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£1m loan keeps Hemsec Ltd at forefront of modern methods of construction

A £1m loan from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Flexible Growth Fund has enabled pioneering local company Hemsec Manufacturing Ltd to open a new Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub in Knowsley, creating 25 jobs and helping the city region’s drive to become net zero carbon by 2035.

Hemsec started out in St Helens in 1928 making cork cabinets to store ice for ice-cream makers. After decades of innovation, Hemsec were one of the UK’s first to develop structural insulated panels (“SIPs”) for residential applications at scale in 2007, foreseeing the UK’s need for more energy-efficient buildings, and for fast construction using modern methods of construction (MMC).

Panelised construction is a modern method of construction that involves the fabrication of structural panels off-site, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide a superior airtightness and insulation level, particularly in comparison to traditional masonry methods of building homes, producing homes that can significantly improve standards of living and are cheaper to heat.

Hemsec currently works with local housing associations on the development of low-carbon homes which can be built at speed and cost a fraction of price to heat, helping to appease the housing shortage whilst reducing energy bills significantly for occupants.

The £1m loan from the Flexible Growth Fund, the maximum amount available to a single applicant, has enabled Hemsec to create a new manufacturing hub in Huyton in Knowsley, creating 25 new jobs along with two apprenticeships for local people.

Speaking about the loan, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who recently officially opened the new plant, said:

“This is exactly what our Flexible Growth Fund was created for—empowering local companies to innovate, create jobs, and stay ahead in their field. Hemsec’s new manufacturing hub is not just an investment in their future but in the future of our region, driving forward our ambitions to be a leader in modern, energy efficient construction and helping us on our path to becoming a net zero city region by 2035.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“The purpose of our Flexible Growth Fund is to provide fast and flexible loans to successful businesses to enable them to grow.

“Hemsec have long been pioneers in modern methods of construction and this loan will help them to stay at the forefront of this exciting sector and create jobs for local people in the process.”

Stephen Painter, Managing Director at Hemsec, said:

“The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for the Liverpool City Region and the British manufacturing industry. With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much-needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities.

“A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency.”

The Flexible Growth Fund was established by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with £20m in 2020, offering flexible, low-interest loans that businesses can access quickly and easily, to enable projects to be completed.

Managed by River Capital, it is available to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) undertaking expansion projects and with the ability to raise 50% in match funding from the private sector.

All loans are paid back to the Combined Authority with interest, enabling the money to be reinvested in local businesses.

Source: Growth Platform

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House of Lords debates modern methods of construction in UK housing

The House of Lords Library has published a report on modern methods of construction (MMC) in the housing industry.

MMC includes building techniques designed to be more efficient than traditional methods.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has criticised the Conservative government’s approach to MMC.

The committee’s inquiry found that public investment in MMC had not been supported by a coherent plan or measurable objectives.

The Labour government has pledged to publish a long-term housing strategy in the coming months, which is expected to address these concerns.

Several parliamentary committees have investigated MMC over recent years.

In 2018, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee noted the benefits of offsite manufacturing (OSM) in construction.

The 2019 House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee raised concerns about the durability of MMC homes in the UK and urged the government to develop a coordinated strategy for MMC.

In 2022, the House of Lords Built Environment Committee highlighted the need for the government to reassure consumers about the quality and safety of MMC homes.

The committee emphasised the importance of official figures reflecting construction-related factory jobs.

Following the 2024 general election, the new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament.

Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has stated that the government will restore housing targets to deliver around 370,000 new homes a year.

The Labour government will also publish a new long-term housing strategy in the coming months.

This strategy will include steps to ensure the construction of more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes across the UK.

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has identified barriers to the wider adoption of MMC, including risk aversion from insurance providers and challenges related to building regulations.

The committee found that the government had made limited efforts to address these issues.

In its 2023 inquiry, the committee recommended that the government take steps to acquire a better understanding of the construction industry, set achievable goals, and develop a coherent strategy to support MMC.

Lord Moylan, the committee’s chair, criticised the government’s approach, stating: “Simply throwing money at the sector hasn’t worked.”

The House of Lords has been considering modern methods of construction (MMC) as a means of increasing housing supply in the UK.

The Built Environment Committee has expressed concerns over the government’s lack of a coherent strategy, despite significant public investment.

Several parliamentary reports have recommended improving government support for MMC and reassuring consumers about its quality and safety.

The Labour government has pledged to introduce a long-term housing strategy, which will aim to build more sustainable and well-designed homes.

The committee continues to call for clearer government objectives and support for the MMC sector.

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Modular housing could be used for affordable homes

Guernsey’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee is planning to investigate modern methods of construction to try to ease housing supply pressures.

There have been concerns about how quickly new housing can go up to cope with a shortage of affordable homes.

Environment & Infrastructure is hoping that modern methods of construction, such as modular housing, could be used to ease Guernsey’s housing and construction supply pressures.

The committee is also considering which modern methods of construction would be most appropriate for Guernsey, and how these can be supplied, delivered and installed locally.

Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that technology that claimed to accelerate the rate of delivering homes and keep costs down was something the States would take a serious interest in.

‘When it comes to housing, speed of delivery is an important factor, but so is the safety and quality of the homes being built,’ she said.

‘We need to know whether modern methods of construction are safe and durable, and specifically which methods are most appropriate for Guernsey in the context of our local conditions and requirements, such as our climate, transport logistics and their deliverability through our local skills base.

‘We believe at least some of these modern methods of construction could work well for us in Guernsey, helping to deliver more good quality homes more quickly, and potentially even at a lower cost.

‘That’s what we’re aiming for.’

Several approaches have been put forward for use locally, including volumetric modular, micro homes and pods. The new investigations will consider the full range of options available to see which methods are most suitable for Guernsey.

Suitability depends on several factors, including transport logistics, building regulations, planning requirements, fire safety, site constraints, infrastructure requirements, longevity, local climate and the local skills base.

The idea has been floated before, with developers of Leale’s Yard taking States officials and a senior politician to a residential scheme in Kent to see the modular construction methods wanted for use in Guernsey.

The latest investigation will deliver workstream 1D of the Guernsey Housing Plan and follows on from other recently announced workstreams, including a review into downsizing and how to stimulate more and faster completion of private developments.

Source: Guernsey Press

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More choice, more PACE

GEZE UK is delighted to announce several new products have been added to their range of pedestrian traffic control systems, PACE, to give even more choice when selecting solutions that offer safe and efficient control of pedestrians in and out of buildings. All products are supplied and installed in accordance to EN 17352:2022 – the standard for powered turnstiles and speed lanes that was harmonised in August 2023. 

New to the range are the SL 550 and SL 900 speed gates with stylish folding high gates and a reliable, robust design that guarantees effective protection of the building making them ideal for banks and offices. 

The popular SW 100 range has been extended to include two extra wide options. The SW 100 Wide and SW 100 High Glass Wide both offer a passage of 1200mm perfect for ease of carrying luggage and wheelchair access. 

OX S, OX M and OX XL are a new series of aesthetically pleasing turnstiles with ergonomic design and efficient control – ideal for high traffic flow locations. 

In the full height category, the HW G / NG with glass leaves and side panels perfectly combine modern aesthetics and functionality for even greater security with high visibility. 

More cost effective than manual checks and providing round the clock control in buildings that are operational 24 hours a day, pedestrian access control is ideal for controlling access to any part of a building that requires it, as well as the main entrance. 

The PACE range can be tailored to the needs of any specification, compatible with many control devices – push button, card reader – available as single or bi-directional use, and different lane widths. To complement the design or match automatic doors different finishes can be specified – brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, or RAL powder coating.  

Where security is a high priority, options include high panels and anti-tailgating functions.  IRIS readers, and finger-print or face recognition devices can also be integrated. But whatever the demand for security, the visual aspect of the building is never compromised. 

Controlling large numbers of people entering or leaving a building ensures their safety but, in an emergency, or power failure, all motorised systems can be used freely in both directions. 

GEZE UK offers a complete package of pedestrian control that includes access control and automatic doors. 

Andy Howland, Sales and Marketing Director for GEZE UK, said: “These new products offer even more choice, several of which are like nothing else in the market. Together with GEZE automatic doors and the PACE range of access control we offer specifiers a complete package to control the flow of people in and around a building ensuring safety and security at all times for those using the building”.

To find out more on PACE or GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers visit PACE Pedestrian Access Control Equipment | GEZE or for a PACE brochure email info.uk@geze.com

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Mibec revolutionises thermal storage for Shawfair low-carbon district heating project

Mibec, a leading provider of bespoke thermal storage solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of a ground-breaking project at Shawfair Energy Centre. This collaboration has delivered 300,000 litres of cutting-edge buffer tank storage to support the state-of-the-art Shawfair low-carbon district heating system.

Through close collaboration with project stakeholders, Mibec engineered an optimised buffer tank solution that maximised the system’s efficiency while minimising costs. 

Managing Director at Mibec, Mark Chisnall said: “By recommending 100,000-litre tanks over the initially proposed 150,000-litre capacity, we ensured both immediate functionality and future scalability for the energy centre. Additionally, incorporating diffusers within the tanks guarantees uniform fluid distribution, maintaining optimal flow velocity essential for peak performance.

The successful completion of this project underscores Mibec’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. As specialists in bespoke thermal storage solutions, Mibec continues to push boundaries, transforming visions into reality with expertise and precision.” 

www.buffertanks.co.uk

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Revolutionary rainscreen retention solution proves less is more

SFS Group Fastening Technology and Kingspan Insulation have pooled their respective expertise in rainscreen cladding support systems and insulation materials, to launch an optimum performance solution offering A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire  presenting the potential to optimise envelope design on buildings of any height.

The NVELOPE®NVS-RP range of stainless steel brackets has been developed specifically to retain Kingspan’s latest insulation development – Kingspan AlphaCore®panel silica-based insulation which offers a thermal conductivity of just 0.020 W/mK, with a Euroclass A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire. The slimline material is available in thicknesses of 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50mm with a weight ranging from 3.6-9.0 kg/m2.  AlphaCore® Pad is also water-repellent.

Crucially, the combination has the potential to create far slimmer façades which will withstand the weather as well as optimising energy performance.  This is because, instead of compromising AlphaCore® Pad’s thermal performance with multiple fixing penetrations, SFS has completely re-imagined established components from its NVELOPE® system to absolutely minimise cold-bridging. 

The NVS designation describes the range’s existing stainless-steel L-shaped bracket that is available in single or double format and adds three types of RP Retaining Plates: Single, Double and the End Plate.  Their versatility not only facilitates the retention of all the AlphaCore® Pad thicknesses, without the need for traditional fixings, but remains quick and easy to install.    

Cameron MacBride, the National Façade Manager for Kingspan Insulation, confirms: “Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad provides a balance of both thermal and fire performance, giving designers greater freedom to achieve compliant systems in tight spaces. Collaborating with SFS has allowed us to find a solution to maximise the thermal performance of AlphaCore® Pad. The NVS RP range avoids having to fix through the board in multiple places, which reduces thermal bridging. This combination of materials will be used where those pinch-points within a structure occur, in areas where land values are high, and the overall wall thickness becomes more important. These solutions using newer, optimal technologies are therefore going to offer the designer more flexibility in challenging situations, and hopefully boost the lettable or saleable space to its maximum.”

A series of technical data sheets explains the configuration and application of the different NVS-RP components, along with the non-compressible thermal pad which helps ensure the assemblies’ performance, while both the bracketry and the Kingspan AlphaCore® Pad insulation will be available to contractors through the two companies’ normal sales channels.

For further information, visit the product page of the SFS website to see a video case study of the project https://uk.sfs.com/systems/nvelope/nvsrp 

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Banksy artwork helps fund award-winning Wellbeing Hub for UHS

Following the sale of Banksy’s Game Changer artwork in 2021, the proceeds were used across the UK for a number of healthcare projects, including a new Wellbeing Hub at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

Record-breaking Banksy sale

Completed in 2023, the Wellbeing Hub at UHS was funded by some of the proceeds from the sale of street artist Banksy’s Game Changer artwork.  The artwork was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity by Banksy in May 2020, during the height of the Covid pandemic, and was then sold at auction in 2021 for a record-breaking £16.7m. The proceeds from the auction were distributed to over 40 healthcare organisations and charities across the UK to be used for mental health and wellbeing projects.

The Wellbeing Hub design

UHS wanted to use their funding to create a new space for their NHS staff, providing them with modern facilities including a gym, kitchen, lounge, meeting rooms, shower and changing rooms.

Leading brick slip systems supplier Eurobrick, based in Bristol, has been providing Integra Buildings, a modular building company near Hull in East Yorkshire, since 2010.  Eurobrick provides flexible brick slip cladding solutions for all types of projects offering a quick, easy and robust solution. Brick slip cladding is lightweight, durable and will weather and age like conventional brickwork, requiring little to no maintenance. 

The design of the Wellbeing Hub is made up of 20 modular bays which were manufactured at Integra’s headquarters and then delivered to the site for assembly. As part of a mixed palette of finishes, Eurobrick supplied their 50mm thick insulated X-Clad system and two slips from their Britannia range. Rustic Orange Multi 687 slips and corners were primarily fitted at ground floor level, and Smooth Anthracite 700 slips and corners were used to create the plinth detail. 

Award-winning success

The project was a great success with Paul Stansfield, Principal Project Manager, Estates Facilities and Capital Developments at UHS saying, “The finished product speaks for itself and is now enjoyed by our 14,000 staff, providing a modern, relaxing and essential wellbeing environment.” 

In May 2024 Integra Buildings won ‘Project of the Year – Healthcare’ for the UHS Wellbeing Hub at the MMC Awards, which celebrate excellence and achievement in the modular construction sector.

For more information on Eurobrick, please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk. You

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Metsec underlines commitment to accurate product information

voestalpine Metsec has become one of the earliest adopters of the Code for Construction Products Information (CCPI), introduced by the Construction Products Association in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, set up following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

CCPI assessments are undertaken by Assessors from Construction Products Information Ltd. and are carried out on a manufacturer’s specific products and systems, not the company as a whole. As such, an organisation or brand cannot, in itself, gain assessment or make any claims of conformance beyond a specific product set.

To date, voestalpine Metsec has successfully achieved assessment for four of its key construction systems; SFS light gauge galvanized steel structural framing systems and Metframe pre-panelised framing system from its Framing Division, dry lining metal framed components for gypsum plasterboard systems from its Dry Lining Division and roof, side rail and mezzanine floor systems from its Purlins Division.

Alan Harris, Quality and BIM Compliance Director at voestalpine Metsec, states: “Continuous investment in independent performance testing and quality assurance is what keeps our construction solutions at the forefront of the industry.

“Ensuring that the data and information derived from these tests is conveyed in a clear, unambiguous fashion is key to providing specifiers, installers and users with more confidence in the systems’ capabilities and suitability for their projects. Successful assessment to the CCPI confirms we are doing things right and underlines our commitment to the industry’s needs.”

CCPI aims to address the stipulation from Dame Hackitt’s review that construction product information needs to be communicated in a clear and accurate way. Its aim is to help organisations drive for higher standards in the presentation of construction product information, with a priority on building safety.

voestalpine Metsec has set up a rigorous information review process to ensure that messaging from all divisions is based on accurate, verifiable data and that this information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, which can be easily found and assimilated by its intended target audience.

https://www.metsec.com/

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Engineered solutions are taking over from natural wood

Natural timber is gorgeous and has been the building material for aeons. It still has a huge place in our heart even amongst the multitude of new technological advances in the construction industry.

However, timber is a natural product and, like all products of nature, including us, it is neither consistent nor guaranteed free of defects. Prone to warping, twisting and splitting, sawn timber is still widely used – understandably so, as it is relatively cheap, easy to work and both light and strong. Yet today’s building industry expects high levels of precision and for structures to be right first time. Natural timber cannot deliver 100% reliably on this and so came the engineered wood products boom. – materials which, instead of being hewn out of solid wood, are manufactured by bonding small pieces of wood fibre together to produce a homogenous product.

And West Fraser leads the way in the manufacture of innovative timber panel products. and has done for decades. Today’s wood panel products are among the best-known examples of engineered wood. 

Oriented Strand Board (OSB), provides the best example of how timber’s natural strength can be exploited and even enhanced through an engineered process. Thin flakes of softwood fibre, coated with a resin binder, are laid down in layers to create a deep bed of loose fibres. The assembly process carefully orientates each layer so that the fibres overlap in different directions. The fibre mat is then compressed under great pressure and heat is applied to cure the resin. The resulting board is stiff and strong, with the fibres oriented in such a way as to maximise bending resistance. 

  • Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made by mixing sawdust with a strong resin and curing it under pressure to create a solid board with a smooth and consistent texture all the way through.
  • Production of particleboard achieves a similar effect by using larger wood particles. Both these products are free of defects and are easy to work with.
  • Oriented Strand Board (OSB), however, provides the best example of how timber’s natural strength can be exploited and even enhanced through an engineered process. Thin flakes of softwood fibre, coated with a resin binder, are laid down in layers to create a deep bed of loose fibres. The assembly process carefully orientates each layer so that the fibres overlap in different directions. The fibre mat is then compressed under great pressure and heat is applied to cure the resin. The resulting board is stiff and strong, with the fibres oriented in such a way as to maximise bending resistance. 

SterlingOSB Zero, the leading brand of OSB, is a vital component in many so-called ‘Modern Methods of Construction’. These are mostly off-site manufactured systems in which major elements of a building are produced in controlled factory conditions and delivered to site ready for assembly. Timber floor ‘cassettes’ are now commonly used in housebuilding while ‘Structural Insulated Panels’ (SIPs) are also gaining ground. SIPs comprise two layers of OSB with a thick layer of foam insulation sandwiched between them. The foam core is permanently bonded to the OSB sheathing with the resulting panel – approximately 100 – 150mm thick – possessing a high degree of strength and load-bearing capacity while remaining extremely lightweight. SIPs systems use timber in a completely new way and offer rapid construction, minimal site-based work and exceptional thermal insulation.

Though natural wood is still used in many building applications, engineered alternatives are taking over both in the development of MMCs and in traditional roles: “Particleboard flooring has almost completely taken over from sawn and planed floorboards,” comments West Fraser brand manager, David Connacher.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

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Introducing the HL-109: Advanced High-Limit and Frost Protection Thermostat from Whisper Controls

Whisper Controls is excited to announce the launch of our innovative HL-109 digital pipe thermostat, designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of heating systems. 

Backed by our market-leading five-year warranty from the installation date, the HL-109 acts as a fail-safe mechanism to monitor and control the heating system’s temperature, preventing it from exceeding predetermined limits. If there is any anomaly or potential overheating, the HL-109 interrupts the power supply, safeguarding the heating system.

Jon Arntsen, Managing Director of Whisper Controls, said: “At Whisper Controls, we are passionate about delivering straightforward smart living for our customers. The HL-109 reflects that with its user-friendly design and versatility. Thanks to its pump exercise function, it can prevent underfloor heating circulating pumps from seizing during the off-season and particularly protects underfloor heating systems from heat sources that could cause over-temperature failures or high-temperature cycles. This makes it ideal for projects with delicate floor finishes or systems without temperature managing capability in the underfloor heating manifold.”

The HL-109 is the perfect solution for residential and commercial heating systems, offering peace of mind and enhanced protection. For more information, please contact our expert team at 01993 640073.

Key Features of the HL-109:

Low Limit / Frost Protection: The HL-109 provides reliable frost protection by driving a pump, heat demand, or trace heating system to prevent freezing. This ensures that your heating system remains functional even in the coldest conditions.

Pump Protection: To prevent pump seizing, the HL-109 includes a pump exercise function that activates the pump for 5 seconds every 5 days. This feature is particularly useful in low-demand scenarios and significantly extends the pump’s lifespan.

User-Friendly Design: The HL-109 features simple power, up, and down buttons, along with a clear digital display. This allows for quick, accurate setup and easy system checks without additional testing equipment.

At Whisper Controls, we develop and supply the next generation of electrical controls for domestic and multi-residential heating systems. We are a straightforward, innovative controls supplier delivering expert customer support and high-quality smart living.

www.whispercontrols.com 

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