SSQ Natural Slate’s Post

Heritage building, social good Sometimes, a refurbishment job isn’t just about installing a new roof – it’s about preserving a piece of history. That was the case for Mid Cornwall Roofing, working in conjunction with Coastline Housing, when it was called on to renovate a valuable remnant of the region’s industrial history. The Public Rooms in Camborne was once the Holman Brothers’ headquarters – and when it suffered roof failure, urgent action was required. But sitting within the Trevu Road UNESCO World Heritage Site, the project presented a unique set of challenges. It required intense focus, meticulous attention to detail, and heavy involvement from organisations like English Heritage – but together, the building wasn’t just saved from further deterioration, but transformed into a community asset with real social benefit. The site was repurposed to provide affordable rental accommodation specifically designed for people over 50. But the apartments go beyond basic housing – they offer personalised care plans for residents who might need additional support and cater to those in receipt of higher-level disability allowance. To bring this noble vision to life, the building’s failing original roof needed replacing with something that fitted aesthetically, but that also offered outstanding longevity and overall performance. That’s why the stakeholders opted for SSQ’s Riverstone phyllite. But what is phyllite – and why was it the perfect fit for this project? Fantastic phyllite Geologically similar to indigenous Cornish slate, Riverstone phyllite is a metamorphic rock formed through extreme heat and pressure. This natural process gives Riverstone exceptional strength and resilience, making it highly resistant to cracking, chipping, and erosion. Unlike traditional slate, Riverstone boasts a very low water absorption rate, ensuring excellent weatherproofing properties. This was crucial for The Public Rooms project, considering the harsh Cornish climate with its frequent wind and rain. SSQ even backs their Riverstone product with an impressive 100-year guarantee, providing long-lasting peace of mind. Riverstone – the perfect solution Aesthetics played a major role in the selection of the roofing material. The Public Rooms' historical significance demanded a replacement roof that would seamlessly blend with the existing architecture. Riverstone phyllite offered the perfect solution. Unlike some modern roofing materials that can appear out of place on historic buildings, Riverstone's natural beauty complements the character of The Public Rooms. Its subtle variations in colour and unique "phyllitic sheen" – a subtle lustre that catches the light – add a touch of elegance and sophistication, while ensuring the new roof respected the building's heritage. Get in touch to find out more [email protected] / 02089617725

In 2019, a mid-rise apartment building in Sweden kicked off a worldwide trend towards a sustainable future using Cross-Laminated Timber construction (CLT) made from renewable plantation forest trees in inclusive-quality mid-rise apartments. CLT is sustainable, stores carbon, and is much faster to build than traditional construction methods. CLT construction can take up to 75% less time than current custom construction methods in Aust, which is crucial given the country's shortfall of over 1 million affordable and social dwellings. The solution? Please refer to our scalable, sustainable development plans with the "Thrive Alliance," which has over 100,000 major urban reference projects worldwide. The transition from polluting concrete methods has begun in Aust, but it is 10 years behind the trend towards a sustainable future. All the Thrive Alliance consortia members are in Aust today, and we are looking forward to their visit to Adelaide next week to scale up our vast range of planned projects. Some will say our plans are an overnight success story. Still, it has taken almost five years to develop our self-funded IP, which has yet to receive or request one cent from federal or state govt agencies. A sense of social responsibility has driven us. I have demonstrated a proven "Placemaker" over the last 50 years with quality residential-grade mid-rise apartments and townhouses that have stood the test of time. All my major urban projects respect historical overlays, have proven to generate above-average value growth, and are above the surrounding market values. Our "Thrive Alliance consortia" Placemaker plans will follow my directions in social responsibility by setting aside between 30% to 50% for all CLT major urban projects in a pipeline to be unfolded the Thrive Alliance consortia in Adelaide next week; hold on to your hats. Through a sense of social responsibility as a "Placemaker", we have set aside between 30% and 50% in my past major urban projects for affordable housing, Encouraging highly scalable advanced modular construction platforms using renewable plantation forest trees are in vast reserves in South Australia and Victoria's "Green Triangle". Australia's exports of timber turned into plywood in Japan are scandalous. The material is only used once before being trashed, using Australia's precious reserves and keeping their forests safe for strategic purposes. Australia has one of the world's highest homelessness rates, including over 10,000 women and children fleeing domestic violence who slept in motor vehicles last night. The current housing crisis is the worst in Australian history, and the Albanese plan alone will not solve it. It's time for a new approach that creates a whole new GDP growth opportunity for Australia, and we're hopeful that the PM will pull some rabbits out of his hat at the National Cabinet this week as women and children fleeing domestic violence need shelters enough lacking in Australia

Media release 9 April 2024   Roa welcomes QLDC resource consent approval for Wanaka’s Aspiring House   Wanaka property investment company, Roa, has received resource consent approval from the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for its proposed landmark commercial building on the corner of Sir Tim Wallis Drive and Deering Street in the Three Parks development.   Designed by renowned architectural firm Warren and Mahoney, the four-storey mixed use commercial building will have street level retail and upper-level office space. The QLDC urban design assessment described the building’s design as aesthetically pleasing, well-articulated, and aligned with design guidelines.   The assessment noted the building exceeds the 12-metre maximum building height for Wanaka under the Proposed District Plan, however, it considers non-compliance is justified through careful design, saying:   “Various forms and materials on each level reduce bulk, minimizing dominance effects. Strategic glazing on upper levels lightens visual impact, and as a corner site, the taller building integrates well with the surroundings.   “The additional height not only aids in easy location, but also contributes to the development’s status as a key landmark, providing visual interest and enriching the overall character of the environment.”[1]   Roa CEO Mike Saegers believes approval for Aspiring House’s 19.5 metre building height is an important step forward for the development of internationally benchmarked green commercial buildings in Wanaka, saying the additional height enables projects employing mass timber and other forms of carbon conscious construction methodologies to be commercially feasible, given Wanaka’s climatic and seismic building design requirements.   “We have ambitious plans for our healthcare district at Three Parks, using the same sustainable construction methodologies and similar building heights. Roa’s focus is to make Wanaka a global destination for sustainable development. This decision is an important step forward for Roa and the Wanaka community, as it clarifies the QLDC’s appetite for developments with these parameters.”   ENDS [1] Urban Design Assessment – 03 Building height and roof form

Boyer's London office has secured planning permission at appeal on behalf of Ganco Assets for 55 Built to Rent (BTR) units on Hounslow High Street. The site at 147-161 Hounslow High Street was formerly occupied by M&S, but had since been subdivided into three retail units at ground floor, with the upper floors remaining vacant. The proposals will regenerate the site through the partial demolition of the existing building, retention of the three retail units at ground floor and redevelopment above to create a building rising to 6 storeys. This will provide 55 flats comprising a mix of 5 x studios, 26 x 1 beds, 16 x 2 beds and 8 x 3 beds, of which 5% will be affordable. There will be generous amenity spaces provided on site including private balconies for all units, as well as two courtyards, playspace, and two roof terraces. The appeal was predicated on viability and mix. During the course of the appeal the viability element was resolved with the Council, leaving the suitability of the mix to be determined by the Planning Inspectorate. Whilst the mix did not align with the Council’s requirements due to the higher proportion of smaller units, the Inspector determined that the sustainable location of the site within the town centre and the nature of the BTR development meant that the Council’s mix requirements could be applied flexibility. The considerable benefits of the scheme, including the regeneration of the site through the high-quality design, the delivery of homes including affordable housing, and the use of previously developed land, all weighed in favour of approving the development. Alice Moore, Associate Director in Boyer’s London office said, “We are delighted to have achieved planning consent for this scheme, which will maintain retail use on Hounslow High Street while also providing much-needed housing and benefiting the vibrancy of the local area.” In achieving planning success, Boyer worked alongside Formation Architects (architecture), ULL Property (viability consultants), Lustre (air quality, drainage and noise), Heritage Collective (archaeology), Landscape Partnership (landscape), SJA Trees (arboriculture), Avison Young (daylight and sunlight), Odyssey (transport), CPW (energy), Thorncliffe (PR), Fire Risk Solutions (fire) and Constructive Evaluation Limited (contamination).  Images: Haze

Ceremonial shovels hit soil at Lewis Land’s visionary Harbour Shores community — the beginning of a decade of construction that will deliver homes for thousands of Gold Coast residents Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Councillor Mark Hammel and Councillor Shelley Curtis were among the guests celebrating the milestone, which will deliver up to 5,000 new construction jobs over the next 10 years, a new community parkland, public boardwalk, and the most sustainable homes in the city’s history. Lewis Land Chief Executive Officer Brett Draffen said the vacant 16-hectare site, which has been held by the group for more than 40 years, would be transformed into a vibrant ‘village of villages’ that will ultimately be home to more than 4,000 people. Designed by BDA Architecture, Harbour Shores will evolve over the next decade to deliver a mix of boutique apartments and villas, communal open spaces and parklands, a 1.2-kilometre waterfront boardwalk, private marina berths, and a range of resort-style resident amenities. Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International. Read more below. Author: Joel Robinson ------------ 📣 Was this update of interest to you?🔥 Join 17,000+ of your residential property development colleagues who follow Urban on LinkedIn. We regularly post free insights about: 💡  New project launches and updates 💡  What buyers are searching for on AU’s largest off-the-plan buyer platform 💡  Weekly interviews with industry leaders Follow Urban.com.au or connect with our CEO Mike Bird to keep your finger on the pulse of the apartment and townhouse market.

Beaufield Mews, Stillorgan, Co Dublin (D23A/0193) This project is a valuable read for anyone interested in apartment developments, especially to understand the level of detail required in the application and the standards that must be met. Planning permission granted for the demolition of a derelict mews structure and the development of 38 apartments and associated external works. This is a substantial application in terms of details, though I haven’t delved deeply into the design nuances. Here are the key observations: Floor Plans: Seem to be efficient, with only one lift and acceptable net-to-gross ratios. Green Roof: A fairly standard inclusion these days. No Unnecessary Roads: External access roads have been minimised, which is a positive. Key Takeaways from a Planning Perspective Despite the removal of trees and vegetation, which was deemed regrettable, the need for compact infill development outweighed the concerns. Local policy typically promotes the reuse of existing buildings, but it was accepted that bringing the old building up to modern regulations would be commercially unviable. Meeting NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) standards would have been near impossible without a full rebuild. The project achieved a density of 131 units per hectare, where the minimum for sites within 1km of infrastructure is 50 units per hectare. Initially assessed against the older standard of 22m for room-to-room distances, which wasn’t fully achieved. It will be interesting to see if the appeal assesses it against the newer standard of 16m. Architectural Constraints: The architects had to overcome numerous challenges related to: Overlooking Noise mitigation Sunlight and daylight requirements (300 lux per habitable room) Dual-aspect dwelling design Provision of private and public open space Compliance with Unit mix to comply with the 2020 Apartment Guidelines. Unit Sizes: Efficient use of space is key; there’s no extra value in building above the minimum size: One-beds: 400 sq/ft Two-beds: 485 sq/ft Three-beds: 670 sq/ft Note that only 12 apartments are allowed per floor core Other Considerations for Developers/Landowners Note the significant number of required surveys and their subsequent costs. Demolition: The demolition of nearly 5000 sq/ft of existing structures will not be cheap. Local Authority Contributions: Over €1 million in contributions is expected. Both 1st-party and 3rd-party appeals are ongoing, focusing on privacy, amenity, overshadowing, boundary issues, traffic, parking, construction impact, and environmental concerns. Given the low appeal fee of €220, it's no surprise that appellants are filing appeals regularly. Hopefully upcoming legislation adjustments may change this. Always anticipate going to appeal in your project timeline and certainly avoid relying on 12-monthOptions or "Subject to Planning" (STP) agreements to avoid delays. #landoptionsireland #land #irishpropertyinvestors #design

🌿 Aspiring House: Mid-Rise Timber Buildings to Rise in NZ’s Ski Haven! 🪵Roa, a property investment company based in Wānaka, has received the green light from the Queenstown Lakes District Council for an innovative commercial building project, Aspiring House, within the Three Parks Development. This approval signifies a significant milestone, not just for Roa but for the architectural and environmental future of the Queenstown Lakes Districts and potentially New Zealand's Otago region. 🏗️ Project Highlights: 1️⃣Innovative Design: Designed by the acclaimed Warren and Mahoney, Aspiring House is slated to be a four-storey office tower that not only exceeds traditional height limitations but does so through mass timber construction, underscoring a commitment to carbon-conscious building methodologies 2️⃣Sustainable Construction: The council's decision to relax height requirements for this project underlines the growing acceptance and encouragement of sustainable development practices, setting a precedent for future mid-rise mass timber constructions in the region. 3️⃣Commercial Viability: The project’s approval, especially regarding its height, was pivotal in ensuring its commercial viability, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand with the proper support and vision. 4️⃣Green Benchmarking: With aspirations to make Three Parks an international benchmark for green commercial buildings, Roa is paving the way for innovative, sustainable developments that could redefine how communities approach urban planning and construction. 🔋 Forward-Thinking Infrastructure: The development’s inclusion of a mass EV charging park aligns with global trends towards electrification and further cements Three Parks’ reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious development. 📈 Implications for the Future: This landmark approval could catalyse a shift towards more sustainable building practices in New Zealand's Otago region and beyond. 🔗 For more: https://lnkd.in/gEYJRUN5 💬 #questionforgroup: How will this project influence sustainable development practices in New Zealand and globally? Do you believe mass timber construction is the future of commercial real estate development? 🗣️Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the potential impact of Aspiring House and the role of innovative design in promoting environmental sustainability. #greenbuildings #construction #masstimberconstruction #masstimber #nzmade #realestate #wānaka #nz #urbanplanning #architecture #engineering #timberconstruction #timberunlimited #timber #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #esg #development #otago

The architecture magazine «ARCH20» reports about the restoration of the old BRUGG HQ building in Switzerland: The high amount of asbestos pollution and the building’s poor energy balance were the reasons for the Fifties high-rise restoration, which was erected in 1956/57. The old administration and HQ office building had previously been valuable, but with a summer temperature of partly 34°C, it was difficult for office work. Many postwar buildings cause comparable issues and are demolished under the guise of densification, efficiency, or economy. However, the administration building was fortunate. It still looks – or looks as it did when it was erected. This is due to its municipal protected status, the sensitivity of the planners, and BRUGG Group’s readiness to put a little extra money in its palm as the building owner. Today, the oldest high-rise building in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland shines again in a “new” splendor and does so in a very sustainable way: After the renovation work, the building requires over 70% less energy! https://lnkd.in/dkGYzJ-f

| Planning Permission We’re thrilled to have secured consent for a significant new build dwelling in the picturesque Kingsland region of Shrewsbury, located within the sought-after Conservation Area & near to the River Severn. Replacing a structure of low architectural merit & poor building performance, this new four-storey, six-bedroom residence delivers an increase in floor area 300% the size of the existing house, extending the footprint to a striking 1,460m2. Due to the sensitive location of the site – where significant consideration is required to enhance & preserve the character & appearance of the locality – and with a challenging volume of protected trees to accommodate, we collaborated with a talented team of experts, including Berrys, Simpson TWS, PORTUS AND WHITTON LANDSCAPE LIMITED, Salopian Tree Consultancy, ARBSERV LIMITED & BTP Consultants, all of whom have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Our approach for the principal arrangement & frontage of the design closely echoes the timeless & traditional forms & proportions of Victorian & Arts & Crafts style dwellings – akin to those lining the nearby streets – with principal roof spans broken visually by three front gable projections with large ornate chimney stacks. The site, which boasts a south-facing rear aspect & slopes steeply from North to South, offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape beyond - a key consideration taken forward into our design development. A contemporary programme to the rear, complete with a subterranean element – where a careful arrangement of spaces, levels & terracing, provide access, parking & strong links between internal & external areas – forms a hybrid scheme, offering a harmonious balance between traditional & novel design for an exciting & unique home with a distinct sense of place & chronology. Prioritising sustainability, with a focus on reducing embodied & operational carbon, was a key consideration throughout. As part of the proposal, three development scenarios were assessed including a replacement dwelling, refurbishment & extension with low carbon technologies, and lastly, a standard refurbishment. The report demonstrated that the proposed development would provide the best whole life cycle carbon solution of the three options over a 60-year lifespan, which has afforded us the opportunity to implement a truly eco-conscious & forward-thinking approach to construction, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the region & beyond. The project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural design, blending historical context with contemporary innovation to create a home that respects the past while embracing the future. We couldn’t be more delighted with this result, and we look forward to progressing to site later in the year. #andersonorr #architects #architecture #conservation #shrewsbury #planningpermission #design #heritage

Exciting News: Salix Consortium Secures Tender for Residential Tower in Meerhoven, Eindhoven Introducing the 'Salix' Residential Tower   The guardian in the landscape We are thrilled to announce that we have unanimously won the competition for the 'Meerhoven residential tower' from the Gemeente Eindhoven with the Salix Consortium. Inspired by a graceful willow, the 'Salix' stands proudly at the entrance of Meerhoven, serving as a unique addition to the local landscape. Its vertical neighborhoods foster closeness and a strong sense of community rooted in the landscape. Residents collectively own the building, enhancing engagement with the living environment and social connections.   Vertical Neighborhood The new residential tower is a pioneering project in the development of community-oriented living. By creating vertically stacked neighborhoods with collective indoor and outdoor spaces, Salix promotes interaction and a sense of solidarity among residents. The housing concept adopts a cooperative approach, actively involving future residents in the design and development of the tower.   Sustainability and Design With a focus on sustainability and thoughtful design, we integrate innovative construction methods and eco-friendly materials into the design of Salix. Concrete, laminated wood, and straw are combined to create a robust yet environmentally friendly structure. The facade, made from thermally treated wood sourced from former stables, adds a touch of authenticity to the design.   Landscape Integration As a distinctive landmark within the park, Salix stands as a solitary element at the park's edge. The rising terrain around the building merges with the hills in the landscape, concealing the underground parking garage and allowing greenery to extend to the building. Through careful selection of suitable natural materials and thoughtful design elements, Salix seamlessly blends into the surroundings. Terraces and green elements, providing amenities for flora and fauna, contribute to the asymmetrical facade. This treats residents to dynamic views and a connection to the natural environment.   The Power of Collaboration Born from our shared vision, the Salix Consortium is an example of the power of collaboration and community-oriented thinking. With the challenges associated with ambitious goals, our joint effort has resulted in this initial design, which will make a significant contribution to the Brainport region. This project is realised as an collaboration between architecten|en|en, Bygg Architecture & Design, Bouwen In Eigen Beheer, Strotec B.V., EarthY Invest , Moeskops' Bouwbedrijf B.V., Adviesbureau Van de Laar and KRUITKOK LANDSCHAPSARCHITECTEN. https://www.bygg.nl/salix #sustainablearchitecture #sustainablity #innovation #cooperative #collective #natureinclusive #hybridconstruction #straw #strotec #landscape #landschaap #tower #toren #residentialtower #woontoren #Meerland #Meerhoven #Eindhoven