constructed, enhancing the student experience. New residence halls, academic buildings, athletic facilities and agriculture structures are now an integral part of the SDSU experience. Facilities and Services has also been able to oversee the renovation or revitalization of some of our more historic campus buildings. Recent projects include iconic structures like Lincoln Hall, First Bank and Trust Arena and the Coughlin Campanile. In this episode of “The Yellow & Blue Podcast,” Dave Law, director of project management and engineering for Facilities and Services takes us through campus operations and recent building projects. We also dive into some of the history of our favorite buildings at SDState. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3WJGKdS

🎓 UniSC Opens New $100M Mass Timber-Rich Campus Extension! 🏗️ The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is expanding education opportunities in Moreton Bay, unveiling three new timber-rich buildings at its rapidly growing campus. This $100 million project, part of a broader $300 million development strategy, aims to host over 10,000 students by 2030, leveraging sustainable construction practices to create a modern learning environment. 🔍 Highlights of the Expansion: 1️⃣ Sustainable Construction: Embracing mass timber construction, the campus showcases environmental stewardship using renewable resources. Integrating prefabricated mass timber superstructures in the new buildings underscores a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and enhancing the campus's functional appeal. 2️⃣ Boosting Local Education: With an eye on tackling the educational inequality in Moreton Bay, the expansion aims to increase higher education participation rates in the region. The campus offers various programs, including Nursing Science, Primary Education, and Social Work, tailored to meet the community's needs and aspirations. 3️⃣ Community and Economic Impact: Beyond its educational mandate, the UniSC Moreton Bay campus is a hub for innovation and community engagement. Collaborations with local councils and businesses foster a vibrant ecosystem, linking education, research, and industry for regional development. 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can other regions leverage sustainable construction and educational infrastructure to address inequality and foster community development? 💬 Let’s discuss the transformative potential of integrating green building practices with educational expansion. Share your insights on how campuses like UniSC Moreton Bay can serve as models for future developments. 🔗 For more details on UniSC’s visionary campus development and its impact on the Moreton Bay region, explore the full story: https://lnkd.in/gW3k8XUk #construction #timber #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #building #unisc #woodsolutions #greenstar #xlam #construction #hesstimber #australia #woodsolutions #woodcentral #qld #moretonbay #seq #development #education #university #woodcentralau1 #theultimaterenewable #plywood #engineering #architecture #timberconstruction #timberengineering

My second takeaway from last week's LD Events Student Housing Conference is the increasing popularity of repurposing existing stock. This is driven by ESG commitments, as well as financial incentives. However, this does come with challenges: 🏢 Building safety- golden thread, gateways, second staircases etc mean that some investors may find it less risky to build from scratch. Of course it can be done, but you'll need a committed (read Brave) buyer and a strong technical team. 🏢 CapEx and OpEx- existing stock is expensive. From refurbishment costs to the operational costs of running less energy efficient buildings, especially where utilities are part of an all-inclusive rent.  🏢 Amenity space- first generation PBSA is now 20+ years old, and these buildings were driven by maximising beds in a new undersupplied market. They don't have the amenities which current students might expect, which affects rent and value for money. However, a really engaging talk from Nick Riley (Whittam Cox Architects) highlighted how retrofitting is an opportunity to bridge the gap between HMOs and PBSA. Some of the potential upsides include: 🏢 Choice- retrofitted buildings create different price points and ultimately more options for students. 🏢 ESG- retrofitting energy-inefficient buildings will reduce energy consumption and, ultimately, operational carbon emissions. In PBSA there is an added financial incentive considering the all inclusive rents.   🏢 Planning- local authority reluctance to knock down and rebuild could mean a preference for retrofit projects. #OutWithTheNew #InWithTheOld #LDEstudent #Mobie #StudentAccommodation

This week, the Belfast Hills Partnership's Youth Ranger scheme, a training programme to support employability for 18-25-year-olds in the green sector, visited Queen's University Belfast and Lower Botanic Gardens to learn more about the #UPSURGE project. Across the half-day event, QUB researchers introduced the project, exploring the potential of #NBS in cities and the importance of involving people in their implementation. Supporting knowledge exchange, the youth rangers also presented their concepts for #NBS on an underused site in the Belfast Hills area - highlighting an exciting range of skills. The day finished with a demonstration site visit, with further engaging perspectives from project partner, Belfast City Council, and key stakeholder group, Friends of the Field the value of young people in securing the future of green space and ways to support more green careers in the city. #UPSURGE #UPSURGEproject #NBS #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateChange #ClimateChangeMitigation #regenerativedevelopment #urban #environment #cities #urbanregenerativetransition #NBSbasedRedevelopment #CityCentredApproach #UrbanEcosystems #innovation #SensingDevices #airpollution #UrbanAcupuncture #SustainableCities #GreenCities #AirQualityImprovement #UrbanHeatIsland #GreenInfrastructure #UrbanSustainability #UrbanNatureBasedSolutions #naturebasedinfrastructure #urbandesign #urbanplanning #environmentaleducation

The initial results from a ground-breaking research collaboration between The University of Salford housebuilders Barratt Developments plc and Bellway Homes and construction solutions provider Saint-Gobain with funding by Innovate UK have been released as the project celebrates its 1st anniversary. These results will contribute significantly to industry to understand the delivery of the Future Homes Standard and provide real insight into how sustainable housing can be delivered at scale. The results regarding heating solutions, including the WMS Underfloor Heating® AmbiCastellated underfloor heating system are expected in April 2024. Read more >> https://bit.ly/3SGMpOq #InnovationAccelerator #FutureHomesStandard #UnderFloorHeating #WMS #InnovationGreaterManchester Additional information: Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot Innovation Accelerator programme is investing £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation clusters – Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. Supporting the Government’s levelling-up agenda, this is a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local leaders to harness innovation in support of regional economic growth and help attract private R&D investment and develop future technologies. https://bit.ly/3wss5J2

"It sometimes seems as though the affordable-housing sector—which is presumably watching every dollar to scrimp or scrounge—regularly achieves standards of energy performance and livability that much of the market-driven sector barely aspires to." Our projects are manifestations of our belief that high quality design should be accessible to all and that health is a matter of equity. This educational article by Architectural Record covers three important affordable-housing projects, including our project Betances Residence. Learn about how mission, policy, and ownership drive major design decisions here: https://lnkd.in/gCB5d339 #affordablehousing #nycdesign #architecturalrecord #continuingeducation