Building Briefs – April 18th

CMS Window Systems nominated for top European Business Environmental Award

Window, door and curtain walling designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems is set to receive Europe-wide recognition for its excellence in sustainability after being chosen to represent the UK in the European Business Awards for the Environment (EABE) in Estonia in October.

The company, which has been at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, recycling and energy performance for more than a decade will take centre stage to compete with sustainability pioneers from 28 other countries in the ‘management’ category, an award that Marks & Spencer won in 2012 for its renowned ‘Plan A’ environmental initiative.

The European Business Awards for the Environment are awarded by the European Commission every two year. They aim to recognise and reward European companies which set an example by successfully bringing together innovation, economic viability, environmental considerations and social equity.

CMS is the only company in the UK window and door industry to be nominated and was eligible to enter following its success in the VIBES (Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland) Awards in 2015, in which it won the ‘Management (SME)’ category. Having demonstrated excellence at a national level, CMS now goes forward into the European ‘best of the best’ to compete against the most far-sighted, responsible and innovative companies from across the continent.

akp Scotland Ltd open new Edinburgh office

A fit-out and refurbishment company has expanded and opened a new office in Edinburgh.

akp, with their head office in East Kilbride, now have premises at the city’s Redheughs Rigg. The firm’s office expansion shows their commitment to continue to build upon an increasing portfolio of high profile clients and projects coming from the east of the country.

akp’s expansion follows a series of successful fit outs which they have carried out in the capital. These fit outs include the Scotch Whisky Association’s relocation to a modern city centre development at the Quartermile, as well as an office expansion for the Green Investment Bank. Other high profile jobs include a fit out project at the iconic A listed Georgian building, The Stamp Office.

Most recently, akp have secured work from the prestigious University of Edinburgh to refurbish The Porter’s Lodge, and work has already commenced in April.

The company have also recently invested in a marketing and website overhaul.

Work underway on 147 North Berwick homes

CALA Homes has started construction work at a new 147-home project in North Berwick.

The house builder’s development at Mains Farm is now underway after it received full backing from East Lothian Council following a proposal in line with its vision for much needed new homes in the area.

The new development will bring a wide mix of properties, including much-needed, smaller homes to the area, suitable for young professionals and families, to help encourage more economically active people into the town.

The Mains Farm development will consist of 147 three, four and five bedroom homes, the majority of which are three bedroom properties.

Cunninghame marks completion of new Largs homes

Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA), working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Government, has completed a new build development at Dippie Gardens, Waterside Street, Largs.

The £1.1 million project has provided 12 new one-bedroom flats for rent in a central location, allowing residents to access local amenities.

The flats have been designed with lift access making all flats accessible for those with mobility problems.

The works were carried out by RDK Construction, an Ayrshire based contractor which entered into a design and build contract with Cunninghame Housing Association to deliver the project.

The name of the new development, Dippie Gardens, reflects the history of the site where the new flats have been built and the Dippie family who lived in the former lodge house for many years.