Building Briefs – April 11th

Exhibition celebrates graduates’ creativity

A unique collection of works formed from recipients of the prestigious Robert Gordon University Fine Art, Design and Architecture Purchase Awards have gone on display in a new exhibition, marking the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.

Kaleidoscope ll at Duff House, which opened yesterday, showcases the very best in creative design and innovation from graduates of RGU’s Gray’s School of Art and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment.

The display is formed from around one hundred original creations and includes fashion, textiles, architectural drawings, a sculpture, digital prints, graphic illustrations and product designs. Part of 2016’s Look Again Visual Art and Design Festival, the exhibition will provide visitors with an opportunity to view and discover more about some of the finest examples of graduate produced artworks in the north east of the country, as well as the artists themselves and their inspiration.

The exhibition is in partnership with Robert Gordon University Art and Heritage Collections and forms part of this year’s Look Again Festival – which showcases the best in visual art and design throughout the north east of Scotland.

Kaleidoscope ll at Duff House runs until Sunday 15th May. This exhibition is included in the cost of admission to the House and is free for members.

Manufacturers’ optimism dented by Referendum uncertainty

The Construction Product Association’s latest State of Trade Survey reports a positive performance in sales of construction products in the first quarter of 2016.

Sales increased for a twelfth consecutive quarter, but manufacturers’ optimism is showing signs of sliding due to uncertainty surrounding the EU referendum in June.

Key points include:

New affordable homes plan for Dumbarton Harbour

The derelict site which was the former home of the Ballantine’s Whisky Distillery is to be regenerated under proposals by Cullross and Dunbritton Housing Association.

The site, which has lain vacant for a number of years, will eventually be completely regenerated and change the face of the Harbour front.

Phase One of the improvements led by Cullross and Dunbritton Housing Association will deliver up to 108 new affordable homes to the area. It is hoped the homes will go a long way to meeting the demand for high quality accommodation in the town centre and will bring about a real transformation to the town and the Harbour Front in particular.

Dunbritton’s acquisition of the phase one site from Cullross has been fully funded by grant from the Scottish Government and the future development of the homes will be funded by a combination of Scottish Government grant and private finance.

The previous distillery was built on the site of the McMillan Shipyard and operated producing grain whisky and a small amount of single malt whisky until 2002Today, all that’s left is the dilapidated red brick tower which was once one of the tallest distillery towers in the world, rivalled only by a distillery tower in Canada.

The current proposals for the redevelopment of the site involve demolishing the tower to make way for much needed new homes.

JM Architects have begun work on designing the proposed site layout and a public consultation will follow in due course and prior to a planning application being submitted.

It is hoped that work will begin on the site within 12 months and that the first homes will be ready for occupation within 12-14 months of starting on site.

Paisley pupils build safety knowledge with Clark Contracts

Pupils at Mossvale Primary School and Nursery Class and St James’ Primary School in Paisley learned about health and safety on a building site, with a creative twist.

Local contractor Clark Contracts is delivering a £4 million extension and refurbishment of both schools for Renfrewshire Council, scheduled for completion in 2017.

The contractor’s Health and Safety Team visited both schools to deliver talks and show a DVD highlighting the dangers on a construction site. The children were then asked to design posters to alert others of the dangers they had learned about.

Sixteen class winners across both schools were each presented with a £10 book voucher.

In addition, the overall best designs from each school, submitted by Nicole Carroll, P7, St James’ and Scott McLean, P7, Mossvale, have been professionally printed for display around the site. Each school also received a cheque for £50.

Roofing firm gives charity extra va-va-voom

Lochmaben roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tile has chosen Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes as its Charity of the Year – with a target of raising £5,000.

Located in Dumfries, Moffat and Stranraer, South West Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes is a charity that delivers essential blood samples and urgent medical supplies to support the NHS, between three hospitals and other healthcare sites in the area.

D & G Blood Bikes was set up in 2015 and now has five bikes, it’s financed solely by charitable donations and doesn’t receive any government funding. Since it was launched the charity has completed almost 500 urgent runs, to help save lives.

Russell Roof Tiles is aiming to raise the cash through fundraising activities such as the Twin Peaks Challenge, a 1500m run, bowling and a 20km bike ride. The much needed donations will go towards Blood Bikes on-going need for new motorbikes, satnavs and high visibility blood bike jackets to keep the charity running.

In its 50th anniversary year in 2015 Russell Roof Tiles raised £11,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Help for Heroes.

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent roof tile manufacturer that specialise in tiles and fittings. Established in 1892, it has become a prominent firm in the industry is ranked the third largest manufacturer in the UK by volume.