Structural Timber Magazine - Issue 34

AUTUMN 2023 | £4.95

STRUCTURAL TIMBER The latest in structural timber building design and technologies STRUCTURALTIMBERMAGAZINE.CO.UK

MEDITE SMARTPLY

SMART AESTHETICS AND CREATING AN URBAN VIBE WITH OSB

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New Temple Complex

The serene and uplifting ‘winner of winners’ at the 2023 Structural Timber Awards

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IMPACTT

Mass timber, responsible supply chains and QR coded building information

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The Living Lab

A conversation with CATT Director Robert Hairstans about timber education and honing sharper skills

DESIGN

TECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABILITY

INTERVIEWS

NEWS

ANALYSIS

CASE STUDIES

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Welcome to the last issue of Structural Timber Magazine for 2023. There are a few common threads that run through this issue – not least education and developing timber skills but also the need for vital information surrounding fire protection.

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by Buxton Press PUBLISHER: Structural TImber Magazine is produced and published by Structural Timber Media Ltd, 101 Longden Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 9PS T: 01743 290001

©Structural Timber Media Ltd. RELATED EVENTS: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk www.offsite-expo.co.uk DISCLAIMER: The content of Structural Timber Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and are the views of its contributors and advertisers. The digital edition may include hyperlinks to third-party content, advertising, or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non-publication of any advertisement. Content including images and illustrations supplied by third parties are accepted in good faith and the publishers expect third parties to have obtained appropriate permissions, consents, licences or otherwise. The publisher does not accept any liability or any loss arising in the absence of these permissions for material used in both physical and digital editions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. All rights reserved.

The Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s leading establishments developing future talent. We spoke to CATT Director Robert Hairstans – a familiar face to many in the timber and offsite industry – about progress so far. With a range of courses and learning options on offer plus its involvement in various research and development programmes, CATT’s success is reflective of the surge in interest of timber as a building material and a new generation of carbon conscious professionals.

CATT also has a prominent role in promoting the use of UK timber through the Transforming Timber Platform and the ‘Building from England’s Woodlands’ project in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, BE-ST, Ecosystems Technologies and dRMM architects. You can read a little more about this in the Last Word column from dRMM’s Finbar Charleson. Our homegrown resources need to be better understood to create a viable and scalable supply to boost timber supplies and reduce the UK’s reliance on imported species.

For essentials on fire and timber, make sure you visit the ‘Fire Safety. Wood in

Construction’ online resource. Developed

by Swedish Wood, TDUK and the STA, this is set to become a central port of call for anyone working with wood: more about this single point of access to the latest guidance and information inside. Warringtonfire also provide some expert commentary on building regulations and legislative changes that we should all be aware of.

If you didn’t attend the Structural Timber Awards in Birmingham last month, check out the winners this issue as we highlight the New Temple Complex – the evening’s winner of winners – that saw James Gorst Architects take home the prize for its exceptional work in blending striking timber design into the natural landscape.

Huge thanks to all our contributors, advertisers and supporters for their help throughout the year, it is always genuinely appreciated. Finally, the magazine will have a few surprises to offer soon as we unveil a new look and feel to the publication – see you in 2024.

Gary Ramsay | Consultant Editor E: gary.ramsay@structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk

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CONTENTS

THISISSUE...

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P32 THE SUSTAINABLE TIMBER TRAIL

What will a newly launched project driven by the ASBP and funded by Built by Nature deliver for the structural timber supply chain and the responsible sourcing of forest products?

COVER STORY - MEDITE SMARTPLY Always thinking outside the box to highlight brand new trends, interior designers Modus specified exposed OSB for the floors and seating area in the form of SMARTPLY MAX (OSB/3), inside Studio 19 at The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham.

P34 MASS TIMBER LESSONS

Officially opened this summer, the University of Strathclyde’s new £11.8million NMIS facility is winning many plaudits for its sustainable mass timber approach.

P36 A CHALLENGING HOUSING MARKET: THE CASE FOR TIMBER

In a financially challenging year with high interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis squeezing budgets, Andrew Orriss from the STA examines how timber can bring economic stability to the housebuilding sector.

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A quick round-up of some recent news stories from the timber and construction sectors that you may have missed including: The John Morden Centre lands the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023, King Charles III visits James Jones & Sons sawmill after a £15million redevelopment and the publication of ‘The New Model Building’ could help redefine mass timber.

The best in timber design and construction were rewarded once again at the 2023 Structural Timber Awards with another bumper evening on offer – what were those outstanding projects and who were those inspiring individuals the judges chose as winners?

UK INDUSTRY NEWS

A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE

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P38 NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN TIMBER EDUCATION

We spoke to CATT Director, Robert Hairstans about changing perceptions surrounding timber design and its deep focus on education and skills development.

P42 COMMITMENT IS EVERYTHING

Craig Heap, Director at Holmes Miller, outlines why structural timber is such an important element to low carbon and Passivhaus design.

P46 NAVIGATING A HOT TOPIC

OASIS OF CALM The Winner of Winners at the Structural Timber Awards was the New Temple Complex, designed by architects James Gorst and used timber technology to its fullest potential in a special setting to create an outstandingly serene, natural building.

Warringtonfire’s Technical Manager, Peter Barker, and Regulatory Analyst, Ross Newman, provide expert commentary on recent changes to building regulations and legislative changes.

P50 PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

Finbar Charleson, Architect and Research Lead at dRMM outlines some key projects the pioneering practice has embarked on and what it hopes to deliver.

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COVER STORY MEDITE SMARTPLY

SMART

AESTHETICS

01 MEDITE SMARTPLY played a central role in helping Modus redesign the interior of Studio 19 for SLG at The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham.

The area’s trendy, industrial vibe suited SLG who incorporated a ‘surprising’ material to elevate the aesthetic of their new unit. When design-driven beauty company SLG wanted to bring an unexpected new aesthetic to their newly acquired working space in The Brewery Quarter, they called on the expertise of interior design company Modus.

Always thinking outside the box to bring brand new trends to the forefront, Modus specified exposed OSB for the

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floors and a seating area in the form of SMARTPLY MAX (OSB/3). SLG has previously worked with clothing label Superdry, YouTube star Zoella, and pop group Little Mix. Having such big names listed in their portfolio, SLG has always been looking for ways to innovate and keep up with their brand’s image. Their move to the 27,000sq ft premises of The Brewery Quarter – inside Studio 19 – was part of this strategy. The beautiful workspace

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sits opposite the likes of upmarket restaurant The Botanist and above Urban Outfitters, in the heart of the city’s retail centre.

OSB highway Modus specified SMARTPLY MAX, manufactured by MEDITE SMARTPLY, to create an OSB ‘highway’ through Studio 19, meant to work as the main circulation route connecting the space from east to west. Intending to further connect the design using materials,

COVER STORY MEDITE SMARTPLY Vidhi Sharma, Creative Director, and Peter Chang, Design Technician on the project, chose to repeat this finish for a set of bleacher seats and a red cargo container displaying SLG’s products.

“The objective was to create a space that felt like paradise,” explained Vidhi and Peter.

“A space where individuals would feel proud and willing to go to every day.” The inclusion of an engineered wood panel demonstrates the great potential of timber products. As well as being strong and sturdy, they can also offer pleasing aesthetics.

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One of the benefits of using SMARTPLY MAX for the floors is that it allowed an expansion gap that was part of the base build floor to be bridged seamlessly, incorporating the design. The OSB highway infers an ‘urban, street culture vibe’, reminiscent of skate parks and urban recreation areas. Modus even opted to include customised SLG skateboards as wall art to further demonstrate this style. The otherwise raw concrete space offered up design opportunities such as turning a vast concrete wall jutting out into the space into a media wall on one side and secret hideaway on the other, named ‘The Pavilion.

The client’s vision included keeping the floor raw and industrial. “We kept the SMARTPLY MAX panels exactly as they arrived for most applications,” said Vidhi and Peter. “With the small addition of clear sealant, except where we painted it black to make a statement in certain areas. Flooring was screwed down directly onto fixed raised floor tiles. The formation of the bleachers and wall cladding also uses a subframe.”

Superior panel specification SMARTPLY MAX OSB/3 is a highly engineered, moisture resistant, load bearing panel designed for use in humid conditions (service Class 1 and 2). This makes the panel ideal for a range of diverse applications such as roofing, flooring, hoarding and wall sheathing. Altogether, Modus used approximately 110sqm of SMARTPLY MAX panels for the floor, while the bleachers incorporated roughly 115sqm. The cutting of sheets for the curved floor had to be carefully

03 managed, as to not have too much wastage. The installation was handled

by Medi–Floor and Profile Interiors.

SMARTPLY OSB is made of FSC certified timber from sustainable, fast growing pine and spruce trees and utilises logs from forest thinnings or tops of trees, which ensures that all wood harvested is used. The SMARTPLY factory is based in Waterford, Ireland, so builders and contractors in the UK and Ireland can rely on a local supply chain and therefore reduce their embodied carbon. Additionally, all SMARTPLY products are manufactured using no added formaldehyde. Not only does this contribute to healthier environments, but also makes the panels safer to work with.

SMARTPLY MAX is just one variation in a wide range of products manufactured

by MEDITE SMARTPLY that is suitable for structural applications and interior

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fit outs. MEDITE SMARTPLY is renowned for adapting products and services to suit end users’ needs whilst maintaining a consistent stance on sustainability and creating environmentally conscious products that add value throughout the supply chain.

Each range boasts some of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market, with a productspecific Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to support this. This impartial third-party declaration is crucial to providing peace of mind for a specifying architect, contractor or engineer. www.mdfosb.com/en IMAGES: 01-03. SLG’s Studio 19 inside the Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham has been given an urban, street culture vibe using SMARTPLY MAX (OSB/3).

Courtesy Thierry Cardineau

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS TIMBER CENTRAL TO STIRLING PRIZE WINNER 2023

The John Morden Centre by Mæ has been named winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023. The day care centre for residents of Morden College, brings together facilities currently spread across the college site.

This 300-year-old residential and nursing facility has been given a new lease of life with treatment rooms, a hair salon, nail bar, events space and wellbeing facilities in a beautiful setting in Blackheath, London. Morden College is a Grade I listed almshouse in Blackheath, London founded in 1695 by Sir John Morden and built by Sir Christopher Wren’s master builder and successor, Edward Strong.

The new building has a cross laminated timber (CLT) structure supplied by Stora Enso with glulam from Pabst and features columns made of Accoya. An inspiring example of architecture enabling elderly living without isolation, the John Morden Centre has been designed to encourage connection and movement among residents, supporting healthier and longer lives.

Ellen van Loon, Chair of the RIBA Stirling Prize jury, said: “The John Morden Centre is a place of joy and inspiration. It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical facilities and social spaces, delivering a bold and

hopeful model for the design of health and care centres for the elderly. Dedication to creating an environment that lifts the spirits and fosters community is evident at every turn and in every detail.

“This robust building provides comfort and warmth, with thoughtful features designed to prevent isolation. It illustrates how buildings can themselves be therapeutic – supporting care and instilling a sense of belonging. Great architecture orients people so they can thrive, and this building is exemplary at achieving exactly that.”

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, added: “Loneliness and isolation are critical issues, particularly for older people. This is a skilfully designed package that minimises the building’s impact on our planet’s delicate ecology, while also harnessing the therapeutic value of the surrounding nature.

It stands as a testament to the vision and ambition of Morden College, Mæ’s creativity – and the exemplary collaboration between them.” www.mae.co.uk

COMBILIFT CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN MATERIALS HANDLING Combilift recently celebrated 25 years in business with a huge customer and media event at its Monaghan headquarters that included three new product launches.

This included the the new Combi-AGT Autonomous Guided Forklift Truck. The autonomous truck solutions combine sophisticated innovative technology to provide the highest levels of productivity and safety. The Combi-AGT can operate autonomously in guided aisles and freeroaming while also featuring a manual driving option.

Also unveiled was Combi-Connect, a telematic software product that provides customers with greater levels of insight into fleet management and usage, providing real-time data on fleet performance, including location tracking, usage analytics, and maintenance alerts.

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With this invaluable information at their fingertips, businesses can improve and enhance operational performance.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Over the past 25 years, Combilift has made a very important impact to the Irish economy. Combilift is a visionary company in every sense, and I’m delighted that the Irish government, through Enterprise Ireland, has supported Combilift through its incredible 25-year journey.”

Martin McVicar, Managing Director of Combilift added: “We have a track record

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of innovation at Combilift. We invest 7% of our revenue annually in R&D and today is the culmination of many years’ hard work. We are delighted to be continuing this tradition of innovation 25 years on. Now employing over 800 people in Monaghan and 200 people in other locations across the world, the success of Combilift is testament to our people, our customers and our supporting dealers around the world. We are looking forward to the next 25 years at Combilift.” www.combilift.com

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS MOELVEN STRENGTHENS UK TIMBER MARKET PRESENCE

Moelven is set to challenge the largest timber suppliers in the UK with a strengthened sales team offering more expertise in construction planed wood products and more customer service staff. The sales team will consist of Russ Fletcher, who has worked at Moelven for 16 years, Colin Little and Moelven UK Managing Director Pehr Eriksson, with Colin being Moelven’s new Sales Manager for construction planed wood products.

“Colin’s expertise from the industry is essential and we are delighted to have him on board to help us develop this product area for Moelven UK,” says Pehr Eriksson.

“Colin will also promote our group’s plywood and laminated goods in the UK market. I’m a third-generation woodworker.

My father started a sawmill that is still in operation in Vesterbotten. Now I sell Swedish and Norwegian wood products in England.” The knowledge Pehr has brought with him from his childhood is useful when he works to find the perfect match between raw materials from Moelven’s sawmills and customers’ production needs.

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“It’s important for me to visit our customers’ production facilities to find out how we can match their needs with the fantastic raw materials we produce,” adds Pehr.

Now even more Moelven products will be available on the UK market from Sweden. With the new saw line at Moelven Valåsen, we will increase production from 350,000m3 to 515,000m3 of sawn timber products per year. This is equivalent to 10,000 lorry loads.

“We see that our customers want more planed products. From April next year, we will also have our own planer connected to the sawmill, so that we can ensure that customers can order both sawn wood products and C24 from Moelven Valåsen.

“From our 15 sawmills and planing mills, we get access to wood products from trees that grows slowly. This means that the wood is strong and suitable for everything from construction timber to furniture production.

Our colleagues at our sawmills know wood and know how to achieve the best possible product quality through sawing, drying and planing. With the investment of 300million SEK for the new saw line

STRUCTURALTIMBERMAGAZINE.CO.UK

at Moelven Valåsen and associated planer, Moelven can offer a wider range of construction planed timber to the UK market.”

To meet increased sales and new logistics, the back-office team at Moelven UK has also been strengthened. “Our aim is to work proactively with our customers who order wood products from Moelven,” says Office Manager Katherine Wheeler. “We will follow up with our customers faster and with improved after sales and logistics.” The back-office team also includes Kim Cooper, who has worked in the timber industry for 35 years and Julie Shotton, backed by trainee Jessica Wigren whom has joined the team to learn about the UK timber industry and contribute with increased digitalisation at the office.

L-R Kim Cooper, Julie Shotton, Russ Fletcher, Jessica Wigren, Colin Little, Pehr Eriksson and Katherine Wheeler. www.moelven.com/uk

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS ROYAL VISIT AND DUAL CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES JONES & SONS

His Majesty King Charles III visited James Jones & Sons Aboyne sawmill in October. He first visited the sawmill in 1999 when he was Prince of Wales, and many employees are still with the company today to witness his second visit to the site. The visit commemorated the completion of the sawmill’s extensive £15million redevelopment programme that has taken place over the last five years.

The tour included the mill’s flood defence system, timber processing plant and the kilns before being introduced to several long-standing employees, apprentices and student placements. His Majesty then signed the company’s visitor book and unveiled a plaque that marked the occasion before being presented with an engraved wooden bowl.

“We were honoured to welcome His Majesty to our Aboyne site to demonstrate the extent of our recent sawmill investments and technology upgrades,” said Tom BruceJones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons:

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“We discussed the significant benefits of productive forestry acting as carbon sinks and the merits of continuing to meet and exceed annual planting targets across the UK. We were able to showcase the environmental advantages of UK grown structural timber products to support our collective views on building future houses sustainably.”

The King thanked “marvellous” workers for processing timber from Balmoral and said “Well done everybody thank you very much for all the efforts you made. I hadn’t realised what an area you cover around the world, it depends on all the marvellous people who put so much into it.”

James Jones & Sons has also recently announced that from October 2023, all the timber and co-products they supply will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of the date it was produced.

“Dual certification offers our customers a greater choice when buying sustainable timber,” said Sales Director Graham Blyth.

“The Soil Association, as our certification

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body, fully approved our ability to offer all our timber and co-products as dual FSC and PEFC certified. Our customers can continue to sell their timber as FSC certified but will now also have the choice to stock and sell as PEFC certified should their customers require it.”

Welcoming the move, PEFC UK Executive Director, John Kirkby added: “This is great news. This reinforces the strength and confidence behind PEFC certification and helps meet the growing demand for PEFC certified sawn timber and co-products in the domestic market. Most of the commercial forest area in the UK has been dual FSC and PEFC certified since 2010. By selling their products with dual certification, James Jones & Sons is now leading the way in making the UK forestry supply chain as inclusive as possible, and offering end users a choice on which certification they want.” www.jamesjones.co.uk

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS NEW METHODOLOGY FOR MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION AVAILABLE An expert cross-industry team of engineers and architects has launched a pioneering set of design principles, demonstrating how mass timber can be used safely to construct multi-storey residential buildings, in full compliance with UK building regulations.

The development of ‘The New Model Building’ was funded in part by Built by Nature, a network and grant-making fund dedicated to accelerating the timber building transformation in Europe and the UK. The new methodology was created by structural and sustainability engineers at Buro Happold, Waugh Thistleton Architects, cost consultants Gardiner & Theobald and fire engineers at UCL (University College London), has been developed to help unlock and stimulate the construction of net zero homes.

The New Model Building project team have been working with NHBC, who have reviewed the New Model Building methodology. Chris Hall, Technical Innovation Manager at NHBC said: “We support the use of natural construction materials in housebuilding when employed in line with our technical standards. Natural construction materials can offer various advantages during the construction process and are being increasingly employed across the industry. Timber is very versatile and perhaps the oldest of all construction materials, and its use in housebuilding continues to evolve.”

The New Model Building is exemplar guidance for building residential developments in a climate emergency,

illustrating how substitution of a traditionally constructed superstructure with engineered timber can reduce the whole life carbon footprint by over 50%.

The methodology has been pre-assessed by the NHBC to ensure that it meets its technical and safety standards. This facilitates developers to more easily apply for Buildmark for buildings, NHBC’s ten-year warranty and insurance cover for newbuild homes.

In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, changes in UK building regulations prohibiting the use of potentially dangerous external cladding systems in residential buildings has created hesitancy around the use of engineered timber in construction. This lack of confidence threatens the UK’s ability to meet emerging embodied carbon targets and address the climate change crisis, despite wide acceptance of the knowledge that the use of structural timber is one of the primary ways to reduce the carbon emissions produced by construction.

Jonathan Roynon, Technical Director at Buro Happold, said: “This groundbreaking design and engineering work demonstrates just what’s possible with mass timber.

Embracing the use of the material in medium rise residential buildings and beyond will be a critical part of our response to the climate emergency. With the team’s breadth of experience with mass timber, we’ve been able to develop a comprehensive methodology for delivering all parts of a project, including architectural designs, the structure, buildability plans and fire safety.

“The key element of our engineering work – the structural strategy – is flexible too, so it can be adopted by as many construction projects as possible. And we’ve made sure the strategy gives absolute clarity on how to build a structure that’s safe. Ultimately, we hope all this work will encourage the construction industry to reemploy timber as a core construction material, in our drive to achieve net zero.”

Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, added: “Game-changer is an over-used phrase, but truly applicable here. Six storey residential timber buildings that exceed UK Building Regulations, meet GLA policy and slash embodied carbon by over 50% – all preassessed by a major national warranty provider. We believe this will unlock a significant shift in the way we build housing in the UK.” As part of The New Model Building launch, its design principles and details have been published and made available at: https://builtbn.org/ solutions/new-model-building/5

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE For more information contact julie.williams@radar-communications.co.uk T: 01743 290042

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS NMITE & BE-ST TO CREATE NATIONAL ASSET FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS

New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has signed a formal agreement with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) to catalyse a nationwide network of advanced engineering, manufacturing, and learning hubs.

The strategic partnership will enable bestin-practice knowledge and understanding to be shared and tailored by region based on the UK’s varied archetypes, typologies and capabilities. BE-ST and NMITE see the collaboration as the start of creating a broader network of collaborating partners who can create impact at scale. This is exemplified by the existing partnerships with Timber Development UK and Edinburgh Napier University, with more regional partnerships to follow.

The approach will provide a framework for collaboration, with the goal of creating greater connectivity between these local ecosystems to deliver sustainable built environment training on a national scale.

Through this partnership, NMITE will be able to leverage BE-ST’s vast experience of delivering skills development training and learn from its approach to establish a model on a national scale, while BE-ST will benefit

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from growing its network in the South of England.

Although the formal agreement between the organisations is new, NMITE and BE-ST have been working together for some time.

BE-ST has been involved in projects such as NMITE’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT), which now plays a strategically influential role in supporting and expanding the use of timber in modern construction. The new strategic partnership will enable both new and ongoing work between the two organisations by providing greater staff mobility and knowledge sharing, particularly in relation to net zero.

Their shared ambitions to accelerate the built environment’s transition to zero carbon, support the development of worldleading built environment professionals, increase the adoption of renewable natural resources to deliver a more sustainable and resilient built environment, and create a more diverse and inclusive construction industry for built environment professionals to flourish and excel, also sit at the heart of the partnership.

Sam Hart, Head of Modern Methods of Construction at BE-ST said: “BE-ST and NMITE have a proven track record

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of working together to deliver impactful projects. Through this formalised partnership, we have a real opportunity to create a scalable model of regional learning hubs – a kind of basecamp for training in England - that we would like to see become a national asset.”

Robert Hairstans, Director of CATT at NMITE added: “I’m excited to see that the partnership between BE-ST and NMITE now has the framework behind it to grow and sustain. Together, I am confident we can advance the development of problemsolving skills, innovative thinking, and career development opportunities through the establishment of collaborative regional hubs, capable of sharing best practice and tailoring it to the specifics of their regional contexts. In turn, this will support the accelerated decarbonisation of the built environment and the development of services, which would not be achievable if we were working in isolation.”

For more on the work of CATT and the future of timber education check out our conversation with Robert Hairstans on p38. www.nmite.ac.uk www.be-st.build

HUNDEGGER TURBO-Drive GLENFORT TIMBER ENGINEERING READY FOR HUNDEGGER BOOST

THE SUPERCHARGED TIMBER COMPONENT CUTTING

Glenfort Timber Engineering, Ireland’s premier timber engineering company provides an extensive range of structural timber products and services and is about to take possession of their Hundegger Robot Drive.

Me and my Hundegger!

Never change a winning team!

Glenfort have been growing in the timber engineering industry for over 50 years as a third-generation family business, and pride themselves in being Ireland’s full mass timber solution company. Now under the stewardship of Cathal and Colm Campbell.

Glenfort’s capabilities are soon to be expanded. In November they will receive a Hundegger Robot Drive machine. The Hundegger machine will enable them to process their glulam and green oak projects in-house in its impressive ‘all timber structure factory’ in Dunganon Northern Ireland.

“Cathal and Colm have worked hard as young guys to expand the portfolio and services of Glenfort,” says Hundegger’s Chris Osborne. “The factory is a work of ‘structural timber art’ and must be visited. The employment of the Hundegger Robot Drive working with CAD Work software, will enable Glenfort to service the expanding Irish and UK markets for structural timber projects. Hundegger are very pleased and honoured to be supporting Glenfort’s ambitions.”

Cathal Campbell adds: “Having the support of Hundegger’s new machinery will enable Glenfort to take the next step in our manufacturing efficiency. This will support our aspirations for the future, providing leading mass timber solutions to the Irish, UK and international markets.”

Glenfort work closely with European suppliers of glulam and cross laminated timber (CLT), and French sawmills for the supply of timber for their oak structures, and feature truss business. Their services, including design, structural engineering, production and installation, assure a smooth and efficient process from start to finish. www.glenfort.com

Cutting Machine TURBO-Drive

hundegger.com

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS APTUS SECURES UKTA FOR STRUCTURAL TIMBER SCREW

Aptus, the specialist supplier of fixings and fastenings to the construction industry, has secured UK Technical Assessment (UKTA) certification for its pro-struct® structural timber screws.

The approval follows an in-depth assessment conducted by the British Board of Agrement (BBA). It certifies that the entire pro-struct® range complies with the requirements set out for screws by European Assessment Document (EAD) 130118-01-060.

These parameters assess a product’s performance against no less than 14 different criteria – including tensile strength, bending angle, insertion movement, head pull-through, yield strength, reaction to fire and durability against corrosion.

EAD 130118-01-060, which has been developed using the latest technical and scientific knowledge, ultimately aims to provide independent verification that specific screws and are suitable for use in timber construction where static and quasi-static loads are present.

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To ensure they can offer a working life of 50 years when used in timber construction applications such as forming connections or securing insulation to rafters, Aptus pro-struct® screws employ several innovative features. Specifically, they are manufactured from a specialised grade of steel which is combined with an advanced heat treatment process. This enables pro-struct® screws to accommodate the natural movements of the timber without shearing. The screws also benefit from cutting-edge thread geometry for a quicker drive and better pull-out resistance, as well as a larger diameter head, which improves resistance to head pull-through.

In addition, they have a zinc plated coating which has been salt spray tested to 500hrs ensuring compliance with service class 2 of Eurocode 5. The pro-struct® structural timber screws are currently available in a variety of lengths up to 300mm with a 400mm option due to be launched imminently. These longer sizes make prostruct® screws ideally suited to the growing challenge of fixing through increasingly thicker insulation as demanded by continually evolving Building Regulations.

STRUCTURALTIMBERMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Reflecting this, the gauges available include 6mm. This gauge of screw is more suited to the narrower joist sizes employed in the UK compared to 8mm diameter screws which are typically designed for the larger joists used across continental Europe.

Commenting on the UKTA certification, Winston Kilburn, Commercial Sales Manager at Aptus, said: “The specialist challenges involved in structural timber fixing applications often warrants an equally specialist solution. Despite this, many screws and fasteners are marketed as being designed for this purpose with little to no substance behind those claims.

As a business that’s committed to being a trusted fastener partner, Aptus wanted to give our customers verifiable proof that our pro-struct products are structural timber screws in name - and in nature. UKTA does precisely that and we’re delighted to have received this widely recognised and respected certification.” www.aptusfastener.co.uk

Where some give up,

others stand strong.

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Playing a game like this has endless moves and new solutions that we are ready to provide you with.

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Setting the standards for timber fastening BeA your partner for timber frame and offsite construction manufacturing

Across Europe and worldwide, BeA’s fastening technology, tools and consumables are the trusted choice for some of the biggest and best known names in timber frame and offsite construction.

BeA manufacture an extensive range of market leading fasteners, nails, staples and tools. We offer customers: •

An unrivalled range of manual and semi-automatic fastening solutions combined with a fully automated range in Autotec.

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Using industry leading quality controls, BeA meet or exceed standards such as Eurocode 5.

Reliable products, competitive prices and the kind of service and delivery you can depend on from BeA. 01482 889 911 sales@uk.bea-group.com visit our website www.bea-group.uk

THE POWER OF FASTENING

UK INDUSTRY NEWS DOUBLE WIN FOR ZED PODS AT BCI AWARDS

The winners of the 2023 British Construction Industry Awards – jointly organised by New Civil Engineer and the Institution of Civil Engineers – were announced on 11 October at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. The Awards, celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2023, brought together more than 1,000 of the UK’s leading clients, consultants and contractors.

MAKAR TIMBER ENGINEERING GET INFLUENTIAL BACKING

Solar entrepreneurs and climate campaigners Dr Jeremy Leggett and Paddy Padmanathan have backed MAKAR Timber Engineering (MTE), a new company that seeks to usher in a new era of fit for purpose net zero built environments.

At a time when some short-lived carbon intensive concrete and steel buildings are literally crumbling around us, MTE’s timber-based net zero, and even carbon negative, commercial buildings – made from locally sourced natural materials

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ZED PODS’ housing scheme, Hill Street House in Newport, Wales won the Residential Project of the Year category.

After face-to-face review by a panel of expert judges, the social housing scheme designed and built by ZED PODS in partnership with Linc Cymru and Newport City Council, was crowned as the winner.

The judges commented: “A quality product that transforms the way small projects are delivered on small, underutilised sites….

This project provides a unique solution that addresses social inequality, in particular addressing homelessness and providing a safe place for people to live while providing them with renewed confidence.”

The collaboration between ZED PODS and Mid Devon District Council won the Partnership Initiative of the Year, with the judges saying: “A good example of applying Project 13 principles and creating a partnership approach in the broadest sense.

The project is meeting societal needs on a multitude of levels (affordable housing, MDDC Local Authority challenges on land availability, reclamation of brownfield sites, prisoner reform programme, net zero and – are the radical shift that is needed, away from the short-sighted steel, plastic and concrete built environment. It is now widely recognised that the only plausible way to deliver a net-zero carbon built environment is through using more timber-based systems.

Having presided over the meteoric rise of the solar renewable energy industry, both Leggett and Padmanathan hope that their investments are a clear signal to other companies, councils and the government that a huge step change is required within the construction industry also, if the UK is to deliver on its net zero promises and design healthy built environments that are fit for the future.

Neil Sutherland, founder and Director of MTE, said: “It is deeply frustrating to watch organisations, both public and private, continue to mindlessly commission such unnecessarily carbon intensive builds, in the middle of a climate crisis. Continuing to build these concrete and steel structures is an act of unnecessary suicide. The places we construct are both pragmatic and symbolic of our lives and relationship to the world. MTE’s focus is on net zero buildings

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decarbonisation of infrastructure). This is an innovative approach to solving an affordable housing need, which is sensitive to Local Authority and site-specific needs.”

ZED PODS offers an integrated design, planning and principal contractor build service using timber offsite volumetric housing. The units are space standard compliant, highly energy efficient with ‘fabric first’ approach and renewable technologies to keep lowest possible utility costs for the residents. Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS said: “We are extremely delighted to win both the awards amidst tough competition which included some very large infrastructure projects. Both awards demonstrate the quality of work by our inhouse architects, operations team, in collaboration our clients. We successfully overcame numerous challenges to design and build zero operational carbon social housing on brownfield sites using modern methods of construction.” www.zedpods.com

will lead to an acceleration in the delivery of a built environment that is far more appropriate for the challenges and opportunities of the twenty first century.”

Dr Jeremy Leggett said: “It’s time for timber. We are now seeing how cutting corners and taking a short-term view of our built environment can cause our buildings to fail us. Using the UK’s natural timber resource, MTE can deliver equally fit for purpose if not better net zero and even carbon negative buildings with long life spans, all while stimulating the rural economy through short supply chains. It’s a win-win.”

Paddy Padmanathan added: “In the four years since the Scottish Government declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, we have all moved far too slowly towards a ‘just transition’. While we are shifting towards renewable energy this is only half the picture.

We must reduce both our operational carbon requirements and the embodied carbon within our built environment. It is the only sane choice we have.” www.makartimberengineering.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL KIT OF PARTS PERFORMANCE Auburn Group are currently constructing Zone 3, Greatfields School, Barking. For this project, they have partnered with Net Zero Buildings and are building an educational facility using a ‘kit of parts’ approach.

Auburn Group Ltd is committed to constructing tailor-made solutions that cater to its clients’ requirements, while keeping the needs of end users in mind. Specialising in the education sector, they deploy offsite construction methods to deliver fabric-lead structures that can save up to 50% in energy.

With the knowledge and experience obtained by Auburn Group’s workforce, of building Zones 1 and 2 of this project, Auburn Group were delighted to be appointed as the main contractor for the final phase of the project – Zone 3. The three-phase project comprises of primary,

secondary and sixth form buildings, accommodating a total of 2,400 students.

The wider development (Zones 1 and 2) used structural insulated panels (SIPS).

However, with changes to the DfE OS framework and the spirt of the building safety act, they choose a closed panel system to meet the compliance required for the creation of new learning spaces, it is designed to mitigate and reduce operational and embodied carbon. This approach contributes significantly towards the Group’s efforts to reduce carbon and greenhouse gases during construction and use of the buildings.

Using a ‘kit of parts’ approach as the central construction method, the project is achieving extraordinary outcomes. The modern factory-made components have enabled the rapid delivery of additional classroom space, ensuring the timely fulfilment of the school’s needs without compromising on quality. This approach has not only showcased the speed and efficiency of ‘kit of parts’ construction but has also contributed to a futureproof

01 education environment that will benefit stakeholders for years to come.

The Greatfields School project epitomises Auburn Group’s innovative, collaborative and sustainable approach. Using modern method of construction (MMC) is not a panacea on this project, but it highlights the most efficient construction methods and contributes to a resilient educational environment. Auburn Group’s dedication to sustainable construction ensures benefits for both the community and environment. www.auburngroup.co.uk

IMAGES: 01. The Auburn Group offers a range of sustainable offsite solutions

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STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS 2023

A NIGHT TO CELEBRATE

2023 Winners

The best in timber design and construction were rewarded once again at the 2023 Structural Timber Awards – what were those outstanding projects and who were those inspiring individuals the judges chose?

Birmingham, to celebrate the best the structural timber industry has to offer.

Timber continues to stand at the centre of success within many sustainable construction projects. Its natural, organic and aesthetic benefits combine with structural and architectural strengths to provide a low carbon and high-performance material. The route to a net zero built environment is complicated but the wider specification of timber is a central part of making this happen.

Construction professionals from all four corners of the industry once again congregated on 4 October at the National Conference Centre,

This year the Structural Timber Awards were hosted by comedian and TV presenter Ellie Taylor, who ensured that the celebrations flowed smoothly and

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were also highly entertaining. With 21 categories, nearly 250 entrants and over 50 companies shortlisted, the Structural Timber Awards judges were set their annual difficult task.

Among the multi-category winners on the night where the Black & White Building, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the big winner on the night – the New Temple Complex – picking up the trophy for Low Energy Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year alongside the all-important Winner of Winners award that was accepted by James Gorst Architects. You can read more about this project inside this issue on page 28.

STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS 2023

The Head of the judging panel and Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA), Andrew Carpenter said: “The Structural Timber Awards, which will be 10 years old next year, is one of the undoubted highlights of the structural timber sector calendar. The diverse range of projects where timber is the star of the show is incredible to witness every year.”

There has already been a large amount of attention focused on next year’s awards as the 10th Anniversary event.

It will return in October 2024 with some surprises and will again spotlight excellence, celebrate expertise in timber technology and showcase the ways it contributes to an attractive, energy efficient and sustainable built environment.

2024 Structural Timber Awards - Limited sponsorship opportunities remaining Remember that the Structural Timber Awards provide one of the most effective platforms to promote brands or companies alongside the best of the best. For details on sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities for 2024 visit: www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk The entry platform for the 2024 Structural Timber Awards will be open from February until the entry deadline – 21 June 2024.

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STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS 2023 THE FULL LIST OF 2023 AWARD WINNERS ARE...

Social Housing Project of the Year California Road, Huntingdon Burmor Construction

Education Project of the Year National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) - HLM Architects, B&K Structures, Stora Enso, Engenuiti

Commercial Project of the Year The Black & White Building The Office Group (TOG)

Private Housing Project of the Year Kelham Central - Citu

Low Energy Project of the Year New Temple Complex - James Gorst Architects Engineer of the Year Sky Pavilion - Arup Architect of the Year National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) - HLM Architects Custom & Self Build Project of the Year Webb’s Meadow - Oakwrights & Kinsey Hern

Retail & Leisure Project of the Year Sky Pavilion - Arup

Healthcare Project of the Year St Gemma’s Hospice, Young Person’s Space - ArkleBoyce

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STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS 2023

Client of the Year Sky Osterley Campus - Sky

Installer of the Year Terminal 5 Cruise Line Southampton port - D&S Baucon

Contractor of the Year New Temple Complex - Beard Construction Timber Frame Project of the Year California Road, Huntingdon Burmor Construction Pioneer Award Pioneering Timber analysis and applications - Arup

Solid Wood Project of the Year The Black & White Building The Office Group (TOG)

Project of the Year Dogger Bank O&M Base, Port of Tyne - Engenuiti, B&K Structures, Stora Enso & Ryder Architecture

Product Innovation Award Alumega, Pinned Connection for Post and Beam - Rothoblaas UK

SIPS Project of the Year Derbyshire Longhouse - SIP Build UK

Advanced/Closed Panel Project of the Year HCCAT - Streif Winner of Winners New Temple Complex - James Gorst Architects

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SAVE THE DATE 02.10.2024 National Conference Centre, Birmingham

SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

EDUCATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

IMAGE COURTESY OF HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND

HEALTHCARE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

RETAIL & LEISURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

LOW ENERGY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

CUSTOM & SELF BUILD PROJECT OF THE YEAR

PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD

CLIENT OF THE YEAR

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

PROJECT OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Entry Deadline: 21.06.2024 For more information contact: ellie.guest@radar-communications.co.uk

www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR

PIONEER OF THE YEAR

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

NEW TEMPLE COMPLEX

OASIS

OF CALM

The Winner of Winners at the Structural Timber Awards was the New Temple Complex, designed by architects James Gorst and used timber technology to its fullest potential in a special setting.

Created for the White Eagle Lodge – a non-denominational multi-faith spiritual group – the new building comprises a temple, library, chapels, meeting spaces, foyer and catering kitchen organised as a series of pavilions around a central planted courtyard. The project brief required minimising the building’s impact on the environment, embracing the natural landscape and simultaneously accommodating sacred and secular community use.

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The brief was established following three years of measured, contemplative consultation with the client, building users and the local community.

Employing a fully engineered timber frame alone, the whole life carbon was calculated at 265kgCO2eq/m2, saving up to 30 tons of embodied carbon from using regenerative materials – a key project driver. This model was then used for the design and full co-ordination of the timber frame connection details prior to manufacture, to design-out construction waste and eliminate the need for visible fixings. Offsite precision fabrication was utilised to further reduce waste and the use of engineered timber ultimately facilitated the elimination of steel from the structural frame.

Located on the spur of a hillside with expansive views across the South Downs National Park, the new temple is grounded on what is believed to be an ancient ley line connecting Chapel Common to the old nunnery of Lyss Place. The rationalised plan is organised as a series of orthogonal, timber framed pavilions connected by a cloistered walkway, facing onto a central courtyard garden. The building demonstrates an exemplar approach to passive design and sustainability. The design team adopted a ‘fabric-first’ approach to the build, with the main structural frame constructed offsite from engineered timber, following analytical testing to eliminate the need for steelwork.

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The spruce and Siberian larch glulam structural frame is FSC certified, with plywood sheet materials PEFC certified.

Internal timber is sustainably sourced Ash, supplied 11 miles from the site and is certified ‘Grown in Britain’.

NEW TEMPLE COMPLEX

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The internal arrangement follows a progression from secular to ritual spaces, moving from a timber portico and social foyer at the visitor entrance in the east, through to the main temple space in the west. The open, multi-faith building takes inspiration from the historic sixteenth century Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar.

With a square plan with entrances on each of the cardinal points, the principal sacred space is designed to welcome visitors from all faiths and from the four corners of the world. An ancient pathway known as The Shipwright’s Way runs beside the site, passing clay beds and chalk streams, following a Tudor pathway used to transport by timber from an ancient oak forest to the shipbuilding city of Portsmouth. The building makes use of each of these materials. The resulting spaces allow for contemplation and encourage a spiritual connection to the surrounding landscape.

Low energy targets and renewable energy sources were also essential to the project brief. To meet these requirements the building includes on-site power generation (using a photovoltaic array) which powers sustainable heating (via a ground source heat pump) and innovative passive cooling was incorporated to reduce the energy demand within the two congregation spaces. Enhancement of the external community landscaped gardens allowed the team to incorporate regenerative design principles. As part of the landscaped reorganisation of the site over 1,100sqm of hardstanding tarmac road was removed and replaced with wildflower meadow and landscaped gardens.

05 Heating is provided by a ground source heat pump that is buried in the landscape powered from a photovoltaic panel array located onsite. An innovative raised floor slab provides passive cooling to the internal spaces with fresh air supplied by an underground labyrinth ventilation system, while high level actuators in the temple clerestory allow warm air to escape. The principal facade of the temple incorporates air intake grilles within seating alcoves in the brickwork at ground level, where air is drawn into the building as part of the cooling strategy. Above this at high level the timber clerestory employs deep engineered timber fins on the facade with set-back glazing units,

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incorporating high specification low g-value glass to minimise overheating.

The building sits perfectly in its surroundings and the use of timber throughout creates a natural, peaceful and serene feel to the finished building.

Alongside the wider energy efficient approach, it is a truly inspirational piece of contemporary design, engineering and construction. www.jamesgorstarchitects.com

IMAGES: 01-05. New Temple Complex is a superb example of timber design and technology in a natural setting.

Courtesy James Gorst Architects

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PRODUCT INNOVATION

THE VERSATILE CONNECTION

to meet geometric constraints and load requirements. The characteristic downward load-carrying capacity ranges from 90kN for a single connector to 1500kN for three connectors sideby-side.

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We take a quick look at ALUMEGA – the awardwinning, new high-capacity post-and-beam connector developed by specialists at Rothoblaas and ideal for all working with mass timber.

while ALUMEGA JS connector has an additional internal plate that allows the fixing with smooth or self-drilling dowels. On site, a permanent field connection is made with bolts that do not require a specialized installer.

ALUMEGA connectors also provides the largest installation tolerance of any high capacity, off-the-shelf mass timber connector. It is specifically designed to overcome typical erection tolerance found in concrete and steel construction accommodating 8mm (±4 mm) beam length tolerance at each end. In addition, it also offers 3mm (±1.5 mm) lateral tolerance and a rotation tolerance within the floor plane of ±6°.

The ALUMEGA family is a new series of high-capacity concealed beam connectors for mass timber and hybrid construction that provides a customisable solution to meet the specific needs of any project.

Connectors are fabricated in aluminium which can be certified and used in service class 1, 2 and 3. It consists of three connector types that can be pre-installed in a controlled work environment: one header connector (HP) and two joist connector types (JV and JS).

ALUMEGA HP is an extremely versatile connector as it can be fixed to timber structures with either partially threaded screws or bolts – to concrete with threaded rods and resin and to steel with standard bolts. Designers can choose the joist connector – JV or JS – based on geometric constraints, load and fire requirements or installation preferences.

ALUMEGA JV is fixed to the beam with fully threaded screws at 45°,

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The horizontal slotted holes of the ALUMEGA HP connectors are the key feature that provide installation tolerance as well as rotational compatibility under gravity and horizontal loads (inter-story drift under wind or seismic loads). The connector rotation ensures a pinned-pinned structural model correctly reflecting the design’s assumptions and preventing the transfer of bending moment from a beam to a supporting element, reducing structural damages.

ALUMEGA is available in six standard sizes (heights). The connector height can be modified in 60mm increments due to the modular nature of the design. The connector components can also be installed side-by-side

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ALUMEGA also provides high loadcarrying capacities in all other main directions, including parallel to the beam axis to meet the requirements for structural robustness and disproportionate collapse in buildings.

The connector presented is suitable for deconstruction as the connection can be easily dissembled by unscrewing bolts that connect joist to the header.

The key innovation of the ALUMEGA connector is the possibility of standardising beam-to-beam and beam-to-column connections for post and beam systems. The use of expensive, custom-made, and project-specific brackets, which account for on-site tolerances, will no longer be required as the wide range of ALUMEGA connectors is suitable to meet geometric constraints (any beam or column size) and load requirements.

ALUMEGA is suitable for small as well large post and beam systems, allowing the use of glulam or LVL beams ranging from 4m to 12m.

Modular connector components can be installed side-by-side with different fastening options to solve all types of connections to timber, concrete and steel. Slotted holes allow connector rotation and ensure a pinned-pinned structural model. ALUMEGA can be pre-installed in a controlled factory environment reducing installation time on-site. www.rothoblaas.com

IMAGES: 01-02. ALUMEGA has been fully designed within Rothoblaas with feedback from CLT and glulam manufacturers, engineers and architects, installers and general contractors.

IMPACTT

THE SUSTAINABLE TIMBER TRAIL

concerns over potential harm to biodiversity caused by harvesting practices.

In light of the increasing popularity of timber structures, such as cross laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), among architects and builders, addressing this knowledge gap has become imperative.

Hence, the launch of Innovative Mapping and Processes to Advance Construction Timber Transparency (IMPACTT). This research project aims to debunk myths surrounding the environmental impact of sourcing timber products while bridging the gap between the forestry and construction sectors.

01 The relationship between forestry and the construction sector is a complex one. A new research project driven by the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) looks to enhance traceability and transparency in mass timber supply chains using digital technology.

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Forests play a vital role in maintaining the health of the planet, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. The construction sector uses approximately 40% of wood products globally, but supply chains make it challenging to understand the positive impact of sourcing sustainable timber.

There is a disconnect between forestry and construction. Even well-informed individuals within the construction industry frequently lack comprehensive knowledge about the ramifications of timber product sourcing, leading to ongoing debates about the sustainability of wood solutions and

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Leading the initiative is the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the use of demonstrably sustainable building products. The project is collaboratively supported by key partners, including the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC UK), Double Helix Tracking Technologies, Agrodome, Woodknowledge Wales, Stora Enso, and Eurban, with additional support from CEI-Bois and Timber Development (TDUK). The project is generously funded by Built by Nature, a network and grant-making fund with a mission to accelerate the transformation towards timber and biobased construction.

A path to transparency The core solution proposed by the IMPACTT project is to increase the transparency of timber supply chains in construction. This will be achieved through tracing the supply chains for five/six timber buildings. The project will identify the carbon footprint and biodiversity conditions in the associated

IMPACTT forests, and then present this data via interactive supply chain maps.

Furthermore, this project aims to introduce QR codes for timber buildings, allowing users to scan and access a map showcasing timber building locations. These interactive maps will enable users to explore building details, including photographs, timber types used, and sustainability credentials, such as embodied carbon.

Users can then follow the supply chain of timber products, through sawmills to the source forests. This educational journey will encompass information about forestry practices in specific forests, biodiversity conditions, carbon sequestration, and other critical sustainability data.

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Such interactive supply chain maps offer a clear and engaging method of communication, especially for the complex subject of supply chains.

The project’s ultimate goal is to empower building users and the broader construction community to make informed decisions and inspire developers to prioritise timber over conventional building materials.

Influencing timber certification schemes The other critical impact of the IMPACTT project is its potential to influence timber certification schemes, particularly with PEFC involved in this project, to integrate carbon and biodiversity assessments. PEFC is the world’s largest certification system for sustainable forest-based products, with over 280 million hectares of certified forests. The scheme undergoes regular revisions every seven years, with the next revision cycle commencing this year.

PEFC is already exploring methods to integrate new criteria, including carbon and biodiversity assessments, into its certification processes, with projects like carbon stock and emissions mapping of tropical forests in West Africa. This research project could serve as proof of concept and have a significant impact on the implementation of these changes.

Selecting timber buildings to trace The IMPACTT project officially commenced in September 2023 and is set to run for one year. The initial phase includes the selection of timber buildings in the UK, Netherlands,

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04 and other European countries. The project aims to choose diverse types of buildings with compelling stories. The intention is not only to highlight the sustainability of wood structures but also to emphasise the unique stories, missions, and values these buildings hold for their communities.

Among the potential case studies are buildings serving charity organisations, educational institutions, hospitals, and care facilities. Additionally, the project may consider buildings incorporating reused timber in their facades, as well as notable structures such as the UK’s tallest mass timber office building and the Netherlands’ tallest timber-hybrid residential building. A list of 42 recent

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timber buildings is currently under consideration.

For the latest updates on the development of this project, questions, or recommendations, contact Simon Corbey, ASBP Director: simon@asbp.org.uk www.asbp.org.uk

IMAGES: 01-02. Timber in construction is growing rapidly as a low carbon building material. Courtesy Stora Enso 03.

Global forestry is under huge pressure to provide a wide array of timber products but sourcing must be managed responsibly 04.

An example of how Double Helix can trace products along the supply chain. Courtesy Double Helix

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EDUCATION

MASS TIMBER LESSONS

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01 Officially opened in June and operated by the University of Strathclyde, the new £11.8million National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is winning many plaudits for its sustainable mass timber building.

Sitting at the heart of the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), and a partnership between the University, the Advanced Forming Research Centre, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, NMIS is housed within an architecturally striking and advanced

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two-storey structure where engineered timber is a key element to a hybrid design, optimising space and the beauty of the materials employed.

The materials and layout of the skills centre reflect the facility’s pillars of collaboration, flexibility and innovation, creating a unique identity that is both carbon-neutral and optimised for productivity.

At more than 18,288sqm, the space accommodates the personnel and equipment needed for the programme and houses state-of-the-art engineering equipment. The building features PEFC certified cross laminated timber (CLT) roof panels manufactured and supplied

by Stora Enso, engineered and installed

by Stora Enso’s partner B&K Structures.

The diagonal PEFC certified spruce glulam columns and extensive diagrid roof define the building’s striking appearance.

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The glulam structure is both visible externally and internally and provides a wide column-free space maximising flexibility and the potential for reconfiguration. The prefabricated diagrid structure and panelised CLT roof were assembled on-site, with bespoke CLT rooflight frames formed offsite to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Framing the view into the facility, the glulam structure creates an architectural statement for the project, exemplifying NMIS’ values of innovation and sustainability. The new ‘energy carbon neutral in operation’ facility will create an open and collaborative environment, that supports healthy working, fosters collaboration and promotes sustainability.

Main contractor Morrison Construction worked closely with B&K Structures and supply chain partners Stora Enso and Rubner to deliver a diagrid style roof structure together with the diagonal glulam columns which define the building’s striking appearance.

The development exemplifies the University’s vision and values and innovates in all that it does. Led by the University’s design guides, which focus on whole building lifecycle, and underpinned by using sustainable, longlife and robust materials, the design is unique. A range of climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, including rainwater harvesting, SUDS and a green roof encourage biodiversity.

EDUCATION

03 Highly visible externally and internally, NMIS’s unique structural identity offers an 18 x 80m column-free space, maximising flexibility and the potential for reconfiguration. Visible on the skyline, the 32m x 12m ‘window to the world’ provides a view into the facility, framed by the dramatic glulam structure that springs above the office and collaborative spaces. Promoting sustainable and recycled materials, design processes reviewed options to ensure optimum energy efficiency over the lifecycle of NMIS and its components.

The Skills Academy seeks to create a high-quality, healthy workplace maximising natural daylight, with

internal tree planting, and a bespoke internal green wall. Central to the design is the exposed timber glulam frame and CLT roof which supports the facility’s pillars of collaboration, innovation and flexibility. Achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating, it exemplifies the sustainable goals of the University, delivering an iconic identity for this world-leading facility.

Prioritising ‘fabric first’ passive principles, low U-values and energy efficiency, the building has quickly become a landmark piece of sustainable architecture. Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & ViceChancellor of the University of Strathclyde, & Chair of NMIS Board

said: “This flagship facility – which has sustainability at its heart – is a unique part of Scotland’s manufacturing innovation ecosystem. It will play a leading role in developing advanced manufacturing, industry 4.0 capability and cross-sectoral research and innovation activity in Scotland, the UK and beyond.” www.hlmarchitects.com www.bkstructures.co.uk www.storaenso.com/en www.engenuiti.com IMAGES: 01-03. NMIS is a multi-award winning example of sustainable, energy efficient, low carbon timber construction. Courtesy HLM Architects

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STRUCTURAL TIMBER ASSOCIATION

A CHALLENGING HOUSING MARKET:

THE CASE FOR TIMBER

01 2023 has been a financially challenging year with high interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis squeezing budgets for everybody. Andrew Orriss from the Structural Timber Association (STA) examines how timber can help bring economic stability to the housebuilding sector.

Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent dialling back on net zero targets, decarbonisation remains a key focus for all within the construction industry.

For those of us in the structural timber sector, who are well versed in this material’s environmental profile, it’s clear that where carbon reduction is a requirement timber wins hands down.

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The structural timber industry is emersed in all things carbon reduction and climate change as we work with the Government programme Timber in Construction. The programme was brought about following the publication of the Net Zero Strategy, Build Back Greener in October 2021 whereby the intention is clearly stated to use more timber in construction.

A cross departmental group has been set up including DLUHC, DESNEZ (formerly BEIS) DEFRA, and the Forestry Commission to develop a plan on how to achieve the following fundamental objectives: • Foster collaboration between sectors to develop policy options to safely increase timber in construction • Produce a policy roadmap for timber in construction with a clear implementation plan • Joined-up approach to developing the UK’s forest cover to support wood processing industries.

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Yet, while we talk endlessly about environmental performance there are other often-missed aspects of sustainability when building with structural timber – particularly within the housebuilding sector. While we can point to the fact that such homes can be future-proofed and adapted according to lifestyle changes and demographics, we should also recognise the fact of economic sustainability and the importance of supporting an industry that can counter the much talked about skills shortage in construction.

The press recently has been full of new construction technologies unable to sustain their business models for a variety of unfortunate reasons. As each one goes it throws shade on the viability of that technology from an economic standpoint and therefore erodes confidence in the ongoing use of any new technology. As someone who has been involved in MMC and offsite construction for much longer that I would dare to admit, this is deeply saddening.

STRUCTURAL TIMBER ASSOCIATION

02 To make the case for MMC or offsite technologies, not all players in the market are bound by the same issues relating to economic sustainability.

There are many that have withstood the challenges of the 2008 recession that seemingly lasted for ever and put businesses under immense pressure, as fixed price contracts that were won mid-recession were hit with rising rates on almost everything as post-recession pricing corrected itself.

So economic sustainability can be attributed to business models that are robust in withstanding the force of a recession and all that goes with it. It is often those business models that have withstood the passage of the boomand-bust construction industry before and learned from them.

03 Many members of the STA are in this position and can offer their clients economic sustainability. They can offer a stable workforce with reliable skill supply and even local supply if that is a driver. At the time of writing, we have seen that key housebuilders who deliver circa 30% of the UK’s housing, have invested in MMC – or more specifically in the proven technology – timber frame.

We are slowly seeing market share for timber frame housing in England increase, albeit someway shy of the more than 90% of homes in Scotland, despite the slowdown in housing starts and despite the perception that timber frame is more expensive. It is fair to say one needs to view the holistic cost considering prelims and speed of construction.

Let’s come back to the slowdown in the housing market. What we can say with some confidence is that, with the ongoing efforts of the House Builders Federation and a General Election round the corner, maybe this slowdown won’t last as long as previous ones. Will we see a ‘new’ Help to Buy scheme to kick-start the industry, as we look to address the slowdown and show an appetite to deliver volume? Whatever happens, it’s clear that structural timber solutions can provide the answer to many of the challenges faced by the housebuilding sector – both financial and environmental. www.structuraltimber.co.uk IMAGES: 01-03. Timber offers both financial and environmental answers to the challenges faced by the housebuilding sector

STA & TDUK COMBINE FORCES The STA and Timber Development UK (TDUK) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help grow and develop the timber construction market. Under the terms of the agreement, the two parties have agreed to form a partnership and collaborate on technical projects to further the development of timber design and construction as well as on policy related communication matters.

Both parties already produce technical and design guidance for architects, engineers and manufacturers. This new collaboration will help ensure that both parties avoid duplication in their work and that the market is better served with agreed, authoritative sources of technical information. It will also ensure that the downstream, manufacturing and design sectors of the timber supply chain are speaking with ‘one voice’ to policy makers. This will be conducted according to a common advocacy plan under the umbrella of the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI). This MOU takes us one step closer to achieving that. Both parties will also be working together to promote the use of timber as a housing construction solution during 2024.

“I am well known for preaching the sermon of collaboration across construction,” said Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive, STA. “I am delighted to be signing this MoU to do just that within our own sector. If timber is going to take centre stage in the construction sector, then we need to ensure that we work with all parts of the supply chain. This partnership will allow us to maximise the strengths of both organisations for the common good.” www.structuraltimber.co.uk

www.timberdevelopment.uk

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NMITE & CATT

NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN TIMBER EDUCATION

01 As the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) continues to change perceptions surrounding timber design, we spoke to CATT Director, Robert Hairstans about its deep focus on education and skills development.

Housed within the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), CATT works collaboratively with industry both vertically (seed to end product) and horizontally (architecture, construction, digitalisation) as a common theme to show how rewarding a career in timber can be.

“We develop and deliver an educational programme for the sector in partnership with industry and we deliver this through flexible learning with blocks of hands-on experiences in the Skylon

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campus ‘Living Lab’ in Hereford,” says Robert. “We have demonstrated what is possible with an alternative educational model, which is inclusive and diverse in terms of uptake.

“We have had 44 learners with 41% female uptake from a wide variety of backgrounds, including structural engineers, construction project managers, architects, architectural technologists, quantity surveyors and technical sales – all at different points of their careers. This shows the range of skills needed throughout the supply

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chain and how an alternative approach to learning can bridge the knowledge gaps and accelerate the careers of future built environment professionals.”

As part of NMITE and its role in building industry partnerships and delivering wider education options, CATT is delivering a step change in understanding how to work with timber – a material that is still misunderstood at many levels in construction learning – even at the earliest stages in schools and colleges. Engineering is an important aspect of this, including a

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02 concentration on DfMA, whole-life performance and digital integration.

“What’s crucial is that people with all these skillsets work together to collaborate on innovative solutions and our programme allows them to interact with that in mind. We’ve designed a programme to upskill on all these fronts and more, including understanding timber properties, how to specify sustainably and how to deliver construction projects responsibly.

Regardless of experience with timber, participants leave our courses with a broader understanding of timber across all sectors in the construction industry.

We want to provide a breadth and depth of education to allow onward specialisation.”

Understanding decarbonisation Ultimately, the aim is to ensure more timber is used in place of carbon intensive materials such as concrete and steel in as productive a manner as possible – if not, then the construction industry will continue to accelerate the climate crisis. For NMITE and CATT, this is about enthusing a new generation and encouraging young people to establish a career in timber building and creating a momentum shift in understanding sustainable materials.

“I don’t think there is any doubt that the future generation is aware of the difficulties we are faced with as a planet,” adds Robert. “With the

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realisation that construction delivery and operation accounts for 34% of global final energy use and 37% energyrelated carbon dioxide emissions, whilst extracting finite resources and destroying natural habitats, the willingness to learn more about how to use natural renewable capital of timber is embraced. It’s incumbent on us to amplify this message to ensure we change the trajectory of the sector and underpin it with a skilled and competent workforce.”

The challenge certainly accelerates the learning of the participants on this basis, as it results in multi-disciplinary teams collaborating on a real-life scenario, learning from a vast array of professionals and utilising design and analysis tools to ensure the highest sustainability performance targets are being achieved from both an embodied and operation carbon perspective. A lot is asked of the students, but the reward is a high level of knowledge attainment reflective to the real world.”

University challenges NMITE and CATT have been central to the success of the Timber Development UK (TDUK) University Design Challenges, that seem to have taken on a life of their own and are proving to be hugely popular. The competition is inspiring young timber designers/ architects/engineers and getting them prepared for the real-world challenges that industry and clients will throw at them.

CATT also has a prominent role in promoting the use of more UK timber through the Transforming Timber Platform and is about 18-months into the ‘Building from England’s Woodlands’ project in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), BE-ST, Ecosystems Technologies and dRMM Architects.

“It has been fantastic for NMITE, CATT and for the region of Hereford, given that the design briefs of the last two years have focused on two local case studies,” says Robert. “This has raised awareness of the region, the CATT project and provided a unique opportunity for University design teams from around the UK to inform the decision-making process of these projects.

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“We have just commenced the Wood Fibre Commercialisation project in partnership with ENU and BE-ST as well as the University of Edinburgh for fire performance expertise,” says Robert.

“Both projects are essentially about adding value to the English hardwood resource for scalable MMC products.

Given the limited amount of forest resources, we’re anticipating hybrid or composite solutions with a blend of hardwood and softwood being utilised.

NMITE & CATT

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“However, an important aspect of this is about informing the future forest strategies so more of the right trees are planted in the future. This aligns with what the Transforming Timber platform is about: we have launched this to capture and release the track record of research we have primarily via ENU on UK homegrown timber to encourage future specification. The outputs of the two current projects being led by NMITE will be released via this platform. We want to provide the tools and information necessary to encourage timber construction as a whole and the increased utilisation of our UK resource.”

“We also have our live Forestry Commission England funded projects to determine better ways of utilising English forest resources for construction delivery via scalable MMC approaches and determining opportunities for the commercialisation of wood fibre insulation.”

Timber TED The Timber TED 1 and 2 courses ran

by CATT have also been grabbing headlines. These short courses are both 12 weeks long with practical hands-on learning and industry engagement experiences. They are designed to appeal to students not necessarily requiring in depth timber knowledge but what can students expect? “The course responds to the industryderived competency framework, which is contained within the TDUK skills

05 action plan,” says Robert. “TED 1 covers timber as a material and sustainability.

TED 2 covers timber technologies and engineered timber products as well as methods of timber construction.

“The learning content within each course is used to inform a series of design challenges, and the learners predominantly work in teams to design, detail, build and exhibit their outputs to an invited audience of industry professionals. The nature of the approach means it attracts a broad range of learners who benefit from the content, the tutors, each other and the immersive experiences.”

Looking ahead, Robert and the CATT team are looking at ways to offer the TED courses via BE-ST as a regional hub in Scotland for UK-wide outreach and are also currently in the process of

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finalising a short course in partnership with Passivhaus Trust and Pure Haus, on how to upskill ‘Enhanced Retrofit Fabric Improvement Specialists’. September 2024 will also see the launch of a BSc in Sustainable Built Environment at NMITE. As Robert says: “CATT is not just educating the next generation of timber engineers but educating built environment professionals of the future.” www.nmite.ac.uk

IMAGES: 01. CATT, Skylon, Hereford. Courtesy Speller Metcalfe 02-04. The TED courses have proved to be hugely popular drawing a diverse number of learners 05. Mixed discipline student teams from 22 universities competed in the University Design Challenge 2023 (#TDChallenge23), to reimagine and retrofit a real life building using timber

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41

PASSIVHAUS

COMMITMENT IS EVERYTHING

The CLT structure creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, which also contributes to carbon storage and environmental preservation, with every cubic metre of CLT locking in one tonne of CO2. Showcasing the timber within the classrooms was positive for pupils and staff. It provoked questions about how the building was constructed and where the timber had come from, which we made into a factsheet for the kids.

01 Craig Heap, Director at Holmes Miller, outlines why structural timber is such an important element to low carbon and Passivhaus design.

Designing a structural timber project to low-carbon or even Passivhaus standards is not the cheapest or the fastest way to build – but it doesn’t aim to be. What it does deliver on is exceptional levels of longer-term affordability, interior comfort, health, wellbeing and durability. Having a client who understands this, rather than considering only the up-front cost, is the first step to success. And herein lies the challenge, especially in this time of extremely tight budgets.

Architects and contractors can help clients be more ambitious by showing what can be achieved with commitment and encouraging them to take a longer-

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term view of potential cost and carbon savings. A tight-knit design team is also essential. Clear collaboration and buy-in is needed across the whole build and design team, including subcontractors and stakeholders.

Our design for the first Passivhaus primary school project in Scotland to use a cross laminated timber (CLT) structure, led by Project Director, Clara Garriga, demonstrates what can be achieved with an ambitious client like The City of Edinburgh Council on board.

The two-storey extension to the Grade B-listed Sciennes Primary School – which offers four additional classrooms and flexible teaching areas – opened its doors in September, having achieved an impressive airtightness rating of 0.28 ach/hr@50Pa. To compensate for the lack of winter solar gain, the design centred on a fabric-first approach, addressing airtightness and thermal performance – including triple glazing.

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Timber really is the perfect choice for Passivhaus, as it generally achieves a better airtightness than a steel structure.

As it can be replenished and recycled, it’s also good for embodied carbon.

However, there were some initial nerves from the council over getting a largely timber building to meet fire regulations.

We overcame this through a combination of treating the CLT with a fire retardant and covering some of it up with fire-rated gypsum board.

We did have to compromise on the amount of CLT we could leave exposed internally – around 25%, when we had hoped for more. The process was more complicated than expected, but as more industry guidance emerges on timber buildings and fire, this will get easier.

Also, just complete – and currently awaiting Passivhaus certification – is Buntingford First School, Hertfordshire’s first fully net zero school which has been worked on by our architect James Bowie. This trailblazing sustainability project for the county again uses a CLT frame construction.

Part of our brief was to reduce the embodied carbon of the construction materials, so innovative trackers were used to enable the site team to produce as-built carbon data to compare with the initial project targets.

PASSIVHAUS

02 The project was design-intensive up front, as everything had to be manufactured prior to construction work beginning, which required great effort and co-ordination across the design team. However, as one of the biggest advantages of structural timber is obviously the speed of assembly, this time was clawed back once on-site, with the structure flying up within five to six weeks.

As more projects like Buntingford and Sciennes reach completion, they will serve as important exemplars across the rest of the UK on just what is possible.

We’re already seeing more clients switch on to the benefits of timber Passivhaus design. In June, construction work began on Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Scotland’s first ultra-low energy swimming pool and leisure centre, for Perth & Kinross Council.

With its exposed wooden beams, we aim to create a soft and welcoming space which is markedly different from traditional designs for civic leisure facilities. Although construction is at an early stage, Holmes Miller architect Yida Zhou and the team have already learned from the development of the design. For example, having studied CLT’s hygroscopic behaviour to identify a suitable external wall/roof membrane approach when CLT is used as both a structural and finish material in the Pool Hall.

Applying a breather membrane to CLT is a conventional approach widely recommended by industry including the Structural Timber Association (STA), however, it was demonstrated that this

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approach would result an accumulation of interstitial condensation and significantly compromise the performance of the thermal envelope.

As well as its green credentials and speed of assembly, structural timber is increasingly popular due to its positive impact on user wellbeing. When you are in a space created mainly with natural materials, you simply feel better.

Ultimately, if you put the technical expertise, intricacy, and hard work aside, it’s clear what it really takes to make low carbon timber buildings a reality – commitment.

Responding to this, we proposed using a vapour barrier which initially caused some apprehension within the design team. Despite this it was agreed upon, following scientific-based analysis demonstrating how it limits the amount of moisture moving from inside the building to outside, preventing interstitial condensation and reducing risk of excessive moisture accumulation within CLT. Because this is only the second Passivhaus leisure centre in the UK, we’ve had to go through a steep learning curve to demonstrate everything to the certifiers, but once this process is complete, it will become easier for others to follow suit. We hope more councils will be inspired to consider Passivhaus standard for leisure projects, especially in the face of high energy bills when it’s estimated to save up to 70% compared to a conventional leisure facility.

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As architects, it’s our role to demonstrate that commitment is not only possible, but essential if we are to deliver net zero across the built environment. Hopefully that job will get easier as more successful low carbon timber projects open their doors. www.holmesmiller.com

IMAGES: 01. Buntingford First School, Hertfordshire 02. Blairgowrie Recreation Centre 03. Sciennes Primary School 04. Construction work at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Dundee

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43

FIRE REGULATIONS

FIRE EXPERTISE

“This site brings together a wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the construction spectrum,” says Andrew Carpenter, CEO of the STA. “It is one of many projects we are working on to try and reduce barriers to the use of timber in construction.

It’s also been good to have a true collaboration with our colleagues at Swedish Wood. We will continue to work together to promote best practice in all areas of timber safety and design.”

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

01 Since its launch in March, the timber industry’s comprehensive fire safety website – Fire Safety.

Wood in Construction – has become a valued resource for everyone in the timber construction supply chain.

The free to use resource for design, manufacture and construction professionals gives users a single point of access to information and guidance on this multi-faceted and safetycritical subject, it is designed for all construction professionals.

Developed together by Swedish Wood, Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Structural Timber Association (STA), the site is subject to periodic review and a curated update process to reflect any changes in regulation, outcomes of latest research and industry guidance.

The information in this first iteration has been provided by technical and industry experts from the UK and Sweden, reviewed by a separate expert group drawn from the UK timber industry and independent consultants, including Professor Julie Bregulla FREng, consultant to Swedish Wood.

“Understanding fire safety principles underpins good design.” says Julie.

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“We hope this website brings an accessible and flexible resource to the wider community to inform their design processes with timber solutions and facilitate their wider supply chain collaborations.”

Fire safety design can take many different pathways, influenced by such factors as architectural vision, client demands and product choices. This site gives the user underpinning principles and approaches, as well as background references and cross-links to further advice and guidance, to provide them with context and UK industry resources in support of their wood projects. We cannot stress this enough,” says David Hopkins, CEO of TDUK. “The most important thing is to provide designers with the principles of timber design for fire safety, not try to do the design for them.”

Referencing European standards where appropriate, but with a focus on UK regulations and standards, the site is designed so that a range of different users can explore subjects at different levels of detail – from architects and structural engineers to building owners and the many stakeholders making successful timber projects possible.

Although the site allows navigation to specific areas, users are encouraged to follow the suggested topic flow site map to get a good understanding of the inter-connectedness and multidisciplinary nature of fire safety.

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Anna Ryberg Ågren, Director of Swedish Wood, adds: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with TDUK and the STA on this important, independently verified, website. It forms part of our aim to help UK building professionals in the construction sector access factual information concerning timber and fire safety, as well as to be able to link to like-minded information on a European level.”

The partners in this website have a robust process for reviewing and curating the site. Feedback on omissions, or links to further research that could be considered for inclusion, is welcome (via the Feedback form) and there are plans for regular updates.

This free resource is available at: www.timberfiresafety.org IMAGES: 01. The web resource provides a central point of fire-related reference for all those working with timber

EXPERT PANEL The ‘Fire Safety. Wood in Construction’ website is edited and curated by Professor Julie Bregulla FREng, Dipl.-Ing, PhD, CEng, FICE, MEWI, acting as consultant to Swedish Wood.

Authors include Dr Björn Källander, Dr Birgit Östman, James Walker and Björn Yndemark. The expert reference group includes Nick Boulton (TDUK), Alan Dowdall (Ramboll), Gordon Ewbank (WPA), Kelly Harrison (Whitby Wood), Matt Hoad (HTA Design), Matt Linegar, (Stora Enso), Esko Mikkola (KK-Fireconsult Ltd) and Martin Milner (Milner Associates).

Timber Fire Safety website The timber industry’s comprehensive fire safety website acts as a single point of access to information and guidance for all construction professionals. It is available, free, at timberfiresafety.org The information has been provided by experts from the UK and Sweden, reviewed by a separate group drawn from the UK industry and independent consultants, including Professor Julie Bregulla FREng.

Although the site allows navigation to specific areas, users are encouraged to follow the suggested topic flow site map to get a good understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of fire safety.

The site gives underpinning principles and approaches, as well as background references and cross-links to further advice and guidance, so as to provide context and UK industry resources in support of wood projects.

Referencing European standards, but with a focus on UK regulations and standards, the site is designed so that a range of different users can explore subjects at different levels of detail - from architects and structural engineers to building owners and the many stakeholders making successful timber projects possible.

About Fire Safety Timber in construction Fire safety in buildings Fire safety regulations Europe

UK

Design approaches

Designing for Fire Safety Loadbearing timber wall and floor assemblies

Connections

External walls and surfaces: fire performance considerations

Separating timber wall and floor assemblies Reaction to fire – internal surfaces

Managing Construction for Fire Safety Fire safety during construction

Active fire protection

Cavity barriers and Fire Stops

Fire fighting

Information management

timberfiresafety.org

FIRE REGULATIONS

NAVIGATING A HOT TOPIC

Now, in nearly all cases, Approved Document B points to the European system of classification, whether that is for external cladding materials, internal finishes, raw cross laminated timber (CLT), or other materials. Evidence needs to be based on the European classification system and will normally require a minimum classification level of B-s3,d2.

However, the classification requirements for certain products, such as those used on external walls, are more stringent were used on buildings in excess of the trigger heights stated in Approved Document B. It is worth noting that timber products, even when treated with specific treatments for reaction to fire performance, are unlikely to achieve a greater than ‘B’ classification.

01 Warringtonfire’s Technical Manager, Peter Barker, and Regulatory Analyst, Ross Newman, provide expert commentary on recent changes to building regulations and outline the legislative changes every construction industry professional must be aware of.

Q: What are the key legislative changes designers, architects and developers should pay heed to?

Ross Newman (RN): I would say a key thing to look out for is that the construction industry should now be using the European classification system for reaction to fire performance

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following the amendments to Approved Document B. Previously, there were alternative options, and either the national classification system1 2 or the European classification under BS EN 3501-173 could be used for demonstrating reaction to fire performance.

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Peter Barker (PB): I think it’s worth adding that on the 23 December 2022 the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) opened a public consultation in England seeking feedback from relevant groups on proposals to remove national classifications from Approved Document B (ADB).

Q: How have the roles and responsibilities for fire and building safety changed in the new legislation?

RN: There are a number of new roles that have been introduced under the new legislation, with the primary aim of identifying duty holders who will have clear accountability and statutory responsibility for high-rise residential buildings and other buildings identified as high-risk. The following roles have been defined: Accountable Person(s), Principal Designer and Principal Contractor.

FIRE REGULATIONS Gateway 1 and the new Gateways 2 and 3 that will kick in through the Building Safety Act are geared towards higher-risk buildings which are currently defined as those at least 18m in height or containing more than seven storeys6.

Q: In your opinion, what further regulatory changes are to come?

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03 PB: The roles of the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor include similar responsibilities as those defined under the CDM (Construction Design Management) Regulations 20154, but as duty holders under the Building Safety Act, will be required to manage building safety risks, with clear lines of responsibility during the design, construction and completion of all buildings. Accountable persons will need to demonstrate that they have effective, proportionate measures in place to manage building safety risks in the higher-risk buildings for which they are responsible and duty holders such as the Accountable Person, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, who do not meet their obligations may face criminal charges.

Q: What is the most pressing regulatory change a designer or architect must focus on?

RN: If I was a designer or an architect working in the world of timber construction or using timber materials, then I think my main focus would really be getting to grips with the current building regulation changes and amendments, including those in the Building Safety Act and in Approved Document L

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and Approved Document B. I would really make sure that I have clearly understood what these changes may bring about, what that means, how I can use timber materials, or if it might make more sense to use other materials in certain areas. Of course, you would still want to use timber for a number of reasons, not least of which would be its known environmental and sustainability credentials.

Q: What is the most pressing regulatory change a developer or owner must focus on?

RN: If you’re what’s currently defined as a client or owner who’s going to be the investor in a development, there are a lot of new requirements that you are going to have to take on in terms of responsibility under the Building Safety Act5. Again, these new amendments will apply to relevant high-rise, high-risk buildings.

However, if you are involved in this area there will be a lot to understand in terms of making sure the people that you employ are competent to do the jobs that they’re being asked to do and that you are developing buildings that are safe for people to occupy.

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RN: I think this year, 2024 and 2025 we’re really going to start to see the impact of the secondary legislation from the Building Safety Act. This will affect further changes to those already being made to the Approved Documents and Regulation 7. I would expect the sector to review their design, specification and procurement processes by making sure products are fit for purpose, and a lot more evidence-based with a paper trail to say why that product or system is suitable for a specific application. This will produce an auditable paper trail, which will be necessary for duty holders to meet the requirements of the new regulatory framework.

PB: Yes. In future, it will be necessary to cope with a lot more information in terms of records and handover documentation. I think there will be a focus on digital information and how that can be sensibly packaged up for each building. This could drive digital innovation and advances in Building Information Modelling (BIM) – a technology that isn’t currently being exploited as much as it might for what it can achieve.

I do agree that there will have to be a huge cultural shift in the way that the construction industry communicates with clients. The current structure of subcontractors, subcontracting to further subcontractors, and the way information flows through that chain, will need careful review by the large developers to account for the coming changes. There is certainly an expectation around increased collaboration between interested parties, from designer through principal contractor, to the point of building handover and ongoing operation. www.warringtonfire.com www.bmtrada.com IMAGES: 01-03. Warringtonfire are an essential port of call for timber and fire regulation knowledge and expertise

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LAST WORD

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

01 Finbar Charleson, Architect and Research Lead at dRMM outlines some key projects the pioneering practice has embarked on and what it hopes to deliver.

Like many organisations, dRMM is committed to science-based targets, working to diminish the enormous impact of construction in the crises facing climate and biodiversity. Many designers have seized the opportunity to offer strategies for mitigation and adaption to climate change, but despite best intentions, the industry is host to overclaimed scientific certainty and even greenwashing. dRMM sees a risk within the profession of undermining its own efforts to address these twin crises and has made several key commitments to avoid it.

Every live project our studio works on is now subject to rigorous, ongoing appraisals led by our Sustainability & Regenerative design team, ensuring evidence-based methods of analysis back up our assumptions in line with the

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and ENU to develop new engineered wood products made from hardwood grown in England. The project looks to propose a suite of open-source high performance products, diverting the biomass of un/undermanaged woodlands from firewood into long life harvested wood products.

‘Anti-Greenwash Charter’. The studio has invested in training to ensure staff can carry out Passivhaus, Whole Life Carbon, and Building Performance Assessments.

Finally, we’ve made a firm commitment to research, working to create and share new knowledge for the industry.

Since 2021, dRMM has received grant funding for two research projects for the Built by Nature Foundation and Forestry England. As the studio Research Lead, it has been my task to deliver on the studio’s commitment to evidence-based design, working with a range of expert partners.

The products being developed by the team have followed an extensive market review, incorporating interviews across the timber supply chain from forestry to manufacture to ensure the systems proposed are viable and scalable.

Already yielding exciting outputs at the R&D factory of BE-ST and Wood Science Laboratory of ENU, the project has proved relevant to industry leaders and policymakers facing the challenge of adapting the timber supply chain to incorporate a wider variety of species in the face of climate related risks to woodland ecosystems.

Our first study, ‘Measuring Mass Timber’, draws on the expertise of The Quality of Life Foundation and Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) to synthesise carbon equivalent and wellbeing data under one holistic assessment. With a specific focus on the impact of engineered timber in buildings, evidence from this study – which uses five built case studies as its sample – aims to support the uptake of sustainably sourced wood products, and ultimately improve the quality of buildings in the growing market for engineered timber.

These projects have taken dRMM on a rewarding journey, allowing for a rigour and depth of inquiry that commercial projects can only aspire to.

Input from experts to develop methods for gathering data and analysing our findings has pushed the studio to fully embrace the consequences of our commitment to science-based targets.

It has invited healthy self-reflection and has allowed for a rich and active debate in the studio as we appraise new products, systems, and strategies.

The project has seen the team undertake post-occupancy engagement sessions with citizens using transport, office, education, religious and residential mass timber buildings, following the recently updated BS 40101. With ENU, we are producing Life Cycle Assessments in line with BS EN 15978, whilst monitoring the buildings’ indoor environments. We are currently analysing the data gathered across these buildings, with an intention to share results with the industry early in 2024.

Our second active research project, ‘Building from England’s Woodlands’, has seen dRMM partner with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Ecosystems Technologies

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The educational theorist John Dewey posits that a ‘transformative experience’ can only truly happen if all participants are engaged. Applied to the construction industry, we will not transform the sector by simply celebrating our greatest achievements, rather we must realise the exciting potential of a sea change through consensus. We must be willing to bring colleagues, collaborators, clients and citizens on a journey to follow robust research and define the best solutions for our supply chains, ecosystems and communities. www.drmmstudio.com IMAGES: 01. Finbar Charleson, Architect and Research Lead, dRMM

Photos by Alex Schreyer / UMass

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