Staticus meets the spec
Established approximately 20 years ago, Staticus is one of the biggest building facade contractors in Northern Europe, with a factory in Lithuania, an R&D centre in Vienna and offices in Norway, Sweden and London. Staticus was appointed by HG Construction on behalf of Alumno Developments to deliver the building facade for the Aspire Point development – student accommodation for Queen Mary University of London.
The BBA’s Product Excellence Programme (PEP)
Assurance of quality and safety are key to building product specifiers, installers and end-users. But how do you know the product being considered matches its published specification? It’s an issue that has become more critical post-Grenfell and one that the British Board of Agrément – the UK-leading building products certification body – had been considering for some time. Its answer, launched last year, was the ground-breaking Product Excellence Programme (PEP). Here Head of the BBA Testing Unit, Alvaro Enguita-Gonzalez, explores the objective of the programme.
Russell Scanlan’s insurance advice post-Grenfell
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the negative spotlight on cladding materials had a major knock-on effect for the construction industry, from builders and sub-contractors to architecture firms. Days after the incident, cladding installed on buildings more than 18m in height was called into question by the Government, leading to significant increases in premiums for Professional Indemnity Insurance. Bryan Banbury, Managing Director of leading independent insurance broker Russell Scanlan, discusses the impact on the insurance industry and advises how companies can plan ahead when renewing policies.
Norway’s largest outdoor life organisation unveils innovative day trip cabin
The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has completed the first of a series of unique ‘day trip cabins’, built to make treks in the Norwegian Mountains more accessible for novice hikers and explorers.
Kindergarten afloat in Beijing
MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has revealed its design for ‘Courtyard Kindergarten’ in Beijing. Located on the site of a traditional siheyuan courtyard that dates back to 1725, MAD’s scheme includes a new building that not only protects the existing buildings but also restores them for use. The design features a dynamic floating roof that surrounds the historical courtyard. While preserving the cultural heritage of the site, it forms a multi-layered urban narrative, where old and new coexist.
gpad completes stylish Old Street office redevelopment
Award-winning architect and interior design practice gpad london has completed Stylus, a high-end office redevelopment in the St. Luke’s conservation area in Old Street. Dating from 1886, the facade is the only original feature retained.
Changing Places for invisible disability
Have you ever needed to ‘go’ when away from home, and not been able to easily find a toilet? Add to that feeling the fact that you need more space, or special equipment, or that you’ve had an accident because of continence problems.
Adjudication for Low Value Disputes
There is clear evidence in the construction industry of demand for a fresh approach to using adjudication as a method for resolving disputes. This is largely a reaction to the increasing complexity of adjudication procedures and higher levels of fees being charged by adjudicators, mainly because of an escalation in the time they need to spend on evidential and procedural problems.
Selectaglaze thermally enhances 19th Century Lodge to 21st Century standards
Built at the start of the 19th Century, this striking entrance lodge located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire has morphed into a comfortable living space with the assistance of Selectaglaze secondary glazing. The lodge is at the entrance of an estate that leads to a main country house built in 1675.
Staticus adds Royal Mint Gardens façade contract to its growing UK portfolio
Staticus has been appointed as the façade contractor for Royal Mint Gardens, one of the most prestigious new luxury residential developments in London, located next to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. It incorporates 263 high-specification apartments and facilities including a concierge lounge, pool, cinema and gym.
