Light Forms luminaires specified in huge Birmingham office overhaul

As part of a £38.8m refurbishment of a Birmingham City Centre commercial office space, a wide variety of luminaires from high-performance lighting manufacturer, Light Forms, have been specified into the upgraded building.

The office space sits within Brindleyplace; a large, mixed-use canal-side development in the heart of Birmingham. It is home to restaurants, shops, leisure offerings such as the Sealife Centre, and a number of commercial office buildings.

Wilmott Dixon Construction was appointed by the building owner CBRE Investment Management to combine two separate sites – 8 and 10 Brindleyplace – into one large building. The transformation would also create a more modern space with a focus on smart technology, sustainability and wellness. Not only was this better from an environmental perspective, it would help to attract future occupants of the office and ensure the area remains buoyant and commercially successful.

Given the focus on sustainability, LED lighting was an important part of delivering improved energy savings and a better carbon footprint. A plethora of solutions have been specified by Light Forms, fulfilling many of the lighting requirements of the refurbishment project. These were primarily specified by Wilmott Dixon Interiors, who were responsible for the internal fit-out of the renovated offices.

Light Forms was able to offer a wide variety of solutions for the project given its well-rounded and all-encompassing portfolio. This is alongside Light Forms’ commitment to offering flexible products that can be adapted and customised in a variety of ways to best suit the needs of each and every project.

These include Lightplane 2.5; a compact and streamlined luminaire that provides direct, indirect or direct-indirect illumination. Offering the adaptability that Light Forms is renowned for, Lightplane 2.5 can be suspended, wall or surface mounted. The Brindleyplace office is using the prismatic lens for low UGR, which delivers a more pleasant and healthier working environment.

Elsewhere in the building, Light Forms Cygnus Round luminaires have been used, along with ValueDown. Cygnus Round is a minimalist, high-power LED track spot with a wide range of light sources and optics. ValueDown is a budget-friendly, recessed downlight spot fixture that may be specified in multiple outputs with a beam spread of 15, 25 or 40 degrees.

Other specified solutions include Nova Medium 62, Leo, Indus, Slimline 1.25, TinCan, Lightrod 80 and Panel Up and Under.

Completing the project are the EM surface, EM Recessed and EM Exit. These are all part of Light Forms’ LED Emergency luminaire range, which encompasses both emergency spotlights and exit signs. The lighting configuration and control was completed by Mymesh; wireless controls designed for professional and demanding environments.

Harry Prior, Managing Director from Light Forms said: “Brindleyplace offices are an enviable location within Birmingham city centre, offering ease of access, an attractive waterside setting and stunning architecture. To have our luminaires featured so heavily in this exciting renovation project to bring two spaces together was incredibly exciting. Furthermore, it truly demonstrates how much our portfolio can meet the needs of even the most ambitious refurbishments, including those where sustainability is a key part of the work.”

The overhaul has now linked the two formerly separate sites into one building, creating 212,000 sq ft of office space over nine floors. The location also boasts of the city’s largest available floorplans at over 27,000 sq ft. Other improvements include internal reconfiguration such as the brand-new reception area. Extra facilities have been added including a café, business lounge and conference facilities.

The redevelopment has achieved a number of accreditations, including Fitwel; a standard that measures occupant health and wellbeing. It has also been awarded other certifications including EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent.

Client: CBRE

Contractor: Wilmott Dixon

Architect: Associated Architects

Consultant: CPW

Controls: Mymesh

Cool Runnings - USM Supports London Marathon Community Pop Up Space

New Balance partnered with Run The Boroughs (RTB) a London based running community to create Everybody’s Local a Soho based pop up space designed to bring RTB into a new location. Based around the idea of cultural exchange, Everybody’s Local allows RTB to reference and reimagine landmark cultural spaces as contemporary meeting point for their community.

Everybody’s Local merges the worlds of performance and culture to create a cross over space for the running community with the look and appeal of a contemporary lifestyle space. Within the space visitors can hang out with like-minded souls over a coffee & pastry, purchase limited edition merchandise and listen to DJ sets whilst relaxing with a beer or wine in the evening.

Set within an archetypal Soho townhouse, The space was designed by Talah Interiors who selected USM as the key furniture partner. USM was was the perfect furniture to create an aesthetic that references sports halls with a combination of clean lines, block colours and geometric shapes. A beige USM long credenza was used to display magazines, the unit encompassed Haller E which incorporates lighting into the systems frame which emphasised the books and magazines. A small USM white side table was used to display new balance running shoes and accessories. A tall shelving unit provided a pop of colour in golden yellow; the unit also incorporated USM’s world of plants system which cleverly incorporates biophilia into the furniture with cut outs in the panels for plant pots. Also, within the design scheme was a USM steel blue drinks trolley which was used throughout the event when drinks were served in the evening.

Farnaz Ali Design Director at Talah Interiors commented “USM felt like an organic fit to the brief set out by Generation.Works. USM's steel modules enable a modular approach to an area which can be increased or decreased depending on its requirements. This playfulness in USM's core design aesthetic crossed over into this reimagined space naturally for this pop-up. The contemporary colour choices from USM also paired magically with the brief to marry everything in the space”.

The pop up store was open throughout the London Marathon weekend of 19th, 20th and 21st April when the capital was at the height of its running fever!!

USM London Showroom, 49-51 Central Street, EC1V 8AB

tel: 020 7183 3470 | www.usm.com

Built to last or should we look towards the past? Exploring the durability of new-build homes

It’s no secret the reputation of new-build housing is becoming increasingly negative among UK residents. In fact, a 2023 study by the CIOB found that almost a third of people would describe new builds as ‘poor-quality’, with over half of the respondents believing that older homes are of better quality.

What exactly are the reasons behind this belief? In this article, the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) explores how the materials used in new builds compare to those of the Victorian era, and the impact of today’s homes on their residents and the environment.

Modern homes have both obvious similarities and stark differences to those of the 19th century. In the Victorian era, houses were built using local materials, due to the ease of transportation. Following the abolishment of the tax on glass and bricks in the 1850s, brick, timber and glass became standard materials in most homes.

In the 21st century, housebuilders are using more plastics in nearly every part of construction, from flooring to insulation, and fittings for applications like pipes, seals, windows, doors and cables, due to the low cost of the material.

Until relatively recently, copper was the material of choice for transporting water and heat. Plastic pipes have unfortunately become more commonplace, despite growing evidence highlighting its adverse health and environmental effects.

Increasing quality concerns around new build houses also bring into question the durability of the materials used, with common issues including cracks and leaky pipes. It’s no surprise residents are moving house more often, to avoid costly maintenance works.

Meanwhile, Victorian properties are more durable, with over a quarter of the British population living in them. Thanks to the traditional building techniques that prioritised quality materials like hand-crafted bricks and copper pipes, these homes have stood the test of time.

With plastics in all areas of the modern home, this unfortunately impacts on the longevity of today’s stock. Not only do plastics deteriorate more quickly than traditional materials, but they have associated fire and health risks, posing a serious threat to human health.

While modern homes excel in incorporating new technologies, appliances and building quality and environmental standards, there remain lessons to be learnt from the past. The average new build home has a lifespan of just 40-60 years, whereas Victorian properties incorporating natural materials have proven to hold for more than 100 years with some TLC. Among the most resilient materials are copper pipes and plated wiring, natural stone, all-wood floors and steel.

One lesson we can take from the past even predates the Victorians – copper has been used to transport water for over 4,000 years. Unlike plastic, it is fire resistant and infinitely recyclable, rendering it a superior and long-lasting material.

For more information on the sustainability credentials of copper, visit: https://www.cuspuk.com/.

Artus Air adds the AR75 to its next generation air conditioning product line

Artus Air, the company revolutionising heating and cooling air conditioning, has added its AR75 model to its range. The new larger unit has been launched to meet customer demand and represents a significant milestone in Artus’ strategic development strategy.

Together with the AR60, the AR75 is being targeted at the commercial office, retail, industrial and hotel development and retrofit markets. They offer a significant reduction in operational energy consumption and carbon emissions when compared to industry standards. The AR60 has already delivered 1000tCO2e carbon saving and 4.7ys installation saving. With the greater flexbility afforded by the two products these savings will accelerate.

The AR75 is physically larger at 730 x 730 x 300h and provides over 4kW of sensible cooling. Both products use the same industry-leading low energy design revolutionised by Artus Air, enabled by a fully variable speed fan with specific fan powers as low as 0.05 W/l/s. All of this is achieved under the same noise conditions as the existing AR60 units.

The AR75 is available in two and four pipe variants and can provide heating and cooling separately, or heating and cooling with electric heating optional, if required. Like the smaller AR60, the AR75 is fitted with a coil, air filters, condensate pump, BMS controller and Pressure Independent Control (PICV) valves which are pre-wired for a plug-and-play ease of use. BMS connections are by BACnet MSTP or BACnet IP, with standard and enhanced controller options.

The two products give building designers the choice of two sizes to best meet the needs of CAT A to B fit outs. The AR60 is perfect for small cellular offices, and projects with restricted head heights. The larger AR75 can serve typically 40 sqm or more of open plan office.

The system has the option of internally mounted isolation valves, a flushing bypass, flow measuring device and drain and air vents on the majority of models. This will reduce programme time and costs. Artus believes that incorporating these features inside its products is an industry first.

Ed Sayce, Sales Director of Artus Air comments:

“This is a hugely exciting milestone delivered by our strategic development program. Demand from the construction industry for a system of this size and capacity has been significant since we brought the AR60 to market and we already have a strong pipeline of interest.

“If the construction and development industries are to meet 2050 net zero targets innovation in design is essential – the AR75 hand in hand with the AR60 unit can support this and we are excited to see the impact it will have.”

Roger Olsen, CTO and inventor of Artus Air comments:

“Our development strategy is based on carefully thought out, highly refined and innovative products in two main product families. They are tailored to meet customer requests, and factor in the growing requirements of heat pumps and low energy cooling sources.

The units minimise both operational and embodied carbon to meet needs of our customers while remaining committed to our core business purpose of addressing sustainability necessities in our industry.” 

Humanscale earns B Corp Certification, reinforcing longstanding leadership in sustainability

Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance ergonomic products that offer wellness and comfort wherever work happens, today announces it is certified as a B Corporation™ (B Corp™), recognizing the company’s commitment to planet positive manufacturing.

“At Humanscale, we believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that both people and the planet are better off because we’re here,” said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. "We have led the industry in embracing systemic change for multiple decades, from implementing transparency labels on our products and eliminating many of the commonly used Red-List chemicals, to launching the world's first task chair made from reclaimed fishing nets. By putting in the hard work and making tough decisions, we hope to lead the rest of our industry to be more responsible."

Humanscale pursues independent, third-party validated certifications to break through misleading claims about sustainability and create transparency, which is essential to achieve real progress. B Corp Certification means that a company has met B Lab’s rigorous standards for social and environmental impact, made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and is demonstrating accountability and transparency by disclosing this record of performance in a public B Corp profile. Humanscale’s additional notable third-party certifications include the Living Product Challenge (LPC), Declare, Health Product Declarations (HPDs), LEVEL®, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). All Humanscale factories are TRUE® Zero Waste certified and are third-party audited to ensure each one diverts at least 90% of waste away from landfill, the environment, and incineration.

"Humanscale is proud and honored to receive this certification from B Lab and join the esteemed global B Corp community who are taking on the hard work required to be a force for good,” said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. "It is our hope that Humanscale’s certification will encourage other companies to follow suit in making a real, positive difference for the future of our planet."

Guided by the core philosophy that good design achieves more with less, Humanscale is committed to the health of both consumers and the planet. Humanscale has been recognized as the first manufacturer to receive an International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC)–considered the most advanced sustainability standard for products—as climate, water, and energy positive with 29 certified climate positive products, accounting for 75% of their product sales.

Learn more about Humanscale’s B Corp Certification here.

About Humanscale

Humanscale is the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products that improve the health and comfort of work life. Through new technology and human-centered design, Humanscale transforms office necessities into minimally elegant, ergonomic tools and furnishings that encourage movement wherever work happens. As a certified B Corporation, Humanscale is recognized for its planet positive manufacturing, which means leaving the world better off, one product at a time. With 29 products certified climate positive by the International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC), Humanscale is committed to making a planet positive impact on the earth as well as our customers, offering award-winning products designed with a focus on function, simplicity and longevity.

Click here for more information on Humanscale and our products.

Discover the best in Unique Modular Silent Spaces from Silen at London’s Watercooler Exhibition

Silen, leaders in sustainable, silent pods and privacy rooms, will be showcasing its three UK rental products through the brand new Silen Rent service, at London’s Watercooler exhibition from 23th-24th April.

Silen is an Estonian manufacturer of award-winning moveable and portable office pods that bring silent, uninterrupted spaces to those working in open plan offices. Silen pods boost creativity, whilst increasing concentration times and aid focus through the means of privacy and noise control, overall improving the wellbeing of the user. Silen recognise that office spaces now must cater for a diverse range of employees, and therefore ensure that all products are flexible, yet functional.

Brand new to the UK is the Silen Rent service, a flexible option, perfect for short term commitments. This service allows users to rent instead of purchasing a pod space, a much more cost effective, sustainable solution which supports the principles of the circular economy. Through this scheme, businesses can rent 3 different pods, the Silen Space 1, Space 1.5 and Space 2 in various colours – all of which will be on display at the Watercooler exhibition at stand W235.

Showcased in the VIP area will be Space 1, an innovative range that through carefully engineered sound absorbing materials will provide an enclosed space where users can completely withdraw from the surrounding noise at the show.

Through pioneered design, all Silen products, including those showcased at Watercooler this year, have been independently certified. Silen only use materials that conform and comply with the strictest regulations available. Since May 2022 all Silen products are CarbonNeutral® certified. From June 2023, Silen uses SEAQUAL® YARN marine plastic fabric across its entire product range.

Wilson’s Corner hitting the spot for City office occupiers with three new tenants

Aver, the joint venture between NFU Mutual and Ergo Real Estate has reported three new lettings at Wilson’s Corner, 23 Wilson Street EC2, which has recently been extensively refurbished.

Aver purchased the 6 storey 13,000 sq ft office building in 2021 and after a complete stripout, refurbished each floor and basement level to a CAT A standard with a show suite fully fitted on the 4th floor and with the exciting addition of a roof terrace at the 7th floor.

The three companies taking space at Wilson’s Corner include; The Liberian Registery (LISCR) on the first floor, the innovative fleet insurance company Flock Cover on the second and pioneering software company, Fincore, on the third. Ergo is also occupying the fifth floor, which takes the total space let to 8,000 sq ft which represents 60% of the building. Compton and Knight Frank are letting agents for Wilson’s Corner acting on behalf of Aver.

Sustainability is at the heart of this £3 million office refresh improving on the building’s original  EPC rating of G to EPC B. Sustainable materials have been chosen where appropriate within the building whilst a brand new, fully electric M+E system boosts the building’s environmental credentials.

Martin Jepson, Founding Partner,  Ergo RE comments:

“Wilson’s Corner delivers top quality office accommodation, with an amenity offering that far exceeds what might be expected from a building of this size. Its success so far illustrates the demand for exemplary space in the right location, with elevated facilties and comfort.  As a further endorsement we are delighted to be taking occupation of the fifth floor and making it Ergo’s new base in London.”

Wilsons Corner benefits from a  new fully accessible rooftop terrace with panoramic City vistas  where contemporary furniture allows for meeting areas and relaxation space to create an oasis of calm for all tenants to enjoy.

Wilsons Corner also has a new welcoming reception area, a new lift serving all floors and end of journey facilities for cyclists with a  new bike store, changing area, lockers, drying cupboards and shower facilities.

Emily Woods, from Fincore commented on the move:

“Our move to Wilson's Corner has been positive from the start thanks to the help and transparency of Ergo creating as smooth a transition as possible, from our old home to our new one at Wilson's Corner. Working alongside the fit-out team referred to us from Ergo, the collaboration with them made creating the office we envisioned that much easier. Our staff now have a warm and collaborative office to work from which has led to us seeing an increase in attendance and office morale.  Ergo have been a pleasure to work with so far and we look forward to growing our relationship with them over the years to come.”

Helen Ogilvie, from Flock also had this to say:

“We selected Wilson’s Corner as the next stage for Flock's growth because of its prime location in the City, surrounded by excellent amenities and within walking distance of many of our insurance stakeholders. Additionally, we were impressed by the building's high-quality specifications, fantastic roof terrace, and abundant natural light.”

To find out more, please visit: www.ergo-re.com

Can commercial buildings shift from Carbon Conundrum to Carbon Control?

A white paper challenging the building sector to consider what is really impeding the move to greater carbon control will be launched in London today by Artus. The heating and cooling experts have produced  “From carbon conundrum to carbon control – how will the building sector get to net zero?” to amplify the debate on whole-life carbon, design and the industry’s ability to move forward together to find solutions. 

The paper was developed through contributions from leading sustainability experts across the UK,  with a recognition that many issues facing the sector have never been more urgent. The Artus model has been founded on sustainability principles with an ambition to bring positive, realistic, disruption to the heating and cooling market as part of the overall design and operational mix in the built environment.

Demands on the building sector have never been higher:  legislation, regulation and environmental responsibility with increased urgency over net zero are creating unprecedented pressure. At the other end of the value chain investors and occupiers are demanding demonstrable results on whole-life carbon emissions, better environments in which to work and proven ESG credentials. This is all against a backdrop of constrained costs, need for improved solutions, and more comprehensive and clearer carbon measurement.

Roger Olsen, Chief Technical Officer and Inventor of Artus comments:

“Last year was the hottest since records began, only just below the target 1.5 degree rise. The time to act is now. A building services design typically lasts 20 to 25 years. We only have 26 years left till 2050. Everything we do right now, both new build and refurbishment, must target net zero. LETI and many others have set the strategy. Artus is undoubtedly part of the solution.”

The panel at the event comprises leading voices from the built environment sector:

• Danny Hall, Head of Engineering at The Crown Estate

• Chris Twinn, Principal of Twin Sustainability Innovation

• Mike Edwards, Director, Arup

• Marie-Louise Schembri, Head of Sustainability and  Design Director, Hilson Moran

• Alia Hashem, Senior FM & Projects & Mobilisation Lead, Derwent London

Oxygen appoints its first Head of ESG

Oxygen has appointed Amber Luscombe as Head of ESG, to ensure that environment, social issues and corporate governance are the focus of its strategy and the portfolio of properties within the business.

Amber Luscombe, Head of ESG at Oxygen, said:

“I’m really excited to take on this role within Oxygen, building on the fantastic work that we have been implementing across the portfolio. There is no doubt that strong ESG targets add value and future-proof buildings, it is now about how we deliver and realise these aspirations; this will be a key turning point for the industry. At Oxygen we are already well under way in implementing and delivering those targets in construction, and in this role I look forward to driving this further.”

Aston Woodward, Founder of Oxygen, said:

“Oxygen has worked hard to deliver the highest level of ESG credentials in respect of both our buildings that we manage and as a company. We are becoming class leading in this regard and to support this have appointed Amber to head this up to ensure we continue that focus and always strive to do more.”

To find out more, please visit: www.oxygenam.com

£1.7m refurbishment project to provide 'Construction Centre of Excellence’ in County Durham

New College Durham’s Promotion House is being transformed into a new learning space by Esh Construction.

Esh Construction has commenced work to transform an existing factory unit into a Construction Centre of Excellence in Langley Moor.

Working in partnership with New College Durham, the £1.7 million project will see a change of use refurbishment delivered to create a specialised teaching facility for trade subjects. The building will be remodelled to create a space that includes teaching rooms, breakout areas, changing facilities and a practice area for teaching.

Grant Watson, Construction Manager for Esh’s commercial build division, said: “We pride ourselves on building strong working relationships with our clients and we are delighted to secure a second project with New College Durham. We look forward to delivering another high-quality teaching facility that will inspire young people up to adult learners to consider a career in the construction industry.”

Based on Littleburn Industrial Estate, a newly engineered joisted floor will create a mezzanine area to house mechanical plant. The existing building fabric will be stripped back to reveal the existing portal frame before being reclad with new Kingspan composite cladding while internally partitions will be created to form classrooms, breakout spaces and a workshop.

The Promotion House scheme follows Esh’s successful completion of New College Durham’s collaborative and integrated learning space, T.H.E Hub (Technical and Higher Education Hub) in September 2023. The £8.9 million state-of-the-art education facility is based at the college’s Framwellgate Moor site and features 23 new teaching spaces, including an immersive suite, early years foundation nursery and multiple sector-specific arenas.

New College Durham envisages the newly refurbished building to function as a Construction Centre of Excellence from September 2024. It will be used initially for the brick curriculum, but will also house building maintenance and painting and decorating lessons at a later date.

Andy Broadbent, Principal and CEO of New College Durham, commented: “We are delighted to be working on this exciting new project with Esh. We’re excited to be able to provide another new fantastic teaching space for our students, which will be available from September. It’s really important to us at NCD that the projects we undertake contribute significant social value, and working with Esh for this new initiative means not only do we provide the best learning environments possible but also provide additional value to the community at the same time”.

Esh’s social value team will support the project by delivering a raft of initiatives, including employability and careers sessions aimed to inspire young people to consider a career in construction, offering apprentice training weeks and creating employment opportunities for local residents.