When I was a kid, I had always been interested in building services, at school, I was accepted in the computing program and I have been developing my skills since then. During the past 10 years after I came to this country, I was trained as a CAD technician which lead me to Building Modelling World.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Being part of the process of creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle is very interesting. Converting data into a built asset makes me proud. Also, working for a company whose products improve the lives of thousands and seeing the result of that and knowing that I played a part in the process is very rewarding for me.
Out of all the projects you’ve been involved with have you got a favourite and why?
I have worked on many important projects throughout my career and all projects have been a very exciting test to accomplish. But I especially enjoyed working on Vision Tameside, this project challenged my capability as a BIM technician and pushed me to the next level. It has significant importance for me due to its complexity.
How has the industry changed since you first started your career?
BIM has gradually grown from its origins in BM (Building Modelling) into BI (Building Information) with various combinations of model and data in between. A Building Information model can be viewed as a collection of information in the context of project information. Building Services Industry is now entering the phase where BIM is valued as a whole for the information it can contribute beyond design and construction, and there are clear use scenarios were BIM is a key part of the process.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Becoming a father has been a big step in my life and my kids make me happy. That is why I enjoy spending time with my them and my wife at the beach or the countryside. Sports and activities like football, swimming and cycling allow me to enjoy my free time with my family.
If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be?
I always liked sports in school, but I wasn’t good enough. I would probably be a mechanical engineer, this degree would help me to take my career to the next step.
Hannan Associates are continuing to work in conjunction with main contractor Seddon Construction, architect Leach Rhodes Walker & structural engineers Integra Consulting, under Muse Developments to deliver new ‘Office and Research & Development Headquarters’ for the prestigious Dow Chemicals.
Dow Chemicals has pre-let the two-floor 26,037sqft unit to house its national management team, technical and sales office and will include a product research and development facility.
The project is now approaching completion and we are continuing to attend site, whilst adhering to social distancing guidance, in order to monitor the progression of on-site works and ensure the quality of installations being undertaken by Seddon and M&E subcontractor HE Simm.
Hannan have been providing Building Services & Utility Infrastructure consultancy, with the current development of Plot 3300 being one of the few remaining areas for development. We are responsible for the delivery of the performance specification for the CAT A MEP services design, which incorporates a multitude of tenant driven requirements; from specific incoming power criteria, to zoned sprinkler system and bespoke ventilation strategy.
Team Hannan have settled into working from home and everyone is doing a brilliant job of maintaining ‘business as usual.’ With a little help from the miracle of modern technology we remain apart yet connected.
We are increasingly thankful to all the key workers, selflessly risking their safety to continue to provide essential services for us during this time and we feel very proud of how UK communities & businesses have come together to support each other and help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
We are thankful for our strong client base and the interesting projects that are keeping us busy and we are each making the most of the additional free time we do have to reflect and take stock; learn new skills & hobbies; exercise; bake; read and catch up with friends and family.
Although maintaining a positive outlook towards the unknown territory that still faces us, we very much look forward to things gradually returning to something even vaguely resembling the ‘old normal’ and seeing people in the flesh again soon!
We think that it’s important to maintain contact with one another now more than ever, so if you fancy a virtual coffee and catch up or perhaps have a query about a project please get in touch…….
In recent years we have supported our clients with the delivery of residential accommodation to the value of around £400M, playing a key role in developments for the For Sale, Private Rental, High End, Social and Retirement markets.
As Building Services consultants we focus on using engineering and technology to help create desirable places to live which meet the needs and expectations of residents. Our track record in this sector provides us with a knowledge of the key drivers but equally we recognise the need to continually respond to market changes especially as the need for more new homes in the UK increases.
We understand the balance of development deliverables and financial viability and achieve this by always seeking the optimum design.
Environmental Sustainability
Our approach to sustainability is to follow the Energy Hierarchy, which encourages the inclusion of energy efficient design features throughout the development to minimise both the carbon and environmental footprint and to meet sustainable standards set by Clients, Planning & Building Regulations.
Our strategy embraces a Lean, Mean and Green approach through the use of advanced building modelling software and passive design techniques such as improving building fabric elements and air tightness criteria beyond the level required to comply with the Building Regulations.
We incorporate high-efficiency systems and effective controls throughout the design such as, gas fired condensing boilers to provide both hot water and heating with an efficiency of up to 98% and energy efficient LED lighting where practicable. Mechanical ventilation systems which include heat recovery and low specific fan powers are specified in order to keep costs to a minimum whilst maintaining high level of energy efficiency.
Renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and/or solar thermal are incorporated where possible to achieve CO2 targets or provide desirable benefits.
Overheating in Homes
Rising environmental temperatures, changes in building types, the drive towards energy efficiency and poor installation practice all contribute towards overheating issues in homes. These issues alongside the ever increasing demand for new homes increases the need for improved design solutions to counter overheating.
As Building Services Engineering consultants we are involved in an increasing number of high and low rise residential schemes where it is our responsibility to help clients find the appropriate design solutions to mitigate or control overheating.
Using the latest BRE approved dynamic simulation modelling software to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and relevant standards we build and carry out detailed thermal modelling analysis to assess the risk of overheating.
The thermal model we develop allows us to compare how the various building envelope, shading or ventilation methods compare when limiting overheating. It also factors in site specific constraints such as acoustic restrictions and air quality and can analyse these factors whilst maintaining energy efficiency to comply with Building Regulations.
Post-occupancy Testing and Lessons Learnt
As an organisation, we endeavour to learn from our previous projects through engagement with clients, the design and construction teams, and purchasers and occupiers. Post-occupancy evaluations are regularly undertaken to identify both positive elements from our designs and any areas that could potentially be improved.
This history of interaction with purchasers and occupiers has led to numerous design improvements. These include the use of smart metering and heating controls, which have dramatically improved the building’s environment thus creating better places to live. Also, the installation of electric vehicle charging points, to both encourage low carbon emission transport and to minimise the impact of the development on local air quality.
If you would like any advice from a member of our residential team about an existing or future project please contact Jamie Hall or Sean Duffy.
Good luck to all the teams and projects shortlisted at tomorrow’s BCO Northern Awards which takes place at The Principal Hotel in Manchester.
We will be there in support of our client Muse Developments for their project Coed Pella and our client Bupa for Bupa Place, both nominated in the ‘Corporate Workplace’ category.
We are very proud to have been MEP Services Engineering Consultants on both projects.
Coed Pella is Conwy County Borough Council’s new 100,000 sq ft civic offices in Colwyn Bay Town Centre.
Bupa Place is the new 146,186 sq ft regional office building for BUPA at Media City in Salford.
Hannan Associates will be represented at the dinner tomorrow night by Vicky Priestley, John Walker, Shaun Wilkinson and Tom Cutt. So pop by table 36 and say hello!
Recent Comments