Block Podcast Episode 10 - The Changing Role of an Architect, Green Stuff and...Mince Pies!

In Podcast No.10 we revisit BIM and we discuss the changing role of an architect, some green stuff and we share some mince pies!

Joining us on the podcast are regular guests Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing, Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd.  We also welcomed a new guest on the podcast, John Burrow, Director at Archetype Services.

We start the podcast by asking John Burrow about the current situation with the adoption of BIM systems in the architects community.  This follows on from Block Podcast No.9 when we discussed BIM from the development perspective with Prof. Bimal Kumar.

Following on from this opening chat we cover a whole range of issues in the conversation that includes the following:

• Are requests for BIM technology increasing?
• Archetype's integration of BIM technology
• Are Local Authorities requesting BIM at the tendering stage?
• Ownership - Are we any closer to a resolution of this issue?
• Is the timescale for the introduction of BIM in Local Authority tendering realistic?
• Is the role of an architect changing? And, can we learn from the targets set for high speed broadband?
• The evidence that building and construction companies are already finding savings by using BIM
• What type of practices are already using BIM?
• Does the introduction of BIM strengthen the argument for multi-discipline practices?
• How regulations, testing and certification are presenting challenges for the architect
• The increasing challenges presented by upfront planning costs
• Renewable Energy - Is the Scottish model flawed?
• Has the domestic Solar Power market collapsed?
• What are the alternative to Solar Power and why are they not being more widely explored and exploited?
• The need for greater education about energy sources and alternatives.

At the end of the podcast, the team discuss their highlights from 2012 and how social media is changing the sources for new business.  We round the whole thing off with a quick look at what to expect in 2013.

You can download Episode 10 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast Episode 9 - Building Information Modelling (BIM) ...and all the issues explained

In Podcast No.9 we discuss Building Information Modelling.

We were fortunate enough to have Prof. Bimal Kumar, Glasgow Caledonian University, School of Engineering and the Built Environment join us to explain the Building Information Modelling.

Also joining us on the podcast are regular guests Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing, Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

Building Information Modelling is a hot topic but, it is still very much misunderstood, even within the construction industry.  Bimal Kumar provides a very clear explanation of BIM and how it will impact the construction industry in the future.

Bimal takes us through the four levels of BIM and highlights why the achievement of Integrated BIM (Level 3) is still some way off.  Recent legislation states, by 2016 all public sector projects must utilise Level 2 BIM procedures; we explore how feasible this is and, what needs to be put in place to enable it to happen.

There is also some confusion about the adoption of this legislation in Scotland with NHS Scotland currently claiming it does not apply to them.  Recent approaches to the Scottish Government have failed to shed light on this confusion.  Furthermore, it would appear BIM is low on the Scottish Government's agenda; we ask why this may be the case and issue a challenge to them to explain their position on Building Information Modelling.

It's  fascinating podcasts that answers lots of the questions people are asking about BIM, we strongly recommend you listen to this podcast because BIM implementation will change many aspects of the construction industry in the future.

You can download Episode 9 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

CONFERENCE - Building Information Modelling: The Path to 2016

Building Information Modelling (BIM): The Path to 2016 Implementation conference, which will be held on 4th October 2012 at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow at a cost of £150 plus VAT.

Organised by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Building Information Modelling (BIM): The Path to 2016 Implementation is a full day conference programme featuring industry and academic experts.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

The FREE Consultation

What to do about the FREE Consultation? I read an interesting Blog Article by a fellow Architect who mentioned that he did investigative works, following a free consultation, to establish the planning potential of a house.

Following his investigation, which probably took and hour or so online, the potential client decided not to purchase a property all for the right reasons.

So where does this leave the Architect? Perhaps 2 hours down for travel time and a 1hr meeting and then an hour or so of research online. This may well have amounted to £200 - £250 of his time, unpaid!

Is this right or wrong?

I know that we certainly offer a free consultation simply as a way to show our potential clients about the issues that face them if they do embark on their project but there is no doubt that this time out of the office mounts up during the course of a year. So how do we stop it?

I don't have the answer but it surely needs to be something across the industry. It needs to be a 'mechanism' which is policed from on high and ultimately sets a basic fee level for this 'free consultation' process.

Alternatively, we just charge for it and agree to spend 2-3hours with the client and maybe even provide some on site sketches and ideas allowing them to understand in more detail what is or is not possibe.

We will win some appointments this way but the fear is that we will lose more appointments that we win and we need as many appointments as possible in today's economy to secure the confidence of as many clients as we can.

Is there a right or wrong answer to this one?

Please post your thoughts below.

If you've found this post interesting please use the buttons below to share it with your online communit, there's a good chance others will find it interesting too.

We have moved office

This is just a quick post to let you all know of our change of address and telephone number

We have moved to 18 Cairnryan Crescent, Hamilton, G72 0JJ

Telephone No: 01698 824333

Price Hikes On The Way For Planning Permission

Sitting here reading the recent Hamilton Advertiser and came across an article by John Rowbotham who has clarifed some interesting points.

Audit Scotland are recommending a new scale of fees for Scottish Planning Applications and whilst this is not accepted it may be set to be adopted. Some of the fee hikes are excessive with some application set to rise by a staggering 527 percent.

Applications for residential, retail and energy-generating development could jump from their capped level of £15,950 to a collosal £100,000. On a smaller scale alterations for extensions to homes could increase almost 100% from £160 to £300 an application and that's to say nothing of the paper advertisement costs currently set at around £100 depending on the Authority.

No longer will we see free subsequent applications made within 12months of an approval. It is suggested that we will need to pay up to 50% of the original fee for an amendment or for a re-run of a refused application.

It is suggested that across Scotland it cost the planning authorities an additional £20m above an beyond the fees generated for planning applications. Quite a gap to fill in but are all authorities as efficient as they can be? Is Planning Policy in Scotland getting so complex that it's costing all of us precious time and money to get the approvals. Do we really need these additional fees in such a time of austerity in the Construction Industry?

All said we do not doubt that there is justification in increasing the Scottish Planning System fees as they are still less than that of our neighbours in England however is this a sign of things to come? As Architects and an evolving multi disciplined practice we are seeing a vast increase in the information being requested at both planning and building warrant stage in order to obtain approvals. This time/cost issue will ultimately require to be absorbed by the Client in the shorter term as design professionals simply cannot sustain the low profit levels which they have done over the last 4 years since the recession started. The fear however must be that as the cost of planning and probably warrant applications increase then Clients are likely to squeeze either design fees or construction costs even further just to make the business plan work. Where do we go from here? Probably nowhere fast!

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast Episode 8 - Smart Metering has progressed in the last 45 years!

Podcast No.8 was recorded immediately after No.7 so, we have the same team of experts discussing the general state of the construction industry, some of the latest updates with regard to regulations and, a very interesting chat about Smart Metering and the benefits for homeowners and businesses.

BLOCK PODCAST No.8
We have a wealth of experience and expertise round the table which makes for compelling listening; the participants are as follows:

• Terry Hawksby, Business Development Manager, Ewgeco
• Mike Smith, Sales, Director, Gerer8 Power Ltd
• Stephen Lynas, Land & Development Manager, Hadden Construction
• Ian Clark, Marketing Manager, Ewgeco
• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As with podcast No.7, the discussion was lively with lots of useful information for anyone interested in property from homeowners to construction industry professionals.  Here are some of the topics we discuss in Episode 8:

• Applications and warrants for renewable energy projects and equipment
• EPC requirements - Are the requirements clear?
• What is the background to the latest efficiency regulations?
• And, the background to the renewables policy in the UK and beyond
• Metering - "Smart Metering" is the new buzz word, what is it?
• Ewgeco's metering systems explained
• Can domestic homes realise real benefits from smart metering?
• Can Smart Meters be easily installed in existing homes?
• Is Smart Metering part of the EPC process? 
• The current state of the construction industry
• Are we "really" in a double dip recession?
• Are construction businesses outsourcing rather than recruiting?
• BIM (Building Information Modelling) a topic for the next podcast and an invitation to anyone who would like to take part and talk about BIM

HOUSING INNOVATION SHOWCASE 2012

During the podcast No.7 Terry Hawksby mentioned the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 - to can find out more about the event and Ewgeco's involvement please click here

There's lots of great chat in this episode and lots of very interesting information for homeowners and people specifically involved in the construction industry, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 8 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

How to make your home more energy efficient

An energy efficient home could save you some money, and who doesn’t like a bit of extra cash? Here are a few tips to help you use energy more efficiently in your home, saving you some of your hard earned money.

1. Upgrade your Old Appliances

I know that it may sound counterproductive to the original point about saving money, but hear me out! If you upgrade your microwave and fridge now, it will benefit you in the long run, as Energy Star rated appliances use less energy, and so will bring your

energy bills down.


2. Get Your Hands on Outdoor Solar Lights

If you like to sit in your garden in the evening with a nicely chilled beverage in hand, and a nicely ambient glow coming from your garden lights, why not try swapping electrical lights for a solar alternative? These lights are cost effective, and come in a variety of pretty designs. They charge during the day using energy from the sun, and come on at night with no additional charge for you.


3. Invest in Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great alternative energy source, and if they are situated on a roof facing towards the south, they can actually capture enough energy to supply your entire house with electricity. They come in a variety of tasteful designs, and although the initial investment may be a shock to the purse stings, the long term return can be incredibly satisfying.


4. Replace Your Incandescent Bulbs with Fluorescent Bulbs

Your old incandescent bulbs are inefficient and produce a substantial amount of heat. Switching to Fluorescent bulbs is a better way to light your home, as they use a quarter of the energy that your current incandescent bulbs too, and they actually have a longer life –

saving you money on your next energy bill!

Block Podcast Episode 7 - Solar Power, Biomass, Snake Oil Salesmen and, Sky Fitters

Podcast No.7 is a very interesting podcast indeed, not just for people involved in the construction industry but also for homeowners and people considering building a home in the future.  It's packed full of useful information on Solar Energy, Biomass, up to date building techniques and the most recent changes in regulations.

BLOCK PODCAST No.7
We have a full house with 8 people taking part in a lively discussion around the construction industry.  We have a wealth of experience and expertise round the table that makes for compelling listening; the participants are as follows:

• Terry Hawksby, Business Development Manager, Ewgeco
• Mike Smith, Sales, Director, Gerer8 Power Ltd
• Stephen Lynas, Land & Development Manager, Hadden Construction
• Ian Clark, Marketing Manager, Ewgeco
• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As you can imagine with 8 people round the table, the discussion was lively and fast paced with more than one person wishing to speak at once on more than one occasion! All in all it makes for a very informative podcast.  Here are some of the things we chat about:

• The up to date position with FIT and RHI Schemes
• The state of renewable energy in Scotland 
• Is Donald Trump right about the current Wind Energy policy in Scotland?
• Whose responsibility is it to educate users about renewable energy?
• Biomas - what is it?
• What are the benefits and who are ideal customers for Biomass?
• The negative factors around Biomass
• Will Biomass influence growers and encourage them to harvest fast growing wood?
• The difference between Fossil Fuel and Biomass 
• Where is the market for Biomass?
• Do tradesmen get adequate training on an ongoing basis in order to keep up to date with new materials and technologies?
• CCG Timber Kits and modern building techniques

HOUSING INNOVATION SHOWCASE 2012

During the podcast Terry Hawksby mentioned the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 - to can find out more about the event and Ewgeco's involvement please click here

There's lots of great chat in this episode and lots of very interesting information for homeowners and people specifically involved in the construction industry, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 7 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We are extremely encouraged with the growth in subscribers and the feedback we have received so far.  Please continue to give us your feedback and any suggestions about topics you would like us to discuss.  Likewise, we are keen to have a range of people on the podcast who work in the construction industry, if you are interested in taking part please get in touch and we can have a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter, and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

McKirdy & Morrison, Dentist Surgery In Burnbank

A rainy Sunday afternoon is an ideal time to post a blog, so here goes. This is the second dentist practice that block have completed. The first was our refurbishment of a grade C listed former library building in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire for Mr Neil Simpson and this second surgery is a shell fit out for our great clients McKirdy & Morrison who were recommended to us by Mr Simpson himself.

The project consisted of the complete installation of 4 surgeries (fitted-out by specialist contractors - Henry Schein), an LDU room and associated staff and reception areas. Both the planning and building control processes went smoothly with South Lanarkshire Council and shortly thereafter the project was tendered and won by Alexander Braidwood Construction from Blantyre.

The Clients were very active in the selection of all of the finishing materials and fittings and the contractor was also instrumental in some key decisions assisting the smooth running of the site and aiding in the delivery of the design. All in all a great team effort, and that's the way it should be.

If you know of any dentist who is seeking advice on the refurbishment or relocation of their surgery please share this post with them and ask them to get in touch.

In finding this post interesting, please share this post using the buttons below. Thank you and join us on our facebook page.

Block Quantity Surveying

After great client demand to introduce an all encompassing service offering, we have now introduced a surveying service within block architects.

Block Quantity Surveying provides key services that cover all aspects of procurement, contractual and project cost management. No matter how large your project we can assist you with these elements of the build. Our professional team offers their services throughout the UK to all sectors including private clients, contractors and public bodies.

As one of many professional services offered within our business our Professional Consultants and Quantity Surveyors can work alongside any design team or with any contractor to ensure that our Clients achieve their stated objectives.

We understand that good communication and teamwork are key to the success of a project and we have invested heavily in our Information Technology to ensure we are always available to our Clients and they are kept informed at every step.



Meet Alex Reid our Consultant Surveyor

Alex Reid, is a professionally qualifed Quantity Suveyor who alongside his involvement in Block Quantity Surveying, is currently working towards his PhD in Construction Management at Glasgow Caledonian University.

His ongoing academic research has identified the tangible benefits that can be achieved when you combine construction knowledge, information technology and a networking platform to deliver the technical, clerical and administration functions of larger construction organisations into the small private client and contracting company.

It is with this in mind that Alex will bring his considerable surveying knowledge and expertise to the Block brand



What are the benefits or our surveying service:-

1.Up to 2hrs of our FREE time assessing your needs and advising you of the possibilities…
2.Realistic cost predictions for your project…
3.Learn the process of negotiating your way through the construction minefield…
4.Tap into our established network of professional consultants who understand the delivery process…
5.Stop wasting cash on other professional services which don’t meet your demands…
6.Stay enthused about your vision…



What Services Will We Provide:-

• Construction Cost Planning
• Advice on Contractor Selection
• Preparation of Tender Documentation
• Selection of Procurement Route
• Tender Reporting
• Tender Negotiation
• Valuation of Construction Works Completed On Site
• Financial Reporting
• Agreeing Final Accounts

If you have found this article interesting please feel free to share it using the buttons below.

SAP Energy Ratings - What are they all about?

What exactly are SAP ratings?
SAP ratings sound complicated, but in reality they can be relatively simple to understand. Here is a brief guide...

The acronym SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure, which is a procedure used to calculate how energy efficient a building is. All new buildings are required to have a SAP rating along with buildings that are undergoing major remodeling. This is a government created scheme, to encourage energy efficiency in homes.

How does the SAP work?
The Standard Assessment Procedure makes use of a scale from 1-120 based on the yearly energy costs for water heating, space and lighting as well as the carbon dioxide emission rate. There are several things needed in order to calculate the SAP rating for a property:
• Construction details, including U (heat loss) values
• The drawings of the building design
• Window and door details
• The boiler, hot water cylinder and control system information.

When all of the data has been collected, it is input into the authorized software by a accredited assessor, and a draft report is produced. If the building passes all of the criteria, an As-built final report is then given along with a Predicted Energy Performance Certificate and is submitted with the main application to building control before any building work has started.

If the project fails any of the criteria, it needs to be redesigned so that it complies with all of the regulations. Once it meets the regulation standards, the assessor is informed of any changes to the build and confirms that it now meets the standards. They then produce the As-built final SAP report, and the On Construction - Energy Performance Certificate (OC-EPC) if relevant, and then submit them to building control for the final sign off.

So there you have it, SAP energy ratings in a nutshell! Be sure to keep them in mind if you are thinking of renovating, or building a self build home.

CONTACT BLOCK ENERGY SERVICES NOW IF YOU REQUIRE A SAP ENERGY RATING

A Happy Fatbuzz Easter

Just wanted to drop a quick blog post to get you all into the Easter feeling. We have today received our Cadbury's Cream Eggs from our great friends at Fatbuzz.

If you have liked this short blog post please feel free to drop a note on their facebook page

Check out more about us on our facebook page

Difficulty with iTunes downloading for Block Podcast No.5 and No.6 resolved

It would appear some people have been experiencing difficulties downloading Episodes 5 & 6 which were released this week; we have now re-submitted the feed information to iTunes and it appears to have solved the problem.


Our apologies for the inconvenience but, we hope you will aggree it was worth the wait!

The Block Podcast makes a big return today; it's been almost two months since the last podcast with Christmas and a very busy start to the year delaying the first recording of 2012. So it's typical, you wait a while for one and two come along at once!  Yes, we're releasing two podcasts today.

The podcast team got together to record one episode and the chat was so interesting that we just let the recorder run and we've ended up splitting the recording in two parts; Episode 5 and Episode 6.  There is a natural break in the topics and it seemed sensible to chop it into two 45 minute podcasts rather than one bumper edition.

Episode 5 is largely a very interesting chat about Procurement in the construction industry and, Episode 6 is primarily about how the construction industry could, and should, use social media.

These Episodes were recorded on the 27th February - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• Gill Joy, Director,  Intend Development
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

EPISODE 5
We discuss lots of different aspects of procurement in the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The complexity of the process
• Are SME's getting their fare share?
• BBA Accreditation and the cost of being registered
• Quirky.com and crowd funding for product development
• Are the contracts profitable or, are companies buying the work?
• How good id you bidding?
• Do you review and fine tune failed bids?
• The Glasgow Construction Forum 
• Scottish Procurement Construction Linked In Group

There's lots of great chat in this Episode and lots of useful information for anyone involved in the procurement process, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 5 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

EPISODE 6

This is an interesting discussion about how the construction industry is adopting social media and, what they could be doing to improve their marketing and existing services with the adoption of Web 2.0 technology; here are some of the key topics:

• Is the construction industry using social media effectively?
• Creating content internally vs using an agency
• Twitter as a powerful search tool
• Twitter for building awareness and finding collaborators
• Augmented reality - is it a viable alternative to model making?
• 3D printers vs Fly-though video
• QR Codes - some innovative uses within the construction industry

Episode 6 concludes with a brief discussion about the new Permitted Development rules and whether they are a good thing for the industry.

This episode has lots of useful information and examples of how social media and Web 2.0 technology can be used in a number of ways within the construction industry - a worth while listen.  You can download Episode 6 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and remember if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Block Podcast - Like buses, you wait a while and two come at once!

The Block Podcast makes a big return today; it's been almost two months since the last podcast with Christmas and a very busy start to the year delaying the first recording of 2012. So it's typical, you wait a while for one and two come along at once!  Yes, we're releasing two podcasts today.

The podcast team got together to record one episode and the chat was so interesting that we just let the recorder run and we've ended up splitting the recording in two parts; Episode 5 and Episode 6.  There is a natural break in the topics and it seemed sensible to chop it into two 45 minute podcasts rather than one bumper edition.

Episode 5 is largely a very interesting chat about Procurement in the construction industry and, Episode 6 is primarily about how the construction industry could, and should, use social media.

These Episodes were recorded on the 27th February - here are the participants:

• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• Gill Joy, Director,  Intend Development
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

EPISODE 5
We discuss lots of different aspects of procurement in the construction industry, here are some of the key topics:

• The complexity of the process
• Are SME's getting their fare share?
• BBA Accreditation and the cost of being registered
• Quirky.com and crowd funding for product development
• Are the contracts profitable or, are companies buying the work?
• How good id you bidding?
• Do you review and fine tune failed bids?
• The Glasgow Construction Forum 
• Scottish Procurement Construction Linked In Group

There's lots of great chat in this Episode and lots of useful information for anyone involved in the procurement process, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 5 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

EPISODE 6

This is an interesting discussion about how the construction industry is adopting social media and, what they could be doing to improve their marketing and existing services with the adoption of Web 2.0 technology; here are some of the key topics:

• Is the construction industry using social media effectively?
• Creating content internally vs using an agency
• Twitter as a powerful search tool
• Twitter for building awareness and finding collaborators
• Augmented reality - is it a viable alternative to model making?
• 3D printers vs Fly-though video
• QR Codes - some innovative uses within the construction industry

Episode 6 concludes with a brief discussion about the new Permitted Development rules and whether they are a good thing for the industry.

This episode has lots of useful information and examples of how social media and Web 2.0 technology can be used in a number of ways within the construction industry - a worth while listen.  You can download Episode 6 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We hope you enjoy the discussion on this podcast and remember if you would like to take part in a future episode please email Gordon White or Kenneth Martin for a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

Permitted Development Rights Scotland 2012

New rules have been introduced this month (Feb 2012) that will take about 4000 planning applications out of the system each year.

The Scottish Government have introduced the changes so that projects such as some extensions, garages, sheds, garden decking and adding access ramps to properties will no longer require official planning permission.

They hope that this will mean more people will take the opportunity to start these smaller projects generating work for builders and other trades whilst saving the homeowner the time and money previously spent getting official permission.
The exceptions to these new rules will be for listed buildings and properties situated within conservation areas.

So if the thought of having to go through the planning procedure was putting you off that home improvement project then think again, your project might be one of the 4000 no longer requiring official permission. Best to check with your architect, just to make sure…

The Advantages of SIPS Panels

Sips or structural insualted panels save time, money, and energy. They outperform many other building methods in virtually every aspect because of the structural strength, ease of erection, and insulation value of the components.

SIP Panels are a structural composite acting like an I-beam. The skins act like the flanges and the rigid core is similar to the web. In short, the three components work together, rather than against one another. The composite assembly yields stiffness, strength, and predictable responses to loads. Sips panels have an integral tongue and groove system for joining panels together that also helps carry the structural load. Sips resist both compressive forces from above and buckling and warping forces from the sides. Sips panels have been tested to UK standards by UKAS accredited testing facilities, for compression, transverse, and racking loads. Depending on the type of structural test being administered, Sips range between two and seven times stronger than traditional framing.

Four key factors make the average SIP building very energy-efficient.
1. Polyurethane foam provides higher insulating value per mm than alternative insulation materials.
2. There is much less wood framing within the typical panel, which increases total U -value.
3. The foam is continuous and is not susceptible to the commonplace flaws found in average installations.
4. Foam, when bonded directly to the exterior and interior wall “skins,” doesn't allow air infiltration around it.

SIP-made buildings are vastly more energy-efficient, stronger, quieter, and draft free than alternative building methods likes stud framing with lose laid insulation. Man made mineral fibre insulation is sometimes used for furnace filters because air moves through so freely. Polyurethane foam consists of billions of tiny cells with solid polyurethane cellular walls. Air cannot flow from cell to cell or between cells. Rigid foam insulation is used as solid component insulation in almost every industry concerned about heat transfer, such as the refrigeration industry, for its inherent efficiency and prevention of air movement. These attributes are built right into the sips panels. Less air movement or leakage translates into far fewer drafts, fewer penetrations of noise, much lower energy bills, and a significantly more comfortable and controllable indoor environment. You can have a quieter, more comfortable accommodation.

Fire requires three components: ignition, oxygen, and fuel. Sips panels have no "air" within the solid core of the insulation. The fire cannot "run up the wall" cavity, as is the case with traditional stud construction.

For more information on SIPS Construction feel free to contact us.

The above text is provided courtesy of Craig McKillop craigm@gardenlodges.co.uk or feel free to contact Craig via his web page www.gardenlodges.co.uk

New Build vs. Tried and Tested

As with everything in life there are pros and there are cons in every large decision that we face included the purchase of a home. Whether you opt for an older property or decide on a brand new build can hinge on a number of factors, both options have good points and bad points.

New Build Homes – The Case For
A new build home can be very appealing. Everything is new and, in theory, in good working order. You may have the opportunity to choose from a range of kitchen units, worktops and tiling in both the kitchen and the bathroom(s).

The roof, windows and doors will all be in sound condition and compliant with current British Standards. Fitted bedroom furniture is a popular feature and many house builders will give you the choice to have a fire place or not and to choose between French and patio doors.

In essence you have a wide choice and a blank slate to work with. Yes, you will probably have to buy flooring for the whole house but you won’t have to rip out someone else’s and your new home comes with guarantees. These are the pros to a new build, but what are the cons?

New Build Homes – The Case Against
New build houses generally have smaller rooms. Some show homes may even have no doors, giving a false indication of space.

Settling of the property can cause stairs to come away from walls and nails to ‘pop’ out of walls. In extreme cases cracks can appear.

There will be very few light fittings; no window dressings, no flooring and the chances are your back garden will be left resembling a building site.
These are the downsides to a new build but are tried and tested homes really any better?

The Pre-Owned Property – The Up Side
Generally in older properties the room sizes are more generous and the chances are the house will have done all its settling.

Gardens will be more mature and possibly larger depending on location.
Fixtures and fitting may be sold with the property providing a stop gap between moving in and having to replace curtains, carpets and lights. White goods are more likely to be left as well.

Depending on your taste you may find a suitable property that you simply bring your furniture to and you are good to go. These up sides can be more financial than aesthetic in nature but what if you really don’t like the décor?

The Pre- Owned Property – The Down Side
If the property is really old you may find that you are entering a time warp filled with avocado bathroom suites and Paisley patterns carpets. If these are not to your taste they can be hard to live with. You may find yourself faced with the cost of replacing flooring and bathrooms as well as kitchen units and woodchip wall paper.

The older the property the more likely some structural work maybe required if it hasn’t already been undertaken. This is the biggest downside. Many glorious, well-proportioned, large properties that are 100 years of age or more can become money pits.

If you are looking for some practical advice? Think it through carefully before setting your heart on anything. Keen on an older property? There is no harm in consulting a professional like an architect who can tell you about the area, the property and the long term challenges you may face.

Block Energy Services

After much demand we have decided to assist our clients by offering more services associated with the construction industry. This will ensure a faster speedy service and ultimatley our aim is to provide, as much as physically possible, a one stop shop for our clients. To kick start 2012 we have launched Block Energy Services which adds SAP Calculations, SBEM Calculations, EPC certifcates and much more to our portfolio of services.

Here's a little more about what's coming:-

SAP Calculations – What Are They All About?

A SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is a number of calculations, including heat loss through walls, floors, roofs, heating and hot water, lighting etc, works out how energy efficient a dwelling is, showing a scale of 1 to 100 - from poor to excellent.

It is used to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document L1A by comparing the designed Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) with a SAP calculated Target Emission Rate (TER).

SAP 2005 works on a comparison basis that your house design was built to the 2002 Building Regulations, it will now from 2006 and onwards, have to be 20% more efficient.
So, for example, if the house cost £100 per year to run in 2002, in 2006 onwards it will only cost £80 per year to run.

Block Energy Services operate on an ethical basis, drawing on our consultants many years of experience to get the best results for your design. If required, we will advise on the best construction to suit your requirements.

SBEM Calculations – What Are They All About?

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model) is a software tool developed by BRE that provides an analysis of a non-domestic building's energy consumption.

SBEM is used for non domestic buildings in support of the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The tool helps to determine CO2 emission rates for new buildings in compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) and equivalent Regulations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Jersey. It is also used to generate Energy Performance Certificates for non-domestic buildings in construction, for sale or let.

SBEM was developed by BRE for the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Energy Performance Certificates – What Are They All About?

Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates educate the general public and house buyers on the efficiency of the building they are looking to purchase or use. It is now a legal requirement that all new, recently sold and rented commercial and domestic properties have an EPC.



If you know anyone who is looking for the above services or any advice on similar industry related topics then please contact us so that we can direct your query to our specialists.