Futurebuild 2022 review by Martina

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ACAN

The Architects Climate Action Stand had some interesting alternative structural construction materials in 1:1 scale detail models. I was unable to catch anyone for a chat but here’s their website info for reference: https://www.architectscan.org. I’ve added my pictures for interest to this blog.

NET ZERO + NATURAL MATERIALS - Keynote Stage 2

TIMBER ACCELERATOR HUB (TAH) – Joe Giddings Project Director The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products https://asbp.org.uk/

Funded by Louders (?) Foundation, Timber Development UK, Swedish Woods and other partners.

Set up to investigate the major challenges and barriers that mass timber is facing in the UK. These preventing the wider uptake of this set of products.

 Challenges          1. INSURANCE - Construction insurance on site & Building insurance for the completed asset.

                            2. FIRE - Building regulations and fire safety

TAH Ambition: to establish a network of different stakeholders seeking to address these challenges in their field and then to enable a cross industry collaborative approach, identify any gaps and to develop solutions to overcome the challenges to enable a wider use of mass timber. (Mass Timber: refers to the group of products CLT, GLT, DLT, LVT – any layered laminated timber system)

TAH – Have run a number forums on topics including:

  1. How to design mass timber high rise buildings

  2. Fire Safety in mass timber buildings

  3. Repairability and Durability

They have a number of topics coming up too. Developers Working Group could be something we might want to be a part of in some sort of way as they convey the problems developers are facing and are exploring a best practice rulebook for mass timber office design and good detailing.

Also quite interesting – as a result of the this networking, a group of developers have been exploring ‘an alternative risk transfer vehicle’ – forming an insurance company in order to avoid the expensive traditional insurance market.

Part of the Governments Net Zero strategy was to establish a policy working group for timber in construction and the increase in timber usage. TAH are informing the process with industry knowledge share and looking to inform the government policy. 

Further Reading:

I found this when I was looking back at my notes which I found interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sQQAC9EgXI

G&T’s Mass Timber Office Forum

INSULATION: Natural Fibre Insulation Group – Mark Lynn

Natural Fibre Insulation is currently 1% of the UK market, in contrast to France and Germany at 10% and growing. Verified EPD list for natural fibre brands to be published on the ASPB website. (e.g. Therma fleece)

Typical Natural Fibres & Embodied Carbon: Hemp, wood fibre, sheep’s wool, straw, flax – cellulose, demi – cellulose, lignan, keratin is 50% bio genic carbon equivalent to 180% Co2.  1kg of natural fibre sequesters about 2kg of Co2. Bio genic carbon very good mechanism for offsetting energy to allow the building fabric to act as a caron store in the same way timber does. Something in the UK that’s not given much value to in contrast to France for example, where they are adopting a dynamic LCA approach and value to the biogenic carbon. There is a big driver for natural materials in construction. If regulation doesn’t drive this in the UK then perhaps the market will drive this way.

Indoor air quality & Humidity Regulation: breathability provides a mechanism to get rid of a residual amount of moisture. (Kingspan said breathability was irrelevant because 90% of moisture in a building is removed through ventilation. But what about the other significant 10% mass of water?) Natural fibres adjust their moisture content in balance with humidity and the surrounding air. When the surround air drops, humidity increases and the fibres essentially suck the moisture out of the air and are constantly pulling the air away from the dew point as temperature drops.

Thermal performance: higher k values than PIR/PUR. To achieve like-for-like U-Values, Natural Fibre Insulation requires a thicker building fabric.

A good insulation to use in retrofitting in terms of improving existing building performance. A key indicator is the energy usage data to compare savings.

Phase shift: This is the natural fibre insulation thermal mass – when heat penetrating the building fabric during peak periods doesn’t reach the internal space until +- 12 hours after the peak heat.

Further reading: https://asbp.org.uk/group/natural-fibre-insulation

THE HEALTH AND CARBON BENEFITS OF NATURAL PAINTS – Anton Boekhoudt , National Architectural Business Development Manager, Keim Mineral Paints.

 Interesting conversation around the application of natural paints. Particularly in regard to breathability of buildings. Interesting example about usage in existing buildings i.e. damp basement covered in layers of plastic based paints that dried out once removed and a natural paint applied.

BARCHAM

I also listened in on a Barcham talk with an invited landscape designer who talked through some interesting streetscape projects that were proven to improve biodiversity, wellbeing, safety and security whilst connecting the residents to nature in a densely populated and built up area. Made me think we could apply some of these concepts to our projects i.e. Hales Farm (client willing) where we have shared pedestrian and vehicle surfaces.

I’ve picked up two of their guides regarding Species Selections for developments as well as a Planting Guide. There’s some great details and illustrations and it might be useful for any personal projects.

SUMMARY

I spoke to a few specialists in MMC which was informative, however I was disappointed there wasn’t more conversation around manufacturing, material selection, performance, embodied energy. I felt maybe some of the talks were slightly generic and ‘buzz-wordy’, but overall a good opportunity to see what innovation was going on in the UK.

Futurebuild 2022 account by Tom Hubbard

I got stuck in the demonstration area for quite a chunk of the day where there was a talk on COB building, lime plaster/render, straw bale building. Although I had previously seen these methods of construction as self-build small scale projects I was surprised to discover they are being more commonly used for larger commercial scale projects with fantastic environmental impact. They reduce the need for membranes and have a net zero carbon impact so something we might see more of in the future.

 

The COB walls can achieve building regs at a certain thickness (Link to website attached). There is also now a block product being produced by H.G.Matthews https://www.hgmatthews.com/ called a Strock which is structural block of clay and straw which can be used for internal load bearing walls up to 3 storeys and has a very low embodied energy and as such seems like a great alternative to concrete blocks.

 

For more info and details for COB buildings and details you can find info here http://www.cobbauge.eu/en/

 

I went to MPA The concrete Centre: Optimising the use of concrete which discussed the consideration of concrete frame buildings and their potential change of use in the future and ensuring that the design for the concrete frame takes this into account in the design stage. I.e should we be designing a residential block to be changed to an office in the future? A conversation to be having with the structural engineer and client at the design stage to ensure buildings are dynamic and can adapt to a changing world.

 

My main takeaway of the day. We have essentially come back round to the idea that natural materials we have been building with since the bronze age are actually the best. Timber, lime, clay, earth, straw are all sustainable, clean and don’t leech nasty chemicals into the spaces we work, live and learn in.

World Down’s Syndrome Day

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Monday was World Down’s Syndrome Day. A day marked with mismatched socks because our differences are what makes us great. It brings awareness and starts a conversation of the equal rights and equal opportunities that anyone with additional needs should be entitled to.

 

We know about the day because of our colleague’s nephew. We celebrate the day because equality is important. Inclusion means no one is left out and no one is left behind.

ECB Bradford Accessibility Review

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Making cricket facilities accessible: 3 things we have learnt

Accessibility and inclusivity are fundamental requirements for the ECB when developing any new or refurbished facilities. In 2019 the ECB launched their Inspiring Generations (2020-2024) strategy which looked to deliver on six objectives:

·         Grow and nurture the core

·         Inspire through elite teams

·         Make cricket accessible

·         Engage children and young people

·         Transform women’s and girls’ cricket

·         Support our communities

Urban Cricket Centres (UCC) provide a unique opportunity to deliver on many of these objectives, but to fully reap the benefit of these high aspirations, due consideration should be taken at an early design stage.

For the first UCC in Leyton, East London, achieving any accessibility goals were particularly challenging due to the nature of the existing buildings. Through careful planning, we managed to reimagine the existing buildings to provide; a range of improvements including a range of accessible gender neutral changing spaces for individuals, small groups and teams; lift access to a first-floor viewing area which now includes Perspex panels to allow for uninterrupted views from a wheelchair, a dedicated faith room, and step free access around the entire facility. Elsewhere on the site two further changing rooms were refurbished to provide flexible changing for the outdoor cricket / football pitches as well as introducing new referee and accessible changing facilities again with step free access to make the whole site fully accessible.

Working on the design stage of the second UCC in Bradford even more scope for inclusivity was available to the design team as the scheme needed a new entrance and circulation routes for the centre. Through collaboration with Jane Simpson Access at scheme design stage,  the project provides first class accessibility through having: accessible WCs on every level, providing dedicated accessible changing, improving the existing changing to allow for ambulant WCs and showers, increasing the size of circulation routes and sizing the lift to accommodate sports wheelchairs, and providing additional accessible parking spaces and ensuing step free access to the facility.

Refurbishing existing buildings to improve accessibility comes with its challenges, but these changes are fundamental to creating Urban Cricket Centres which truly serve all of their communities. The top three things learnt from these projects are:

1.       Ensure accessibility is fully discussed by key stakeholders and is integral to the client briefing stage

2.       Engage an appropriately qualified access consultant as part of the design team early in the development process

3.       Ensure the true cost of the access improvements are picked up in the cost planning process, and provide the client with specific cost advice on the access enhancement as they might be able to attract specific funding for features that go beyond the minimum requirement of the Building Regulations

To further support the design and management of cricket facilities, the ECB has created a suite of documents including a guide, survey form and facility check list as part of their drive to Create Welcoming Environments. These guides are equally applicable to any sports facility.

Mezzanine Guardrail sketch review

A Message from Jeremy Pilling

I am standing down as a director and shareholder of gcp Chartered Architects as from 1 March 2022 as planned.

Having held those posts since 1994 and having been a partner of the original practice since 1987, I am undoubtedly doing so with mixed emotions.  Obviously, on the one hand I will be able to devote more time to pursue interests outside work but on the other I will miss day to day involvement with clients, consultants and colleagues.

I will continue to support the current directors on a consultancy basis for two days a week in any way I can but also hope that I will be able to develop a few new and some existing enquiries into viable projects to hand on to what is a very strong and multi-talented in-house team.

I regard the business becoming Employee Owned in August 2020 as one of our most significant achievements and wish the current directors Jon Briscoe and Tom Mellor all the very best for their future at the helm and Jon Platt for his next task over the next year or so to hand over the reigns as the director responsible for new business.

Despite the significant challenges posed by both Brexit and the pandemic over the last couple of years, I am confident that I am leaving the business in good health and in good hands.

Finally, I would like to thank all those I have worked with over the last thirty five years. Although at times it has felt like a huge responsibility It has also been a privilege and I am very proud of what we have achieved together.

Jeremy Pilling

03/03/2022

International Women's Day.

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We join the IWD community to celebrate the achievements of our women.

To highlight just a few of these, we have recently welcomed Martina, who has immediately made herself part of the gcp team. Catriona, an Architectural Student, who has also recently joined us from Bath University on a four-month placement, has a passion for creating thriving and sustainable communities. Sarah, our social secretary, has recently summited the final design project of her part-2 qualification at Oxford Brookes University. Completing this all whilst in full-time employment, which is a fantastic achievement!

A momentous day for gcp

It is a momentous day in the history of gcp chartered architects. Today is founding partner Jeremy Pilling’s last day of full time employment with the company. This marks the next step for gcp chartered architects as an employee owned trust. The current directors, Jon Briscoe, Tom Mellor and Jonathan Platt are looking forward to an exciting future with a talented and dynamic team.

Everyone at gcp chartered architects thanks Jeremy for his unstinting efforts during nearly 35 years at the helm, and look forward to working with him as a consultant in the coming years.

A few selected images from over the years

gcp plant 68 trees and 69 shrubs to support local tree planting program

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gcp have recently teamed up with Avon Needs Trees to support their ambitious tree planting program across the Avon valley. Avon Needs Trees is looking to reforest and rewild the Avon valley by planting trees which will enhance biodiversity, provide natural flood management, improve water and air quality as well as sequester carbon from the air.

By volunteering at the Stanley Lane site gcp managed to plant 68 trees and 69 shrubs which will be maintained by Avon Needs Trees through their ongoing commitment to the site. We also donated to planting at ANT's nearby site at Hazeland and hope that these trees will continue to grow over the coming years and go some way to offsetting the carbon we create as a business in the future.

gcp are committed to tackling climate change both through our designs and our actions. We hope to build off this initial planting session by further developing our carbon tracking, reduction, reporting, and offsetting strategies to better understand how we can make a difference.