Industry News
In this issue
Company News
• Covell Matthews Management Changes
• ERD Team visit Findhorn Ecovillage
• Completion Certificates
• New Workplace Legislation - Changes in the Air
Covell Matthews Management Changes
On 31st March 2006, Iain Eason retired as a Director and has taken on the role as a full-time Consultant with the Company. Iain will still be based in the Edinburgh office where his experience and advice will continue to be available to both the Edinburgh office personnel and the new Company management team.
Iain joined Covell Matthews in 1970 and has been a Director for the last 20 years. Following an extended period as Financial Director, he latterly held the positions of Chairman and Managing Director.
As we move into our 30th year since formation, a new Management Team has now been put in place with a Business and Structure Plan to carry the Company through into the next decade.
Completion Certificates
This article highlights the changes to the system as many projects reach completion under the new legislation.
The Old System
A developer obtained a Certificate of Completion from the Local Council. This provided formal confirmation that the building work had been carried out in accordance with the warrant and the Technical Standards. The old forms for Certificate of Electrical Compliance and Application for Completion Certificate were completed and submitted to the Building Control section by the developer / agent / contractor.
The New System
Building warrants are obtained via a verifier, currently, the local authority building standards department. The new Completion Certificate has the same intention as before, but is presented differently. In a role reversal, it is now the Employer’s responsibility to submit a completion certificate to the verifier. The verifier must accept the certificate if, after reasonable enquiry, they are satisfied that the building has been constructed, altered or converted in accordance with the warrant and the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
In carrying out this “reasonable enquiry” test, verifiers may accept a certificate from an Approved Certifier of Construction. At present only electrical and structural works are covered. The completion certificate is confirmation that the work was carried out, and/or conversion made, in accordance with the building warrant and conforms with the drawings, specifications and other information endorsed in connection with the warrant.
It is with all the above in mind that the use of Approved Certifiers in all instances is recommended, however, where Approved Certifiers have not been used for the works the verifier may seek the submission of a relevant certificate from a competent installer (i.e. a member of NICEIC or SELECT or an equivalent body.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) are currently looking at becoming an Approved Certifier of Construction for small building works.
For further information on the Building (Scotland) Act 2003: http://www.sbsa.gov.uk The SBSA (Scottish Building Standards Agency) is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive to undertake the national functions related to the building standards system.
Prince Charles Opens The Gordon Highlanders
Covell Matthews Architects are delighted to have been involved on this exciting project, continuing our excellent working relationship with the Museum. The Learning Centre is an extremely worthwhile addition to the educational facilities the Museum offers young people and it has been a pleasure to be part of the team helping the Museum achieve its aims.
This was a particularly interesting, and in many ways, challenging, project. The existing Gordon Highlanders Museum building is Grade A listed which involved lengthy discussions with Historic Scotland and the Local Authority Planning Department.
Shell Woodbank Facility Upgrade
The refurbishment of Shell’s own Woodbank Facility is nearing completion.
Covell Matthews Architects were asked to upgrade various parts of the complex.
Devon Place, Edinburgh
Eco House, Banchory
Works include alterations to the Sports Changing Facilities and the Accommodation Block as part of the ongoing improvement works for Shell in Aberdeen.
The changing rooms were completed on time and on budget and opened on the 1st May. The refurbishment has been well received by existing members of the complex and it is hoped will attract new members to the facility.
Shell felt the current bedrooms looked ‘tired and dated’. Covell Matthews Interior designers have introduced a contemporary fresh look to the Accommodation block rivalling similar facilities in the surrounding area. At the same time we took the opportunity to increase the sound insulation between rooms, redesign the en-suites, and add some family rooms. All windows were changed out for new, giving the elevation a much needed upgrade.
The Accommodation Block is due to re-open to Woodbank members on the 2nd June.
completion in August 2006. Located in the city centre, on the edge of the Western Coates Conservation Area the proposal respects the mass and rhythm of the locality and employs traditional detailing and materials.
Full Local Authority Approval been granted for this innovative, energy efficient design.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Rothesay officially opened the completed £1.2M refurbishment of the Gordon Highlanders Museum on the 21st April 2006.
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Covell Matthews Aberdeen
• 9 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen
• Tel: (01224) 634040 • Fax: (01224) 631649
Covell Matthews Edinburgh
• 6 Manor Place, Edinburgh
• Tel: (0131) 226 3366 • Fax: (0131) 220 1177
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The New CM Management Team
Chairman - George Simpson
George relinquishes his long standing role as the Company Secretary to take on the position of Chairman. He has been with Covell Matthews since 1977 and as a Director of the Company for the last 19 years.
Managing Director and Financial Director - Jim Taylor
Jim will continue as the Financial Director and will also take on the position as the Company’s Managing Director. Jim joined Covell Matthews in 1976 and a Director since 1991.
Company Secretary -
Christine Reynolds
Christine has been with the Company since 1994 and joined the Board in 2002. She will take over the position as Company Secretary.
Health and Safety Director - Hector Black
Hector will take over the position of Company Health and Safety Director. He has been with the Company since 1998 and joined the Board in 2005.
Associates:
Andrew Mowat
(Aberdeen)
Angela Milne
(Aberdeen)
Andy McNair
(Aberdeen)
Alyn Smith
(Edinburgh)
Tom Kay
(Edinburgh)
Consultants:
Hector Morrison
(Aberdeen)
Iain Eason
(Edinburgh)
Elliott House, Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh Council for a development of 39 residential units at Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh.
The proposal involves the retention of a 1970s office building's structural frame and its contemporary recladding using traditional materials, to form a sensitive residential proposal on an important site on the Eastern approach to the city centre.
• English Heritage lobby to save home of one of
Covell Matthews Founders
ERD Team visit Findhorn Ecovillage
Accreditation in Sustainable Building Design. The team are currently working through a 15 module program covering a holistic evaluation of the total building process from inception on through the buildings life cycle.
As part of the learning experience the team, along with clients from Castlehill Housing Association, Langstane Housing Association, Grampian Housing Association and The MacRobert Trust, visited the Findhorn EcoVillage pioneers in ecological housing.
Following an impressive vegetarian buffet the tour started in the original garden where it all began 42 years ago when the founders were spiritually guided to this location.
The Ecovillage
An EcoVillage is defined as being sustainable ecologically, economically, spiritually and culturally.
The tour meandered through the community whilst our guide informed us of the various construction materials, styles and concepts.
All Eco-houses on the site are built to a high standard, at least 50% above current building regulations. In most cases central heating is no longer required. Their aim is to minimise energy used during the build and reduce energy use over the buildings lifetime. Most building supplies, including timber I-Beams and windows are locally sourced.
House styles are generally simple, practical designs, yet each are individually beautiful buildings.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Living Machine plant where the private system treats sewage before arriving in a greenhouse containing a series of planted tanks, similar to a reed bed system. At the end of the process the water is deemed to be potable.
The Eco-village has recently been selected as North Europe's first United Nations training centre, specialising in environmental policy and sustainable development training.
If you are interested in finding out more then please contact Andy McNair
A team of five from Covell Matthews, led by director George Simpson, are in the process of producing an ERD (Environmentally Responsible Design) Guide for the company, leading towards the RIAS
English Heritage lobby to save home of one of Covell Matthews Founders
Gerry Matthews association with the British Military continued throughout the 1950s where Covell Matthews prospered with Ministry of Defence work including work in Gibralter where our former Senior Partner, Albert Heasman, first worked for Covell Matthews before opening our first Scottish office in Glasgow, 1963.
In 1949 Gerry built his own house at 11a Streatham Common South, London, where it was acclaimed to be a very early & rare example of Post War Modernism which also included a copper roof. This roof caused concern to Gerry who was frustrated at the length of time it took for the roof to oxidise to a green colour. Apparently he helped this ageing process by climbing up on to the roof each evening to relieve himself!
There is now an application to demolish the house and the local Amenity Society, the Streatham Society, are researching the house and the career of Gerry Matthews to persuade English Heritage that the house should be Listed. The campaign is being led by Mr Brian Blocie, Tutor in History and Architecture at Morley and Lambeth Colleges. We are assisting him with background information showing that Gerry Matthews was a major figure post war in the development of architecture both in the UK and worldwide.
Twelve months ago the new building standards system came into operation in Scotland with all new Building Warrant Applications being processed under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
This collaboration ensured the final design provided the client with the building they needed within the constraints set out by the authorities.
Please contact Andy McNair if you would like further information about the project.
We have recently submitted a Planning Application to
This is a development of 6 terraced houses for Abbey (Scotland) Ltd and is currently on site, due for
Red Mall Facilities, Metro Centre, Gateshead
Museum
The Hub, Old Aberdeen for the University of Aberdeen
Covell Matthews continue their working relationship with Sir Robert McAlpine at the Metro Centre. We are working for SRM as their implementation architect on this Design and Build project and it is due for hand over to the client on schedule and on budget.
Construction work on this multi million pound refurbishment is well advanced and is on programme and budget for a late summer 2006 opening.
The "state of the art" building will bring together under one roof many student facilities including an internet cafe bar, shops, food court and student support.
The latest addition is a Dental Unit to be run by the N.H.S.
Design for Manufacture Competition
The winning designs for the Governments contest to design good quality homes for £60,000.00 are being showcased in London this week.
Top Ten lessons learned from the competition so far:
1.Construction costs can be tamed. It was found that those bidders who closely linked their design, suppliers and delivery teams into a single process found further savings.
2.Density with houses, not just flats. Up to 60 homes per hectare, mainly houses. Efficient land use need not mean one-bedroom flats.
3.A home is forever, not just for sale. The proposed homes are designed to evolve with the occupier and changing market. Panelised systems, ‘rooms in the roof’ and removable walls allow for adaptability.
4.Quality and cost are compatible. The £60,000 homes are at least 76.5 sqm. As there have been no subsidies these achievements can be repeated in private development.
5.One thousand and one house types. Get the basic structure right and homes can accommodate all tastes and vernacular styles.
6.Innovation is for everyone. This competition illustrates that Sir John Egan’s recommendations were not in vain.
7.New Players. Most of the successful bidders did something new with someone new.
8.Future proof homes. Future consumers will be more discerning, seeking out comfort features and improved running costs. Government ministers said that greenness will replace cheapness in the second phase of the competition.
9.Place and Product must work together. A real focus on creating communities. Cars don’t dominate, kitchens offer street views, private and public spaces, natural surveillance.
10.Vision. Clear design code and strong pre-agreed design briefs have aided in producing some ambitious developments
The first homes are due for completion Summer 2006.
The full text from the above article can be viewed here: http://www.designformanufacture.info
New Workplace Legislation - Changes in the Air
No Smoking
1,000 of the 13,000 smoking related deaths in Scotland each year are attributed to passive smoking.
To combat this, Scotland’s public spaces became smoke free at 6am on the 26th March 2006.
From company cars to the workplace to the restaurant after work, all are now smoke free, Smoking shelters are appearing all around the city as companies respond to the legislation.
For further information:
Noise Pollution
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations are now in force. Many organisations including the construction, manufacturing, engineering and catering industries will need to re-evaluate their daily routines and provide remedial action where noise is now deemed excessive. Employers will be required to carry out risk assessments identifying the level, type and duration of exposure and the effects on employees.
Means of controlling the exposure to noise include; the design and layout of workplaces, make available suitable protection, propose alternative working methods, limiting the duration of exposure and review work schedules.
For further information: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Covell Matthews founder Ralph Covell began an Architectural practice pre world war II. After the war Mr Covell was joined by Gerry Matthews, where the practice then adopted the name Covell Matthews and Partners.
Gerry Matthews was originally a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers serving with Montgomery in the push to Berlin.
• Design for Manufacture Competition