David Baker’s Post

Granted …   A new proposal for refurbishment and extension of an existing office premises in the centre of Dublin.   Designed for 2050 targets, this proposed development completely refurbishes, and adds an additional floor onto the existing 1970's office building. The scheme has been designed to achieve exceptional energy, daylight, and sustainability performances.   - Zero emissions through use of heat pumps, solar PV, and natural ventilation, achieving 2050 standards now. - Average Daylight Factor of 5%, far exceeding the BCO and BREEAM standards of 2%. - LEED Platinum pre-assessment projection. - Most of the existing building fabric and structure is retained, making maximum use of these elements and resulting in an exceptionally low embodied carbon LCA result of < 326 kg CO2 e/m2.   Zermatt property have shown a great vision in rescuing a potentially stranded asset with a proposal to develop future fit floorspace in the centre of Dublin. desiun Architects, together with O'Connor Sutton Cronin Environmental and CORA Consulting Engineers Engineers. Alex Hanley

We won! We’re delighted to have taken home the Delivering Value Award and the Sub-Regional Project Of The Year Award - Cheshire, Wirral and Warrington at this year’s North West Regional Construction Awards for our work at the Birkenhead Offices. 🏆 The judges found that this project exemplified excellent collaborative working, delivering Grade A office space at the heart of a key regeneration area. The offices form Phase 1 of the Commercial District masterplan and sit within two plots of the wider Birkenhead masterplan. Both workplaces accommodate evolving, modern working practices and address a shortage of quality office space in Liverpool City Region. This win is a testament to the hard work of our Manchester team whose dedication, expertise and creativity infuse every project with innovation and purpose. Find out more about out the Birkenhead offices here: https://lnkd.in/etmpvWd3 Discover more of our work in within the office and workplace sector: https://lnkd.in/ddhGbuA2 #architecture #buildingconsultancy #awardwin #officeandworkplace #regeneration #masterplanning #collaborativeworking Wirral Growth Company Morgan Sindall Construction Muse Wirral Council Curtins Hannan Associates MEP Design Solutions CBRE Canada Life Asset Management Walker Sime

Speaking as I do to many of our multi sector clients, there is an overwhelming sense that consumer confidence is returning to the market. Whether reflected in leasing activity on the high street, construction start dates in the office market, investors turning their attention towards "value add" investment opportunities & refurbishments or globally recognised brands expanding or reinvesting into their portfolio, we are seeing the noticeable emergence of green shoots. An example of this is today's news that #London office construction is approaching a near record high, fuelled in part by the acceleration in demand for "best in class" Grade A space. At Havwoods, we are proud to be working at the forefront of the market; partnering with a broad & diverse portfolio of globally recognised brands, interior designers, architects, contractors & occupiers across the commercial & residential sectors to deliver a product that inspires, that promotes engagement & ultimately delivers a point of differentiation. Havwoods can help you to deliver that point of differentiation. Talk to us. #commercial #residential #office #workspace #retail #bar #restaurant #hotel #brands #interiordesign #placemaking #architects #contractors #occupiers #highstreet Lyndsey Dyson Jarl White Jenson Calder Kasia Lovell Ralph Simpson Edward Eagle

January NSC Edition!! Severfield graced the cover of the first 2025 edition, spotlighting Dublin’s landmark Harcourt Square commercial development. This steel-framed project was selected for its flexible long-span office spaces and rapid construction timeline. Key contributors include Hibernia REG as the client, Henry J. Lyons as the architect, John Paul Construction as the main contractor, CS Consulting Group as the structural engineer, and #Severfield as the steelwork contractor, with 3,500 tonnes of steel used in the build. The Orwell Centre in Ipswich, developed by Handford Homes, features 30 affordable flats, with 24 in two steel-framed blocks. Steelwork contractor SDM FABRICATION LTD utilized 192 tonnes of steel to deliver a cost-effective solution on a confined site. The development benefits from prefabricated steel and precast flooring, ensuring rapid construction. The project offers high-quality, energy-efficient homes with shared green spaces and good access to Ipswich's waterfront. It aligns with Ipswich Borough Council’s vision for affordable housing in the town. The Ribbon, a new 10-storey commercial development on Oxford Street, London, is set to replace a 1960s block with 40% more floorspace, featuring retail outlets and modern offices. Billington Structures Ltd is supplying 1,000 tonnes of steelwork, chosen for its efficiency on the confined site. The project includes a steel frame with exposed cellular beams and internal columns, creating open-plan office spaces. With a phased construction schedule, materials are delivered and erected immediately due to space constraints. The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. Leading members of the BCSA - British Constructional Steelwork Association including Angle Ring Company Ltd , Barnshaw Section Benders Limited, Hadley Group and Midland Structures recently met in Brierley Hill to address key industry challenges. The discussion focused on issues such as delayed cash retentions, the housing shortage, and skills gaps affecting the steel sector. Representatives from the West Midlands Combined Authority were also present, fostering collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers. BCSA CEO Jonathan Clemens emphasized the importance of working together to find solutions that benefit both the sector and the wider economy. These projects highlight the growing influence of steelwork in modern construction, showcasing the sector’s ability to adapt, collaborate, and deliver. As we look ahead, continued innovation and cooperation will be essential in addressing the pressing challenges and ensuring the long-term success of the industry. #womenofsteel Rebecca Willis Sabrina O'Donnell

Curo Construction has been appointed as contractor for the refurbishment of a central London office building. #Berners Street, in the heart of Fitzrovia Developer Kajima has started works on the reconstruction of 16 Berners Street (previously Orwell House) in the heart of Fitzrovia. #CuroConstruction has been appointed as the contractor for the project, designed by #GibsonThornleyarchitects with consulting engineer Max Fordham. The project includes partial demolition and an upwards extension to increase office space from 28,600 sq ft to 35,000 sq ft. The existing structure will be retained but there will be a new façade, core, internal configuration and services. Work is expected to be completed in 2026. #KajimaEurope managing director John Harcourt said: "One of the most exciting aspects of 16 Berners Street is how we have implemented our approach to sustainability, for example through the use of reclaimed steel oil rig columns. By taking a data-driven approach to sustainability, we've managed to minimise embodied carbon and give new life to industrial elements that would otherwise go to waste. This is a great example of our commitment to #ESG strategies and is a bold step forward in how we think about construction and material resource efficiency.” Curo Construction operations director David Owen said: "We are excited to take the lead on the transformation of Berners Street, a project that truly reflects our commitment to sustainable construction and adaptive reuse. By merging contemporary design with the building's historical significance, we strive to create a workspace that not only meets the changing demands of businesses but also enhances the Fitzrovia community." Curo Construction is owned and managed by Darren Pettitt and Steve Conlin, who set up the business in 2014 with experience gained at #ShepherdConstruction, #ISG and #McLaren.

One of the best office refurbishments in Regional UK? As you may have seen, the redevelopment of Calton Square has secured planning consent - a significant step forward in an Edinburgh office market characterised by a constrained supply of quality space. The scheme will retain and extend the existing structure to deliver c200,000 sq ft of high quality offices and is targeting market-leading standards of ESG performance including: NABERS 5* and BREEAM Outstanding. The building exterior will be transformed to create a striking and contemporary impact at street level and generously proportioned internal and external common areas will deliver an unrivalled level of amenity and experience. The building also benefits from fantastic external amenity being located immediately opposite the St James Quarter and is within two minutes' walk of Waverley Rail Station. Owner - Manova Partners Development Manager - Ardstone Capital Limited Architect - Sheppard Robson Planning - Ryden Project Manager - Reid Mitchell Ltd Legal - Brodies LLP Savills (Mike Irvine / Kate Jack) are appointed as joint agents with Cushman & Wakefield (Stewart McMillan / James Thomson) and further information can be found below.

City of London’s Tallest Tower Approved – A Skyline Redefined!🏗️🌇 Exciting news as the City of London prepares to welcome its tallest tower yet, soaring to an impressive 304 meters! This groundbreaking skyscraper will redefine the capital’s skyline, offering state-of-the-art office spaces, vibrant retail areas, and new public spaces designed for modern urban living. With sustainability and innovation at its core, this project cements London’s status as a global leader in forward-thinking development. The construction of such a landmark building is set to unlock significant opportunities across the industry. From high-rise specialists and façade engineers to tradespeople and site managers, this project will create jobs at every level, while providing SMEs the chance to showcase their expertise in delivering complex, cutting-edge work. This isn’t just a skyscraper—it’s a symbol of London’s ambition and progress. If you’re looking to grow your team or take your next career step in one of the most dynamic sectors, we can help connect you with opportunities in this and other transformative projects. https://lnkd.in/eAufeGhH #CityOfLondon #TallestTower #LondonConstruction #UrbanInnovation #HighRiseProjects #JobOpportunities #ConstructionCareers #Recruitment #Sustainability #SkylineTransformation

Architect GPAD has submitted plans for the modernisation of the 78-90 Colmore Row office in Birmingham. In partnership with Marlborough Property Company and V7 the proposal aims to deliver a sustainable office retrofit while respecting the building's architectural heritage. Consultancy Cundall is also working on the project, delivering innovative sustainable solutions to achieve low energy usage intensity. https://ow.ly/uXzS50UaOAX Stay up to date with the office refurbishment trend across the UK with news and analysis from thesectorscope.com

What considerations should be made when it comes to modern buildings? At Consulting-Specifying Engineer, our panel of experts, including Jarron Gass, Danielle Passaglia, PE LEED® Green Associate and John Yoon, P.E., LEED AP weigh in on flexibility, #sustainability and #smarttechnology in office building design.

One current trend in construction engineering for commercial properties is the increasing use of modular construction techniques.  Modular construction involves building sections of a structure off-site in a controlled factory environment and then assembling them on-site. This approach can significantly reduce construction time, enhance quality control, and minimize waste. It also allows for greater flexibility in design and can be more cost-effective. This method is becoming popular for commercial properties such as offices, hotels, and retail spaces due to its efficiency and sustainability benefits.