UK INDUSTRY NEWS ROBOTS READY FOR CONSTRUCTION Researchers from Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment are conducting a research project into an innovative housing construction method which could help to bring down the cost for house buyers. In collaboration with the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and timber engineering firm, Glulam Solutions Ltd, the project will focus on the robotic fabrication of a cross-laminated timber (CLT) joint. At the moment, most construction takes place as manual assembly onsite, which can lead to delays, inaccuracies, material defects and material waste. Robotic offsite fabrication will bring the benefits of industrialised production systems to construction. Theo Dounas, Learning Excellence Leader at RGU, believes the research project has
the potential to significantly improve construction methods, helping to increase the quality and output while reducing costs and time. “This proof-of-concept research project will look at process of designing a simple timber prototype house to address pressing market needs within Scotland and the UK,” he said. “The innovation lies with the integration of a house design prototype and its robotic fabrication out of complex CLT panels manufactured offsite. “At the end of the project, we envision that the consumer, the house buyer, will be able to select various options from a website and then we will be able to produce all components based on consumer demand. It is hoped that through this initial project, our solution could bring dramatic benefits not just to the Scottish housing market, but also to the Scottish construction market. We would then hope to develop a range
of ideas and solutions, from logistics, to design, to the real testing of CLT joints, and formation of insulated composite panels. While this particular solution is tightly integrated with one design product, it is likely to be relevant to other building projects. We plan to develop a family of houses and other buildings using the technology developed through the project.” Syd Birnie, Managing Director of Glulam Solutions Ltd, said: “This is our very first project linking an academic concept to our commercial approach and it’s an exciting prospect getting the chance to use CSIC’s robotic facilities. We are crying out for more innovation in the construction industry and we hope this is the first of many real advancements for timber engineered building solutions.” www.glulamsolutions.co.uk
‘EXTREME’ WALL MEMBRANES DELIVER CLASS W1 PERFORMANCE FOR SEVERELY EXPOSED SITES Protect Membranes, UK producer of construction and roofing membranes, has introduced two new waterproof breather membranes designed for use externally on timber frame, SIPs and CLT wall panels, achieving a Class W1 resistance to water penetration. Launched in tandem with the STA Advice Note 18 published by the Structural Timber Association in consultation with the NHBC, the products are designed specifically for buildings sited in severely exposed locations which are typically high altitude, open to high winds and on westerly coastal sites in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
permeability. This protects the outer sheathing from moisture and allows vapour to pass into the external wall cavity. Featuring a highly reflective surface, Protect Thermo Extreme helps deliver low overall U-values when the foil faces into an unventilated airspace, achieving an aged thermal resistance R-value of 0.77m2K/W, incorporating printed branding.
Protect Thermo Extreme is a low emissivity, insulating breather membrane with microporous film and microperforation technology to ensure high watertightness and vapour
Protect TF200 Extreme is a high performance membrane used on the cold side of the insulated panel to minimise the risk of interstitial condensation, with microporous film
w
technology to ensure high vapour permeability and exceed requirements recommended by TRADA and NHBC. It offers a temporary, first line of protection to the whole of the external wall. Both membranes are CE marked, available ex-stock in 3m widths and 100m lengths and produced in the UK. www.protectmembranes.com, email info@protectmembranes.com or call 0161 905 5700, quoting ‘Extreme.’
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