VOLOCO LLP

23/03/2026

Digital tools are entering the planning system.

Planning delays are a familiar frustration across the industry. AI won’t solve everything, but if it helps speed up the administrative side, it could ease some of the process.

🔗https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/government-hires-google-to-design-ai-tool-that-will-speed-up-planning-process

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has awarded Google Cloud a £6.9 million contract to create an AI tool that will speed up planning decisions

20/03/2026

Making better use of existing housing stock.

Well-designed extensions can completely change how homes function, especially in dense cities where space is limited. This project shows how flexible layouts can make older properties work much harder.

🔗https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/house-tours/extended-london-terrace-with-flexible-internal-layout

Sliding screens, adaptable layouts and a Lego-inspired planning method helped turn this tired terrace into a versatile family space that's full of character

20/03/2026

Bespoke, flexible, and responsive construction consulting and support services for contractors, sub-contractors, and developers.

Feel free to call and discuss or email about any Quantity Surveying, Design Management, Bid Management and Document Control requirements.

Find out more🔗www.voloco.co.uk

19/03/2026

Growth in women’s sport is starting to shape stadium design.

Facilities, fan experience and venue flexibility are all evolving as audiences grow and expectations change. The built environment often follows these wider shifts.

🔗https://www.building.co.uk/comment/womens-sport-is-forcing-a-stadium-design-rethink/5140859.article

When venues work for women, families and first-time attendees, they become more commercially resilient and socially valuable for everyone, writes HOK's Kirsty Mitchell

18/03/2026

Pushing the boundaries of structural imagination.

Competitions like this rarely produce something that gets built exactly as designed, but they often push engineering and architectural thinking forward. It will be interesting to see what ideas make the shortlist.

🔗https://www.dezeen.com/2026/03/04/shift-world-wonder-competition-shortlist/

Dutch social venture Shift has revealed the five shortlisted designs in a competition to design "a new wonder of the world" to promote action against climate change.

17/03/2026

Cardiff is taking another step forward towards becoming a more connected capital city. Good news for the residents and employment in the area!

🔗https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/03/08/graham-set-for-100m-cardiff-crossrail-phase-one/

City council to rubberstamp deal this month for Summer start

17/03/2026

VOLOCO supports

Find out more this month on their blog 🔗https://www.matesinmind.org/news/blog-how-to-support-the-mental-wellbeing-of-your-team-through-stress-management

This blog looks at employers’ legal duty to protect workers from stress at work, what are stress & burnout, & how to identify & mitigate contributory factors.

16/03/2026

Construction remains a male-dominated industry, and that makes conversations around prostate cancer particularly important. Good to see the CIOB using its platform to raise awareness and encourage early checks.

🔗https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/ciob-champions-prostate-cancer-awareness/

To mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is encouraging men across the industry to focus on their health.

13/03/2026

Work starts on the extension of Bristol Airport, raising floor space by 45%.

🔗https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/03/02/farrans-starts-30m-bristol-airport-terminal-extension/

Bailey Bridge to be installed for land to airside access

12/03/2026

Data centres are often designed purely around performance. It’s interesting to see a scheme that considers architectural expression alongside technical function.

As demand for digital infrastructure grows, balancing energy performance, durability and aesthetics will become a more regular part of the conversation.

🔗https://www.dezeen.com/2026/02/26/stone-clouds-data-centre-carl-fredrik-svenstedt-architects/

Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architects has unveiled plans for the Stone Clouds data centre in Sweden, which will be built from structural stone.

11/03/2026

A sponsor has been found for the new arena in the Brabazon New Town, Bristol granting it a name ahead of its completion in 2028

🔗https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9wn85q1pg9o

The entertainment and music venue in Filton will be known as the Aviva Arena.