Latest news with #MichaelHogg
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Midlothian disabled housing complex labelled 'deathtrap' over intercom system that doesn't work
A new sheltered housing complex for people with mobility issues has been branded a "death trap". Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Normandy Court, on the site of the old Dalkeith High School, was originally built as a supported living complex for 40 residents, with nursing and janitorial staff on site 24/7. But lack of funding for the the £17 million project forced a change of plan and it is now amenity, self-contained housing adapted for the individual needs of people aged 55 and over who require support because of a disability or restricted mobility. It has only been occupied since April this year. But resident Michael Hogg, who is recovering from a stroke and uses a wheelchair, says there are no staff on site and the intercom to give people access to the building does not work. Normandy Court, Dalkeith, offers housing adapted for people with mobility issues | contributed Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: "If I'm lying in my bed it's like lying in a coffin - if there was a fire, I've no way of getting out of my bed, never mind the room. "There are no support staff living on the premises. I've got one of these buttons round my neck that I can press. But by the time they arrive I'm going to be dead from toxic fumes." Mr Hogg - an official with the rail union RMT, who has long experience of health and safety issues - said the non-functioning intercom system meant doctors, nurses and paramedics were unable to access the building. Michael Hogg, a resident at Normandy Court, describes it as a deathtrap. | TSPL He said: "There's an intercom to let people in the main door, but it isn't working, so doctors and nurses can't get in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There's an exit button inside my flat for the main door, but it's obsolete, it doesn't work. If I'm in my bed at night time and the doctor arrives the doctor has no way of getting in. 'As far as I'm concerned, it's a death trap that I'm living in." Colin Fox, former Scottish Socialist MSP for Lothian, visited the complex and said although the residents were generally happy with their new homes, they were concerned about the restricted access and the communication systems. 'The intercom/ controlled entry system at the front door has not worked since the beginning. The medical staff, health and safety personnel, firefighters, and delivery drivers who come regularly to the complex cannot make contact with the residents. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "One resident told me of an incident this week where her nurse called to give her an injection - which she gets weekly - and could not access the building or make contact with her. 'After 20 minutes of trying, the nurse was ready to give up when fortunately the resident, who lives on the ground floor, spotted her 'missing nurse' from the window and managed to shout her over from the communal garden." Mr Fox said there were also other complaints - from a man in a wheelchair about how the disabled button at the entrance opens the doors against him, making it difficult for him to manoeuvre; and other residents about doors which either do not open or do not lock. He said: "The residents are concerned that none of their complaints have been acted upon. Furthermore they fear the fact the council ran out of money means they are 'stonewalling' them and they will never be done." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Midlothian Council said the fire service had been on site and assessed it for access requirements before tenants moved. . A council spokesman said: 'We are very sorry for the recurring intercom fault and understand how frustrating this is to residents' visitors who have found it difficult to get into the building. 'As previous repairs have not fixed the issue permanently, we've arranged to have the system replaced as a matter of urgency this month. In the meantime, security staff are on site 24 hours a day and will give visitors access. We appreciate everyone's patience as we resolve this problem as soon as possible. Apologies again for any inconvenience caused.'
The Age
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
High honour: Cannabis dispensary, luxury bathhouse nominated for design awards
Communal bathing space The Bathhouse opened on Brisbane's northside last year with an ambitious tagline. Concealed in the Albion Fine Trades precinct, a once-industrial suburban pocket, it not only promised a relaxing escape from the pace of the city, but 'one of the world's most luxurious wellness experiences'. Michael Hogg and Greg Lamb, the founders of architectural design practice Hogg & Lamb, were tasked with realising the bathhouse's luxury fitout. While there was thought given to the growing market – The Bathhouse arrived on the back of a bathhouse boom across south-east Queensland – maximising the site itself was their priority. Loading 'We tried to build something volumetric from the space,' Lamb explains. 'We let that inform what the materials and lighting would be, and that's how we built the plan.' Australian bathhouses borrow from cultures with established communal bathing traditions – Turkish hammams, Japanese onsens and Finnish saunas – and are executed to varying degrees of socialisation, relaxation and recovery. The Bathhouse leans into European-style, with silver travertine and textured surfaces throughout. These elements are complemented by low lighting, glowing pools and a central fireplace, which create the cave-like atmosphere.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
High honour: Cannabis dispensary, luxury bathhouse nominated for design awards
Communal bathing space The Bathhouse opened on Brisbane's northside last year with an ambitious tagline. Concealed in the Albion Fine Trades precinct, a once-industrial suburban pocket, it not only promised a relaxing escape from the pace of the city, but 'one of the world's most luxurious wellness experiences'. Michael Hogg and Greg Lamb, the founders of architectural design practice Hogg & Lamb, were tasked with realising the bathhouse's luxury fitout. While there was thought given to the growing market – The Bathhouse arrived on the back of a bathhouse boom across south-east Queensland – maximising the site itself was their priority. Loading 'We tried to build something volumetric from the space,' Lamb explains. 'We let that inform what the materials and lighting would be, and that's how we built the plan.' Australian bathhouses borrow from cultures with established communal bathing traditions – Turkish hammams, Japanese onsens and Finnish saunas – and are executed to varying degrees of socialisation, relaxation and recovery. The Bathhouse leans into European-style, with silver travertine and textured surfaces throughout. These elements are complemented by low lighting, glowing pools and a central fireplace, which create the cave-like atmosphere.
