NB31-4

IN THIS ISSUE | CEF - THE VOICE | LATEST NI PROJECTS | NEWS UPDATE | PRODUCTS IN PROFILE

Vol 31 No 4 2020

STAR PERFORMANCE FROM LOWRY BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING Dark Sky Park and Observatory

MAINCONTRACTOR

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NI BUILDER

Inside this issue...

Issue 31-4 - Aug/Sept 2020

5, 6, 8 Industry latest

23 Construction activity during Covid-19 Construction Information Services (CIS) gives an overview of how the industry has performed during the pandemic 33 Textbook solution CITB NI provides free learning resources for pupils studying GCSE Construction and the Built Environment 14 Safely working together RTU provides finishing touches to NI’s latest tourist attraction

26 Aiming for the stars Lowry builds first-of-its-kind Dark Sky observatory and visitors’ centre 44 Back to the future Refurb and remodelling of century-old building into state-of-the-art modern offices led by Killowen Contracts 36 Making room at the inn Leo Matheson Ltd transforms Castlewellan guesthouse into boutique hotel, restaurant and bar

Bursary awards, high-tech remote site management and approval for £12m Belfast City Centre attraction 9 What’s the plan? CEF demand a revised 2011 Planning Act that’s fit for purpose 12 Time for a change Mark Spence, CEF Managing Director (Designate), calls for NI Executive to back construction industry

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh, BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: northernbuilder@kmpltd.co.uk www.northernbuilder.co.uk

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Heather Campbell Advertising Karen Jess Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney

NI Builder Magazine @nibuilder

Digital Creative Manager Jo Wilson Digital Content Editor Cathal Delea Accounts Samantha Watterson Photography Gordon McAvoy | Printed by W&G Baird

NI Builder

With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.

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NEWS

M ineral Products Association Northern Ireland (MPNAI) has appointed a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman to serve and lead the Association for the next two years. Simon McDowell of Kilwaughter Minerals was officially welcomed as the new MPANI Chair while Paul Brogan, Managing Director of McQuillan Companies, was welcomed as Vice-Chair. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the roles and the Association looks forward to working with them in the coming two years. MPANI APPOINTS NEWCHAIRAND VICE-CHAIR

CITB NI Chief Executive, Barry Neilson, launches bursary award to encourage students to study for a construction career

Visit: www.mpani.org for more MPANI news and information.

CITBNI LAUNCHBURSARYAWARD FORBUILTENVIRONMENTSTUDENTS

C onstruction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI) has launched a new bursary award aimed at encouraging school leavers to consider a career in construction and undertake a third-level Built Environment related qualification. Applications are now open for 12 full-time students to apply for a £1,000 bursary towards the cost of their training. To qualify applicants must have applied to study a third level Built Environment related qualification at Level 4 or above with a Northern Ireland training provider. Then, following

the completion of an application form, applicants will be entered into a draw for one of the 12 bursary awards. Launching the new award, CITB NI Chief Executive, Barry Neilson said: “We hope that this support helps students on their built environment career journey and we wish everyone applying the very best of luck.” Download the application form and terms and conditions from www.citbni.org.uk. Applications must be submitted by September 18, 2020.

Simon McDowell of Kilwaughter Minerals was officially welcomed as the new MPANI Chair

TOBERMORERELEASESNEWEMPLOYEEWELLBEINGAPP

W orld-class paving and walling manufacturer, Tobermore has released a new health and wellbeing app for staff. The Tobermore Connect Health and Wellbeing app provides employees with access to 24/7 GP appointments and a trusted team of medical staff. This means that Tobermore staff can get access to comprehensive and specialist support wherever needed - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With over 300 staff employed throughout the UK and Ireland,

Tobermore recognises that their employees are their greatest asset. David Henderson, Managing Director of Tobermore, says, ”All of us can experience pressure from different parts of our lives, from time to time, whether it is personal, work or financial. We want our staff to know that whatever mental, physical, emotional or financial struggles they face, Tobermore is here to help.” If you are interested in joining Team Tobermore, you can view their current career vacancies: www.tobermore.co.uk/careers.

Tobermore is committed to developing a healthy workplace culture

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NEWS

MANUFACTURERS URGEDTODIGITISE PRODUCTDATATO REDUCERISK

Mastercraft kept a digital eye on their Claridge’s Hotel project in London during lockdown

A new initiative aims to get

manufacturers in the construction industry to take ownership of their

product information. The project is producing a Plain Language Guide for manufacturers setting out why digital product data is important and how manufacturers can benefit by taking simple low-cost steps. The project is supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Construction Products Europe and the UK BIM Alliance. The risks to manufacturers of analogue methods of handling data are considerable, Patricia Massey of Electrium explains, “The Grenfell tragedy has shown our industry that knowing where your products are is essential to public safety, but it also protects manufacturers. “The new Building Safety Bill requires building owners to certify their buildings are safe, and that requires knowing what is in them.”

HARDHAT CAMERASHELP MASTERCRAFT

MANAGE PROJECT REMOTELY

C ovid-19 has forced companies to experiment with new ways of working and Mastercraft Construction is a prime example of this. The Derry-based firm has been using site-scanning software developed by technology company, Oculo.ai, at its Claridge’s Hotel project in Mayfair, London. “We saw Oculo as a way to reduce visits and as a way to be able to look at the whole building in your own time,” says Micheál O’Kane, Contracts Manager, Mastercraft Construction. “We used to fly over once a week and whatever was the crisis that week,

is what you would go to deal with, but what you’re not seeing then are all the other small issues and the progress that is or isn’t happening elsewhere, so if you have this software you can see what needs to be the next big priority.” Oculo uses a 360° video camera mounted on a hardhat to record site progress each week during the usual job walk. It’s just like having a Google Streetview of your own site. Oculo are offering free trials to firms impacted by Covid-19. For more information visit their website: www.oculo.ai

HAGANHOMESFUNDSPROJECT MANAGERROLE

B allyclare-based homebuilder Hagan Homes, has donated £27k to charity Harmoni to enable the recruitment of a new project manager for one year at a hostel close to its south Belfast development. Harmoni is a local charity, which has been helping people experiencing homelessness for the last 140 years. Holly Fellowes will manage the new Keys to Life project to assist men experiencing homelessness at Utility Street Hostel gain new skills

and personal confidence. Speaking about the partnership, James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes says, “As one of Northern Ireland’s largest homebuilders, Hagan Homes recognises the importance of a home in an individual’s life. We have always been about making local communities more vibrant and more socially fruitful in what we do, by building homes, but also in our corporate social responsibility work.”

James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes and Holly Fellowes, Project Manager for Harmoni’s Keys to Life programme

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NEWS

GILBERT-ASHEARNS INVESTORS INPEOPLE GOLDACCREDITATION C onstruction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash has been awarded the Investors in People Gold Accreditation. Assessors highlighted the commitment from the top of the company to develop and embed a culture based on its ‘As One’ ethos. The Investors in People Gold Accreditation is valid for three years, and only 17% of companies who set out to become accredited will achieve a Gold Accreditation. Gilbert-Ash was recognised for its determination to build a ‘collaborative and supportive team’ where employees have a ‘genuine sense of pride in the business’ and where people are ‘loyal and share a sincere commitment to hard work and building a bright and successful future.’ Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson, commented: “Investors in People is the international standard for people management. On behalf of the senior team I want to thank all our staff for their contribution and dedication because this is a great achievement for all of us. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com

The aquarium’s exterior has been designed by Ethos Architects

GREENLIGHTFOR£12MILLION REEFLIVEAQUARIUM

P lans to develop a state-of- the-art aquarium in Titanic Quarter, Belfast have been given the green light by Belfast City Council, creating much needed new construction jobs. The £12 million reefLIVE project will be located on the Queen’s Road opposite the Titanic Hotel, a short distance from Titanic Belfast. The aquarium’s exterior has been designed by Ethos Architects, meanwhile the interior of the building has been devised by a world-leading aquarium design team led by Kay Elliott Architects and Theme

3 to create an aquarium for the 21st century. Keith Thomas, Managing Director, reefLIVE Ltd commented: “Our commitment to building our first reefLIVE aquarium in Belfast is testament to the City’s track record for tourism excellence and an unwavering confidence that sustained investment in Northern Ireland’s tourism and leisure sector will prove vital for the region’s recovery in a post-Covid world.” The Aquarium is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors each year when the attraction opens its doors in 2022.

Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson visits the teams working on the regeneration of Canalside, Woking.

GRAHAMCELEBRATES LIVSTUDENTYORKSTREET COMPLEX ‘TOPPINGOUT’

G raham has achieved a major milestone in the construction of the LIV Student Belfast complex (81-107 York Street, Belfast), and marked the occasion with a “topping out” ceremony. Representatives from the privately- owned contractor gathered with senior management from developers, Valeo Group, to celebrate the installation of the highest fixing of the project, which will be one of the largest student accommodation developments in Belfast.

Scheduled for completion in September 2021, LIV Student Belfast will support the new Ulster University campus in the city centre. Ranging from 12 to 14 storeys, the complex will provide 576 en-suite bedrooms; shared communal areas and kitchens; 141 studios; retail units; a ground floor carpark; and landscaped courtyard areas. Groundworks for the £35.9m scheme began in July 2019.

Major milestone achieved for Graham at LIV Student York Street complex

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INDUSTRY NEWS

voice OFTHE INDUSTRY

What’s the plan?

DAVID FRY, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AT CEF CALLS FOR 2011 PLANNING ACT REVIEW TO DELIVER A PLANNING SYSTEM THAT IS FIT FOR PURPOSE IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE...

A lthough not something how we can best stimulate our economic recovery, the forthcoming review of the implementation of the 2011 Planning Act in Northern Ireland will be of significant importance. Passed into law some nine years ago - with the bulk of its effect coming into force with the transfer of the majority of planning powers to local councils in 2015 - there has been a significant period in which we have judged its effectiveness and that of its associated development management regulations and practice notes in delivering a responsive and effective planning service. It is therefore welcome that Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has necessarily at the forefront of people’s minds as we consider confirmed that a review is to be taken forward before the end of 2020 – but

what are the areas this review should consider and what reforms could be taken forward to enable development? TIMESCALES AND ROLE OF STATUTORY CONSULTEES When we look at the statistics that underpin our two-tier planning system - chiefly the processing times for regionally significant, major and local planning applications - the five-year period that has passed has resulted in little tangible, positive change in processing and approval timescales. At the outset, this was put down by many to planning applications inherited from the then DoE,

lack of resources, the Voluntary Exit Scheme and challenges within councils regarding quickly adapting to their new powers. Looking at this five years’ later, it is abundantly clear that resource challenges

David Fry, Executive Assistant Director at CEF.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

voice OFTHE INDUSTRY

g CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

CLARITY REGARDING DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS With regard to the relevant content of the 2011 Act, the industry is not opposed to Developer Contributions in principle. Indeed, when the Department for Infrastructure conducted a consultation exercise on its proposed Development Management Practice Note 21: Section 76 Planning Agreements in late 2016, the industry played an active role in ensuring that developers had an opportunity to positively comment on the proposals and that the Department would, ultimately, publish a Development “While any reformmust not be about eliminating the opportunity for legal challenge there is a clear need to assess the relative ease at which a challenge can be lodged.”

remain. While this can be seen within the respective council planning offices, it’s arguably more noticeable in the time taken by statutory consultees to provide substantive responses to applications. A key focus of the forthcoming review should be on delays in responses and how they can be speeded up yet also be substantive. The review should also consider whether councils should have the power to award a planning permission where statutory consultees have been given ample time to respond but have failed to do so. Linked to this, it may be worth reassessing the Virtual Delivery Unit proposal that was contained within the Housing Supply Forum’s report of January 2016, giving individual planning authorities greater control over requiring responses from statutory consultees within an enforced timeline that related directly to the nature and complexity of each application. EFFECTIVENESS OF STATUTORY PACC AND PAD The statutory requirement for pre- application community consultation on many projects has been a welcome

introduction. Indeed, the changes announced this May (given the ongoing

pandemic), to enable statutory consultation to be conducted by

online and remote means have been welcomed by both developers and local communities. Looking beyond this period, it is important the review considers in detail how all forms of statutory consultation – including the earlier stage pre-applications discussions which have arguably bedded in less well - have worked to date, as well as whether those developers that go ‘above and beyond’ at these stages of the planning process should receive accelerated consideration of their proposals. REVIEWING IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANNING CONDITIONS One of the hallmarks of the last five years has been the significant growth in planning conditions that come with the awarding of planning approval. Many of these conditions, unnecessarily, halt the commencement of development and should de delivered in tandem with projects being delivered.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

143 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6SX - T: +44 (0)28 9087 7143 - www.cefni.co.uk

“It is important the reviewconsiders in detail howall forms of statutory consultation…haveworked todate, aswell aswhether those developers that go ‘above and beyond’ at these stages … should receive accelerated consideration of their proposals.”

Management Practice Note which had, as far as practicable, the buy-in of industry. However, reflecting on the publication of Belfast City Council’s draft Developer Contributions Framework in the autumn of 2018, many of the key challenges remain: approach to viability, acceptable developer profit, land valuation, policy context, sums in agreements, status of contributions and request of contributions for projects not within an individual Council’s gift. The review needs to give this matter full consideration and seek to bring in a much clearer, upfront and transparent approach as well as how the approach links in with that being developed by many councils - with respect to affordable housing policies - as elements of their Local Development Plans. PRIORITISING PROJECTS OF ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE Given current economic conditions, there is a strong argument for advancing key projects at the planning application stage, by giving them additional ‘weight’, which can unlock immediate economic

DEALING WITH POOR QUALITY APPLICATIONS The industry has always been quite clear that if applications are not up to required standards for instance through the upfront publication of required checklists that an applicant must meet - then councils must act to ensure that all developers are being held against the same standards. In our view, required checklists must become the norm. The forthcoming review will therefore be a crucial opportunity to take stock of the experience and outcomes of the two-tier system to date, but also a point at which major reforms will need to be considered so to make it a planning system that is fit for the economic need that faces us.

benefits. These could range from important investments in decarbonising our electricity and energy infrastructure through to substantial housing schemes. ASSESSING ‘LOW BAR’ FOR LEGAL CHALLENGE While any reform must not be about eliminating the opportunity for legal challenge there is a clear need to assess the relative ease at which a challenge can be lodged. Additionally, a number of significant planning applications have been caught in seemingly never-ending legal proceedings – some for a decade if not more. While their various merits can be debated, is it in anyone’s interests for such applications to be dragged out for so long?

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INDUSTRY NEWS

voice OFTHE INDUSTRY

CEF MANAGING DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE), MARK SPENCE, CALLS FOR NI EXECUTIVE TO BACK CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY... Time for a change

O ver the decades since its has been a constant force throughout the many downturns, political crises and economic recessions that have hampered an otherwise steady, and even occasionally, buoyant sector of the local economy. Those in this sector are nothing if not resilient and adaptable to ever-changing founding at the start of the post-war era in 1945, the CEF circumstances. The Covid-19 crisis is different. This crisis has affected every aspect of the construction sector in every market segment and is still being assessed in terms of what the new normal level of activity will look like. Against this background, the CEF has seen an enhanced level of engagement with members beyond the normally active committees and interest groups. The advent of virtual meetings has

year absence of our local elected representatives. Whether it is the near standstill of water infrastructure, the need for modern capacity within our health estate, the upgrade of our dated schools, addressing the ever

growing demand for housing or the need for genuine enhancements to green transport and urban landscaping; that expenditure is needed now. With the looming redundancies faced by our industry, it will be indefensible to see ring-fenced public sector capital budgets not being spent while experienced and younger employees are being let go. This is to a very large extent avoidable. We require a political will and serious intent like that being shown from Dublin, Edinburgh and London where the value of construction as an economic multiplier is recognised and prioritised. Contrast with NI where, three months after submitting our Construction Recovery proposals to Department of Finance, we still await meaningful response, never mind actions. NI has always had the potential as a small area with a small population, to become a model of good governance and yet it seems 75 years after the CEF was formed, the same arguments must be wheeled out again and again to address tired old failings in how we are governed. How refreshing it would be if our Executive would focus more on the wider benefits to NI and less on preserving the status quo.

How to handle Covid-19 redundancies

T he construction industry, like many others, faces stark choices in the coming weeks as the government’s Job Retention Scheme (‘furlough’) is phased out. In the most recent survey carried out by CEF, over 50% of members stated they were anticipating making redundancies at the end of October. To help construction employers prepare for the possibility of redundancies, CEF has asked its legal partners, Arthur Cox, to set out some useful steps and issues in a Zoom call on Thursday, September 17 at 2pm. During the call, they will outline key legal requirements and discuss some lessons from case law, followed by a Q&A session. Email your questions to Mark Spence: marks@cefni.co.uk in advance so they can be addressed more fully during the meeting. To register for the webinar, email: TracyW@cefni.co.uk and you will be sent the link.

quickly become the ‘new norm’. Members value the efficiency of

meetings and ability to engage with fellow members as well as interacting with a range of patrons and partners delivering topical webinars on legal, financial, insurance matters and, dare we mention it, Brexit. The early frustrations with the imperceptible pace of a return of government has been replaced by deep-rooted anxiety that our Executive are unable or unwilling to commit to infrastructure investment at the very time 30,000 workers are more reliant than ever upon public spending. Put simply, there is a real and present danger that this Executive will fail to spend the budgets handed to them in March by Westminster and be forced to hand unspent monies back to the Treasury. That will be inexplicable to taxpayers who can see, all around them, the enormous investment deficit that arose during the recent three-

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PRODUCT FOCUS

STRONG TIE’S STAINLESS STEEL BEADS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CEMENT- BASED RENDER... Don’t let Rusty ruin your render

I t’s generally known for its corrosion- resistant properties but galvanised steel can react with the chemical components in render leading to quality issues such as unsightly rust stains, bead degradation and possible cracking in the render. Building requirements outlined by NHBC and LABC only advocate the use of austenitic stainless steel or PVCu beads in all external-rendering applications, anywhere in the UK. Which is why galvanised steel beads are no longer accepted for external rendering in any situation. Simpson Strong-Tie Sales Director, Jon Head, explains: “We only recommend the use of stainless steel or PVCu products for external applications. Galvanised steel beads should not be used externally unless secondary protection against corrosion is provided. “Simply put, galvanised steel in external rendering may rust, which will reduce the

lifespan of your work and can be costly to put right. But the good news is it’s easily avoided. “Stainless steel beads are specifically designed for cement-based renders, and our range of angle beads, bellcast beads, stop beads and movement beads along with the PVCu plastic alternative has been engineered to provide reinforcement and resist impact damage. Our range

Avoid blotting your perfect render with unsightly rust stains.

For further information visit: www.strongtie.co.uk or PVCu products for external applications.” “We only recommend the use of stainless steel

of stainless steel beads makes bellcasts, corners, stops and abutments easier to form and can be cut to size as required.” For rendering and plastering made simple, download the Simpson Strong-Tie 2020 catalogue which is packed with handy tips and installation guidance - and make sure you stay away from Rusty!

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PRODUCT FOCUS

“The priority at RTU remains the safety of the team, customers, suppliers and the wider community.”

Perfecting the finish to the pathways and external spaces at the Dark Sky Observatory and Visitor Centre, Davagh Forest

RTU PROVIDES FINISHING TOUCHES TO NI’S LATEST TOURIST ATTRACTION...

Safelyworking together

T here is no doubt that 2020 has the globe. The priority at RTU remains the safety of the team, customers, suppliers and the wider community. While adhering to Government guidelines and following strict safety procedures, RTU continues to service their valued self-build and construction customers by delivering the highest quality products with personalised customer service. challenged us all, with the presence of Covid-19 affecting every corner of

spaces that blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest and scrubland. The superior technical qualities of Exposa, such as slip resistance and durability, combined with its aesthetic beauty, makes it the ideal choice for a modern visitor attraction. The selection of our Linen White colourway complements the use of local natural materials such as the wood-cladding facade, while providing a stunning visual contrast against this most dramatic landscape. SIGNATURE RANGE Exposa - An aesthetically pleasing, durable and slip-resistant decorative concrete, Exposa is the ultimate alternative to paving, asphalt, tarmac and loose gravel. What makes Exposa stand out from the crowd is the variety of colours on offer that allows designers and architects to be bold or subtle in their design work. Ultraflo - Enjoy improved energy efficiency and lower running costs with underfloor heating. A key benefit of Ultraflo is minimal drying shrinkage in comparison to cement-based screeds. Minimal drying shrinkage reduces the risk of cracking and allows areas between

movement joints to be dramatically increased. Ultracem - Portland cement-based, pump applied liquid floor screed that excels due to its fast-track qualities and the speed and ease of install over traditional sand:cement screeds. Ultracem is a diverse product that is compatible with all standard floor coverings, including tiles, wood, vinyl, carpet and wet areas. Zircon - This technically designed decorative concrete delivers a sleek polished floor that can be finished with various grades of polishing to achieve the desired look for your project. Stylish, hardwearing and low-maintenance, Zircon delivers a chic and durable alternative to natural stone. For more information on these products and more call: +44 (0)28 9085 1441; email: sales@rtu.co.uk or visit: www.rtu.co.uk RTU would like to thank everyone on the frontline of public services, retail and other walks of life who have worked tirelessly to support businesses and communities throughout these challenging times. Thank you...

DAVAGH FOREST OBSERVATORY

A byproduct of the pandemic has been a renewed appreciation for the Province’s stunning countryside and RTU is proud to have worked with Lowry Building and Civil Engineering on the ground-breaking Dark Sky Park and Observatory set amongst the natural and unspoilt beauty of the Sperrin Mountains. With so little light pollution, the location gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience crystal clear views of star constellations and a spectacular voyage through the solar system. RTU’s Exposa Decorative Concrete provides the finishing touches to the pathways, walkways and external

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PROJECT

GLASGIVEN CONTRACTS DELIVER A FIRST-CLASS SCHOOL FOR BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATED PUPILS... TOP MARKS FOR CONSTRUCTION TEAM

G lasgiven Contracts pulled out all the stops to ensure Braidside Integrated Primary pupils in Ballymena could start the new school year in state-of-the-art classrooms, ending decades of learning in tired old modular units. The new school is located on the campus of the neighbouring Castle Tower School (which relocated to another location). The existing school was demolished and the Frys Road site redeveloped to allow Braidside Integrated Primary School to move into their new £5m permanent home in August. The design and build project showcased Glasgiven Contract’s expert construction

design and management skills as the team worked in tandem with the client’s design team. “Design and build projects can have their advantages and disadvantages,” says Cormac Murphy, Contracts Manager at Glasgiven Contracts. “When it works well, like it did at Braidside Integrated Primary School, you end up with a superior product with each design team bringing their expertise to the table and co-operating to get things right.” The demolition process wasn’t without its pitfalls, however, admits Cormac. “As with all demolition jobs, there were issues. For example, asbestos had to be removed,

NIE cables had to be diverted and a new substation installed. Remediation work also had to be carried out on contaminated ground before we could begin main building works.” The new school building consists of 14 classrooms, a sports hall, school meals accommodation and a separate building for the nursery school. The enabling works began at the end of August 2018, with groundworks starting three months later. “There were challenges at the design and development stage before we even got to site as there were a lot of planning restrictions that needed to

“Therewas great cooperation between all those involved and we ended upwith a great product. The school is delighted.”

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PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

be discharged,” says Cormac. “The site is adjacent to a dual carriageway, so there were specific requirements for the acoustics to achieve safe noise levels that are acceptable for teaching children. A lot of effort went into this aspect of the design, even down to what ventilation strategy employed because the windows only have a marginal opening. One of the solutions was to install acoustic screens to help baffle the noise.” The block and brick superstructure includes rendered panels and some aluminium and a composite timber cladding. Underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation systems regulate the airflow and the temperature. There are PV panels on the roof. “Due to special restrictions within the building a roof top plant strategy needed to be employed.” Another aspect of the project involved

road re-alignment to allow a filter lane and new entrance to the busy Frys Road. “This required a lot of coordination between the teams and Transport NI.” Just before Easter, when handover was due to take place, Covid-19 locked down the site. “This added three months to the project due to the lockdown and the limitations with personnel numbers upon return,” says Cormac. “We knew the school had a hard deadline at the end of July because they needed a minimum of two weeks to get prepared for the kids coming back to school. “Normally before a handover you try to get as many people on site to finish up but the social distancing rules just didn’t allow for that. Closer to the end there was weekend work and a few late evenings pulled to complete on time.” Despite the challenges, Cormac is pleased with how the project turned out.

“There was great cooperation between all those involved and we ended up with a great product. The school is delighted. ”

Client: Trustees of Braidside Integrated Primary School CLIENT REPRESENTATIVES: Project Manager: Connor McGeown, WYG Architect: Isherwood and Ellis M&E Engineer: Beattie Flanigan C&S Engineers: Design ID Project QS: VB Evans CONTRACTOR TEAM: Main Contractor: Glasgiven Contracts Architect: Knox and Clayton M&E Engineer: ISD C&S Engineers: Gilligans PROJECTTEAM...

Glasgiven Contracts, 16 Ashleigh Ct, Annalong, Newry BT34 4PD T: +44 (0) 28 4376 8824 - E: info@glasgiven.com www.glasgiven.com

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PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

INNOVATION, TOP CONTRACTORS AND EXPERT SITE ASSISTANCE WERE KEY TO THIS SUCCESSFUL PROJECT... WARM FLAT ROOF SYSTEM

S ika supplied the full warm roof package for the Braidside Integrated Primary School project, which included Sika- Trocal Type ‘S’ single ply membrane, Sika- Trocal laminated metals, Sarnavap Air and Vapour Control Layer, Sikatherm PIR insulation and Sika branded fixings and rainwater outlets. The 2mm thick, slate grey coloured Sika-Trocal Type ‘S’ single ply membrane was selected due to its versatility, speed of installation, durability and most importantly due to its proven performance. The Sika-Trocal Type ‘S’ system quickly and efficiently detailed around the various roof penetrations including fall arrest posts, soil pipes and solar arrays and fully encapsulated parapet details. Sika Trained and Approved installer, Rowan Roofing Company expertly managed the installation works over a six-month period which were regularly inspected and signed off by Sika’s Field Technician team allowing Sika’s 20 year warranty to be issued on completion.

Sika Roofing, 55 Adelaide St, Belfast BT2 8FE. Call +44 (0)28 9336 5868 or email: info@sika.ie to discuss how Sika can assist with your next project. www.sika.ie/roofing

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PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

WHEN BEATTIE FLANIGAN WROTE THE M&E BRIEF FOR BRAIDSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL THEY COULDN’T HAVE PREDICTED THE EFFECTS A VIRUS WOULD HAVE ON THE PROJECT... ICT M&E CONSULTING ENGINEER

A cting on behalf of the client, the consulting engineers delivered a comprehensive design package that complied with all guidelines and regulations. Cooperation and working relationships between the client-side and contractor design teams was excellent and the project ran smoothly - until Covid-19 happened. “The commissioning was almost complete when the lockdown hit,” says Jason Fisher, Managing Director at Beattie Flanigan. “When we restarted we had to alter the running times and set points of the ventilation systems to comply with the CIBSE Covid-19 recommendations and had to redo parts of the commissioning process to verify all systems were operating correctly to the new requirements. “We had great main, mechanical and electrical sub-contractors on board. It’s a credit to all that we pulled together to deliver an exemplary product regardless.”

Beattie Flanigan, 40 Montgomery Road, Belfast BT6 9HL. T: +44 (0)28 9079 4411 - E: info@beattieflanigan.com beattieflanigan.com

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PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

MECHANICAL SERVICES

T homas Hanna & Co Ltd were Integrated Primary School. The scope of the project was design and build and this allowed the County Fermanagh-based firm to fully employ the knowledge and experience gained over 50-plus years working in all sectors of the industry. “We worked alongside the consultant engineer ISD and project team to develop and deliver a sustainable installation responsible for the installation of all mechanical services for Braidside solution for the mechanical services based on the outline specification,” says Martin Hanna, Managing Director of Thomas Hanna & Co Ltd. The school’s design had a flat roof, which meant a reduced space for containment. “Along with our team members, Braham Electrical and Knox Clayton Architects, we coordinated our combined services to maximise the available space providing a suitable solution that allowed for maintenance and future expansion if

required,” says Martin. “This ensured any potential clash was addressed and amended prior to works commencing on site, ensuring a trouble-free installation. “To date we have partnered with Glasgiven Contracts on six projects and are looking forward to partnering with them again.”

For more information call: +44 (0)28 8953 1373; email: info@thomashanna.co.uk or visit: www.thomashanna.co.uk

PAVING SUPPLIERS B arleystone Paving was the supplier of the striking granite paving system laid to the entrance of Braidside Integrated Primary School, Ballymena. The paving specialists responded

quickly to the supply request for their Larchfield Permeable Paving brick. The silver granite, 200m x 100mm x 60mm permeable brick is finished with a black granite border and has been designed to meet the demands and standards to reduce flood and pollution risk. Barleystone Paving have worked on numerous projects with Glasgiven Contracts in and around Dublin, but this was the first supply job with them to NI. “As always with Glasgiven Contracts, this project ran very smoothly, says Sean Clarke, NI and ROI Sales Representative for Barleystone Paving. “The school is a great showcase for this brick which has a very attractive granite finish.”

For more information, call: +353 (0)42 967 5992: email: sales@barleystone.com or visit: www.barleystone.com.

20 | NI BUILDER

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PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

SUSPENDED CEILINGS

M ulderg Interior Linings Ltd supplied and installed all suspended ceilings, partitions and acoustic boards to Braidside Integrated Primary School.

The six-month job was their first working with Glasgiven Contracts and they were impressed by the well-run operation. “We had six men onsite fitting all the material,” says Mark Gormley, Director at

Ireland and the UK. They carry out all aspects of dry lining, plastering, metal stud partitioning, screeding, coving, external rendering and suspended ceilings. “Our main objectives are to achieve the best quality workmanship, keep the project on budget and complete within the given timescale,” says Mark.

Mulderg Interior Linings Ltd. “Glasgiven Contracts ensured the job went very smoothly and we’re looking forward to working with them on future projects.” Mulderg Interiors is fast becoming a ‘preferred client subcontractor’ for major projects within commercial and public sectors throughout Northern

For more information call: +44 (0)77 202 40212; email: info@mulderginteriorlinings.com or visit: www.mulderginteriorlinings.com

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

R G Decorators carried out all the interior and exterior painting at the new Braidside Integrated Primary School in Ballymena. Established 30 years ago, RG Decorators have built a solid reputation as contract painters working on a wide variety of project types such as hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, private

building developments, fire proofing, marine coatings and hygiene coatings. The painting contract at Braidside included all masonry, internal plasterwork and woodwork and took six men seven months to complete. RG Decorators have a successful working relationship with Glasgiven

Contracts having previously worked with them on projects at Woodburn Primary School, Julianstown School and Mary Murray House in Newcastle. RG Decorators understand how large- scale structures often have special painting, coating and maintenance requirements and will always take

extra care to make sure that the job is done right. DECORATORS RG

For more information call: +44 (0)792 1089337 or email: rgdecor55@gmail.com

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NI BUILDER | 21

PROJECT

BRAIDSIDE INTEGRATEDPRIMARYSCHOOL

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

F or almost 40 years Braham Electrical has worked closely with local authorities, schools, academies, universities and nurseries to provide educational environments that positively impact and influence the learning future of children. The design and build nature of the project at Braidside Integrated

Primary School, Ballymena played to Braham’s strengths in the sector. “It allowed us far greater input into the electrical design than on a normal job,” says Braham Electrical Director, Jason McQuaid. “We worked alongside the consulting engineer, ISD, and the rest of the project team to specify all the

equipment used, the type of light fittings and other specialist items that were installed.” “The whole team, from the client, architect, the main contractor Glasgiven Contracts onwards, worked well together and did a great job. That’s satisfaction in itself,” says Jason.

For further information contact: Braham Electrical T: +44 (0) 28 4177 2989 E: info@brahamelectrical.com or visit: www.brahamelectrical.com

KITCHEN CATERING EQUIPMENT

S pecialising in supplying Catering Equipment delivered a highly efficient kitchen, servery and kitchen extract system for Braidside Integrated Primary School. This was further enhanced by bespoke innovative, energy and labour saving equipment, Stephens stainless steel countertops and canopy made by their expert in- house fabrication team. Stephens Catering Equipment enhanced the workspace by bringing in as much light as possible into the kitchen. “We had to alter the canopy from the standard square shape as it would have blocked out the light from the windows above,” says Paul Caves, Director at Stephens Catering Equipment. “Instead, we angled it to allow the light to reflect off the canopy and into the room to accommodate the roof style.” Equipment supplied included a

Hobart food prep and warewasher, Rational combination oven and VarioCookingCentre, Moffat bains-marie and Foster refrigeration. “It was a pleasure to work with Glasgiven Contracts. We’ve worked with them on many projects previously and look forward to the next project with them,” says Paul.

For more information call: +44 (0)28 2586 1711;

email: nfo@stephens-catering.com or visit: www.stephenscateringequipment.com

22 | NI BUILDER

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INDUSTRY NEWS

TOM MOLONEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION SERVICES (CIS) LOOKS BACK AT 2019 AND GIVES AN OVERVIEWOF THE CIS Q2 2020 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY REPORT… Construction activity during Covid-19 - CIS

In terms of Public Sector Construction Tenders, both ROI and NI witnessed a significant drop in advertised tenders. This resulted in many existing tenders having their deadline dates extended over the lockdown period. According to CIS research, there has been a marked decline in activity across all sectors and regions for both pipeline (granted) planning and project commencements, with the only exception being in the hospitality sector. In analysis of the non-residential sectors, Q2 is down -29% for the planning pipeline and down -30% for project starts compared to Q1 2020. Also, in terms of residential, the number of units granted permission in Q2 was 8,088 compared to 15,148 in Q1 of this year and for residential starts, 5,483 units commenced in Q2 versus 6,127 units in Q1. Finally, the challenges presented by Covid-19 have resulted in projects being delayed or cancelled across all sectors, in addition to the disruptions caused in the supply chain relating to materials, labour, equipment, etc. It is difficult to predict what activity levels are likely to be for Q3 and Q4 at this stage, but the trajectory for both applications and decisions do look positive and as the industry adapts to a “new norm” and the promised support from Government, the industry will hopefully bounce back to pre-Covid levels. To download the full CIS Q2 2020 report visit www.cisireland.com.

Top project by value 2019 - €500m Greater Dublin Drainage Treatment Plant

I n 2019, the Irish construction sector had a strong performance in sectors such as residential, medical, education and commercial. As our research reveals, overall in 2019, in excess of €7.86 billion of construction projects commenced construction, which is a 15% decline on 2018, when the equivalent value was €9.2 billion. There was also a 4% decline in the overall volume of projects starting in the same period. Projects approved to proceed however showed a 17% increase on 2018, which in value terms, represents in excess of €13 billion, however, the volume of projects was down 5% on 2018. According to our research, in excess of 1,137 sites (excluding self-build construction) closed following the Irish Government lockdown order in March 2020. The subsequent lifting of these restrictions on May 18, allowed sites that were Covid-19 compliant to recommence construction activity. This saw an initial surge in site openings, but this tapered off somewhat in the following weeks, as contractors and workers continued to adapt to new operating processes.

PLANNING ACTIVITY 2020 The average number of ROI applications lodged up to March 14, was 490 per week (pw), during the Covid-19 lockdown they dropped to 455pw (-7%) and from May 18, the average has risen to 602pw (+32%). In NI, the drop was more significant with a -42% fall in submissions to 110pw and only reverted to pre- lockdown levels of 189pw from June 6. It should be noted the return to activity in NI was and remains behind the Republic. Planning decisions for ROI fell by -44% to 228pw during the Covid-19 lockdown period when compared to the first 11 weeks of the year, when they averaged 410pw. The volume of decisions has recovered by +4% on the pre-Covid period to 426pw, which indicates - based on the volume of planning applications submitted - that a backlog in planning decisions of around 1,500 is still being worked through. The situation for NI reveals a -64% falloff in planning decisions to 55pw during the Covid-19 cessation and is still -27% behind the pre- Covid period.

FOR THE LATEST CONSTRUCTION LEADS, VISITWWW.CISIRELAND.COM

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NI BUILDER | 23

PRODUCT FOCUS

Roof windows add light and contemporary style to any room

FIVE REASONS WHY KEYLITE IS THE CLEAR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING A HIGH PERFORMING ROOF WINDOW... Innovation and customer care is key to success

R oof windows offer a simple, attractive method of increasing levels of natural light and ventilation into a building. They can also add real value to a property without having to overcome time and cost- consuming building restrictions. A window’s performance, however, is dependent on the quality of its design and fit. With nearly 20 years’ experience in the sector, Keylite is an award-winning manufacturer of quality roof windows specifically developed for rapid, high- specification installation, energy efficiency and a sleek, smart aesthetic. Colin Wells, the company’s Head of Technical says, “Keylite upholds its reputation as a leading roof window manufacturer through its drive for innovation. That’s proven crucial to us creating a wide-ranging product portfolio of industry-wide renown.”

STREAMLINED FIT Each Keylite Roof Window is recessed as standard. Windows sited almost flush to the roof improves the installation’s thermal efficiency thanks to the surrounding insulated elements. GREAT PRODUCTS, GREAT TEAM Keylite Roof Windows and Flashings come with a 10-year guarantee – which is increased up to 20-years with its Polar White PVC Centre Pivot range. And from specification to installation and post-project, expert guidance is just a phone call away. The Keylite team has continued working hard and safely throughout the coronavirus pandemic in order to maintain its top-notch service delivery.

can be responsible for up to 30% of a dwelling’s heat loss. Built into the frame, the collar is made from expanding foam, which is a devastatingly simple process that is activated by removing a ripcord covering. With the window frame in position, the foam expands to fill the gap to perfectly insulate around the window for an airtight, waterproof finish. The Expanding Thermal Collar comes as standard on all Keylite Roof Windows, and at no extra cost to the customer. FLICK-FIT BRACKETS Another Keylite patented innovation, pre- installed Flick-fit brackets allow box-to- roof fitting in minutes. Flick-fit brackets are pre-fitted to the window frame, a key factor to the product’s rapid-install properties. SASH HINGE FINGER SPRINGS Keylite has fitted a patented spring- loaded hinge to its sash, which means it remains in position and slots easily into the frame’s housing in one smooth and easy motion.

Five reasons why Keylite is the clear choice when it comes to selecting a roof window:

EXPANDING THERMAL COLLAR The built-in patented Expanding Thermal Collar helps prevent thermal bridging, which

For more information visit: keyliteroofwindows.com

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