Recent & Current Projects
Rosemary Works, Branch Place, London
Architect: Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects Ltd.
Developer: Higgins Construction Plc
Structural Engineer: Tully De'Ath
Services Engineer: PinnaclesESP Consulting Engineers
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
The proposed mixed-use development of 52 flats and ground floor commercial units has been designed to achieve CfSH Level 4 standard. Measures include: renewable energy in the form of air source heat pumps; rainwater butts and secure cycle storage for each unit; and brown roofs. The following passive measures have also been incorporated to reduce carbon emissions: low U-values for walls, roofs and floors; all units, except one, are dual aspect for natural ventilation. The development will be situated alongside the Grand Union Canal in north London.
Posted: December 5, 2011, 11:46 am
Hanse Haus Project, Elstree, London
Client: Private
Architect: MJS Planning & Design
Pre-fabricated House Builder: Hanse Haus
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
Hanse Haus has been short-listed for the Cornwall Sustainability Award in the 'Sustainable Construction - New Build' Category. BBS is proud to have worked with Hanse Haus on many projects throughout the UK: The latest featured in the TV series, My Flat Pack Home, which is exclusive to the Home channel (Virgin 265 / Sky 246). The flat-packed house was erected in a matter of weeks and among its features are; a lift, a laundry chute and automatic lighting.
Posted: November 16, 2011, 11:19 am
Maple Quays, Canada Water, London
Client: Southwark Council
Developer: Barratt Homes and BL Canada Quays Ltd.
Architects: CZWG Architects and PKS Architects
Environmental Assessor: BBS Environmental
Canada Water, like so many areas within the Thames Gateway, is undergoing a major transformation. The scheme is being developed by Southwark Council in partnership with British Land Canada Quays (BLCQ) and Barratt East London. At the centre of this multi-million pound development is the new library, designed by Piers Gough of CZWG Architects. Built on the waterfront and main plaza, the library will complement the surrounding homes, restaurants and retail units.
The new development consists of several sites: Site B is at its heart, close to the library and forming a backdrop to the main plaza. The mixed use scheme, designed by PKS Architects, comprises 63 units of which 21 will be affordable homes. The ground floor will be for commercial and retail units. Site A includes over 600 residential units of which 170 will be affordable and 10% disabled homes.
BBS Environmental is conducting the SAP and CfSH (Level 4) assessments on the entire scheme. All plots comply with the Lifetime Homes criteria. The space and water heating is provided by one centralised energy centre, housed within Site B, and includes the following components:
• Biomass pellet boilers
• Natural Gas fire CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plant
• Gas condensing boilers
Once complete, this development will provide its residents with a unique environment in which to work, rest and play. With the Canada Water underground station on the doorstep, so many of London's major attractions are only minutes away, including; Canary Wharf, The Excel Centre, The City and The O2 Arena.
Posted: July 11, 2011, 12:29 pm
Washwell Cottages, Wadhurst, East Sussex
Client: Private
Builder: Ellis Builders Limited
Structural Engineer: J M Loade & Associates
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
The picturesque village of Wadhurst, surrounded by Wealden countryside and only a few miles from our head office, is the location for this 5 property project. The scheme comprises; 1 x 4 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom homes. One bedroom in each home also has an en-suite bathroom. The entire project is nearing completion and Cottage #5 is already 'under offer'. Cottage #4 is ready for occupancy; the asking price is £425,000.
Posted: November 8, 2011, 2:30 pm
Rizon Jet, Biggin Hill, Kent
Client: Rizon Jet
Main contractor: Civil Contracting Ltd.
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
Aircraft Hangar, Passenger Lounge, Offices and Maintenance Offices — completed May 2011
Erection of a new 3,500 sqm aircraft hangar with passenger lounge and two storey offices over and basement maintenance area housing generator and plant with three storey maintenance/staff accommodation over.
The building itself is a steel framed building with composite panel cladding and glazed rain screens to office areas. Precast concrete stairs and concrete floors. Fire stopping and compartment walls between hangar and offices etc in composite panels.
The main difficulty to overcome was balancing the need for adequate means of escape along with the required security measures of an international passenger terminal. The use of protected escape routes with a fully addressable fire alarm system linked to automatic locks. Sensitive areas such as the hangar and FBO/passenger lounge monitored by a VESDA system . This was achieved with close liaison between fire officer, building owner/management team and fire safety consultant throughout the project.
Posted: July 8, 2011, 3:51 pm
Private Residence, Keston Park, Kent
Client: Private
Design Architect: Spaced Out Ltd., London
Main Contractor: Modillion Homes, Surrey
Glass Contractor: Cantifix, London
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
This property, which featured on the Channel 4 programme, Grand Designs, was inspired by the light and space of a woodland clearing. The house is full of curves and wonderful framed views of the parkland setting. Large expanses of glazing transform the views and emphasize the dynamic relationship of the building with the landscape. Constructed innovatively and economically by using curtain walling sections, each glazed façade contains Heat Mirror Film; a transparent film which minimises the heat entering and leaving the house through the glass.
The approximate floor area of the two-storey, steel frame construction is 380m². The house includes: a large open-plan kitchen/dining area; six bedrooms; five bathrooms and a lift.
Posted: October 4, 2011, 10:05 am
Code Level 6 Project - New Crane's Court, Basildon Essex
Client: Swan Housing Association
Developer: Denne Construction
Architect: The Tooley & Foster Partnership
Environmental Assessor: BBS Environmental
One of the largest zero carbon projects in the Thames Gateway continues apace. The first homes are now built and the project is set for completion toward the end of this year. Crane's Court is the first housing development to have its heating and electricity provided by a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit fuelled by glycerol, a waste product of bio-diesel. This innovative approach avoids the installation of solar panels, which was an important issue with the planners. It is expected that the plant will deliver an annual excess of electricity which will be sold to the national grid.
BBS Environmental is conducting the SAP and CfSH (Level 6) assessments on the entire scheme. The majority of the homes have been orientated to make best use of natural sunlight. Heating requirements in the 28 new houses and flats will be kept to an absolute minimum with average wall U values of 0.15 W/m2K or better to an exceedingly high air tightness standard. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery reduces CO2 loss further. With the site being evaluated as having ecological value owing to significant mature trees, achieving Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes was particularly difficult. The design therefore had to gain maximum points from non-ecology sections within the Code and therefore encompassed the whole range of ambitions of the code. 100% of the available credits being secured within the water, surface water run-off, waste and management categories.
The listed mediaeval church, St. Andrew with Holy Cross, creates an interesting focal point. Courtyards face the church, with pedestrian and cycle routes passing through the site and car access restricted. Storage areas for bicycles and recycling are also included. A range of additional features, designed to ensure carbon-neutral status, are integrated within the homes.
BBS Environmental is a leading provider of construction environmental assessment methodologies, offering a complete range of Code for Sustainable Homes, EcoHomes and BREEAM assessments. For further information, please contact: Andrew Mitchell, Director Environmental Services on 01892-893162. To email Andy, please click here.
Posted: June 16, 2011, 11:40 am
Private Residence, Kent
Client: Private
Designer/Builder: Oakland Vale Ltd.
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
Energy Assessors: BBS Environmental
A delightful, detached property in the heart of the Kent countryside. The house includes; a library, drawing room, study and 3-port garage with utility room. The first floor comprises; 4 bedrooms - two ensuite - with walk-in wardrobes.
Posted: September 26, 2011, 11:24 am
Loves Farm, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire
Client: Pilgrims Housing Association Bedfordshire
Developer: Kier Homes Partnership
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
Energy Assessments: BBS Environmental
The scheme comprises 122 houses and apartments: 87 for rent, 30 for shared ownership and 5 for discounted sale.
The scheme is on four separate parcels of land within one major development. All the units are built using timber frame construction to EcoHomes 'Very Good' standard.
Overall development is for 1,250 homes with 30% being an affordable mix of rented, shared ownership and discounted for sale.
Future parcels will increase the number of affordable homes on the scheme to approx 400 which will be constructed to level 3 under the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Posted: August 15, 2011, 4:10 pm
Coachmans Medical Practice, Crawley, West Sussex
Client: National Health Service
Designer/Builder: Civils Contracting Ltd.
Building Control: BBS Building Control Ltd.
Posted: August 12, 2011, 11:45 am