World First at South East Construction Expo 2019 in Sussex

The Xella Silka Element Challenge

A one-bedroom apartment block will be built in just one day in a world first construction demonstration, the Xella Silka Element Challenge, for visitors to see at the South East Construction Expo in Ardingly, Sussex on September 26.

Masonry Frame Systems (MFS), specialist masonry frame practitioners, will be working against the clock, constructing all the structural walls of the apartment, showing just how impressive the latest technology in Xella Silka large-format masonry blocks is, using Lissmac mini-cranes to lay each block in about six minutes.

Norman Hinckes, Managing Director at MFS, said, “Watch MFS build a whole apartment in just one day – the speed of construction has to be seen to be believed, whilst not losing anything in terms of quality and longevity

“This state of the art ‘semi’ off-site masonry build system (DfMA) demonstrates all the benefits of traditional construction coupled with the speed, quality and consistency of ‘off-site’ manufacturing. This has to be the way for the future to tackle the housing shortage!”

Leading lights in the construction industry will be joining together at the one-day South East Construction Expo 2019 at the South of England Event Centre in Ardingly for the second year after a hugely successful event there last year, when over 2,000 leaders from the region’s construction industry met buyers, explored new projects, networked and sampled the industry’s latest technology.

The trade show, will showcase the region’s largest range of construction products and services and is a ‘must visit’ for anyone in development, property and construction.

An exciting programme of speakers includes Florence Hubert, Deputy Agent for Central Southern England at the Bank of England giving an ‘off-the-record’ briefing on the outlook for the UK economy followed by a questions and answers session.  Heathrow Airport will also be speaking about their expansion and opportunities for construction companies.

Big name businesses involved include Balfour Beatty, Bam, W.Stirland, Morgan Sindall, Glenigan, Countryside, Cheesemur, Wates, Builders Conference, Willmott Dixon, Galliford Try, Sunninghill, Logan Construction and Westridge Construction Ltd.

This year, the Expo is also holding the South East Construction Awards and is open for entries at www.constructionexpoawards.co.uk which will be celebrated at the Expo dinner. Deadline for entries is August 15.

Gill Monk, Chairman of the Judges and Managing Director at All Health Matters, said, “We don’t have an awards scheme in the region to celebrate our heroes in this industry and so we have an exciting panel of judges and seeking entries for six categories, ranging from best construction project to best architectural design, best contractor to best supplier. We are also looking to celebrate women in the industry and want to reward the best apprentice on a construction project in the South East.”

Before the awards dinner, sponsored by Willmott Dixon, the Expo will offer a full day of useful activities.  Not to be missed are the free Meet the Buyer appointments (over 600) with the top construction companies in the country.  Other attractions include great exhibitor packages, brilliant networking opportunities, high quality workshops, plus the latest news on projects and developments across the UK.

Businesses in the sector wishing to get involved in the Expo and the Awards as a sponsor, trade stand or delegate on the day can find out more and register for details at: www.constructionexpouk.co.uk Twitter @ConstructExpo or Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4530020/

South East Construction Expo 2019 will take place at South of England Event Centre, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Thursday 26^th September 8.30 am – 4 pm, with details of the awards and the dinner at www.constructionexpoawards.co.uk