Tag: construction

Architecture & Building

Qatar world cup: The £220 billion stadium constructions.  

22nd November 20220

Qatar 2022 will be the first middle eastern country to host the world cup. The world cup in Qatar will take place in 8 stadiums during November and December. 7 of the 8 stadiums are brand new and underwent a huge redevelopment.  

Since Qatar was awarded the event in 2010, the country has been developing infrastructure which is able to accommodate all of the visitors.  

Which cities are the stadiums in?  

The Qatari cities that are hosting the tournaments and build new stadiums are:  

  • Firstly, Al Wakrah  
  • Al Khor 
  • Al Rayyan 
  • Doha
  • Finally, Lusail 

How much did the construction of each stadium cost? 

Lusail Iconic Stadium –  

Firstly, Lusail iconic stadium is the biggest that was built, with a capacity of 80,000 and it’s based in Lusail, Qatar. The stadium was designed by British firm Foster + partners, and populous. Its exterior design replicates bowls, vessels, and other art pieces of the Arab and Islamic world. Its construction began in 2017 and opened in November 2021 with a reported cost of £680 million.  

Lusail Stadium by Foster + Partners

Al Bayt Stadium –  

Secondly, the Al Bayt is a multi-purpose stadium in the coastal town of Al Khor, Qatar. It has a capacity of 60,000 making it one of the larger arenas. The construction began in November 2021 and it was completed by the end of 2021. The main inspiration for the design of the exterior was a large Arabic tent. In addition, the construction reportedly cost £718 million. 

(David Ramos/Getty Images)

Al Janoub Stadium – 

This is a retractable roof stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar. The stadium was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, built 2014-2019. So, the stadium features a curvilinear Postmodernist and neo-futurist design. The appearance of the roof was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats. The capacity of the stadium is 40,000, and it is reported to cost £555 million to build.  

PHOTOGRAPHER Hufton + Crow  Luke Hayes 

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium –  

The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.  The former stadium, built in 2003, had a seating capacity of 21,282 and was demolished in 2015.The new Al Rayyan Stadium has a seating capacity of 44,740. Also, it was opened in December 2020 and its reported cost was about £305 million. 

 ©Getty Images

Khalifa International Stadium –  

Khalifa International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Doha, Qatar. An ancient flavour with a futuristic aroma, this venue was the only one that was not fully built because of Qatar 2022. It opened in 1976 and has been the house of Qatari football since then. It went through a renovation from 2014 to 2017, when it was reopened. Furthermore, the refurbishment cost was reported at £317 million. 

Image: FIFA

Education City Stadium –  

This stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar, and was built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Its works started in 2015 and the venue was opened in 2020. Like most of the Qatar 2022 stadiums, it offers advanced cooling techniques. In addition, it was one of the most expensive projects with a cost of £594 million. 

© Pattern

Stadium 974 –  

This is a stadium in Doha, Qatar. Opened 30 November 2021, it is a temporary venue made from 974 recycled shipping containers that will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after which it will be dismantled. The construction cost of this venue remains uncertain.  

Image: [dezeen/Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy]

Al Thumama Stadium –  

Finally, Al Thumama Stadium is a football venue in Al Thumama, Qatar. The construction first started in 2017 and was completed in October 2021. The capacity of the venue is 40,000. In fact, this venue’s exterior is inspired by the Gahfiya, the traditional cap used by Arabic men. It is estimated the construction of this building was £288 million.  

Permitted Development

Home additions you can build without planning permission 

18th November 20220

Are you looking to extend your home but are dreading the thought of applying and waiting for planning permission? Then you’re in the right place! Here we divulge in the renovation projects you can achieve under permitted development.  

What you can build without full planning permission –  

A standard loft conversion –  

Transforming a loft into a liveable space can be a cost-effective way to add more space. In the UK, you won’t need planning permission as long as the conversion is no higher than the highest part of the roof. Also, if you use similar materials to the existing house.  

To be permitted development any additional roof space created must not exceed these volume allowances:  

  • 40 cubic metres for terraced houses.  
  • 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses. 

However, the roof enlargement can’t hang over the outer wall of the house.  

A single storey extension –  

You can build a single storey rear and side under permitted development rights. Although, there a lot of conditions you must follow, for example: 

  • The extension is built on the side or rear of the home 
  • Cannot extend past the rear wall by 3 metres for an attached property or 4 metres for a detached home 
  • Building materials must be similar to the existing property 
  • It takes up less than 50% of the land surrounding the property 
  • Must be less than 4 metres in height or 3 metres if it is within 2 metres of a boundary 
  • Any eaves or ridges must be no taller than the original property 

Replace the windows and doors –  

If you are simply replacing the windows with a similar size and style then you won’t need to apply for planning permission. However, if you want to add new windows then you will need planning permission. Also, if your house is a listed building you will need to get permission.  

You don’t usually need to apply for planning permission for:  

  • repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements, such as repainting window and door frames 
  • insertion of new windows and doors that are of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house (note – a new bay window will be treated as an extension and may require permission). If new windows are in an upper-floor side elevation they must be obscure-glazed and either non opening or more than 1.7 metres above the floor level 
  • installation of internal secondary glazing. 

Installing roof Lanterns and skylights –  

Installing rooflights can be a great way to increase the natural light in a home. They are usually under permitted development. But mustn’t stick out by more than 150mm from the plane of the roof.  

Image credit: Billy Bolton

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Advice Center

Can you build in an area of outstanding natural beauty? 

17th November 20220

What is an area of outstanding natural beauty? 

An area of outstanding natural beauty is (ANOB) is an area of land which is protected by law to preserve and enhance its natural beauty.  

How are AONBs made? 

Natural England can make orders to designate areas of outstanding natural beauty or vary the boundaries of existing ones. Before natural England proposes an area to become an AONB, it must meet the natural beauty criterion. This could be multiple different factors, such as: 

  • Landscape quality. 
  • Scenic quality. 
  • Relative wildness, such as distance from housing or having few roads. 
  • Natural heritage features, such as distinct species and habitat. 
  • Relative tranquillity, where all you can hear is natural sounds. 
  • Cultural heritage. 

How many areas of outstanding natural beauty are there?  

There are 46 AONB in the throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Areas of natural beauty cover about 18% of the UK countryside. The types of natural beauty can range from woodlands, villages, moorlands, and meadows.  

No other country in the world has Areas of outstanding natural beauty.   

Can you get permission to build on an AONB? 

Overall, getting planning permission for a major development is very rare. If the development has a significant impact on the local environment, you should consult natural England about the planning proposal. If the developer can prove that there is a need and actual benefit of the proposed work, there are times where the permissions has been granted.  

Before developing your property, it is important for you to know what rights you have as a property owner in an AONB. Because of the area, your permitted development rights may be reduced, and planning permission grants may become more uncommon. 

Permitted development is a development that you can carry out without needing to apply for full planning permission. You may still need approval under other legislations. 

You might be able to extend a house in an AONB under permitted development if you follow the rules, are some examples: 

It must not go more than 4m beyond the rear wall of the property if it’s a detached house or 3m for any other dwelling. 

Must not be more than 4m high. 

Extensions

Are conservatories a good investment?

16th November 20220

Do you want a conservatory extension in your home? If yes! Then you are on the right spot as in this article we are going to take a look at conservatory extensions, and if they are worth it. Information that we are going to share will help you make the right buying decision.  

Are conservatories still in high demand?  

Back in the day conservatories were an extremely popular option for those looking to extend their homes. However, the spaces were too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. They also were known to have leaks and condensation.  

Although, The new generation of conservatory ideas are anything but downmarket, with refreshed designs in both modern and traditional styles boosting your home’s kerb appeal, while advances in glass, better ventilation and smarter home heating all help to keep the internal temperature in check.    

Things to consider before installing a conservatory –  

  • Size 
  • Cost  
  • Heating 
  • Material 
  • Orientation 
  • Construction  
  • Exterior style 
  • Interior design  

Would you need planning permission?  

Planning permission is not usually needed, you can do it under permitted development. Although, it is likely you will need approval from your local building control department if you want to replace a glazed roof with a solid roof.   

you may need Planning permission if:   

  • It is taller than 4 meters.  
  • The conservatory width is bigger than half of the house.   
  • The extension can’t be higher than the eaves of your existing home.    

How much do they cost? 

There are a number of different types of conservatories. The style, size and materials will affect the cost. A conservatory can cost anywhere between £9,000 – £18,000. On average a lean-to uPVC conservatory will cost you £10,250.  

Do they increase the value? 

Many people have different opinions on conservatories and if they add value to a property. Also, some potential buyers appreciate the extra space where they can relax and take in the garden at the same time. Conservatories are known to add up to 15% more to your property value.  

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Architecture & Building

5 examples of fascinating abandoned architecture  

16th November 20220

Designing a building is a challenging, time consuming and expensive process which requires an extreme amount of preparation. Buildings often live long lives and are restored when they start to get damaged.  

However, throughout history some buildings fall victim to events which leave them abandoned. Places which once had a purpose are now forgotten. 

Below are 5 abandoned buildings frozen in time.  

City hall subway station –  

The city hall station, was a terminal station on the IRT Lexington Avenue. Line of the New York City subway. The station opened on October 27th 1904, as one of the original 28 stations of the New York subway. As the underground became more popular, it was impossible to lengthen the original platform, to accommodate ten car trains. This caused the station to close on December 31st 1945, because the number of passengers using the station declined and it was close to the Brooklyn bridge station.  

In 2004 the station was listed on the national register of historic places. In the mid 2000s Staff of the transit museum were conducting tours of the station. Unlike any of the other New York stations, there is little graffiti and dust in the station. The station remained in good condition in 2019, though only one of the original skylights remained. 

 (image courtesy of John-Paul Palescandolo). 

Beelitz-Heilstatten Hospital –  

The Heilstatten is a large hospital complex of about 60 buildings. Originally designed as a sanatorium. The complex from the beginning of World War 1 was a military hospital for the German army. During October and November 1916, Hitler recovered at the hospital after being wounded in the leg during the battle of Somme. It was used once again as a field hospital to treat wounded Nazis during World War II. In 1945, Red Army forces occupied Beelitz-Heilstätten, and the complex remained a Soviet military hospital until 1994, several years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

In December 1990, Erich Honecker was admitted to Beelitz-Heilstätten after being forced to resign as the head of the east german government. After having liver cancer, he died in Chile in 1994. Beelitz lost its purpose with the departure of the Russians that same year and was abandoned in 1994. As of 2007, none of the abandoned hospital buildings or the surrounding area were secured, giving the area the feel of a ghost town.  

Buzludzha Monument Bulgaria –  

Construction of the monument began on 23 January 1974 under architect Georgi Stoilov. In power during the height of Soviet influence, the Bulgarian Communist Party decided to erect the monument to commemorate socialist communism. However, the site was abandoned after the government’s fall from power in 1989. Inside the building, mosaics commemorating the history of the Bulgarian Communist Party cover approximately 937 square meters. Although, one-fifth of the mosaics have already been destroyed due to age, weather-related deterioration and vandalism. 

The Ryugyong Hotel North Korea –  

The Ryugyong hotel, more commonly known as the hotel of doom, is an unfinished 105 storey, 330m tall pyramid shaped skyscraper. The construction of the building began in 1987 but was stopped in 1992 because North Korea entered a period of economic crisis. This was due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.  

After 1992, the building stood topped out, but without any windows or interior fittings. In 2008, construction resumed, and the exterior was completed in 2011. The hotel was planned to open in 2012, the centenary of founding leader Kim Il-sung‘s birth, but that was cancelled.   

In late 2016, there were indications of renewed activity, and a report that a construction company had visited North Korea. In June 2019, there was new signage bearing the hotel’s name and its logo over the main entrance. 

Credit: Getty Images

Buffalo Central Terminal – 

This is a historic former railroad station in Buffalo, New York. It was an active station from 1929 to 1979. The main hall is expansive, with vaulted ceilings, decorative railings, and patterned floors. Even decades of neglect have not dulled the terminal. In addition to several ticket counters, the main hall also contained a post office, a restaurant and coffee shop, a barber shop, a Western Union telegraph office, and a soda fountain. 

After the war, the station entered into what would be a permanent decline, amid the larger decline in train travel across the country.  In 1956, the terminal was put up for sale for $1 million, but no one was interested. In 1968, New York Central Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad merged forming the Penn Central System and two years later the new company declared bankruptcy. With the creation of Amtrak in 1971, service was restored to Niagara Falls and Toronto via the Maple Leaf, but the Buffalo Central Terminal was simply too big and expensive to maintain. The station closed in 1979. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Buffalo_Central_Terminal_1.jpg

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House Renovation

Renovations that will decrease the value of your home  

15th November 20220

Your home is a place you take pride in and where you go to relax after a long day. So, it’s only natural you would want to make improvements and increase the value of your house. Many people spend 1000s of pounds on remodelling their homes but there not always adding value to the property in the process. 

 Here is a list of home improvements that can decrease the property value:  

Too much wallpaper –  

Wallpaper can be an overwhelming design choice for your home, especially if it has bold patterns, colours and, textures. Wallpaper can also be quite difficult to remove, so potential buyers might see it as a headache to deal with. Fresh paint and natural colours are always a good choice if you are thinking of selling the property.  

Texture on the walls and ceilings –  

Just like wallpaper texture on a wall can often be hard to remove. It also gives an outdated vibe to the house, and removing it can create a more modern look.  

Having/ lowering the ceilings – 

Buyers love high ceilings; they can open up the space and make the rooms seem bigger than they actually are. Although, low ceilings can save on energy bills, they can also lower the value of your home. 

Combining small bedrooms to create a larger room –  

While combining smaller rooms to create one big room may sound like a great idea for a young couple with no children. However, if they then decide to sell the property, it may be difficult. Even small bedrooms add value to a home, because most families want their children to have their own rooms. Each bedroom can add about 15% to the value of a home. 

Adding a conservatory –  

You should think carefully about how many times that you would use a conservatory. Conservatories are often seen as one of the worst home additions, and many people get them removed. They are regularly replaced by extensions which regulate the temperature, add more space, and increase the value of your home.  

Too much carpet –  

A home remodelling expert has said that new hardwood floors can increase the sale price of a home by up to 2.5%. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, carpet can quickly show signs of damage. Plus, colours and textures are highly based on personal preference, and any overly personal touches can decrease a home’s value. 

Image: Abode Stock

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Advice Center

Keep your neighbours happy and look into the party wall act 

14th November 20220

Firstly, what is the party wall act? 

The party wall act 1996 introduced a procedure for resolving disputes between owners of neighbouring properties. The Party Wall act prevents building work by one neighbour that can undermine the structural integrity of shared walls or neighbouring properties. 

What is a party wall? 

A party wall is a wall that stands on one owner’s land, but is used by two or more owners to separate their buildings.  

What is covered by the act?  

There are certain items of work that you can only be done after notifying the adjoining owners and either receiving written agreement of the neighbour. This includes:  

  • Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall 
  • Underpinning a party wall or part of a party wall 
  • Inserting a damp proof course, even if it’s on your side of the wall.  
  • Cutting into a wall to take the bearing of a beam 
  • Excavating foundations within three metres of a neighbour’s structure and lower than its foundations  
  • Rasing a party wall and, if necessary, cutting off any objects preventing it from happening  
  • excavating foundations within three metres of a neighbour’s structure and lower than its foundations 
  • excavating foundations within six metres of a neighbour’s structure and below a line drawn down at 45° from the bottom of its foundations. 

Reaching an agreement with your neighbours –  

Sending a notice to your neighbours is the first step of the process, without the issue of valid notices, no action can be taken.  

Written notices must be to the neighbours at least two months before starting any party wall works. Your notice must contain: 

  • The name and address of the building owner 
  • The nature and particulars of proposed work. Including plans, sections, and details of construction methods.   
  • The date on which the proposed work will begin 

Once you’ve given your notice your neighbour can: 

  • Give consent in writing  
  • Refuse consent, which will start the dispute resolution process.  
  • Serve a counter notice requesting additional works be done at the same time 

Finally, your neighbour must let you know in writing within 14 days if they consent to your notice.  

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Extensions

Porch extensions: are they worth it?

11th November 20220

Building a porch extension can improve your home in many ways. Firstly, they’re a great way to add extra space, and security. As well as, redesigning the look of the front of your house. If you are considering whether you should add a porch to your home, there are a few factors to account for first.  

Why do houses have porches? 

 Security –  

For many families, the biggest benefit is that porches increase the security of your home. This is because the act as an extra barrier, protecting your home from any unwanted visitors. Having to break through two entrances might put off home invaders, or at least give you some extra time to call the police.  

Energy efficient – 

Porches can help your homes energy efficiency. When it’s cold outside, and you enter your porch the second door creates a barrier and prevents the cold air from sweeping into your hallway. It also provides a space to take of your dirty shoes in the winter, so the house stays clean.  

Space –  

Although, it may not seem like a huge addition a porch can add a lot of valuable space. It’s the perfect area to store coats, shoes or outdoor items you might not want inside your home. Particularly if your front door leads straight into your living room or kitchen.  

Aesthetic –  

One of the main reasons people choose to install a porch is to improve the aesthetic of their home. A well-built and decorated porch can create a welcoming entryway instead of just a regular door.  

Will a porch add value to your home? 

Firstly, by adding a porch you are increasing the square footage of your property which will add value to your property. A porch will provide an average return on investment of 84%. The cost and return varies by region, as some places are more suitable for porches than others.    

Image: https://i-glaze.co.uk/benefits-porches-for-modern-homes/

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Loft Conversion

A guide to the different types of dormers  

9th November 20220

What is a dormer roof? 

Firstly, a dormer roof is a built-in structure which adds space and height in a loft, they often always contain windows. Dormers are a popular investment because they can open up a dark and stuffy room.  

Here are some of the different types of dormers:  

Gable fronted dormer –  

A gable dormer is the most common type. It has a simple pitched roof with two sloped planes, supported by a vertical frame that rises so that a triangle section forms. It’s also known as a dog house dormer because they have a similar shape.  

They aren’t the fanciest architectural designs, but they became popular due to the light, space, and symmetry it adds to the home. Also, they help water flow down the sides and away from the windows. This helps prevent flooding, leaks and structural damage to the home.  

Image: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/283586107756021214/

Hip roof dormer –  

A hipped dormer is a roof composed of three sloped planes that rise from each side of the frame and come together at the ridge. Hip roofs aren’t as common as gable roofs because they are more difficult to construct, due to the complex system of rafters and trusses.  

Flat roof dormer –  

The roof of this dormer is a single flat plane, which is horizontal. Although, they are slightly inclined to allow water to run off. Many people opt for a flat roof because they are cheaper to build, and they allow for bigger windows.   

https://liquidapplied.co.uk/portfolio-items/grp-fibreglass-flat-roofing/

Eyebrow/ eyelid dormer –  

This type of dormer is a low wide dormer with a curved roof and no sides. They emerged in Britain when homeowners began to build small arched windows in their cottages centuries ago.  

Wall dormer –  

Rather than setting the dormer partway up the roof’s slope, a wall dormer appears to be a continuation of the wall above eaves level. They aren’t that common dormer types since they don’t add a lot of aesthetic value to the house. 

(Image credit: Chris Snook )
Advice Center

Fire proofing your home: What you need to know 

7th November 20220

A house fire is one of the scariest things a person can experience. More than 37,000 house fires are reported each year in the UK. It is devastating how fast things can take a turn for the worst. Around 200 – 300 people a year lose their lives due to household fires. This is why fire proofing your home is so important. Read on to find the best ways to fire proof your home.  

What does fire proofing mean? 

It’s the process of making buildings resistant to fire damage by including fireproof materials. This doesn’t guarantee that it will never burn, but it can reduce the impact of the extreme heat.  

Is fire proofing necessary?  

Yes, it protects buildings from collapsing and enables time for a safe evacuation of residents in the buildings.  

Ways to fire proof your homes –  

Use fire resistant materials –  

The materials you use for your home can have a big impact on your safety, and not many people know that. When it comes to materials, concrete panels, stucco or brick for exterior walls, steel framing for windows and concrete or metal for roofing are all good choices. Fire retardant paint is also a good idea. For decking, concrete, tiles, stone or brick are better than wood. 

After the great fire of London in 1666, thatched roofs were banned in the city to avoid another rapid spread of fire. Although, statistically homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs. However, if they do the results are often rapid and spectacular. It seems worse, mainly because thatched fires in unprotected properties usually causes severe damage and therefore receives maximum publicity. 

Check and install smoke alarms –  

Smoke alarms are very important in homes, they provide early warnings of smoke and fire in your house. The best place to put a smoke detector is on the ceiling in the hallways and the landing. You shouldn’t put smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathrooms. You should check your smoke alarms at least once a month to see if they still work. And change the batteries every 6 months.  

Have a fire extinguisher on hand –  

Having an extinguisher handy can make all of the difference between a small incident in the kitchen and the entire house Burning down. A good place to keep one is in the kitchen, as that is where many fires start. Make sure it is handy and accessible to everyone in the house. 

Clear the gutters –  

Even if your roof if made from fire resistant materials, if you have leaves and debris up there it can cause a fire. Cleaning our cutters regularly is a good idea. Also, if you have a chimney, you should get that cleaned once a year to check for soot build up.  

(Image credit: Chris Snook )