Wallace Whittle at UKREiiF: The Round Up
WWe asked our attending delegates for their highlights and some insights from UKREiiF 2024 in Leeds.
Our directors from across the UK recently participated in the 2024 UKREiiF conference in Leeds. Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, this three-day event serves as a platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders meet, exchange insights, and investigate collaborative opportunities that shape the future of Real Estate and Infrastructure across the entire country. Over three days, our delegates had ample opportunities to contribute to thought leadership and into ongoing projects across the UK and engage with industry speakers.
The annual gathering featured a compelling agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions and some great guest speakers. With a strong emphasis on exploring the latest trends, innovations, and investment strategies, our objective was to gather valuable insights and cultivate strategic partnerships within the industry.
“My main takeaway was how Energy Performance and ESG was mentioned as a factor in almost every session I attended, especially now from funders who require well performing assets going forward. Buildings and their occupant’s wellbeing are going to be smarter and more integrated and ever more efficient.” Craig Robertson – Director, England
Craig also shared his experience attending the session hosted by JLL on Day Two, which outlined the development plans for West Edinburgh. We are currently part of the team on the incredible West Town project, a development by Drum Property Group, which is set to deliver 7,000 New Homes and an array of amenities.
“The plans for West Edinburgh, including the West Town development was a highlight for me, especially since its in my home city. On the back of delivering St James Quarter, Wallace Whittle are Building Services Consultants, providing MEPH services engineering and energy performance expertise, on two of the biggest developments in Edinburgh this century so far.”
With our recent expansion into Birmingham and Manchester, our Regional Leads, Darren Wright and Paul Dean, found immense value in exploring up-and-coming projects and attending sessions focused on the region’s infrastructural growth and development. The West Midlands UKREiiF sessions highlighted the transformative power of the West Midlands as a driving force for real estate and regeneration opportunities. These discussions underscored how the region is poised to become a central hub for innovation and economic growth.
The session “Devolution: Where does the UK go?” chaired by Phil Laycock, provided diverse regional perspectives and crucial updates following the 2023 trailblazer deals impacting Manchester and the West Midlands. Our projects in Birmingham and Manchester are directly influenced by these trailblazer deals, which aim to decentralise power and to provide more autonomy to local authorities.
For instance, our ongoing project High Street in Digbeth exemplifies this approach. This development includes 481 residential units across two cores, ranging from 8 to 34 storeys, with a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom dwellings. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainable and innovative design but also aligns perfectly with the opportunities highlighted by the 2023 trailblazer deals.
“We are once again delighted to work with a valued client and trusted partner to provide not only a much-needed affordable housing led scheme but also modern energy efficient homes for Digbeth and its community. Sharing our expertise, we hope to create and contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood.” Darren Wright – Director, Birmingham
As we continue to contribute to projects within this region, we are excited to be part of the positive changes and opportunities these deals bring to the West Midlands and Manchester.
Another key takeaway was the focus on securing viable and sustainable funding and the promising future of the funding landscape over the next few years. The conference highlighted particularly promising prospects for projects related to PBSA, Co-Living spaces, and hotels. These sectors are expected to present significant investment opportunities over the next 18 months.
“My first time at UKREiiF was a hugely positive experience. The event programming, content, and particularly the delegates that made the time to be available across the various days was truly first class.” Steven Dunn – Director, Scotland
“Whilst acknowledging and discussing some of the key issues our industry faces right now and in the coming years with funding and the availability of capital, there was also a great deal of positivity and opportunity.
It was reflected in many conversations had during the debate sessions and casual conversations across my two days in Leeds – the future is looking bright.”
Healthcare Highlights from IHEEM NI 2024
WWe asked our Healthcare Leads for their highlights from the 2024 IHEEM NI Belfast Conference & Exhibition.
Our UK & Ireland Healthcare Leads Paul Cooper and Jonathan Blackhurst joined our regional Director for Ireland, Gavin McCausland to represent Wallace Whittle as we grow our presence in the healthcare sector within Northern Ireland.
The conference served as a platform to exchange ideas and insights with fellow industry professionals. Discussions on topics like the journey to net zero were particularly impactful. Chris Matthew from the Department of Health for Northern Ireland delivered a talk titled “Unlocking the Potential, the Passion, and the Commitment,” which covered the decarbonisation of the estate. This resonated deeply with our commitment to sustainable healthcare infrastructure and our ongoing projects with health trusts across the NHS estate.
“The informative presentations on Procure 23 and the New Hospitals Programme were a couple of favourites that gave a great insight into the progress of the NHP and the toolkits procure 23 provides for project success.” Jonathan Blackhurst, England Healthcare Lead.
Helen Sturdy, from NHS England, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the first day, focusing on the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Toolkit. She emphasised that “the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction Toolkit and accompanying User Guide are intended to provide a framework and key themes to create a coherent Modern Methods of Construction strategy.” At Wallace Whittle, we have extensive experience with MMC with the imminent handover of the new Surgical Centre for NHS Golden Jubilee, a facility designed from the ground up to fully utilise Modern Methods of Construction.
“It was a great couple of days in Belfast seeing the importance that is being placed on healthcare by IHEEM NI and the local Trusts and delivery partners. I was particularly impressed with the talks that were put on looking to receive knowledge and lessons learned from other parts of the UK on their healthcare programmes.” Paul Cooper, Scotland & Ireland Healthcare Lead.
Eamon Sullivan and Alpa Patel, from the New Hospital Programme, delivered a fantastic presentation on the first morning, with a particularly compelling discussion. They explained that “Hospital 2.0” is a standardised design for future hospitals, which will benefit patients and staff through digital solutions and optimised hospital layouts. This approach aims to decrease the average time required to develop and build hospitals while also reducing costs through economies of scale.
While there are challenges in implementing repeatability and standardisation for MEP services in a healthcare environment, Wallace Whittle has extensive experience in this area. Our ongoing design for the Monklands Replacement Project is a prime example of how we effectively utilise repeatability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. To find out more about some of our processes, read our piece on Ceiling Coordination.
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At Wallace Whittle, our dedication to healthcare engineering excellence is unwavering. With 20+ years experience within the industry, we specialise in designing and optimising HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, water management, and all crucial components for the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.
Moreover, sustainability is at the forefront of our approach. We prioritise green energy solutions and employ innovative practices to minimise environmental impact.
“We had a great time meeting with different healthcare clients and introducing them to Wallace Whittle’s healthcare knowledge and experience in Scotland, England, and Ireland. We are looking forward to strengthening these relationships in the healthcare industry as we expand our Belfast office!” Gavin McCausland, Ireland Director.
As we continue our commitment to supporting trusts and projects across the UK and Ireland, especially towards sustainability, Wallace Whittle remains dedicated to driving positive change in the healthcare industry.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our healthcare expertise – [email protected]
Wallace Whittle’s Approach to Above Ceiling Coordination in a Healthcare Environment
Our Approach to Above Ceiling Coordination in a Healthcare Environment
Healthcare design and delivery is constantly evolving and now demands innovative approaches to coordination and communication. At Wallace Whittle, our BIM team plays a key role in this process, collaborating closely with engineers and partners to ensure seamless integration of building systems. Within the healthcare industry, where regulations exist to safeguard patients, early above ceiling coordination becomes fundamental.
Prioritising patient care means that downtime for rooms or departments is not an option, therefore there is a significant focus, even during the early design stages, on delivering a design that allows for good access and maintenance that keeps the impact of the building users to an absolute minimum
Our team focuses on accommodating the requirements of MEP systems without compromising ceiling aesthetics or interfering with other building systems. Within healthcare, the sheer volume of systems means that there is a constant battle for space for the MEP services. A robust co-ordination strategy allows the space to be used as efficiently as possible, to allow the individual systems to be routed to where they need to go & be able to be constructed in a logical manner. This not only reduces risk to construction costs & programme, but also minimises the risk of errors.
Through prioritising key components such as patient care, safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency, our teams can navigate the design process with precision and transparency, whilst adhering to current regulations and delivering results that exceed our clients’ & partners expectations.
The healthcare industry has undergone massive changes in the aftermath of the pandemic, additionally the pandemic also altered our methods of co-ordination and communication. With our BIM team operating collaboratively across the UK already, our systems are optimised to allow clients and collaborators to access data quickly via the cloud, this removes the need for physical data transmission and eliminates the time required to manually process and audit information.
Our application of 2D & 3D software in the form of Building Information Modelling are powerful design management and coordination tools. BIM Models can be populated with valuable information that can then be analysed, driving a more effective design. Further developing this data in the later stages of design, fabrication and even construction provides our clients with data-driven information which can be valuable in operation and maintenance.
Golden Thread
With patient care as a top priority within healthcare, a significant factor to consider with ceiling co-ordination is how information and data is recorded over time, and how it can be accessed in the future, should it ever need to be reviewed.
Golden Thread is a system our BIM team contributes to for one of our major healthcare sites, Monklands Replacement Project. It includes the information that allows someone to understand a building, and the measures needed to keep it, the people in and around it safe, both now and in the future. This is done through providing digital information, and describing the information management processes needed to identify, understand, manage, and mitigate building safety risks.
This is especially important within healthcare as patient safety is paramount. Having a golden thread in place ensures that relevant information about these systems is stored accurately, safely and is also easily accessible for maintenance and for future reference.
Digital Twins
With longevity and sustainability, a priority for many of our clients, our team can also support the implementation of Digital Twins. Digital twins allow you to visualise, monitor and optimise operational assets, processes, and resources by harnessing live data, even long after construction is complete. Digital Twins can help shed light on ongoing factors and even predict future data. This provides vital, real-time insights into performance and activity.
At its core, a digital twin is essentially a ‘living’ version of the project and it’s a highly valuable addition to have. Digital twins offer healthcare facilities with the ability to visualise, monitor, and optimise their operations in real-time, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability. By harnessing live data and providing continuous insights into facility performance, digital twins support informed decision-making and proactive management of that healthcare environment, even long after our involvement.
Why Wallace Whittle?
At Wallace Whittle we have a dedicated team of BIM technicians across the UK ready to co-ordinate with our engineers and third-party partners. Our technicians utilise the most modern technology to remove any time delays associated with data and information processing, whilst also prioritising the integrity of the building designs. Within healthcare above ceiling co-ordination plays a significant role in ensuring patient care and safety, Healthcare facilities are also subject to strict regulations and standards to ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements. ISO19650 is the key standard we align with and are audited against annually. We are also BIM Level 2 accredited, meaning our processes and procedures align with international standards.
This includes the strategic management of void spaces to accommodate essential components such as medical gas systems and ductwork crossover zones.
When setting a void out, our team follows a systematic process that prioritises the sequencing of installations to optimise efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. For instance, in medical gas installations, voids are carefully planned and positioned to facilitate the final brazing process on-site, minimising disruptions and enhancing safety during construction.
Similarly, in ductwork design, crossover zones are strategically identified and left open to streamline the integration of ventilation systems, aiding optimal airflow and environmental control within healthcare facilities.
These considerations are our concern, they are the foundations of our co-ordination and collaboration. Our team are well versed in the complexities of above ceiling co-ordination and take pride in contributing to projects which unite multiple disciplines and provide design solutions efficiently and effectively.
We are heading to Belfast for the IHEEM Conference & Exhibition May 14th & 15th, and we’d love to talk all things healthcare, visit this page for more info, or get in touch with our team today by emailing [email protected]
Paul Underhill
Associate BIM Technician
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Highlighting: Healthcare
Healthcare
Our experience in the Healthcare Sector spans over 20 years and is wide-ranging across new facilities and regeneration.
Since our last healthcare highlight we have seen the completion of Phase 2 of the Golden Jubilee Hospital with their Elective Care Centre, alongside the completion of The Crescent; a resource Centre in London, providing care to adults with disabilities. We’ve also seen significant progress in some of our other ongoing projects including Monklands Replacement Project!
Hospital Design & Engineering is at the heart of what we do, and as MEP consultants we consider HVAC systems, electrical systems, water, drainage, and other essential infrastructure to ensure seamless operation and efficiency of healthcare facilities.
We also prioritise green energy solutions, including Net Zero Carbon designs, optimising lighting systems, and implementing green building practices to reduce environmental impact and embodied carbon. Through assessing existing buildings and providing recommendations for renovations and improvements.
We’re heading to Belfast for the IHEEM Conference & Exhibition in May, and we’d love to talk all things healthcare, visit here for more information.
Wallace Whittle Expands with New Offices in Manchester & Birmingham and Welcomes New Director
WWe're Growing!
We are expanding our presence in England with the opening of not one, but two new offices, and the appointment of a new Director. This strategic expansion of our operations in the North West and West Midlands mark a significant milestone in our growth trajectory, bolstering our national presence and allowing us to better serve our clients across the UK.
Having focused on organic growth in Scotland and Ireland, we are now venturing into new territory in Birmingham, alongside expanding our already well-established Warrington office with a new city centre space in Manchester.
“We are proud to launch our new offices in Birmingham and Manchester,” said Allan McGill, Managing Director at Wallace Whittle. “These expansions signify a pivotal juncture for our company as we execute our growth strategies and extend our reach across the UK.”
“Growth in England is pivotal to our Next Level aspirations for the company,” Allan added. “We are steadfast in our commitment to becoming a prominent player in the region, building upon our strong foundations in Scotland, Ireland and London.”
Paul Dean, Manchester Director
Heading up the Manchester office is experienced Director, Paul Dean, whose wealth of experience and leadership will guide operations across both the Warrington and Manchester offices. Under his stewardship, Wallace Whittle aims to provide comprehensive regional coverage and deliver tailored solutions to clients in the Northwest of England.
Paul said: “Having seen our success in the north-west grow during recent years thanks to our well deserved reputation for quality, innovation and delivery, opening an office in the centre of Manchester is a logical next step for our expansion as a business. With nearly 150 team members across Wallace Whittle, we’re perfectly placed to deliver quality on a wide range of project types, and this new office solidifies our recent growth.”
Darren Wright, Birmingham Director.
In Birmingham, we welcome Darren Wright as the new Director, leveraging his profound knowledge of the region to spearhead the establishment and growth of the office. Darren and his local team are primed to expand Wallace Whittle’s presence in the West Midlands and contribute to the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
Darren, who previously served as Associate and Birmingham team leader at chapmanbdsp, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Wallace Whittle: “It’s a privilege to be joining an established brand in Wallace Whittle at such an exciting time and playing a key role in the expansion and growth plans within Birmingham and the wider central UK region. Promoting the company’s proud history of delivering quality of product and service is fundamental to maintaining our local existing client base and shaping relationships with new clients alike.”
The new offices in Birmingham and Manchester underscore Wallace Whittle’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to clients nationwide. With a current team of over 30 staff across central England, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead as we continue to expand our numbers and presence, and make a positive impact across the UK.
We have a strong track record of supporting and developing new offices from zero to £1-2m in just a couple of years -if you are looking for a new challenge, like Darren, get in touch in confidence with our Managing Director, Allan McGill – [email protected]
If you would like to have a chat about joining the teams either of our new offices, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or check out the roles below.
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