Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airspace Development?
Airspace development involves constructing new residential or commercial spaces above existing buildings, typically on rooftops. This method allows for the creation of new structures in dense urban areas without the need for additional land, making it a highly efficient way to increase usable space, particularly in cities like London where space is limited.
What are the benefits of airspace development?
Airspace development is beneficial because it maximises existing urban space, adding value to buildings without requiring new land. It’s also a more sustainable approach, as it reduces the need for greenfield development and minimises the environmental impact associated with traditional construction methods. Additionally, it can be less disruptive to the surrounding area compared to ground-level construction projects.
How does offsite construction fit with airspace development?
Offsite construction involves fabricating building components in a factory setting and transporting them to the site for assembly. In airspace development, this approach is advantageous as it reduces on-site work time, minimizes disruption to existing buildings, and ensures better quality control. The prefabricated units can be lifted into place with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
What are the main challenges of airspace development?
The primary challenges include navigating logistical constraints, such as limited access to rooftops, transporting materials in and waste out of tight urban areas, safely positioning cranes and skips, and ensuring the safety of both workers and the public during construction. Additionally, there are often structural considerations, such as ensuring that the existing building can support the new development.
How do you ensure safety during the development?
Safety is a top priority for Vertek Construction. We implement comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols tailored to the unique challenges of airspace development. Our team follows strict health and safety guidelines, especially when working at height. This includes using secure scaffolding, physical barriers, such as guardrails, personal protective equipment (PPE), advanced fall arrest systems, and regular safety briefings to ensure all workers understand and follow safety procedures.
How do you approach working in dense urban environments?
In dense urban areas, we prioritise minimising disruption and ensuring the safety of the public. This includes carefully planning logistics to avoid peak traffic times, creating safe zones around the construction site, and coordinating with local authorities to maintain safety for pedestrians and residents. We also implement noise and dust control measures to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.
What is a Principal Contractor?
A principal contractor is appointed by the Client, operating under CDM regulations, and is responsible for overseeing the overall management of a construction project. This includes coordinating all subcontractors, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and managing the construction schedule. The principal contractor ensures that all work is completed to the required standards and on time.
Why is the role of a principal contractor critical in airspace developments?
In airspace developments, where multiple parties are involved (subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers), having a principal contractor is crucial for ensuring that everyone is aligned and working efficiently. The principal contractor manages communication between all parties, coordinates the logistics of offsite and onsite activities, and ensures that the project adheres to strict health and safety regulations.
What makes Vertek a unique principal contractor for airspace development?
Vertek specialises in airspace developments, with extensive experience managing the complex logistics and safety challenges involved. We provide a fully integrated service, acting as the central point of contact for all stakeholders, from subcontractors to manufacturers. Our expertise in modular and hybrid construction systems allows us to seamlessly manage the offsite and onsite elements of the project.
What are CDM regulations?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) are a set of health and safety guidelines established to ensure that construction projects are carried out safely and efficiently. They place legal duties on all parties involved in a construction project, including designers, contractors, and the principal contractor, to reduce risks during both the construction and operational phases of a building’s lifecycle.
How do you ensure compliance with CDM regulations?
At Vertek, we adhere strictly to CDM regulations. As the principal contractor, we are responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities regarding health and safety. We conduct thorough risk assessments, maintain clear communication channels, and ensure that all contractors follow the safety measures outlined in the project’s CDM plan.
What re the responsibilities of a Principal Contractor?
The principal contractor’s responsibilities include planning, managing, and coordinating health and safety during the construction phase. This involves developing a health and safety file, ensuring that contractors are properly trained and aware of risks, and regularly reviewing and updating the health and safety protocols as the project progresses.
What steps do you take to mitigate risks?
Risk mitigation is central to our approach at Vertek. We begin with detailed site surveys and risk assessments to identify potential hazards. We then implement safety protocols, including secure access points, safe working platforms, and regular safety inspections. Our experience in urban construction allows us to anticipate and address challenges such as limited access, working at height, and environmental risks.
How do you mitigate against risks associated with offsite construction methods?
Offsite construction carries its own set of risks, such as transportation and installation of large prefabricated components. We mitigate these risks by working closely with manufacturers to ensure that components are built to precise specifications, planning detailed logistics for transportation, and coordinating installation with precision. Our team ensures that all elements are safely handled and installed with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
How do you manage risk during the installation of modular or panellised systems?
We use advanced planning tools to manage the logistics of installing modular or panellised systems in airspace developments. This includes ensuring that the site is prepared, lifting equipment is properly tested, and that safety systems are in place before installation begins. Our team works closely with crane operators and other specialists to ensure that installation is safe, efficient, and compliant with all regulations.