Author: Dillan Gandhi

New machinery from Liebherr offers flexible and efficient solutions for piling and soil mixing in high-end residential construction.

Liebherr’s recent introduction of three advanced machines marks a significant step forward in foundation and ground improvement techniques relevant to high-end residential developments across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties. The launch includes a dragline machine designed for demanding extraction tasks, a rope-suspended hydraulic hammer for versatile pile driving, and a mixing cutter for soil stabilisation and ground improvement.

For construction management, particularly in complex urban environments like Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire, the rope-suspended hydraulic hammer presents notable advantages. Its ability to be mounted flexibly on various duty cycle machines allows piling operations to be conducted in constrained or obstructed sites, such as those adjacent to heritage properties or in sensitive ecological zones. This flexibility reduces the need for specialised rigs, streamlining logistics and reducing site disruption.

The mixing cutter, compatible with drilling rigs like the LRB 23 and LRB 355, offers enhanced ground treatment options. It enables the installation of load-bearing or sealing ground elements to depths of up to 40 metres, crucial for ensuring stability in both new builds and refurbishment projects where subsoil conditions vary widely. Its integrated control system and safe, time-saving operational design align well with the exacting standards expected in luxury residential construction.

From Atico Solutions’ perspective, integrating such innovative equipment within project workflows supports more precise planning and execution. Effective construction management ensures these technologies are utilised to their full potential, mitigating risks associated with ground conditions and site constraints common in London and the Home Counties. This approach facilitates smoother project delivery while maintaining the high-quality standards demanded by premium residential developments.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Electric construction equipment offers a practical solution to urban air pollution challenges in London and the Home Counties.

During London Climate Action Week, a key discussion convened by Volvo Construction Equipment, FM Conway and Transport for London (TfL) centred on the urgent need to scale zero-emission construction machinery in urban environments. The focus was on the significant pollution caused by diesel-powered compact construction equipment, which, despite existing regulations, remains a major source of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in London and surrounding areas in the Home Counties.

These smaller machines often operate at street level near residential and commercial properties, schools and workplaces, amplifying their health impact. In London alone, around 5,000 diesel compact machines produce pollution equivalent to over 100,000 diesel cars. This highlights a critical gap in current air quality policies, which do not impose stringent emission controls on these smaller engines compared to larger vehicles.

Pilot projects in central London involving TfL and FM Conway have demonstrated that electric construction equipment can effectively replace diesel without compromising operational performance. Reducing harmful tailpipe emissions and noise, these trials signal a viable path forward for construction sites across London, Greater London and the Home Counties, especially Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

From a construction management perspective, integrating zero-emission machinery requires careful planning around charging infrastructure and operational scheduling. Effective collaboration between project teams, equipment suppliers and local authorities is essential to ensure that electrification delivers measurable air quality improvements without disrupting project timelines.

Atico Solutions recognises that embracing electrification in construction plant not only aligns with evolving policy demands but also enhances sustainability credentials and community relations. Skilled construction management enables projects to navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring that environmental goals are met alongside maintaining high standards of delivery.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Complex brownfield project at Fort Halstead integrates heritage preservation with sustainable construction practices.

The redevelopment of Fort Halstead in Kent, led by RSK for Barratt David Wilson Homes, exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of managing large-scale brownfield projects within sensitive historical and ecological contexts. The scheme will deliver 635 new homes alongside commercial units, public open space, and a primary school, while preserving the scheduled ancient monument and approximately 1,600 mature trees within ancient semi-natural woodland.

From a construction management perspective, the project demands meticulous coordination across multiple disciplines including heritage conservation, ecology, civil engineering, and remediation. The reuse of significant volumes of soil—48,000m3 during enabling works and potentially an additional 80,000m3 during construction—reflects a commitment to sustainable material management, minimising waste and reducing environmental impact.

Extensive pre-demolition investigations using geophysical and intrusive methods have informed foundation and remediation design, allowing for precise excavation and reducing unnecessary disruption. This approach not only safeguards the historic fabric of the site but also enhances biodiversity and ecological value, aligning with broader sustainability goals increasingly vital in Greater London and the Home Counties.

Atico Solutions recognises that successful delivery in such complex environments hinges on integrated project management that balances regulatory requirements, stakeholder interests, and operational continuity. Ensuring a single point of control facilitates clear communication and risk management, enabling construction activity to progress smoothly while respecting the heritage and natural assets that define the Fort Halstead site.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Critical relining work at Ashford Common Water Treatment Works will safeguard water supply for London and Surrey.

Barhale has been awarded a contract by Thames Water to reline a key abstraction tunnel at Ashford Common Water Treatment Works in Surrey, a vital step in protecting the water supply for London and surrounding areas. This project follows mandatory five-year inspections that revealed deterioration in the glass reinforced plastic liner of the Southern Inlet tunnel, posing a risk to the tunnel’s structural integrity and, by extension, the water supply infrastructure.

From a construction management perspective, this contract highlights the importance of thorough inspections and early intervention in maintaining critical underground assets. The project involves complex access challenges due to congested, layered tunnels beneath the site. Barhale’s approach includes careful excavation to expose the tunnel access points and the demolition of specific tunnel segments to enable safe entry and relining at a depth of nearly 20 metres. The process of removing the degraded liner, breaking out existing grout and concrete, and installing a new reinforced liner demands meticulous planning and coordination to ensure safety and minimise disruption.

Atico Solutions recognises that projects of this nature exemplify how proactive management and early contractor involvement are essential in delivering infrastructure upgrades smoothly. Close collaboration between client and contractor during design finalisation and site logistics planning mitigates risks associated with restricted access and complex underground conditions. Such disciplined construction management is key to protecting vital utilities and ensuring long-term resilience in London and the Home Counties’ water supply networks.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Integrating artwork into construction sites fosters community engagement and supports ESG goals in heritage and development projects.

The innovative approach of incorporating public art into construction projects is gaining traction across London and the Home Counties, offering a meaningful way to engage local communities and enhance the visual impact of development sites. This method, exemplified by collaborations like those led by former construction manager Khalil Akar and rugby captain Maro Itoje, demonstrates how construction activity can be sensitively integrated with cultural expression and social value.

From transforming hoardings into large-scale artworks that celebrate local heritage to commissioning sculptures using recycled materials, these initiatives address both aesthetic and environmental considerations. For construction managers working on listed buildings and heritage sites, such projects highlight the potential to maintain community interest and pride during often disruptive works. By involving local artists and residents, construction sites become temporary cultural landmarks rather than eyesores, helping to smooth planning and social licence to operate.

Practical management of these projects requires early engagement with artists and stakeholders, careful scheduling to align artwork installation with construction phases, and coordination to ensure health and safety compliance. The integration of art also supports developers’ environmental, social, and governance objectives, reinforcing the broader value of heritage-sensitive development.

Atico Solutions recognises that well-managed construction projects benefit from this holistic approach. By fostering connections between construction and community through art, developments in London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire can achieve greater acceptance and contribute positively to the cultural fabric of their locales.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Kevin Hayes takes the helm at Cundall, reinforcing expertise in building services engineering and corporate real estate sectors.

Cundall, a prominent consultancy with significant operations in London and the Home Counties, has appointed Kevin Hayes as its new managing partner for a four-year term. Hayes brings nearly three decades of experience to the role, including 15 years as a partner and a decade leading the London office. His expertise in building services engineering and his leadership within the corporate real estate sector, particularly in fit-out projects, positions him well to guide the consultancy’s continued growth and strategic direction.

For construction management, particularly in high-end residential projects across London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire, this leadership transition signals stability and sustained innovation. Hayes’ deep understanding of building services and real estate fit-outs aligns with the increasing complexity and bespoke demands of luxury residential developments in these regions. His role on Cundall’s management board underscores an ability to integrate technical engineering excellence with broader project management and client engagement strategies, which are critical to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Atico Solutions recognises that effective construction management benefits significantly from such experienced leadership within key consultancy partners. This continuity ensures that projects navigate technical challenges and client expectations smoothly, enabling timely delivery and adherence to design intent. As the high-end residential market in London and the Home Counties continues to evolve, strong partnerships rooted in expert knowledge and strategic oversight remain essential to successful project realisation.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Barnet’s resurfacing project demonstrates practical carbon savings through material and delivery innovations.

Barnet Council’s recent road resurfacing project in Greater London marks a significant step towards its net zero ambition for 2042, showcasing how construction activity can align with environmental targets. Marlborough Highways, in partnership with Holcim UK and Low Carbon Materials, resurfaced three streets using a low carbon aggregate alternative (ACLA) integrated within a specially formulated asphalt mix.

This initiative delivered tangible carbon reductions without disrupting the live street network or the project timeline, completing works in just six days. By carefully selecting materials such as Holcim’s SuperLow asphalt and incorporating ACLA in the binder course, the project achieved a dramatic reduction in embodied carbon—from an estimated 62.34 tonnes CO₂e down to 4.49 tonnes CO₂e. The approach also extended to logistics and site operations, prioritising electric plant and vehicles powered by renewable energy tariffs, supplemented by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) where necessary.

For construction managers overseeing projects in London and the Home Counties, this example highlights the importance of close collaboration with councils and suppliers to identify carbon reduction opportunities throughout the supply chain. Thoughtful integration of innovative materials, combined with sustainable site practices, can deliver both environmental benefits and adherence to programme constraints. Effective management ensures these low carbon initiatives transition smoothly from policy ambition to practical reality on site.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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A construction firm was fined after a worker fell through an unprotected window void during redevelopment in Greater London.

Lima Construction Limited has been fined £50,000 after a tragic incident during a redevelopment project in New Malden, Greater London. Antonio Rodrigues fell three metres through an unglazed and unprotected window void, resulting in fatal injuries. The voids were created to install glazed Juliet doors, but damaged panels delayed installation, leaving hazardous openings unprotected.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that it was reasonably practicable to have installed protective boarding or internal guard rails as soon as the voids were created. Additionally, weekly scaffolding inspections, which could have identified these risks, were not carried out as legally required after early July 2022. These failures contributed to the unsafe environment that led to the accident.

In practical terms, this case highlights the critical importance of proactive risk management on site, especially when project delays or damaged materials create unexpected hazards. Construction management teams must ensure that temporary protections are installed promptly to prevent falls from height, which remain a leading cause of workplace fatalities in the sector.

Atico Solutions recognises that meticulous planning, rigorous site inspections, and clear communication protocols are essential to maintaining safety standards. Effective construction management not only protects workers but also supports project continuity by mitigating risks before they escalate. This incident serves as a reminder that even companies with generally good standards must remain vigilant and responsive to changing site conditions to safeguard all personnel.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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A new Ebbsfleet development delivers energy-efficient homes with innovative timber frame construction and community benefits.

Chartway Partnerships Group has completed the Alkerden 5B neighbourhood in Ebbsfleet Garden Village, Kent, featuring 121 built-to-rent homes alongside shared ownership and affordable housing. Notably, 47 of these homes incorporate Octopus Energy’s ‘Zero Bills’ initiative, combining photovoltaic panels with Tesla Powerwall battery storage to eliminate energy bills for residents. This integration of renewable energy technology, alongside smart meters and energy monitoring systems, represents a forward step in sustainable residential construction within the Home Counties.

From a construction management perspective, the use of timber frame solutions and durable, low-maintenance materials has contributed to both build efficiency and long-term performance, aligning with the sector’s increasing focus on sustainability. The reuse of approximately 17,000 cubic metres of material from the former quarry site further emphasises responsible resource management, reducing environmental impact during construction. Additionally, the project achieved high energy performance, with most homes rated EPC A, reinforcing the viability of low carbon developments in this region.

Beyond environmental considerations, the project delivered significant social value by engaging local education providers and creating apprenticeship opportunities. This holistic approach to construction management demonstrates how integrating sustainability, efficiency and community engagement can successfully advance development trends in London’s neighbouring counties. Atico Solutions recognises the importance of such comprehensive strategies in navigating the complexities of modern construction to deliver projects that meet both environmental and social objectives.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Adopting repeatable design frameworks offers practical benefits for managing heritage projects across London and the Home Counties.

The construction sector in London, Greater London, and the Home Counties is witnessing a shift towards designing for repeatability, a concept gaining traction in public infrastructure projects and relevant to heritage construction management. This approach involves creating stable design and delivery systems with repeatable components and interfaces, enabling more predictable, efficient, and less wasteful project delivery.

For heritage projects, which often face unique challenges due to listed building constraints and intricate restoration requirements, adopting repeatability means balancing flexibility with standardisation. Rather than bespoke designs for every element, repeatable components can be tailored within clear rules to respect historical fabric while streamlining coordination and reducing risk. This is particularly pertinent in areas like Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire, where heritage assets are numerous and complex.

Practically, this approach demands early and disciplined interface definition across structural, architectural, and building services systems to avoid costly redesign and site issues. It also encourages collaboration with specialist suppliers earlier in the design process, ensuring that restoration methods and materials are both consistent and adaptable to site-specific needs.

From Atico Solutions’ perspective, effective construction management is key to navigating this evolving landscape. By integrating repeatable design principles with meticulous planning and stakeholder engagement, project teams can safeguard heritage values while delivering on time and budget. This ensures that restoration works in London and the Home Counties not only preserve architectural significance but also benefit from improved efficiency and reduced disruption.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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