InBuilding

Government reduces need for design and access statements

Richard Buxton — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced that the requirement to provide design and access statements for modest projects will come to end on 25th June.

The Government said it is satisfied the relaxation will not be at the expense of good design or accessibility.

The Government has also confirmed that it will bring forward changes to the system of local lists (of information requirements) maintained by local planning authorities to validate applications, and end the requirement for planners to produce a written summary of their reasons for granting planning permission.

In line with its proposals, design and access statements will only be required for major development – buildings more than 1,000 square metres and housing developments of 10 dwellings or more – and listed building consent.

However, the Government has lowered the threshold for developments in conservation areas that will need statements, to a single dwelling or development of 100 square metres or more; this limit was seen as simpler to apply than its original proposal.

Energy saving measures boost house prices

Richard Buxton — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:03:00 GMT

New research released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) reveals making energy saving improvements to your property increases its value by 14% on average - and up to 38% in some parts of England.

For an average home in the country, improving its EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) from band G to E, or from band D to B, could mean adding more than £16,000 to the sale price of the property. In the North East, improved energy efficiency from band G to E could increase its value by over £25,000 and the average home in the North West could see £23,000 added to its value.

The report, which took into account over 300,000 property sales in England between 1995 and 2011, is the most comprehensive research in this area to date. It indicates that energy efficiency is now a key factor influencing the sale price of most residential dwellings in England.

Kevin McCloud, broadcaster and co-founder of the Grand Designs Future Living home retrofit company, said: “There are some 26 million homes in Britain, most of them about as well insulated as a rabbit hutch, and they need immediate help to be made less wasteful. This timely report tells us what we suspected all along: that people really value the well-insulated, energy-efficient home; that modest investment in measures to make our homes more comfortable, healthier and cheaper-to-run really pays off.

“The Green Deal is now maturing into a helpful way of financing a lot of the retrofit solutions around. Homeowners can now start to make these changes, alleviate the burden of high energy bills and improve the value of their prime asset.”

Nearly half (46%) of properties in England are currently band D – but compared to this, a typical home in the West Midlands in band B is estimated to be valued at nearly £17,000 more. In the North East this could be over £19,000, £3,000 more than the national average.

For a full copy of the report click here

BRE and BuildingSMART launch BIM training

Richard Buxton — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:31:00 GMT

A training programme to give industry professionals an essential understanding of building information modelling (BIM) has been launched by BRE and industry standard-setting body BuildingSMART.

The courses are modular and are aimed at managers, designers, contractors, and engineers that are in the work place, with specific tailored training for each discipline. The training focuses on how to implement BIM and the practices required to meet client and industry requirements.

Business Management BIM is a one day course aimed at Associates, clients, directors and managers

Project Management BIM is a two day course aimed at Senior Architects, Senior Design Engineers and Senior Technicians

Design Management BIM is a three day course aimed at Design Architects, Design Engineers, and Technicians

The training courses, which start next month, lead to accredited professional (AP) status.

For more information on the training programme go to www.bre.co.uk

RIAS award winners announced

Richard Buxton — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:00:00 GMT

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced 12 winners, representing the very best of current Scottish architecture, at its annual Awards Dinner earlier this month.

Iain Connelly, President of the RIAS, commented: “75 submissions from throughout Scotland, ranging in cost from zero to over £30m is a tremendous vote of confidence. It absolutely confirms that this award, in only its second year, is now the single most important recognition of architectural achievement in Scotland.”

The 12 awards winners, listed below in alphabetical order with a short RIAS citation, are:

The Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock (£7m approx.)

“This building seems wholly appropriate for its superb waterside setting. It is elegantly contemporary in its materials and form, both open and welcoming.”

The Chapel of Saint Albert the Great, Edinburgh (contract value not for publication)

“This building is markedly different from the historic property to which it is attached. However this is a supremely elegant and attractive solution, a place of worship that invites visitors in.”

Dunfermline High School (contract value not for publication)

“The sheer scale of this major new secondary school demanded a simple, navigable plan and separation of facilities. This is well achieved with materials and art enhancing the daily experience of its users.”

Forth Valley College of Further and Higher Education - Stirling Campus (£15.6m)

“This is a deceptively simple contemporary building within an expansive landscape setting, incorporating workshops, studios, classrooms, a library and social spaces with elegant understatement. “

Ghost of Water Row (no budget - all work and material given in kind)

“This project was architecture as installation art. Commemorating the late sculptor, George Wyllie Hon FRIAS, it was a powerful evocation of local history while also signalling a creative future.”

House, Lenzie (contract value not for publication)

“This reworking of a 1970s house creates a new relationship with the building’s site, with contemporary, yet timeless, materials and form.”

4 Linsiadar, Isle of Lewis (contract value not for publication)

“Built out of a former croft, this new home has a rugged, almost natural, presence within the island landscape. Drawing upon history, this building also very positively signals its newness.”

Mareel, Lerwick (contract value not for publication)

“Set on an historic waterfront site, this is an important cultural facility. This building embraces theatre, cinema and performance, reflecting and encouraging creativity.”

The Sir Duncan Rice Library, Aberdeen (£30.63m)

“This is a contemporary international structure within one of Scotland’s most important historic settings. Its internal arrangement cleverly challenges preconceived notions of “the library”.”

Thomas Telford Parliamentary Church Berneray (£300k)

“This simplest and plainest of stone built structures encloses a marvellous new home. The layout of the interior and the way natural light is brought into every area is ingenious.”

The Turf House, Isle of Skye (£132k) (Pictured)

“The new Skye vernacular, timber-clad homes in the landscape, is here taken to a new level. This is architecture of a relatively modest scale, but significant ambition.”

WASPS South Block, Glasgow (contract value not for publication)

“Adapting a behemoth Victorian city block into new studios, gallery space and visitor facilities is crisply and ingeniously achieved. An intelligent and appropriate facility within a very creative city.”

Manchester architect suspended for two years

Richard Buxton — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Mr Faheem Aftab of Manchester has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and suspended from the Register of Architects for two years.

Mr Aftab had been referred back to the PCC following an earlier hearing, so that the Committee could reconsider whether he had made a dishonest statement to the ARB in respect of his insurance arrangements. He had previously been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in relation to five other allegations arising from a domestic project he undertook through his firm A-Cube Architects Ltd (now in liquidation). The allegations were that he had acted in a manner inconsistent with his professional obligations in respect of the informal and undocumented appointment of the builders; had offered a service that combined consulting services and architectural services without explaining that no independent architectural function could therefore be provided; had failed to provide adequate competence and resources for the project; had failed to provide sufficient terms of engagement; and had failed to carry out works without undue delay and within agreed cost limits.

A-Cube Architects Ltd was appointed to provide architectural services by a long-standing friend and his fiancée relating to major extension works to what was to be their matrimonial home. There were no terms of appointment in place and the only contractor’s tender returned was vastly in excess of the clients’ budget.

To reduce costs, Mr Aftab suggested using building workers he had worked with previously, and who would work on a project of his and the complainants’ project at the same time. He would pay them for both projects and recharge the complainants the cost. He would take payments from them, and pay on their behalf. No contract was ever put in place.

There were numerous problems with the works, including inappropriate behaviour by workmen, damage to a neighbouring property, breaches of Building Regulations, sub-standard work, incorrect specification and a general lack of progress. The workmen had threatened to walk off site because they were not being paid by Mr Aftab or his company, resulting in the complainants having to pay them direct to ensure work continued.

When the complainants refused to pay A-Cube Ltd any more money until a full breakdown of costs and receipts had been provided, A-Cube Ltd issued County Court proceedings. A-Cube Ltd’s claim was struck out, and judgment entered for the complainants on their counter-claim, for a figure, later agreed by the liquidator and put into a consent order but never paid, of £129,000.

After the complainants complained to the Architects Registration Board, the ARB enquired about the adequacy of Mr Aftab’s professional indemnity insurance. Mr Aftab sent a copy of his policy to the ARB and stated that he had properly notified his insurers of the claim, and that it would be covered. He told the ARB that insurers were dealing with the claim, jointly with A-Cube Ltd’s liquidators (because the firm was by then in liquidation), and that he understood the insurers were going to cover any successful claim against A-Cube Ltd.

In fact, the Committee heard, the insurers had written to A-Cube Ltd some 18 months earlier, declining insurance for this project on the grounds of misrepresentation and non-disclosure of the potential claim, which position they had not changed. Because A-Cube Ltd’s insurance was ineffective, and the firm was in liquidation, Mr Aftab’s clients have been unable to, and are unlikely to, recover any of the £129,000 judgment in their favour.

Mr Aftab attended the hearing and denied that he had dishonestly misrepresented to ARB the true position of his professional indemnity insurance cover, being of the belief that he was being asked a question concerning the liquidation of his company.

The PCC found that while Mr Aftab was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in respect of his misrepresentation and on any objective view had acted without integrity, it also accepted that at the time he did not act dishonestly, as in his own mind he did not have dishonest intent as he genuinely believed that ultimately the insurance company would see what he regarded as its error and pay out. Because of this, the PCC found that he had not been dishonest, stating: “Mr Aftab said to us that he felt that the reason his email of 7 December 2010 was not dishonest was because he felt that if the insurer did review the case and did take on board what he was saying then they would cover the claim, and he considered this e-mail was all about the liquidation. That he did not identify the real issue was not dishonest, he said. He did not believe it to be untrue, even now, although he agreed it was, in his word "clunky". It is not enough for Mr Aftab to have a belief system of his own, but if there is any doubt he has the benefit of it. This is, frankly, an appalling way for a professional man to behave towards his regulatory body, but he did tell the client of the problem with the insurance, and so, for this, and for the other reasons set out in his favour, on the balance of probabilities we find that he was not dishonest.”

The Committee considered all of the mitigating factors in the case, including Mr Aftab’s previously unblemished record; his admission of all but one of the allegations; the acceptance of his failings; his expressions of regret and remorse toward his former clients; that he had not benefited financially from the conduct complained of but, on the contrary, had suffered financially as a result of his firm’s liquidation; and that Mr Aftab is passionately committed to architecture, and his successful career had been blighted or extinguished by this case, and the whole business had been prompted by a desire to assist long standing friends.

However, the Committee decided that the findings of unacceptable professional conduct were very serious, stating: “In this case we have noted the enormous impact on the client. The architect failed to pay heed to the most basic of boundaries; was he the architect, was he the contractor, was he neither? He issued Architect's Instructions, but did not seem to be the architect. Ultimately he ceased to be involved and sued the client for money he said was outstanding. He had paid out money for the client, and then collected money from the client whilst at the same time letting the client pay some bills direct. Having done all those things there were then difficulties with his insurance, and he was less than frank with the ARB about those issues, as we have found. The matter with the clients extended over some years. The clients have recovered nothing of their enormous loss, and nor will they. These are serious matters indeed.”

In the circumstances the PCC considered that it would be inappropriate to impose anything less than the maximum 2 year suspension possible.

Oldham Coliseum looking for an architect

Richard Buxton — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:17:00 GMT

Oldham Council is looking for an architect to convert its Victorian library and extend Oldham's cultural quarter.

The project is a collaboration between the Oldham Coliseum Theatre (OCT) and the Arts & Heritage Services of Oldham Council. It encompasses the re-use and extension of the existing former library building and the construction of a new linked theatre for cultural uses.

The objective is to bring together the producing theatre, young people’s theatre, community arts development, art gallery, heritage collections, and local studies in a single linked complex; combining a new build and a conversion of a much loved but currently empty Victorian library, linked via a bridge with Gallery Oldham and public space in the Library Gardens.

The deadline for expressions of interest is midday on the 24th June.

To register interest and for more information go to www.the-chest.org.uk

New guidance released on protecting homes from flooding

Richard Buxton — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:57:00 GMT

Two new publications that explain how homes can be made more resilient to flooding using new technologies have being launched as part of the SMARTeST project.

Titled Six Steps to Property Level Flood Resilience, one has been written specifically for property owners and one for local authorities and professionals.

The SMARTeST project has developed innovative smart technologies and products that can improve flood resilience in towns and cities. Ten European research institutes collaborated on the project to produce cost effective measures that can be used by individuals and communities to protect their homes. SMARTeST has focused on retrofitting the new technologies to buildings and/or through community-wide flood resilience systems.

The publication for property owners provides guidance on the correct installation and maintenance of technologies that can increase their properties’ ability to cope with floods – or limit the damage. This will often allow owners to return to their properties much more quickly than if they’d had no protection.

The guidance for local authorities and professionals focuses on making flood resilience technologies, particularly at property and neighbourhood scales, part of an overall flood risk management strategy.

Both publications will be made freely available on the National Flood Forum website and the SMARTeST project website over the next few weeks.

For further information on their availability, email Stephen Garvin at garvins@bre.co.uk

UK construction returns to growth

Richard Buxton — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:10:00 GMT

The May Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) shows a rebound in both output levels and intakes of new work across the UK construction sector, largely driven by improvements in residential building.

The PMI index at 50.8 in May (a figure above 50 indicates expansion) up from 49.4 in April, shows a construction output rise for the first time since October 2012. House building in May was at its fastest pace for 26 months. The amount of spending on commercial and civil engineering projects did continue to fall, according to the survey, although in both cases the decline slowed from April.

Tim Moore, Senior Economist at Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI, said: “UK construction output appears to have finally pulled out of a tailspin in May, but the latest figures suggest that the sector is worryingly reliant on residential building work for thrust. Construction firms cited improving house building activity as the key factor behind a rise in new orders for the first time since May 2012. Meanwhile, shrinking spending on both commercial and civil engineering projects acted as a drag on overall new business growth."

When asked, construction firms said they were optimistic about the future. 40% of the firms questioned expect to see a rise in output over the next 12 months.

Architecture review launches Call for Evidence

Richard Buxton — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:53:00 GMT

The independent review of architecture and the built environment, being conducted by Sir Terry Farrell CBE, has launched its Call for Evidence in which views are sought from the public and the profession.

The review is tasked with looking at four main areas and making recommendations to the Department for Culture and Media and Sport.

Design Quality - Understanding the Government's role in promoting design quality in architecture and the built environment
Economic benefits - The economic benefits of architecture - maximizing the UK's growth potential
Cultural Heritage - Cultural heritage and the built environment
Education - Promoting education, outreach and skills

Ed Vaizey, the Culture and Creative Industries Minister, said: "Good design builds communities, creates quality of life, and makes places better for people to live, work and play in. I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to recognise the importance of architecture and reap the benefits of good design and I’m delighted Sir Terry Farrell has agreed to undertake this independent review. I now urge all those within the architecture and built environment industry to make sure they get involved and contribute their views.”

The deadline for submissions is Friday the 19th July 2013.

Architecture at Zero 2013 calling for entries

Richard Buxton — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:10:00 GMT

Open to students and professionals worldwide, the Architecture at Zero 2013 competition is challenging participants to create a design for a new, roughly 150 unit mixed-use residential apartment building located in the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

With the aim of being as close to zero net energy as possible, the building must be a mix of affordable and market rate housing units and include a full neighbourhood-serving grocery store on the ground level.

This competition will be using the zero net site energy definition. A zero net site energy building project produces at least as much energy as it uses over a year when accounted for at the site level (as defined by the boundaries of the project, whether one or multiple buildings). This definition does not include the embodied energy in building materials or account for transportation of materials and people to and from the site. This definition does include all forms of energy used on the site (most commonly electricity and natural gas).

Submission closes on the 1st October 2013.

To register, and for more information, please visit www.architectureatzero.com

Lesser Known Architecture exhibition opens in London

Richard Buxton — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:26:00 GMT

Lesser Known Architecture, a free exhibition of unusual and often overlooked London buildings curated by Elias Redstone, opens tomorrow.

The exhibits have all been nominated by leading architectural critics and highlight the beauty of some of the capital's lesser known buildings, such as the ultra-modern looking Welbeck Street car park (right). They are all buildings that Londoners may have seen on their daily commutes, but never really noticed before.

The exhibition is part of the 2013 London Festival of Architecture at the Design Museum. It runs from 4th June to the 22nd July, 2013.

The photographs displayed at the Lesser Known Architecture exhibition will be produced as limited edition prints on sale in the Design Museum Shop.

Image copyright Theo Simpson

Property prices and transaction volumes moving up across the UK

Richard Buxton — Fri, 31 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

April 2013 statistics released yesterday by HM Land Registry have show property prices forging ahead by 13% in Prime London Central (PLC) and, notably, by 5% in England and Wales compared to this time last year.

Naomi Heaton, CEO of the property investment company, London Central Portfolio said: "The stimulus of the low cost of sterling, cheap debt and the Capital’s enduring appeal has fuelled a further influx of international investors. This has led to increased transactions at the top end of the market which is contributing to the upward rise in average prices”.

Transaction levels are also up with PLC showing a 60% rise in transactions over £2 million compared to this time last year and transactions in England and Wales as a whole up 12% in just one month, an indication that the governments stimulus schemes might be starting to take effect.

The most notable increase in sales in England and Wales has been in the £200,000 and £250,000 price band where transactions jumped by 15%.

Average prices are now rapidly approaching the £250,000 mark, where Stamp Duty leaps from 1% to 3%, a rise in tax from £2,500 to £7,500. Since 1997, when stamp duty was increased to 3% for properties over £250,000, average prices have increased by over 3 times. However, the threshold has never been revised upwards.

Government doubles Renewable Heat Premium Payment

Richard Buxton — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:06:00 GMT

The government has announced the doubling of the value of grants available under its Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) initiative.

The RHPP scheme, launched in July 2011, is designed to encourage householders to switch to renewable heat from traditional heating systems by offering money off the cost of the equipment. The scheme targets those living off the gas grid, where the greatest savings can be made both in terms of money and carbon.

As from today, the value of the RHPP vouchers increases to:

£2,300 for ground source heat pumps – from £1,250
£2,000 for biomass boilers – from £950
£1,300 for air source heat pumps – from £850
£600 for solar thermal systems – from £300.

Alongside changes to the voucher values, householders will now be required to undertake a Green Deal assessment before submitting a claim to the Energy Saving Trust to redeem their voucher.

RIBA launches town house building competition for Kingston University

Richard Buxton — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:48:00 GMT

RIBA Competitions has announced the launch of an invited design competition and tender submission on behalf of Kingston University.

Expressions of Interest are sought from multi-disciplinary, architect-led teams based within the European Union with strong design and delivery skills for a major new building project at the University’s Penrhyn Road Campus in Kingston-upon-Thames.

The new town house building will reinforce Kingston University’s vision to be internationally recognised for its creative approach to education, with practical outcomes that benefit people and communities. It will replace an existing building on the site and occupy a prominent position on the northern edge of the Penrhyn Road Campus. The new landmark building will serve as the public face of the University and provide a welcoming gateway to the campus that will be inclusive, contemporary and civic.

Following the pre-qualification phase, 5 architect-led teams will be invited to submit a tender return and design concepts outlining the proposed architectural, building services and structural approach, together with suggestions for improving legibility of the Penrhyn Road Campus. Each short-listed team will receive an honorarium of £6,000 (+VAT) which will be paid following submission and presentation of Stage 2 design proposals at a clarification interview.

A Memorandum of Information giving further details about the project and the pre-qualification process is available via Kingston University’s e-tendering system via: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/kingstonuniversity/aspx/Home, and relates to the University’s Contract Notice published under OJEU Ref: 2013/S 101-173304. Please visit www.architecture.com/competitions and follow the link to Live Competitions to obtain the Unique Registration Number that must accompany the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

The deadline for completed PQQ returns is 2.00pm on Monday 24th June 2013.

Former ARB board member reprimanded

Richard Buxton — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:52:00 GMT

At a hearing of the ARB’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) architect George Oldham was issued with a reprimand following an earlier decision that he had been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct.

The PCC found that Mr Oldham had made a statement in an email which was contrary to his obligations to maintain the reputation of the architects’ profession.

The PCC heard that in an email dated 17 February 2012, inadvertently copied to a journalist, Mr Oldham had referred to two candidates in the ARB election as “the ethnics.” This, in the view of the PCC, was unfair and showed disrespect to those candidates as individuals and as fellow professionals.

Architect fined £1,000 for contractual impropriety

Richard Buxton — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:59:00 GMT

Steven Johnson of MJF Architects Ltd, Leeds, has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct and issued with a £1,000 penalty order by the ARB.

The ARB's Professional Conduct Committee heard that in August 2007, Mr Johnson was jointly instructed by two clients to prepare and submit a planning application in relation to a redevelopment project. The planning application was initially submitted but subsequently returned, and it was agreed that the planning application would not be resubmitted. In June 2010, the planning fee was refunded to the architect; however, this sum was not repaid to the complainants, but rather, Mr Johnson sought to offset that sum against his invoices for additional planning fees.

It was alleged that Mr Johnson failed, prior to undertaking professional work, to record in writing provisions of the contract, failed to record in writing variations to the original agreement, failed to carry out professional work in accordance with any cost limits agreed with the complainants and failed to keep the complainants informed of the progress of the work which was significantly affecting its cost. It was also alleged that the architect failed to safeguard the complainants’ money.

Mr Johnson admitted three of the allegations, but denied that he had failed to make the clients aware of the state of progress of the work being undertaken by him or the level of costs incurred.

The Committee found three of the allegations proved by way of Mr Johnson’s admission. The Committee also found that although the architect had since rectified the situation, by failing to hold the returned planning application sum in a client account, and by offsetting this sum against his costs without the clients’ specific written instructions, the Committee found this allegation proved.

In conclusion, the Committee considered that this was a matter that called for a disciplinary sanction, and the finding of unacceptable professional conduct given the extent and gravity of the matters admitted and found proved. A penalty order of £1,000 was imposed.

Floornature launches architecture and photography competition

Richard Buxton — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:15:00 GMT

Floornature, an Italian think-tank, is calling for entries to its architecture and urban photography competitions.

Both competitions are open to architects, engineers, landscape architects, urban planners and designers from all over the world who graduated after 1st January 2000.

There are two categories to the architecture competition:

First Work - completed and built architecture projects, by architects who graduated after 1st January 2000
Research - unbuilt projects for urban redevelopment, ideal buildings, dissertations and theoretical reflection on contemporary living, by architects who graduated after 1st January 2000.

The photography competition is open to all designers, architecture photographers and students enrolled in an Architecture/Design/Engineering Degree.

The main prizes include trips to Helsinki during the Helsinki design week and a three month internship in Mexico City, plus exposure on various websites.

For further information go to the competition website at contest.floornature.com

RIBA launches Plan of Work 2013

Richard Buxton — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:18:00 GMT

The RIBA has launched the Plan of Work 2013, a reference document for all those involved in the briefing, design, construction and post occupancy process. It comprises eight work stages and details the tasks and outputs required at each stage.

In the new Plan of Work, the former A-L work stages have been scrapped and replaced with eight new, numbered stages and three task bars (procurement, programme and planning) which can be customised.

Visit the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 Online tool to download a copy of the RIBA Plan of Work or to customise a Plan of Work for your practice or project.

A range of new practice management titles accompanying the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 are now available to pre-order:

Guide to using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013

RIBA Job Book (9th edition)

A client's guide to engaging an architect (2013 edition): Guidance on hiring an architect for your project.

Assembling a collaborative project team: practical tools including multi-disciplinary schedules of services

Architect fined £3,000 for professional incompetence

Richard Buxton — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:59:00 GMT

Philip Armstrong of Knutsford, Cheshire, has been found guilty of serious professional incompetence and unacceptable professional conduct and issued with a penalty order.

The ARB's Professional Conduct Committee heard that in November 2010, Mr Armstrong was appointed by a client to replace an existing single storey building with a garden room. It was heard that as the project progressed, it became apparent that the view to the garden was obscured by the roof line of the kitchen extension. It was alleged that this problem arose because when Mr Armstrong initially surveyed the site, he failed to identify that the garden walls were not perpendicular to the house.

This would have meant that, had the extension been constructed where indicated by Mr Armstrong in the plans, it would have encroached on to the complainant’s neighbour’s property. To prevent this, the siting of the extension had to be altered, resulting in, amongst other issues, the creation of an inaccessible area between the extension and the neighbour’s wall. The Committee found that Mr Armstrong had failed to carry out his work conscientiously and with skill and care in that he failed to adequately survey the existing site conditions.

The Committee also found that Mr Armstrong failed to apply for planning permission which was required for the project, and that he had failed to deal appropriately with a complaint about his professional work.

The Committee noted that Mr Armstrong had a previously unblemished record and considered that this was an isolated incident. However, the Committee also noted that Mr Armstrong had not expressed any genuine regret for what happened even though he recognised his failings, and that he had had the opportunity to address the complaint raised but had chosen not to.

Taking all the factors into account, the Committee imposed a penalty order in the sum of £2500 in respect of the finding of serious professional incompetence charge, and £500 in respect of the finding of unacceptable professional conduct charge.

RIBA Future Trends Survey results for April 2013

Richard Buxton — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:29:00 GMT

The RIBA Future Trends Workload Index fell back slightly in April 2013 to +16, down from +19 in March 2013.

This is the first fall in the monthly workload indicator since November 2012, but it does remain firmly in positive territory. Year-on-year workloads remain stable with large practices (51+ staff) reporting a 5% annual increase, but there is no real sign of a sustained upturn in total work in progress.

Private sector housing fell back marginally in April 2013 (balance figure +16) from its March 2013 level (balance figure +17), as did the commercial sector forecast (balance figure +3, down from +6 in March). The public sector forecast (balance figure -6) and the community sector forecast (balance figure -9) both saw somewhat larger falls.

RIBA Director of Practice, Adrian Dobson, said: "Whilst there are some positive signs and confidence levels have improved, the outlook seems to remain uncertain beyond a three month timeline for many practices.

"Anecdotal commentary we receive continues to paint a very mixed picture, with some practices reporting an increase in enquiries and commissions, but others commenting that the market remains intensively competitive."

The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index increased a little in April 2013, rising to +2 and entering positive territory. Overall actual staffing levels are stable, but practices remain cautious about taking on additional permanent staff.

The percentage of architect respondents reporting that they had personally been under-employed in the last month was 29%, up from 26% last month.

Planning Portal sees 25% increase in visitors

Richard Buxton — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:46:00 GMT

The Government's Planning Portal has released visitor traffic and site usage statistics for 2012/2013 which show that the site received 11,128,909 visitors, a 25% increase on the previous year.

In addition, the website recorded:

319,610 planning applications submitted, a 15% increase on 2011/12
2,066,525 approved documents downloaded, an increase of 24%
2,595,200kg of CO2 was saved

According to the Government, the Planning Portal cost a touch over £3m and delivered more than £130m of benefits, equating to £44 of benefit for every £1 spent.

The Government claims that the site has also delivered considerable savings to local authorities: most of the 11 million visits last year were looking for guidance and help. Without the portal it has to be assumed that most of that burden would pass to local authorities.

Competition to find best church architecture of last 60 years

Richard Buxton — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:43:00 GMT

The search is on to find the top 10 best churches, chapels or meeting houses built in the UK since 1953 in a new architecture competition run by the National Churches Trust , the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the Twentieth Century Society.

The top 10 best churches, chapels and meeting houses will be selected by a judging panel including representatives from the National Churches Trust, the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the Twentieth Century Society. From the top 10, a special ‘National Churches Trust Diamond Jubilee Architecture’ award will be presented to the three places of worship judged to be the best sacred spaces built in the last 60 years.

The awards are open to any new church building or significant extension to an existing building from any Christian denomination which opened for worship after 1st January 1953 and which is still open for worship today. (Cathedrals are excluded from the competition as the National Churches Trust does not fund Cathedral buildings.)

Nominations must be made by 31st July 2013 and can be made online or by emailing the name and address of the church, chapel or meeting house to bestchurches@nationalchurchestrust.org.

Architects present vision for Hammersmith flyunder

Richard Buxton — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:33:00 GMT

West London Link Design, a conglomerate of architects, has presented its ideas for how Transport for London (TfL) could replace the crumbling Hammersmith Flyover with a tunnel - or 'flyunder'.

In its report, West London Link Design says that while a tunnel might be expensive in terms of capital outlay, it avoids the costs of long-term disruption to the highway network that rebuilding the flyover will cause. What’s more, a tunnel creates wider financial and cultural opportunities for West London.

It goes on to say that a full analysis of costs and benefits will show how a tunnel compares favourably with a replacement flyover, and how capital costs can be offset by the release of land for profitable development.

Cllr Nicholas Botterill declared Hammersmith and Fulham Council's support for the tunnel at a meeting at Hammersmith Town Hall. He said: "The Hammersmith Flyover is a hangover from another era that should never be repeated. The age of the ugly concrete viaduct in the sky is over and the age of the tunnel is coming."

For the full West London Link Design report click here - www.westlondonlink.com/WLL Brochure Final.pdf

DECC launches £6 million renewable heat competition

Richard Buxton — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:52:00 GMT

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has launched a competition to help registered providers of social housing across Great Britain to install heat pumps, solar thermal panels and biomass boilers.

Greg Barker, Energy and Climate Change Minister, said: “This will help save money on energy bills and provide low carbon alternatives to traditional heating systems. More than 100 social landlords are already taking advantage of over £13 million under our renewable heat competitions. I would encourage more social landlords to rise to the challenge and get involved.”

Helen Williams, National Housing Federation assistant director, said: “The social housing sector has the potential to make a real difference for residents, so it is great this is being recognised. This will help build the required expertise as we move toward the introduction of RHI domestic.”

The competition will have two bidding windows, the first closing on 28th June 2013, with projects to be completed by March 2014, and the second closing on 27th September 2013, with installations to be finished by June 2014.

The scheme will be run by the Energy Saving Trust and bids will be judged by a panel of experts on a range of criteria including value for money, fuel to be replaced, additional energy efficiency measures to be installed and plans to work with local communities.

The application form for the social landlord competition can be downloaded here

Survey finds lack of client demand is biggest barrier to BIM

Richard Buxton — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:16:00 GMT

A survey carried out by RICS at its National BIM Conference found that limited client demand is standing in the way of industry-wide adoption of BIM.

When asked about their perceived barriers to BIM uptake, 46 percent of respondents highlighted lack of client demand.

The survey also found:

100% of survey respondents, from a broad spectrum of built environment disciplines, reported that they are using or actively considering adopting BIM
49% of those surveyed have not implemented a BIM strategy
A current absence of standards, and insufficient IT and technology systems were also referenced by 17% and 15% of respondents respectively as further barriers restricting uptake
15% identified a lack of industry collaboration as a barrier to their implementation of BIM.

The survey demonstrated an encouraging level of recognition of the range of benefits that BIM can deliver to the industry and to business’ bottom lines; with responses relatively balanced against factors of growth and innovation, cost reduction, sustainability, performance efficiency, competitive advantage and life cycle management.

Alan Muse, director of built environment professional groups at RICS, said: “As an industry, we should be encouraged by the growing traction that BIM is gaining as the route forward for the built environment, but also be prepared to embrace our responsibilities in overcoming identified barriers and issues.”