£1.9m refurbishment for Wakefield Cathedral

The Nave of Wakefield Cathedral is being refurbished as part of a 51 week £1.9m complex restoration project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Years of dirt will be cleaned away and a new floor will, according to the Dean of Wakefield, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener “deliver a renewed cathedral fit for the 21^st Century.”

North West building restoration experts William Anelay Limited and London-based conservation architects Thomas Ford and Partners are involved in the refurbishment and the project has received a £1.58 million grant from the Heritage Lottery.

Cathedral architect John Bailey of Thomas Ford & Partners said: “It is the first major intervention to the Nave since George Gilbert Scott’s reordering in the 1870’s. The philosophy has been to retain all significant historic fabric but to recognise that the cathedral has to move forward if it is to remain relevant to the people of Wakefield.

“The Nave will have a new stone floor incorporating a labyrinth design in the paving which will be a new feature and focus for those using the cathedral. The removal of 140 years of grime from the internal stonework and a new lighting scheme will lift the interior and allow visitors to fully appreciate this outstanding building. This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be associated with it,” he added.

Site Manager Geoff Roberts said: “Extracting the old floor was complicated as over 120 ledgers were taken out, some weighing up to a quarter of a ton.

“What followed was six weeks of meticulous archaeology carried out by Wessex Archeology that unearthed 26 bodies, many within coffins, buried beneath the nave. Damage from previous works was clearly visible leaving a large quantity of loose human bones which were all sympathetically reburied.

“A full birdcage scaffold was then installed over a five week period that has allowed us to clean the stone walls. We carried this out using specialist equipment that cleans stone and brick surfaces far quicker and more effectively using superheated water jet sprays.”

The innovative specialised process uses less water than traditional hot and cold water pressure washers firing a 150ºC liquid spray that removes all manner of surface coatings without any need for chemicals.

Geoff said: “The process of replacing the floor then begins in earnest with a series of layers installed that let the Cathedral breathe.

“There are a lot of complex issues associated with this job such as fitting services into the new floor space. We’ve divided it up into zones with the heating system and the electrical system installed within specific zones.”

Doug Evans, project architect with Thomas Ford & Partners, said: “William Anelay have been very sensitive and conscientious in their approach to this complicated and important project. We have formed an excellent working partnership with their site team which is an essential factor for success on historic building conservation projects.”

Anelay’s recently appointed Chairman Charles Anelay, the eighth generation of the family to be involved in the 265-year-old firm, is delighted with the progress: “Wakefield Cathedral is a wonderful venue and it’s a great pleasure for Anelays to be involved in the renewal of the building for generations to come.”

Work is expected to finish by Easter 2013.

Kier manager passes on career advice to students

More than 150 college students received first hand career advice on the construction industry at a talk given by the project skills and corporate responsibility manager at the repairs and maintenance provider, Kier.

Terry Hanlon shared his vocational experiences and personal career development with the students from East Durham College Technical Academy.

The presentation offered an insight into future employment opportunities within the sector, and broadening existing skill sets to diversify from traditional linear career paths. 

The students were shown real-life examples of construction based corporate responsibility projects in the East Durham area including Kier’s renovation of Peterlee Methodist Church, where the company is providing new floors and tiling in addition to donating a new kitchen. 

Terry Hanlon also talked about  Kier’s project to clean up the River Tees for local Tees Wheely Boat Club which helps disabled people of all ages enjoy boating. He said: “I hope the talk allowed the students to realise the potential scope for future employment within the construction industry, and to consider additional options available to extend their work experience.”

Kier’s project skills and corporate responsibility manager, Terry Hanlon presents to students at East Durham College

Safety spotlight to reduce falls on construction sites

Construction sites across Scotland and some areas in England are being targeted in a safety campaign in response to the continued loss of life and serious injury following falls when working at height.

In the last year, up to April 2012, 49 workers lost their lives on construction sites in the UK, with falls from height being the most common cause of fatal injuries.

During September, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive, HSE, will be visiting sites. 

Archie Mitchell, one of HSE’s principal inspectors for construction in Scotland, said: “All too often straightforward practical precautions are not considered and workers are put unnecessarily at risk. In many cases, simple changes to working practices can make all the difference. ”

Further information about safe-working in construction can be found online at www.hse.gov.uk/construction

Renovations in keeping with heritage park

London’s historic Victoria Park has two new play areas and a dedicated area for skateboarding and bikes following a £12 million, 16 month renovation project.

The project, funded by Tower Hamlets Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund was carried out by family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services firm Osborne, which involved full renovation of the park’s facilities and grounds.

Improvements on the park included the two large play areas with play equipment, water play features, a new Wheels Park as well as restoration on the Old English Garden and other landscaping work.

Additional work included restoring the listed Burdett Coutts Fountain; the Rustic Shelter; the Bandstand; and all entrances and gates and Bonner Bridge. Many of the Bonner Bridge balustrades had to be replaced, and were cast from the original panels. More than one third of the materials and labour for this project came from within a 10 mile radius of the site.

Tommy Chambers the managing director of Osborne’s Civil Engineering team, said: “The whole community have joined us in refurbishing this magnificent park, with residents getting involved in planting, and some local school children painting murals to go on our hoardings while the work was taking place. 

“This park has been a key feature of the local landscape and in the lives of its residents since 1845, and these renovations have been designed to improve the experience for visitors.”

Car-free student accommodation project

Experienced student accommodation contractor Miller Construction has secured projects to deliver a £12 million 258-bed student accommodation block on behalf of S Harrison Developments for York St John University, and a multi-million 120-bed extension to Jarratt Hall for the University of Birmingham.

The new residencies for York St John University, on a derelict site in Carmelite Street, York, next to the city’s Hungate development, will be car-free, with students living within easy walking distance of all the city’s amenities. It is due to be completed in June 2013. 

Expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, the student block is the third project Miller Construction has undertaken within the boundaries of York’s City Walls.

The project at Jarratt Hall features an extension to the existing student accommodation and part new build. Due for completion in September 2013, the Jarratt Hall building is also expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Chris Webster the chief executive at Miller Construction said: “These contracts are in line with our strategy to focus our efforts on our core markets.  We are continuing to focus on programmes of work with repeat clients, in addition to increasing our client base.  We have delivered a number of successful student accommodation projects over the last three years, further reinforcing our skills and expertise in this market.”

Carmelite Street, York

New chief construction adviser

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering, ACE, has welcomed the appointment of Peter Hansford as chief construction adviser. A past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Peter Hansford succeeds Paul Morrell who stands down in November 2012.

Nelson Ogunshakin ACE chief executive, said: “Peter Hansford is an experienced and highly respected ambassador for the infrastructure and construction industry. He has a strong track record with contractors, consultants, and public and private client bodies both in the UK and internationally.  

“I am sure that he will not only continue to ensure that construction is at the heart of government policy, but will also be a strong advocate for promoting the UK construction sector in the international arena.

“I also congratulate Paul Morrell for his achievements while in office. His energy and commitment has helped to bring government and the construction industry closer together, as well as giving a lead to efficiency and carbon reduction in the built and natural environment.”

Guidance on design and installation of internal stone flooring

A new, updated code of practice for the design and installation of internal flooring has been published by Stone Federation Great Britain.

The code aims to be of value to architects, specifiers, commercial and domestic clients, designers, engineers and other professionals and is based on the key parts of several British Standards relevant to natural stone flooring. 

It incorporates the latest European standards and sets out the principal factors involved when deciding to use natural stone flooring including stone selection, design, laying and protection and maintenance.

The federation’s chief executive Jane Buxey said: “We receive more enquiries about stone flooring than any other speciality and we believe this new guide will be invaluable in answering many of the most important questions on the subject.

“The guide clarifies the definition of tiles and slabs and follows the requirements of the Harmonised Product Standards in readiness for the introduction of CE Marking.

“This comes into effect in July 2013 and will bring transparency to the stone’s correct name and offer clients absolute certainty on the material provided.”

Within the guide are descriptions of various types of stone which follow the requirements of European classification and guidance on the selection of screeds with particular reference to proprietary screeds. 

Also included is the latest guidance on underfloor heating, including operating temperatures.

 Slip resistance is dealt with, including guidance on sloping floors and a section on cleaning, maintenance and production has been updated to incorporate the most recent guidance.

For more details and an order form see website www.stone-federationgb.org.uk or e-mail enquiries@stonefed.org.uk.

Stone Federation puts the focus on sustainability

Few organisations take their responsibility for sustainable operations as seriously as Stone Federation Great Britain. The organisation’s commitment is clear from the policy statement on their website, the sustainability workshops they organise and the fact that they have an annual sustainability awards competition for members.

Two recent publications from the federation are helping their members address current and future sustainability issues and offering them practical assistance in producing sustainability statements.

They were produced in conjunction with BRE and CITB Construction Skills, based on material used at Sustainability Workshops staged by the federation in conjunction with the other two organisations.

The publication ‘Natural Stone: The Sustainable Solution’ explains current sustainability principles with a focus on natural stone, the BREEAM Green Guide ratings and the Code for Sustainable Homes. The second document is ‘Demonstrating Your Company’s Sustainability Credentials’.

“There has been a huge increase in emphasis on sustainability in the last decade and these two publications are of major assistance in dealing with these issues,” said the federation’s chief executive, Jane Buxey.

More information on the sustainability of natural stone can be obtained on the federation’s website www.stonefed.org.uk, by e-mail from enquiries@stonefed.org.uk or telephone 01303 856123.

Planting ceremony for park revamp

Team members involved in the regeneration of a park in North Tyneside took part in a planting ceremony to improve the appearance of the newly refurbished site.

Richardson Dees Park in Wallsend is undergoing an extensive upgrade as part of the £7.2m Wallsend Parks Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund ‘Parks for People’ project.

Kier executive director, Ian Lawson, joined the mayor, Linda Arkley, and members of the Wallsend Park project team and Friends of Wallsend Park, to plant flowers forming the shape of the Kier and Friends of Wallsend Park logos. The ceremony was followed by afternoon tea for all involved at the visitors centre.

The scheme includes an extension to the park pavilion to incorporate a new café and toilets, an addition to the park lodge, new bins, seating and signage, footpath surfacing, restoration of the bandstand and memorial fountain, resurfacing of the tennis courts and refurbishment of the bowls pavilion and bowling greens.

Kier North Tyneside is a joint venture company formed between North Tyneside Council and Kier to deliver a repairs and maintenance service for North Tyneside’s social housing and public buildings. 

Braving the weather: the mayor of North Tyneside Council Linda Arkley joined Kier executive director Ian Lawson and Kier regional director Mike Furze to mark the regeneration of Richardson Dees Park

President highlights industry’s Olympic success in difficult economic times

The enormous contribution made by the construction industry to London’s Olympic Games has been highlighted by Sue Sharp the incoming president of B&ES – the Building & Engineering Services Association.

Speaking at the annual general meeting, Sue Sharp invited fellow members to reflect on the words of the Olympics construction director Howard Shiplee, to the effect that “we are now a beacon of hope, demonstrating on a world stage what our industry can do.”

Sue Sharp said: “I am sure that is a sentiment from which we can all draw strength in facing a future which continues to look less than rosy. 

“If our businesses are to survive and grow in the long term, we must move forward in the belief that the recession will end some day, that the nation will return to some semblance of prosperity.” 

She added that it was “the over-riding duty” of B&ES to assist its members not only to stay afloat in the short term, but “to put in place the building blocks with which they can construct a profitable and enduring future.”

Sue Sharp the president of the Building & Engineering Services Association

Traditional skills vital to protecting Scotland’s historic castles and palaces

An agreement to ensure that Scotland has world-class training has been signed by two of the providers of traditional building skills. Historic Scotland, the national heritage agency, and CITB-ConstructionSkills, the sector skills council and industry training board for UK construction, have committed to an action plan.

The Sector Skills Agreement was signed at Historic Scotland’s new state-of-the-art stonemasonry training facility at Forth Valley College in Stirling.

In September the first intake of ten new Historic Scotland apprentices will begin training at the college as part of a Scottish Government commitment to provide 30 traditional skills apprenticeships over three years.

Graeme Ogilvy, CITB-ConstructionSkills director – Scotland, said: “Traditionally built structures contribute to Scotland’s economy, not only by providing an obvious draw for tourists attracted to castles and palaces, these structures are often our homes, our places of work and much of the infrastructure used daily.

“They are part of Scotland’s culture and help provide a sense of place; they also reflect the diverse geography, as traditionally built structures are constructed with local indigenous materials that require distinct skills and knowledge to work.

“It is imperative that this built heritage is repaired and maintained and that it is done so correctly, as using inappropriate materials and methods has proven to be more damaging and costly in the long term.”

David Mitchell, Historic Scotland director of conservation, said: “The built environment needs the right knowledge and skills across all levels to encourage good and appropriate repair work.  

“I am particularly delighted that we have been able to meet at our new facility in Forth Valley College that will give apprentices the opportunity to learn how to properly repair and maintain our incredible historic architecture.”

Making a commitment to traditional skills training Graeme Ogilvy CITB-ConstructionSkills director – Scotland and David Mitchell Historic Scotland director of conservation

Architects celebrate success in Passivhaus Awards

Norfolk-based architects Parsons + Whittley has won the residential category of the first ever UK Passivhaus Awards for the Wimbish Passivhaus project – a scheme of 14 dwellings designed for Hastoe Housing Association that delivers low fuel bills and has minimal carbon emissions.

Chris Parsons the managing director said: “The energy use of the houses has been monitored through the University of East Anglia for 12 months and results are showing really low fuel bills with very high comfort levels. 

“The three bed houses at Wimbish have annual fuel bills of less than £150. I think we were successful because the scheme demonstrated that the methodology could be delivered in the mainstream housing environment at a reasonable cost.”

The buildings were insulated below the concrete floor slabs with Floormate 300-A Styrofoam insulation from Dow Building Solutions manufactured in nearby King’s Lynn.

Parson’s & Whittley’s next Passivhaus scheme at Ditchingham in Norfolk – again for Hastoe – is due for completion this summer. 

For more details www.parsonswhittley.co.uk.

The award winning Wimbish Passivhaus project 

Westminster student wins prize for ‘London Thatch’ Tower Blocks

A final year student at Westminster School of Architecture, has won the top prize in the Lifelines exhibition that was opened by Angela Brady, RIBA president, at the European Commission’s 12 Star Gallery in London.

James Kirk was presented with a cheque for £150 by Angela Brady for his entry of a post-war tower block, which has been thatched. 

James Kirk said: “Refreshing our crumbling stock of residential tower blocks keeps their communities of all ages together as well as giving a new lease of life to the ancient craft of thatching.”

The exhibition of 27 entries by 27 architectural students in London coincides with the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. It was curated by Charles Knevitt and two Bartlett students, Emma Flynn and Cassandra Tsolakis.

James Kirk, who undertook his RIBA Part I at Bath, then worked with Rick Mather for three years before studying for Part II at Westminster. He is currently building an Olympic Pavilion outside the Shell Centre on London’s South Bank.

The exhibition runs until 7 September at the gallery on Smith Square. Open daily Monday to Friday from 10am – 6pm. Admission free.

Civic Trust Awards open for entries

The 2013 Civic Trust Awards application round is now open.

Schemes completed between January 2010 and September 2012 are eligible for entry – submissions are made online via the Civic Trust Awards website.

Applications can be made from any project completed in the UK or internationally

The deadline for submission of entries is 5pm on 12th September 2012.

More details on the application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the website www.civictrustawards.org.uk

Join the debate to engage students

In June, Ryder Architecture hosted a debate to help forge the basis of a new approach to education and practice in the built environment. 

Key topics of the inaugural debate were:

• Schools across the built environment need to rethink how they train students to engage with industry

•NVQ structures don’t address the future needs of skills shortages

•The Apprenticeship Scheme is not fit for purpose

It was agreed that fundamental reform, across education and industry, is needed.

The contributors including Peter Buchan, senior partner Ryder Architecture and Murray Fraser, professor of architecture & global culture at Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, now intend to facilitate a pan-industry debate leading to the reform of all aspects of built environment education in the UK.

To join the task force and take part in the debate register at www.2012bee.blogspot.co.uk or e-mail lucie@ryderarchitecture.com.

Chief operating officer to leave ICE

The chief operating officer at the Institute of Civil Engineers is to leave on 31st August. Andy Ruffles is moving on after three and a half years to take up the position of chief executive for an engineering consultancy in Australia.  

He was appointed in 2009 to deliver major improvement projects within ICE. 

ICE director general Nick Baveystock said: “I’d like to thank Andy for his contribution during his time at ICE. In the past few years he has developed more robust business planning, built a strong leadership team and has taken some hard decisions which have led to greater efficiency and reduced costs.”  

The role of chief operating officer will not be replaced.  

Multi-million pound hotel refurbishment

3DReid’s hotels team has completed the renovation of the five star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, which has been named the Edinburgh Hotel of the Year in the 2012 Scottish Hotel Awards.

Working closely with interior designers MKV and contractor Thomas Johnstone, the works complete the final phase of a multi-million pound refurbishment of the hotel. The refurbishments have provided contemporary public areas including an enhanced conference suite and state-of-the-art delegate rooms along with the new ‘One Square’ restaurant and bar on Festival Square and a brand new kitchen.

Moving a staircase into the heart of the building, opposite the existing guest lifts, and relocating the hotel bar to the front of the Festival Square elevation adjacent to the restaurant, simplified the guest circulation and opened up the hotel’s reception lobby into a grand, spacious, arrival area, with an impressive double-height atrium space and gleaming black stone floor.

Mark Bruce of 3DReid Architects hotel sector said: “As a team we have all undertaken the most thorough transformation in the hotel’s history. It is extremely satisfying to see the hotel open its doors and embark upon an exciting new era.”

Accessible drinking fountain for London park

The Royal Parks Foundation’s quest to create the ultimate drinking fountain for the Royal Parks was finally complete as Watering Holes, a unique sculptural stone fountain, was launched in Green Park, London, following the unveiling of Moxon Architects’ Trumpet in Kensington Gardens earlier this year. The two fountains are the winners of an international design competition supported by The Tiffany & Co Foundation, New York. 

Robin Monotti Architects and Mark Titman’s Watering Holes is an 800kg slab of Cornish granite – the same as was used in the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park and Tower Bridge – perforated with three watering holes at heights from which adults, children, wheelchair users and dogs can drink cool, fresh water, in one of London’s most visited Royal Parks.

The installation in Green Park, near the new Bomber Command Memorial, marks the end of a two-year collaboration between the Royal Parks Foundation, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, RIBA Competitions and The Royal Parks, to create a new drinking fountain that is both beautiful and robust and which enhances The Royal Parks’ Grade-I listed landscapes.

The Watering Holes drinking fountain in Green Park

Architecture practice awards prizes worth £1,000

Award-winning architects Sheppard Robson has awarded two £500 prizes, for the Best Part 2 student project and Best Part 1 Project, to students at Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh School of Architecture end of year show.

The firm’s sponsorship is an enterprising initiative bringing together an internationally-renowned private sector practice with a world-leading architecture school to recognise student excellence.

The winning students were Zichao Chen for the Best Part 2 Project in fifth year and Jack Taylor for the Best Part 1 Project in third year.

James Dick who leads Sheppard Robson’s Scottish office, said: “We were very impressed with the standard of projects. Zichao’s project was not only visually dramatic and striking but thought provoking regarding inner city retail and existing shopping centres generally.

“Jack Taylor’s work, meanwhile, took a very different and considered approach to the main street of Penicuik. While many students focused on a particular building, Jack has thought very carefully about the streetscape itself and his project seeks to create interesting hard landscape and building interventions to enliven the route for the pedestrian through the town. He also had a very bold and poetic design for a writing retreat at Little Sparta, the garden of artist Ian Hamilton Finlay.”

 Impressed by the standard of entries: James Dick who leads Sheppard Robson’s Scottish office

£2.2m West Nottinghamshire College award for BBES

Balfour Beatty Engineering Services has been awarded a £2.2m contract for the design, supply and installation of mechanical and electrical services for Mansell’s project at West Nottinghamshire College.   

The phase 2B new teaching block project will be situated on the Derby Road campus in Mansfield. The college’s ageing sports hall has been demolished to make way for a new steel framed teaching block boasting 4,000sqm of learning space, including modern classrooms, ITC suites, hair and beauty salons, a specialist health spa, and fine-dining restaurant with training kitchen.

The overall £24m redevelopment of the college is currently underway and also includes the construction of a state-of-the-art sports hall and the re-cladding of a six-storey tower with the aim of rejuvenating the visual appearance of the campus.

The BBES contract is due to start soon and the building is aiming to achieve a BREEAM rating of very good.