Structural Timber Magazine - Autumn Issue 17

Structural Timber Magazine.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | ÂŁ4.95

STMAG

Design Technology Sustainability Interviews News Analysis Case Studies

The latest in structural timber building design and technologies

INNOVARÉ SYSTEMS TWO 21ST CENTURY SCHOOLS: ONE SITE

P40

P54

P66

Timber Trade Federation

Timber Expo 2018

Helen Hewitt

The industry gathers as part of UK Construction Week

Promoting timber as the material of choice and developing talent

David Hopkins talks Brexit, lobbying Government, buildings standards and VAT

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WELCOME TO Welcome to the Autumn edition of Structural Timber Magazine and hello to everyone descending on the Birmingham NEC for Timber Expo and of course getting ready for the Structural Timber Awards.

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Production

This issue we have a rich mix of news, views and features. As the chaotic Brexit negotiations continue to confuse even the hardiest individual, David Hopkins, Managing Director at the UK Timber Trade Federation (TTF) puts a few issues into perspective where progress is being made, especially with the current VAT regime that is inextricably linked to the Customs Union.

The timber industry – like every citizen – would like to see some greater clarity on what to expect when we exit the EU. Productivity levels are constantly under scrutiny across the entire construction sector. And as anyone who has followed the industry headlines over the last 18 months will know, the argument surrounding offsite manufacture as one of the overriding factors to improve productivity has been discussed at length. Peter Blunt, Board Member for the STA and Managing Director of Innovaré Systems, provides a thought-provoking column on where some big changes rest. As he points out, the temptation to stick with the familiar is always strong. But when that ‘familiar’ is proven to be outdated and failing, then where is the biggest risk? Sticking with what you know will potentially not work

or opting for a fresh approach that can deliver something better? It is at this point that many traditional-thinking clients, contractors and industry insiders need to shift their mindsets in a fundamental way.

The role of active and focused trade associations has never been more important and aiming to make wood the first-choice material in any build, is the task for Helen Hewitt, acting CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). This issue she illustrates what its ‘Build it Better with Wood’ strategy hopes to achieve as the woodworking sector and the timber industry get to grips with an ‘array of opportunities and a number of challenges’.

A final few words on the shortlisted projects and organisations at the Structural Timber Awards – each year the quality of entries is exceptional and reflect a vibrant, imaginative and talented sector. Good luck to all involved.

Many thanks to all our contributors, advertisers and supporters. Enjoy…

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

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CONTENTS

THIS ISSUE...

P6 | COVER STORY - INNOVARÉ SYSTEMS As part of the 21st Century Schools programme, Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government relocated two primary schools to a single new shared school site. The project used Innovaré’s BBA- accredited i-SIP System of structural insulated panels to deliver an exceptional building.

P08 | THE PACE OF CHANGE How realistic is it to think that an industry where productivity levels have stagnated for over 20 years is going to be transformed through incremental improvements? Peter Blunt, Board Member for the STA and Managing Director of Innovaré Systems, shares some thought-provoking ideas on fundamental improvements.

P10 | INDUSTRY NEWS A quick round-up of some recent news stories from the timber and construction sectors that you may have missed including the latest STA activity, a new hybrid timber structure for Balliol College, Stewart Milne seek to better understand and measure current site productivity and progress on the military manoeuvres at Salisbury Plain.

P26 | BATHROOM PODS FOR RENAISSANCE RETIREMENT A staple of the offsite sector for many years, bathroom pods play an integral part in many timber-based projects. One scheme under construction at the moment is the Fleur-de-Lis development for Renaissance Retirement in Berkshire.

P32 | HEALTHY LIVING IN SHROPSHIRE During the summer, an innovative £2 million timber frame Passivhaus social housing development, completed and delivered a super low-carbon scheme to residents and for South Shropshire Housing Association.

P38 | SOURCING SUSTAINABLE TIMBER PEFC-certified timber is a key element in many building projects from structural applications to a raft of components and joinery items. Alun Watkins, Executive Director, PEFC UK explains what those working in the supply chain should remember when sourcing any timber product or system.

P40 | PREPARED FOR ACTION The Brexit clock is ticking away, yet with just six months to go there is still very little clarity on what UK business should be doing to prepare.

David Hopkins, Managing Director, UK Timber Trade Federation (TTF), outlines the positive progress made so far for the timber sector.

P42 | TACKLING THE HUMIDITY RISK Niall Crosson, Group Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster, Engineer Head of Applications Technology at pro clima, discuss the need to ensure unforeseen moisture trapped during the build phase can be released from the building envelope to avoid damage to timber.

• Members of Structural Timber Association.

• Extensive experience of applying STA guidance and research.

• Determination of category of frame needed.

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FIRE ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS

• Advice on appropriate solutions to reduce the risk of fire spread to surrounding buildings.

• Use of advanced computer modelling techniques to analyse timber frame proposals and provide a cost effective solution.

P44 | THE VALUE OF QUALITY TREATED TIMBER Ensuring the durability of your timber and extending its service life across a wide range of construction and landscaping applications is critical to performance standards. Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Export Sales Manager UK & Ireland for Piveteaubois, outlines some important considerations to remember when approaching timber protection.

P50 | PLAYFUL MULTIPLY The UK’s first ever hardwood cross laminated timber (CLT) has been used to create a pavilion for the London Design Festival. The installation is a collaboration between Waugh Thistleton Architects, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and ARUP. P54 | TIMBER EXPO 2018 For all those interested in new timber thinking, innovative products and cutting-edge technology, make sure you are at Timber Expo 2018.

P66 | TIME FOR MORE TIMBER The timber industry is currently facing an array of opportunities, along with a number of challenges. Helen Hewitt, Acting CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), outlines what its ‘Build it Better with Wood’ strategy hopes to achieve.

P68 | FIRE DOOR FIVE The Fire Door Safety Week campaign was launched in 2012 and has steadily grown in terms of reach and impact. This year’s campaign is ‘Fire Door Five: Shutting the door on fire and smoke’.

P72 | IDEAL MATERIAL OPTIONS Norbord is the world’s largest manufacturer of OSB and has recently invested £95 million in a new plant in Inverness, Scotland. David Connacher, Marketing Manager, Norbord Europe, discusses why timber and OSB is central to the UK construction industry’s future growth.

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COVER STORY – INNOVARÉ SYSTEMS

Two 21st Century Schools: One Site As part of the 21st Century Schools programme, Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government relocated two primary schools to a single new shared school site. The project used Innovaré’s BBA - accredited i-SIP System of structural insulated panels to deliver an exceptional building.

01

02 The decision was made to relocate two primary schools – Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras – to modern, new facilities on a shared school site at Glasdir in Ruthin. The client, Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government required the development to be carried out to BIM Level 2. Innovaré were contracted by Wynne Construction to work with architects Lovelock Mitchell and the £10.5million project has been designed and built utilising BIM level 2 and advanced structural timber technology which will reduced on-going operational and maintenance costs across the lifecycle of the building.

The two new schools are constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards. Councillor Eryl Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Education, said: “Our preferred option has been to relocate both schools in brand new, state-ofthe-art buildings on the Glasdir site and plans were drawn up and shared with the public at drop-in consultation events. We are committed to providing fit for purpose education facilities for our children and young people.”

The chosen software allowed full integration of the SIP model which ensured a fully co-ordinated model was agreed prior to manufacture, resulting in a clash free environment onsite.

Wynne Construction drove the decision to adopt Innovare’s i-SIP System for the superstructure. Working with Innovaré as the preferred supply chain partner achieved a collaborative approach. Innovaré’s technical team were embedded into the project design at the commencement of RIBA stage 3 and were invited into the project common data environment to access all information and upload relevant data at the agreed exchange points.

The Innovaré team managed the complex design, manufacture and structural installation. By designing at risk from the initial stage concept, the scheme benefitted from the early intervention of the Innovaré team and their expertise in offsite technology – developing a simple, yet effective solution to meet the challenging design, which has been likened to a spaceship when viewed from above.

The i-SIP System can rapidly deliver a

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Early collaboration to understand the attributes of Innovare’s expertise in offsite technology combined with BIM level 2 design, meant that the completed construction design was approved nine months prior to the construction start date.

COVER STORY – INNOVARÉ SYSTEMS watertight structure by a predictable date and programming and scheduling can be done with certainty because the building structure is manufactured and delivered to a reliable and controllable schedule, allowing fit-out and follow-on trades to be scheduled with complete confidence.

Through the BBA accredited i-SIP System, Innovaré has a proven capability to increase productivity and address the government’s Facilities Output Specification (FOS) with an offsite built system without derogation. The FOS is a stringent standard outlining technical performance covering internal environment, daylighting, acoustics, ventilation and thermal comfort requirements within specific budgetary guidelines. The ESFA has acknowledged that i-SIP is the only offsite system to fully meet its exacting standards.

The Innovaré i-SIP System comprises structurally insulated panels manufactured from two skins of OSB/3 to BS EN 300: 2006 bonded with a two-part polyurethane adhesive to an insulated core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) 100E to BS EN 13163: 2008. Each panel incorporates a solid timber top and rebated bottom panel closer for fixing directly to the timber sole plate.

Designing in service runs optimised speed onsite and M&E design. The capability to ‘clad anywhere’ onto the i-SIP System ensured the main contractor’s ability to mix and match the outward appearance for the two schools to keep the individual identities.

The end result is an airtight, thermally efficient building envelope across the entire structure.

Performance efficiency modelling carried out by Innovaré facilitated the design of key details to minimise cold bridging and vastly reduce air permeability to assist with the final U- value of 0.15w/m²k via a 206mm i-SIP. The Innovaré i-SIP system has a typical Y-value of 0.025 W/m²K exceeding the accredited and enhanced construction details values of 0.08 and 0.04 W/m²K

03 respectively. The excellent insulating properties and superior airtightness of a finished i-SIP structure reduces energy consumption and running costs across the lifecycle of the building.

Innovare’s large format i-SIP panels can measure up to almost 6 x 3 metres resulting in fewer structural joints and connections, making i-SIPs one of the easier ways to achieve levels of air leakage as low as 0.6 m3/m2hr@ 50 pascals.

As part of their sustainable supply chain policy, Innovaré use only FSC®/ PEFC™ Full Chain of Custody responsibly sourced timber delivering carbon savings to the construction by promoting the creation of sustainably managed forests.

The speed at which the structure was erected did not compromise on quality.

In just 13 weeks over 10,000m² of i-SIP components including internal and external walls and roof cassettes were erected by six specialist installers utilising two cranes – achieving a 55% faster handover of a watertight structure, than could be achieved using traditional methods.

In terms of durability, with less postconstruction snagging, more robustness and no shrinkage, the i-SIP System remains stable and strong throughout its lifetime.

The system is maintenance-free, removing the need for ongoing remedial works and the BBA certification means a 60-year warranty.

04 Tom Rhodes, Architect, Lovelock Mitchell said: “This was the first time we have worked with Innovaré, we were very pleased with how the SIP solution was able to fully realise our design without compromise, producing a solution which was far from the square box typology. We were impressed with how effectively they were able to seamlessly integrate into the BIM level 2 environment and look forward to working with them on the next project which is already underway.”

Innovare completed works to the structure in September 2017 and the school opened in April 2018 to great acclaim. Denbighshire County Council are delighted with the innovative i-SIP System and all of the benefits the structural solution has brought to the project and have selected the same construction method for two further schemes in the area.

For more information visit: www.innovaresystems.co.uk or email: enquiries@innovaresystems.co.uk

IMAGES: 01-03. The two primary schools – Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras – are on a single site and are rated BREEAM Excellent 04. The ESFA has acknowledged that i-SIP is the only offsite system to fully meet its exacting standards All images courtesy of Wynne Construction

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 7

STA COLUMN

The Pace of Change How realistic is it to think that an industry where productivity levels have stagnated for over 20 years is going to be transformed through incremental improvements? Peter Blunt, Board Member for the Structural Timber Association (STA) and Managing Director of Innovaré Systems, shares some thought-provoking ideas on fundamental improvements.

The reality is that the industry learning how to do what it currently does a bit better, will not reduce the increasing gap between prerequisite and actual outcome. With so many influencing factors, the prospect of major construction projects being delivered late and over budget, will remain.

A lot of good work is being done in the areas of inclusion and diversity, but the fundamental question remains – if the industry works in much the same way as it always has, will it deliver the same results, and will it prove an attractive career proposition? The industry has to consider if there is a realistic answer to the skills crisis beyond the aspiration to widen recruitment outside the traditional pool of labour.

New Ideas and Approaches For a host of reasons, traditional construction methods, even with better technology – will not provide the answer.

The challenge has grown to a size that demands more radical solutions.

Fortunately, we do not have to invent the solution, we just need to make more use of what is already available. Without any compromise on building design, function or performance, building with offsite manufactured structural timber systems can: • Reduce build times by up to 30% • Deliver greater confidence in budgets and timings • Provide better guarantees of build quality and thermal performance

• Diminish the demand for skilled onsite labour • Improve the integration of design and build to ensure buildability The temptation to stick with the familiar is always strong. But when the familiar is proven to be failing and not up to the challenge, then where is the biggest risk – sticking with what you know probably will not work or opting for an approach that has proven it can deliver the outcomes you need?

The construction sector needs to improve productivity and build faster. It is widely recognised that offsite construction can deliver the step-change in performance that is needed. Yet, as the recently published House of Lords report identifies, the pace of change within the industry is still a problem.

Part of the reason seems to be the practical reality that buyers are judged on how low they can get the cost. The need to shift the focus from construction cost to lifetime value is an ongoing discussion, but ever-tightening budgets for public sector bodies who commission the work make it unlikely that this ‘cultural blocker’ will disappear any time soon.

The House of Lords report is urging the construction industry to achieve a higher state of productivity and predictability through the pace and quality of manufactured construction. If the Government is serious about making

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01 progress they need to lead by example in their procurement and set the private sector a challenge to follow suit.

Lifetime value is often enhanced through the adoption of offsite techniques. But this does not mean that construction costs cannot also equal, or beat, those of traditional construction – as the independent Timber and Masonry Cost Comparison Report by Rider Levett Bucknall UK, clearly demonstrates. It is vital to look forward, but we also know how critical it is to provide an effective solution for procurement professionals in the here and now.

Peter Blunt Structural Timber Association E: peter.blunt@innovaresystems.co.uk

www.structuraltimber.co.uk IMAGES: 01 The award-winning Kings School from Innovaré using i-SIP

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS HYBRID STRUCTURE FOR HISTORIC OXFORD COLLEGE

B&K Structures has been appointed to supply and install a series of steel, glulam and cross laminated timber (CLT) hybrid frames at Balliol College, Oxford. The newbuild education development will provide much needed undergraduate student accommodation at what is one of the University of Oxford’s oldest and most prestigious colleges. The full project is worth £40 million, with B&K Structures working alongside main contractors BAM to deliver the scheme.

Comprising eight separate blocks – a four-storey building and seven smaller three-storey structures, the new accommodation blocks will include a truly hybrid solution, blending steel, CLT, and glulam. All blocks will feature CLT and steel hybrid structures, as well as visual glulam beams to two blocks. The engineered timber boasts excellent sustainability credentials, being fully PEFC-certified with a complete chain of custody to ensure the timber is from well-managed forests.

Due to the company’s offsite manufacturing methods, it is estimated that there will be a maximum of 10 people required onsite at any point during the structural installation process, and that a total of fifty-five deliveries for all eight accommodation

blocks will be made to the site – improving health and safety and reducing disruption and air and noise pollution during the construction process.

Commenting on the contract, B&K Structures’ Managing Director, Andy Goodwin, said: “We are proud to be working alongside BAM on what is another prestigious project. The historical nature of Balliol College means the new accommodation must be sensitively designed to enhance the college. Hybrid structures allow for attractive buildings with airy communal spaces due to the potential for increased floor to ceiling height and larger windows.

“Combining steel with CLT and glulam also reduces the weight of the structure, decreasing the load on foundations, and the use of certified timber from managed forests reduces the building’s carbon footprint, while our offsite manufacturing methods can reduce the length of the site programme by up to 25%, compared to a more traditional concrete frame, helping to control costs and increase returns as students are able to move in sooner.”

SOURCE: www.bkstructures.co.uk

LIGHTWEIGHT PLYWOOD HITS UK

Banova Plus is sold exclusively by the UK’s leading supplier of timber and construction materials, Arnold Laver which operates 13 strategically located depots. The product features an innovative design that combines a balsa core with lightweight hardwood surfaces, to create a product that typically weighs half as much as conventional plywood, whilst being just as strong and robust. In addition, Banova Superflex is an extremely flexible variation of the product that features a textile layer that can be easily formed to create curved shapes.

Terry Palmer, Category Director from Arnold Laver, said: “Banova Plus is a strong and robust product but it weighs next to nothing. As soon as it went on sale in our depots, it proved to be hugely popular with anyone requiring a great looking product that’s extremely lightweight. We’ve already seen it used in luxury yachts, motorhomes, packaging, furniture, sculptures, theatre sets, exhibition stands, mobile advertising boards and suspended ceiling rafts.

Banova is manufactured by German company 3A Composites GmbH, using FSC certified wood from responsible sources, and features low emission values. Banova Plus is available in a variety of thicknesses from 9mm to 50mm and formats that range from 1220mm x 2440mm up to 1220mm x 3050mm. The product that doesn’t require any special tools or equipment to process it, offers a consistent surface quality and can be combined with scratch resistant surfaces, printed onto and even laminated, so it lends itself to an endless range of possibilities.

SOURCE: www.laver.co.uk

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HUNDEGGER ROBOT-Drive

JAMES JONES CHOOSE EGGER FOR LATEST FACILITY

MULTIFACETED FLEXIBILITY FOR ALL TIMBER CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Leading sawmiller and timber processor, James Jones & Sons, specified EGGER Protect for durable, non-slip structural flooring at its new secondary processing and treatment facility at Hangingshaw, near Lockerbie.

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Never change a winning team!

The 20,000sq m building is the size of three football pitches, and the centrepiece of a recently completed £17 million development designed to increase the company’s production of fencing products.

These include incised posts that have grown rapidly in popularity since James Jones launched them in 2013.

“This is a less-common application of EGGER Protect which is usually used in housebuilding,” said Alan White, Director of Sales for EGGER Building Products. “A market-leading structural flooring panel, Protect is made from our P5 flooring-grade chipboard with a durable, anti-slip, moisture-resistant surface layer. This surface layer is applied to both the top and underside of the board, resulting in a product that offers protection from moisture penetration, not just during construction but for the life of the floor.”

Specifying EGGER Protect for this application also brings health and safety benefits, with the textured surface offering market-leading anti-slip characteristics as well as being hard-wearing and robust.

When used with EGGER D4 Joint and Joist Adhesive as part of the EGGER Advanced Flooring System it also carries a unique lifetime guarantee.

hundegger.com

JOINERY MACHINE HUNDEGGER ROBOT-Drive Compact dimensions and modular design – the ROBOT-Drive offers maximum flexibility and almost unlimited processing possibilities for bars and panels.

With the ROBOT-Drive, a 6-axis unit performs all the necessary work steps on the part – and in a single run. The solution for all requirements including timber glue construction from 20 x 60 mm to

James Jones Technical Manager, Tobbe Sandberg, added: “The 18 acre Hangingshaw development is a strategic investment for the company. This new facility is designed to enhance our position as of the UK’s biggest suppliers of sawn timber products including carcassing, fencing, pallet wood and heavy sections. The secondary processing facility is central to the production and storage of our fencing products and we were looking for a structural flooring board that not only had the technical properties we needed but an appearance that enhanced the look of our showpiece building.”

300 x 1300 mm.

The ROBOT-Drive is the most recent addition to the range of Hundegger joinery machines.

Hans Hundegger AG Chris Osborne 2 Cuebar Court Lashford Lane Dry Sandford, Oxon OX13 6JP Tel: 01865 736444 chris@hundeggeruk.com

SOURCE: www.egger.com

Innovation in timber engineering

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19.09.2018 14:50:58

UK INDUSTRY NEWS WPIF MEET POLITICIANS

Representatives of the UK’s wood panel sector have met with politicians to discuss challenges facing their industry. An expert working group has been set up by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Wood Panel sector and industry members, Norbord, Kronospan and Egger.

A report will be prepared for the APPG to inform members in their discussions with Ministers.

The working group discussed the challenges faced by the wood panel sector as a result of the lack of security of domestic wood supply, the impact of the biomass industry on the availability of wood to work with and how the industry will meet UK demand for wood panel products post Brexit. Both the working group and APPG are chaired by Stirling MP, Stephen Kerr.

Alastair Kerr, Director General of the Wood Panel industries Federation (WPIF), said: “Maintaining a positive wood supply balance throughout the year is crucial to members’ businesses, so it’s important that we’re involved in discussions around the supply issues facing the sector. The

expert group will develop policy proposals that will help to support the sector and the industries it feeds into, including construction, furniture, packaging and transport. I hope that our contribution of the expert group will help to address some of the current issues and preserve the longevity of the sector.”

Together, the WPIF’s members – Norbord, EGGER and Kronospan – have a combined GVA in excess of £850m a year with 7,500 direct and indirect jobs dependent on the industry.

Stephen Kerr MP added: ““I’m very proud to be chair of this expert working group which seeks to raise some important issues with parliament. Our discussions so far have given me a fantastic insight into the issues facing an industry that is so important to my constituency in Stirling. It’s great to hear facts and opinions from industry representatives who are at the forefront of wood panel supply and manufacturing, and it’s clear that there is significant work to be done in terms of preserving this sector for the future. I’m looking forward to

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working with the members of the group to formulate proposals which we will present to parliament.”

The wood panel manufacturing sector currently uses the equivalent of 25% of the 11 million tons of wood delivered from UK forestry every year, with WPIF members suppling approximately 65% of the total UK annual consumption of wood-based panels.

Products, including OSB (oriented strand board), MDF (medium density fibreboard) and chipboard, are supplied to some of the UK’s biggest brands including B&Q, Jewson and Wickes.

From left to right: Rt Hon Brian Wilson, former UK Energy Minister and now member of the UK Board of Trade; George McRobbie, managing director of Tillhill Forestry; Alastair Kerr, director general of the Wood Panel industries Federation (WPIF); Stephen Kerr, MP for Stirling; Steve Roebuck, director EHS at Norbord; Ian Ross, former chairman of Scottish National Heritage and chartered forester and John Paterson, director at EGGER Forestry SOURCE: www.wpif.org.uk

UK INDUSTRY NEWS EUROPEAN COLLABORATION DRIVES LOW CARBON HOUSING A new low carbon project Housing 4.0 Energy (H4.0E) has been approved by the European subsidy program Interreg North West Europe. Made up of five partner countries in North West Europe (NWE), the three-year H4.0E project will facilitate the uptake of low carbon and digital technologies, products, processes and services in the NWE housing sector to reduce carbon emissions and improve quality of life for homeowners in the region and beyond.

The main goal of Housing 4.0 Energy is to offer people in NWE access to new smaller zero energy/low carbon homes (ZEHs), effectively aiming to reduce homebuilding costs by 25% and carbon emissions by 60%.

The North West Europe (NWE) region is the most industrialised region - as well as the most prolific CO2- emitting region - in Europe.

Within this region, the housing sector alone accounts for nearly one-third of all CO2 emissions, as there is currently no great push within this industry to achieve the EU targets. Meanwhile, decreasing household size, changing patterns of regional population density and other social factors have led to a significant decline in demand for large, expensive and energy-inefficient homes; and in turn, this has led to the increased desire for smaller, more affordable energy-efficient living spaces.

Transnational development and digitalisation (4.0) techniques and a digital platform - designed within H4.0E to facilitate the digitalisation of building homes and transferability of these techniques - will ignite fundamental changes in design, manufacturing and construction within the housing industry to meet both EU targets and the needs of homeowners in NWE. Using a client-based approach, as well as â‚Ź2.5 million in European Regional

Development Fund (ERDF) funding and a total budget of â‚Ź4.2 million, H4.0E partners will work with local authorities, social housing companies, architects, engineers, construction companies and current homeowners.

The project will be tested and monitored for viability in six pilot sites representing varying levels of industry and carbon emissions, ranging from cities in low carbon regions to rural areas in less carbon conscientious regions. UK partners include South West College and Open Systems Lab. SOURCE: www.opensystemslab.io

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS BETTER SOCIAL HOUSING FOR SCOTLAND Community’ – a leadership and knowledgesharing hub for the housing sector, focusing on emerging technologies, digital transformation and future housing types.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) have announced a new partnership which aims to use innovation to increase the affordability, sustainability, quality and supply of social housing in Scotland.

Housing associations are the main providers of newbuild social and affordable housing in Scotland and have some of the most energy efficient housing in the country.

However, they face a number of challenges including increasing the supply of new-build affordable housing against a backdrop of a skills shortage in construction, addressing fuel poverty, meeting new fire safety standards and providing housing that is suitable for an aging population.

SFHA and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) believe that their partnership will enable housing associations to address these challenges by learning from CSIC’s successful track record in innovation, while also ensuring that the work of CSIC responds to the needs and ambitions of housing associations.

The partnership, which will create a strategic relationship between the two organisations and deliver a supporting programme of activities, will provide tangible benefits for SFHA’s members, including: support for housing associations to use Building Information Management (BIM) to streamline their maintenance and asset management of existing homes and the creation of a ‘Housing Innovation

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Sally Thomas, CEO of SFHA said: “SFHA members - housing associations and co-operatives - have an enviable track record of innovation but there has never been a more important time to articulate and demonstrate the benefits of innovation in social housing in areas such as cost, quality, safety and energy efficiency. A key element of the partnership is the Home of the Future Innovation and Future Thinking programme, which is bringing the housing and construction sectors, and others, together to create a vision of future living.

A series of collaborative innovation projects began in September 2018 to develop and test new ideas, approaches and models for the Home of the Future. With the changes and challenges ahead for our members come opportunities, which SFHA’s partnership with CSIC can help the sector to grasp.”

Pictured: Stephen Good, CSIC and Sally Thomas, SFHA SOURCE: www.sfha.co.uk | www.cs-ic.org

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS WPA ANNOUNCE NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

ACME GAIN APPROVAL FOR IQL The London Legacy Development Corporation has approved plans by ACME for a new 930m² ‘gateway’ pavilion at the International Quarter London (IQL) in Stratford, east London. Built from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam, the multi-storey events pavilion will house the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park visitor centre, a café and two restaurants.

Following a review of the WPA’s ability to serve a growing demand for its services and expertise the WPA board is pleased to announce a reorganisation and strengthening of the Association’s leadership team.

WPA operations become the responsibility of a restructured and strengthened team of directors. In this new management structure Gordon Ewbank becomes Chief Executive Officer (CEO), heading up the leadership team. Gordon has overall responsibility for all external activities, technical and regulatory affairs and is the Association's spokesman. Former Director of Operations and Company Secretary Steve Young becomes Chairman of the WPA board with executive responsibility for corporate governance, reputation management and communications strategy.

Former WPA Chairman Chris Coggins puts his unrivalled wood protection expertise to work as the Association’s new Standards and Quality Director.

The WPA’s operational capabilities are much strengthened by the appointment of Janet Sycamore to the leadership team.

Janet joined the WPA board in July this year and becomes Company Secretary. Based at our office in Castleford, Janet is responsible for WPA member and management services supported by Caroline Hewison.

Commenting on the new management structure Gordon Ewbank says: “Demand for wood is growing strongly, opening up opportunities for wood protection technology. I am delighted to be heading up the WPA’s team focused on promoting the quality products and processes that help to make the most of wood as a sustainable construction and landscaping material.”

Steve Young confirms that the interests of WPA members lay at the heart of the board’s decision to reorganise and strengthen its executive team, saying: “Fire protection and preservative treated wood quality are the two big issues of our time and likely to demand attention for the foreseeable future. With the timber supply chain turning increasingly to WPA as a centre of excellence on technical and regulatory matters, quality assurance and buyer education, the board has put in place a leadership team that makes the most of our expertise and better serves the interests of our growing membership.”

The WPA’s leadership team: (L to R): Janet Sycamore, Company Secretary, Steve Young Executive Chairman, Gordon Ewbank, Chief Executive Officer and Chris Coggins, Standards & Quality Director.

SOURCE: www.wood-protection.org

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The scheme within the emerging business quarter master planned by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’, will feature an accessible roof terrace with views across the park and the recently revised East Bank scheme – the future home of Sadler’s Wells, the V&A and UAL, among others.

The pavilion is designed as an extremely lightweight timber structure as it sits on top of a DLR tunnel with no allowances for much additional weight or foundations.

The CLT and glulam structure means only a shallow concrete foundation will be needed. The structure is based on a radial grid of prefabricated elements, assembled in situ with a repetitive system of connection which make the structure easy and quick to set up. Hardwood decking will be used for the external seating and – combined with the timber terrace structure – this will provide a soft appearance, a warm contrast to the surrounding glass and metal façades.

ACME have collaborated with Green Infrastructure to develop the biodiversity strategy to make connections to the wider ecological corridors through the Lea Valley.

The green roofs will be planted to attract species with the wild-flower environment and create a food source for pollinators.

The building will be BREEAM Excellent.

SOURCE: wwww.acme.ac

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS SCA WOOD TEACH THE TEACHERS shouldn’t stop there. We are firmly rooting our commitment to the timber industry to help engage those responsible for inspiring the engineers and architects of tomorrow. Seeing our operations first-hand will hopefully provide lecturers with the experiential knowledge they need to impart enthusiasm for wood use in construction to the next generation.”

During September SCA Wood hosted a group of university lecturers at their large-scale operations in northern Sweden. The visit, which was arranged in conjunction with the East Anglian Timber Trade Association (EATTA) as part of the ‘Who Teaches the Teachers’ programme, was aimed at updating lecturers’ knowledge on timber production methods. The three day trip involved visits to SCA’s tree nursery where 100 million tree seedlings are produced each

year, SCA’s sustainable forests, of which SCA owns 2.6 million hectares in northern Sweden and Tunadal Sawmill – one of five sawmills owned by SCA in Sweden.

Stephen King, Sales Director of SCA Wood Industrial Solutions, said: “We were delighted to be asked to host this visit by the EATTA. SCA has always been dedicated to sharing our wealth of timber knowledge with our customers, but the education we provide

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Tabitha Binding, University Engagement Manager from TRADA, who joined the visit, was impressed by SCA’s passion for producing quality wood fibre, saying: “The enthusiasm, openness and pride in their products was evident in all of SCA’s staff across the nursery, harvesting, sawmilling and planing line facilities visited. Stephen King, our host throughout the visit, together with all of his colleagues in Sweden answered all questions, from the basic to the complicated, increasing understanding and creating enthusiasm to teach students about timber in a different way to that previously taken. Architectural and engineering students and lecturers across the Universities of Anglia Ruskin, Suffolk and Hertfordshire will undoubtedly benefit from this first-hand knowledge which is backed up by TRADA’s extensive online learning resources.”

SOURCE: www.sca.com

UK INDUSTRY NEWS ONLINE TRAINING FOR TRUSSED RAFTER DESIGNERS The online training course is available in two elements: Part 1 Essentials and Part 2 Advanced. Part 1 is suitable for new staff and designers while part 2 is aimed purely at designers.

As the construction industry continues its struggle with skills shortages, the trussed rafter industry is working hard to upskill employees with sign-ups for specialist training quadrupling. The online training course, run by the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) in association with Edinburgh Napier University, is proving popular with trussed rafter designers.

Two beneficiaries of the training programme are Gabor Vince, from Taylor Lane Timber Frame, and Frank Kyne, from Wyckham Blackwell, who are the highest scorers for

the Introduction to Trussed Rafter Design online course. As a reward for their hard work, Gabor and Frank have been given the opportunity to visit a Swedish forestry and sawmilling operations courtesy of Vida Wood UK. Nick Boulton, TRA Chief Executive, said: “Training for TRA members is going from strength to strength and its remarkable how well the course is doing. It’s a credit to the TRA members and their employees for wanting to be better at their job to provide a better service for their customers.”

TRA members can claim up to two units of training completed per site within three months of registering. With each unit costing £175 per candidate or £300 for both, these are great saving for members.

The course is just one element of the TRA’s commitment to training and recruitment in the trussed rafter industry. To register candidates, please send the candidates full name and business email address to info@tra.org.uk where you can also find out further information about the training package.

SOURCE: www.tra.org.uk IMAGE: Scotts of Thrapston and Wolf Systems

SCOTFRAME STRENGTHENS TEAM Scotframe, one of the UK’s largest offsite timber frame specialists, has appointed Daniel Wilson as Business Development Manager at its new office within the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC), Swindon.

Daniel’s role will focus on developing the recently launched Swindon branch, helping Scotframe to push forward on its plans to target a larger share of the English selfbuild housing market. Over the last eight years Daniel has worked on numerous award-winning, large-scale projects including The Department Store, Brixton which won the RIBA London Award 2018 and RIBA National Award 2018; The Eden Project canopy walkway and The Wolfson Tree Management Centre.

Daniel said: “I’m delighted to have started my new role at Scotframe where I’m looking forward to helping to grow the company’s presence in England. Scotframe has a long-standing reputation for quality and customer service and I’m very excited to be part of such an innovative and growing business, contributing to its long-term sustainable future.”

Malcolm Thomson, sales director at Scotframe added: “We’re pleased to have Daniel on board and with his experience in the timber frame sector, we think he will be a great addition to our team. Currently Scotland leads the way in timber frame construction, with 83% of new build homes in Scotland using timber frame, compared to just 23% in England. However, the market share for timber construction

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in England is steadily rising and Daniel will play an important role in developing Scotframe’s offering south of the border.”

SOURCE: www.scotframe.co.uk

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UK INDUSTRY NEWS STEWART MILNE GROUP SEEK GREATER PRODUCTIVITY

The Stewart Milne Group has teamed up with the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) to better understand and measure current site productivity, downtime and waste.

CSIC and GCU also have a longer term ambition of developing a user-friendly way for other housebuilders to measure productivity on the construction site, improving efficiency right across the sector.

Existing methods of measuring productivity on a construction site are relatively complex, relying on time and motion studies and data analysis. This project will gather data and better understand the site measurement process and means to analyse information, in order to improve Stewart Milne Group’s productivity. It will also inform a future simplified approach and methodology that can be used by housebuilders large and small, to help improve efficiency levels and business performance.

CSIC is funding the work of a research team from the Department of Construction and Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University to carry out daily site monitoring, comparing existing timber frame construction methods with more advanced crane-erected offsite timber frame system. Detailed data, photo and video evidence is being captured and analysed, to unlock improvements that reduce material waste and labour downtime and increase productivity from a more advanced offsite timber frame system, building a strong business case for change.

Stewart Dalgarno, Director of Product Development at Stewart Milne Group said: “Site productivity is very important to the growth plans of the Stewart Milne Group and the future efficiency of our housing delivery approach. We have carried out previous research on our sites, identifying productivity opportunities and developed improved products and systems to exploit this. This project should allow us to take this to the next level, and also to share

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the findings, monitoring and benchmark our methodology with others in the sector.

Improved productivity is good news for the industry, the end customer and the economy as a whole.”

As part of CSIC and Scottish Enterprise’s ‘Profit Through Productivity’ campaign for the construction sector, the productivity information, practices and processes will be shared across the wider housebuilding sector over the next year, in order to improve overall efficiencies. Other housebuilders will also have the opportunity to benefit from CSIC funding to support the implementation of the new approach.

SOURCE: www.cs-ic.org

TIMBER FRAME

Timber Frame on the March Progress on the ambitious timber frame housebuilding project to help relocate approximately 4,000 service personnel and their families from Germany to Salisbury Plain in South Wiltshire as part of the British Army Basing Programme is forging ahead. based manufacturer is supplying its 140mm timber frame system with pre-insulated panels for three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached houses and bungalows.

Construction is underway on the first service family accommodation site at Bulford.

01 scheme was brought to market via the Southern Construction Framework. This groundbreaking project will deliver in excess of 20 houses per week, across three sites on Salisbury Plain.

02 The prestigious collaborative housebuilding project is part of a £250 million contract awarded to housing-led regeneration experts, Lovell, by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 2017. The project will involve the construction of over 900 homes at three sites – Ludgershall, Larkhill and Bulford by May 2020.

Lovell was awarded the contract to deliver of 917 homes (Service Families’ Accommodation (SFA)) on Salisbury Plain

by May 2020. The scheme is part of the British Army Basing Programme (ABP and this exciting and exceedingly challenging

After an extensive selection process considering the country’s leading providers, Lovells chose to partner with Taylor Lane and Stewart Milne, having worked successfully with both in the past.

John Leary, Lovell’s Major Projects Director, said: “Importantly we have been entirely comfortable working together in a very open and transparent manner, developing design solutions and fashioning the technical and commercial package over a series of months. With a company of this stature and credential exhibiting such a supportive/ collaborative approach, we are extremely confident in our ability to deliver the timber frames to programme, across each site.”

Taylor Lane Timber Frame will provide design, manufacture and deliver timber frame kits for erection on two of the three sites, Bulford and Larkhill. The Hereford-

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Mike Perry, Sales Director at Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “This is an exciting housebuilding project for Salisbury Plain, and we’re very proud to be associated with it. We have a proven method for manufacturing high-quality, valueengineered products, consistently on time, and will apply this to meet Lovell’s target of 20 completed homes per week.

“Typical industry pace is delivery of one-to-two homes per week, so it’s a stretching target, but from the outset of this project, we have all committed to working openly and collaboratively to ensure the successful completion of this scheme. We believe that this project will be an exemplar for the industry. It will demonstrate what can be achieved with an offsite manufactured timber frame solution and a collaborative working relationship with all partners.”

In May Lieutenant General Nick Pope CBE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, together with John Leary, Lovell’s Major Projects Director unveiled the stone with representatives of the Army Basing Programme (ABP), Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Lovell in attendance.

General Pope said: “The new homes that Lovell are providing on behalf of the Army Basing Programme is testament to the Army’s commitment to invest in our estate providing 21st century living and working

TIMBER FRAME facilities for our soldiers and their families.

Since Ministry of Defence contracted with Lovell in November 2017, work is now well underway across all three sites. At Bulford, where 225 new homes are being built, the roads and sewers works are largely complete and over a third of the foundations have already been laid. The Bulford programme is the most advanced of the SFA sites and timber frame installations have commenced.”

Alongside the groundworks element, Lovell has also been undertaking enabling works including two new section 278 access junctions and the installation of its administration/welfare facilities and storage compound. These facilities coupled with strong supply chain relationships will allow Lovell to deliver this prestigious project at the fast track rate required in order to ensure homes are ready for the returning Service personnel and their families.

02 Mark Duddy, ABP Programme Director said: “I am really impressed with the speed of delivery and the amount of progress that has been made since the contract was signed in November we remain firmly on track to deliver the required new homes to enable the units to return from Germany in 2019.

This project is an excellent example of how we are updating the estate by providing first class living accommodation for our Service personnel.”

For more information visit: www.stewartmilnetimbersystems.com www.taylor-lane.co.uk www.lovell.co.uk IMAGES: 01-02. The numbers of homes required and speed of

construction is boosted by the use of timber frame.

Courtesy Taylor Lane 03.

Commemorative stone unveiling at construction of

Bulford homes. (L – R) Mark Duddy, DIO,

John Leary, Lovell, Lieutenant General Nick Pope

CBE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff

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TIMBER FRAME

Bathroom Pods for Renaissance Retirement A staple of the offsite sector for many years, bathroom pods play an integral part in many timber-based projects. One scheme under construction at the moment is the Fleur-de-Lis development for Renaissance Retirement in Berkshire.

fitted out offsite for a consistently higher standard of finish and quality.

01 Under construction by the Hackwood Group, the Fleur-de-Lis is one of three luxury retirement schemes for the developer that are using high specification ensuite shower rooms from Offsite Solutions. The final batch of 44 steel-framed bathroom pods has now been supplied for the Sandhurst development which is Offsite Solutions’ first timber-framed residential development. The scheme will provide 42 spacious retirement apartments set in landscaped gardens.

three schemes with no changes to the pod construction. This was achieved with the early engagement of both manufacturers – Cygnum Timber Frame for the timber frame and Offsite Solutions for the bathroom pods.

The timber-framed structure for each scheme has been engineered to create a recess in the cassette floor for the installation of the bathroom pods. This solution allows the application of factorybuilt bathrooms to work within a timber frame, whilst ensuring level access floors.

“The excellent communications and close collaboration between the two manufacturers from the earliest design stages were extremely positive and worked very well. Both manufacturers are offsite specialists, producing highly engineered solutions for the client so there was a clear synergy, particularly with the more accurate tolerances Cygnum and ourselves have to work to. This collaboration meant the client benefited from significantly reducing work onsite and all the speed and quality benefits of factory-built bathrooms.”

According to Jake Goddard, Technical Services Director at Offsite Solutions, “Advancements in timber frame manufacture have allowed bathroom pods to be integrated into the structures for these

Each ensuite shower room features ceramic-tiled finishes, walk-in rain dance showers with digitally-controlled thermostats, premium sanitaryware and fittings, and a mirrored cabinet – all fully

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Commenting on the use of bathroom pods, Graham Snowley, Contracts Manager at Hackwood said: “This is the first time we have used factory-built bathrooms and we have found them to be a brilliant solution.

The approach really takes the pain out of bathroom construction. It saves a huge amount of work onsite and we have been able to dispense with several processes.

The quality of bathroom pods is superior and more consistent compared to site-based construction – the fitting of pans and basins, for example, is more accurate in a factory environment. The use of pods eliminates at least six different trades and reduces construction time for the bathrooms to just three hours for the service connections – a significant time saving.”

Nick Watkins, Development Director at Renaissance Retirement added: “The use of pods gives us certainty in both product quality and completion, and with no compromise on bathroom design and finish. The labour market, particularly for finishing trades, is very challenging for developers and contractors, particularly in the South East. The impact of these market fluctuations is completely removed if bathroom construction is carried out offsite.”

There is now unprecedented demand for bathroom pods in the residential sector – for high-end apartment schemes, mixed-use developments, social housing and build-to-

TIMBER FRAME

02 rent. This shift towards offsite is driven by the shortage of skilled labour, particularly in the South East – issues with consistent quality and the construction industry’s poor delivery record with budget overruns and project delays.

The use of an offsite solution for bathroom construction reduces the number of activities and trades onsite. This achieves

significant programme savings, quality improvements and reductions in waste of up to 50% compared to site-based construction. The production line environment of pod manufacture provides consistently higher quality standards and much greater certainty of delivery on time and on budget. Pre-delivery testing is rigorous and quality assurance procedures are stringent for ready-to-use installation.

03 For more information visit: www.offsitesolutions.com

IMAGES: 01-03. The use of an offsite solution for bathroom

construction reduces the number of activities and

trades onsite and delivers a range of far-reaching

project benefits. Courtesy Offsite Solutions

www.cygnum.co.uk

Cygnum Timber Frame Ltd Stowmarket Business Park Ernest Nunn Road Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 2ED Tel: 01449 798320 info@cygnum.co.uk

Cygnum operates from a purpose built, state of the art production facility. We have installed the latest CNC equipment enabling us to achieve superior levels of energy efficiency, construction speed and cost-effectiveness.

Our award-winning in-house design team and our experienced directly employed installation crew’s make sure the delivery of our timber frame houses is met with precision, speed and accuracy. Cygnum’s manufacturing facility can produce circa 3,000 residential units per annum.

TIMBER FRAME

Building for Tomorrow The 'Offsite manufacture for construction: Building for change' report states that the construction sector as it currently operates, cannot meet the UK's need for housing. Richard Swayne, Managing Director at Paramount Timber Frame, discusses the benefits of adapting to change and how small to medium housing developers can play an active role in becoming part of the solution.

01 Historically small to medium housing developers have used traditional building methods – it is what they know, and many do not have the expertise within their teams to move on to more technically advanced offsite construction approaches. Making the step change can be a difficult transition but as we have found at Paramount Timber Frame, for those who are open to change – the benefits can be immense.

Selecting a construction partner who can offer technical and practical support throughout the design and development stages, is crucial to success. Some of our recent projects and early stage design conversations, clearly highlight this need.

We work with contractors and developers in both the private and commercial sectors and have vast experience in working with architects, designers and have even extended our support to groundworkers.

Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of Paramount Timber Frame's ethos. As a TRADA member, we follow their guidelines

and as a member of the Structural Timber Association, our exacting standards comply with their independently assessed STA Assure Membership and Quality Standard Scheme. Our skills in project management ensure a hassle-free experience and our stringent standards are underpinned by quality controls to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. Only by providing an outstanding customer experience, can we ensure that our services are retained from development to development.

As one of the primary offsite construction methods – timber frame is rapid and robust without the added complications of unpredictable barriers, such as adverse weather conditions. Our purpose-built, Kent-based factory allows us to maintain our high standards – delivering quality control over every project.

But it is not only about supportive services and extensive experience – it is about having the optimum structural systems.

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That is why we do not take a ‘one system fits all’ approach. Every one of our projects is unique and only by tailoring our services and systems from start to finish can we achieve the best results.

Smart Panel Paramount Timber Frame’s innovative Smart Panel systems are unique and allow us to work collaboratively with sub-contractors, significantly reducing build time and costs. The Smart Panel system consists of a timber studwork fixed in place with sheets of orientated strand board (OSB) with a foil breathable membrane with factory-fitted 100mm PIR rigid insulation.

The system includes bespoke factory-fitted electrical and plumbing layouts in line with the M&E design.

The variety of frame options currently available is vast and comparing them can be difficult. This is why we provide key information relevant to each option.

Our offsite manufactured standard Smart Panel system can achieve U-values as low as 0.21 W/m2K, however we can achieve lower U-values by tailoring our Smart Panel systems to meet any projects exacting needs.

It is worth noting that the total build cost could be reduced by 20% and the overall build duration by 60% depending on the system specified. The more work that is carried out in our factory, the less time is spent on site and greater standards can be achieved using a quality-controlled manufacturing processes.

For more information on Paramount Timber Frame’s product range and supportive services visit: www.paramounttimberframe.com email: info@paramounttimberframe.com or phone: 01634 893821

IMAGE: 01. The Smart Panel system can reduce total build costs

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LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS

Healthy Buildings for Healthy Futures Energy efficient and low carbon design are central to the future of sustainable construction. Rob Little, Business Development Director, NetZero Buildings illustrates how a new wave of building design can reduce the impact of climate change. by removing CO2 emissions, inside and out.

On the outside, there are four ways energy efficient school buildings can reduce the impact of climate change: • 67% less energy is required to produce a modular building compared to a traditionally built project • Aim for an embedded carbon score of just 260kg CO2 eq per m² against the average score of 925kg CO2 /m2 for a typical secondary school • Buildings that are manufactured off-site and assembled in one day to watertight construction. This reduces vehicle traffic and associated pollution by 90% compared to traditional builds • Material wastage is minimised in offsite construction as materials can be recycled back into the building product wherever there’s opportunity

01 Have you heard it’s possible to design school buildings which consume less energy than they generate, and are low cost and fast to build? A quiet revolution is taking place in more than 70 schools across the UK who enjoy brand new, cost efficient, spacious buildings that save them money.

We’ve seen a dramatic increase in ‘enlightened’ employer requirements that place sustainability, energy efficiency and lifecycle costs at the forefront of their specification. Some are even going as far

as requiring a building that consumes less energy than it generates. As school budgets become ever more constricted, it’s essential that any capital investment into the school’s estate should help to alleviate this. After all, with energy price inflation continuing to rise, how will schools cope unless they develop and build something that will generate more power than it consumes.

What’s the solution and how is this being achieved? Contracting the innovative offsite construction firms who can transform school estates and the built environment

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Inside, reducing in-use building emissions and using carbon displacement technology reduce the operating costs (and thereby the lifecycle costs) of school buildings: • The all-too-common problem of air leakage can be neutralised with draught free internal environments • In constructing healthy interiors, installing MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems and air filters provide a safe haven from pollutants • There are also some startling improvements in energy efficiency with buildings achieving A+ EPC with a negative Asset Rating

LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS •

The building design should always be focused around energy efficiency, whereby innovations such as solar panels combined with low carbon reducing specification technology means schools actually save money by supplying electricity back to the grid.

These technologies need to be part of the design and not an item that can be value engineered out of a project.

With more traditional approaches now looking to lower the energy demands of buildings in line with the government’s agenda, construction industry leaders might care to consider how placing sustainability at the heart of their designs can be affordable too.

One of our recent builds with Biddenham school generated some unexpected results alongside cost savings. Not only does the new building produce 188,000 kWh each

year, which is enough electricity for 32% of the school’s total requirement, the building has perfect temperatures, controlled by body heat and circulating fresh air. The spacious, high ceilings made a difference to the students who now really enjoy lessons in a modern, eco-friendly and contemporary building.

There is much to learn and focus on for the wider construction industry policy-makers. When over 40% of CO2 emissions are caused by cars and nearly 40% due to the built environment, we question why only energy saving cars make the news. In addition to providing schools with incredible value-for-money benefits that alleviate the budgetary pressures in education, we’re creating sustainable and environmentally friendly building solutions that won’t further damage the environment for future generations.

02 For more information visit: www.netzerobuildings.co.uk

IMAGES: 01-02. St Teresa’s School, Effingham

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LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS

Healthy Living in Shropshire During the summer, an innovative £2 million timber frame Passivhaus social housing development, completed and delivered a super low-carbon scheme to residents and South Shropshire Housing Association.

01 The client, South Shropshire Housing Association’s commitment to sustainability, quality and eradicating fuel poverty for housing association residents was the driving force in commissioning this futureproofing timber frame Passivhaus scheme.

Christine Duggan, Director of Housing and Communities for Connexus, of which SSHA is a part of said: “We have strived to be innovators in the affordable housing sector, whilst taking the concerns of our residents with regards to fuel poverty and other running cots in to consideration. We are delighted to welcome our new tenants to their new homes, and hope they will be happy in them for the years to come.

02 A mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes have been handed over in Callaughtons Ash, Much Wenlock. These are comprised of two shared ownership and 10 homes for social rental. The highly sustainable development is an exemplar model for unlocking small green land sites and improving the quality of family living

in rural areas of the West Midlands. Triple glazing, insulation that effectively seals the house, energy efficient boilers, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems and thermally modified external cladding means that the predicted spend on heating and hot water is around £90 a year for a three-bedroom house.

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“We have worked hard to include the local community in the development of new affordable housing at Much Wenlock, and chose this site to test the Passivhaus principles of design and build. We have strived to be innovators in the affordable housing sector, whilst taking the concerns of our residents with regards to fuel poverty and other running costs in to consideration.

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LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS forward to seeing how well the homes are performing through occupation."

Design process began in 2015, with representatives sitting on a project board to help decide location, layout and type of construction. With the guidance of SSHA’s community led building consultancy, Marches Community Land Trust Services (CLTs), and adhering to the Much Wenlock Community Plan, representatives learned about construction methods, decided on landscaping and visited the local timber frame manufacturer to see the house frames in construction.

03 We are delighted to welcome our new tenants to their new homes, and hope they will be happy in them for the years to come."

The Passivhaus standard is the most rigorous performance standard in Europe.

Applied to housing, the ‘fabric first’ approach requires very little primary energy to run. The standard offers residence a healthy and comfortable lifestyle with operational costs minimized to as little as under £100 per annum for average housing types. This is particularly advantageous and in line with the housing association’s values of affordable accommodation.

Airtightness levels were measure at: ≤0.6ach @50pascals and predicted energy demands have a heating demand 15kWh/m2.a with a primary energy demand of 120kWh/m2.a.

Architects, Architype, who are based in neighbouring Herefordshire, took a holistic approach to the development. Re-thinking

how people use domestic space in modern day families, Architype have reorganised the typical approach to standard home types. Investigating the local vernaculars of Shropshire, the development aims to sit comfortably in its rural surroundings, complimented by a natural palette of UK sourced materials. This includes clay roof tiles that have been quarried and made within 25 miles of the site, lime render provided by local company Lime Green and UK-grown thermally modified hardwood cladding, promoting the Housing Associations aims for a cohesive circular economy in Shropshire.

Associate and Project Architect, Paul Neep said: "It has been a great experience working with South Shropshire Housing Association and the local delivery team SJ Roberts on their first Passivhaus project.

They truly embraced the standard and have proven that Passivhaus is easily achievable when you collaborate. We are delighted at the reaction of the tenants and look

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David Turner, Shropshire Councillor for the Much Wenlock Division, speaking about Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan said: “It was very clear from all the consultations that there was a strong need for affordable housing for local people.

After further consultations supported by the Town Council, SSHA have built this small development of quality properties. They will, for the first in Much Wenlock, provide affordable homes for people with a local connection.”

Mark Philips, Director of SJ Roberts added: “I would like to add that it’s been a pleasure to be working alongside the design team headed by Architype in a new form of building. Definitely the way forward in modern day building which sits right in conserving energy in our ever changing world.”

For more information visit: www.architype.co.uk

IMAGES: 01-02. Callaughtons Ash timber frame affordable housing 03.

Passivhaus is a rigorous building standard reducing

energy use. Courtesy Architype

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LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS

Transformation by Sustainable Innovation UKGBC’s Director of Learning and Innovation, Cat Hirst, outlines how sustainable innovation can shape the future of the construction industry. so much feedback from those involved that if we could scale our method for identifying sustainable solutions across the industry, we could make a real difference.

01 It’s no secret that the construction and property industry is often perceived as archaic, staid and slow-to-adapt. Mark Farmer’s frequently-cited review of the industry’s labour issues, ‘Modernise or Die’, couldn’t have made our need to innovate any clearer. And now there are some signs that Government is trying to make change happen. The Industrial Strategy Grand Challenge Mission for clean growth has really set the scene for this, and the application window is still open for the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund competition to increase productivity, performance and quality in UK construction.

But alongside the push for innovation in our industry, there’s another conversation we need to be having. And that’s about how we make sure our innovation is sustainable. Sustainable innovation is about delivering new ideas that solve real problems, make money, and deliver social and environmental benefits.

Here at UKGBC, we’ve been working for the past couple of years on how we can build the capacity of our industry to innovate

sustainably and at scale. We recognise the need for a culture change in our industry, where innovation is embedded across organisations. We don’t want innovation to be a niche R&D-like activity – sustainable innovation needs to become central to our culture. In practice, this means every project team needs to operate more like an innovation team, drawing insights and practice from well beyond their immediate circle, and working to co-create solutions Our Innovation Lab brought UKGBC Gold Leaf members Canary Wharf Group, Landsec and M&S together with SMEs and individual innovators to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our sector in a process of open innovation. With that process drawing to a close, UKGBC has produced a wonderful collection of case studies, Innovation Insights: How do we make space as agile as tech, which showcases some of the insights the team identified during the lab.

But beyond that, many in the team felt that the best thing to come out of our Innovation Lab, was actually the process itself. I had

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And so, our Sustainable Innovation Manual was born. Divided into four discreet stages, the manual offers built environment professionals a step-by-step guide for thinking through sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. The manual contains a step-by-step guide designed to help built environment professionals put sustainability and innovation at the heart of planning, decision-making, and project work. It includes practical templates to promote new thinking and help organise ideas. The manual is complimented by a separate Innovation Insights report packed full of case studies of sustainable innovation around the theme ‘how do we make space as agile as technology?’

With the world facing increasing pressures, the need for new thinking and creative approaches is greater than ever. We know industry leaders want to be innovative, but that can be harder than it sounds. By demystifying the process of innovation and providing some simple steps to get started, we hope the manual will work to build the capacity of industry so that every business in the built environment can begin to reach their ‘sustainable innovation potential.

For more information visit: www.ukgbc.org IMAGES: 01. The Sustainable Innovation Manual contains a

step-by-step guide for built environment professionals.

Courtesy UKGBC

LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS

Protect Reflective Membranes Help Deliver Self-Build Passivhaus A combination of reflective membrane technology and airtightness products from Protect has been used to help a self-build timber frame project achieve the Passivhaus standard.

Designed and installed by Oregon Timber Frame Engineering, the property known as ‘Judith’s Hoose’ in St Boswells, Scotland features Protect TF200 Thermo as the external, low emissivity breather membrane and Protect VC Foil Ultra as the low emissivity air and vapour control layer on the warm side of the insulation. Elsewhere, Protect BarriAir has been used internally to ensure an effective air leakage barrier that passes the stringent airtightness tests required to meet Passivhaus standard.

With features such as a controlled ventilation system and underfloor heating, the development is seen as a good example of an energy efficient home.

Robin Dodyk, Technical Director of Oregon comments: “The use of construction membranes from Protect helped ensure target U-values were met. The use of still airspace cavities with Protect TF200 Thermo and VC Foil Ultra enhanced the thermal performance of the wall structure to achieve 0.15 W/m2K, significantly improving the U-value from 0.22 W/m2K if non-reflective alternatives had been incorporated into the build-up.”

Protect Membranes provides a comprehensive range of construction membranes, roofing underlays and roofing accessories. Its membranes are produced

in the UK and designed for the UK and Irish markets. Products are CE marked to relevant standards and are Q-Mark certified to BM TRADA. Protect is a member of the Structural Timber Association (STA), holds the STA Assure Gold Accreditation and is a member of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA).

For details of how Protect products can be incorporated into residential and commercial builds, please visit: www.protectmembranes.com, email info@protectmembranes.com or call 0161 905 5700, quoting ‘Judith’s Hoose.’

ThermaEdge Tackles Thermal Bridging for Timber Frame Housing Timber frame buildings are known to offer external walls with high thermal insulation for a relatively trim thickness and meet theoretic U-values.

However, as with any build, it still suffers with the occurrence of thermal bridging at junctions and openings.

A typical thermal bridge such as a junction between walls and floors can significantly impact the heat loss of that building, its SAP calculation and PSi values if not handled correctly. This is a key junction which traditionally has encountered problems with either the wrong insulation fitted or even worse, no insulation. A slab edge insulation is a simple and low-cost solution for insulating the edges of ground floor slabs and to prevent thermal bridging.

ThermaEdge is a thin bubble foil insulation strip designed to reduce cold bridging at the edge of concrete slabs. It is water and rain resistant which also helps to prevent water penetration.

Unlike foam boards, ThermaEdge is flexible and fits over the DPM – adapting to whatever shape is required. It is simply fixed to the sheathing board of the frame and allowed to drape into the cavity at foundation level – the low-emissive surface

of ThermaEdge converts empty air into an insulating layer protecting the concrete floor from forming cold spots.

For more information visit: www.thermal-economics.co.uk/main_ products/thermaedge/

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 37

TIMBER CERTIFICATION

Sourcing Sustainable Timber PEFC-certified timber is a key element in many building projects from structural applications to a raft of components and joinery items. Alun Watkins, Executive Director, PEFC UK explains what those working in the supply chain should remember when sourcing any timber product or system.

Timber Delivery Checklist As a reminder for those working on any construction project, key information required on timber delivery documents for Chain of Custody include: • Supplier’s name and address

01 Timber sits at the heart of the construction industry. It has the lowest embodied CO2 of any commercially available building material and when used for structures, it is increasingly viewed as a simple and straightforward way of achieving a highperformance, energy efficient building.

Increasingly public and private sector procurement policies are seeking evidence of certified timber and their preferred tool for companies to demonstrate legal and sustainable sourcing of forest products is Chain of Custody certification. This is the process of tracking certified material from the forest to the building site, where each step of the supply chain is independently audited. This unbroken link is evidence that the timber procured is sourced from a sustainably-managed forest.

It is critical to make sure your timber and timber products have full Chain of Custody or are demonstrated as legal and sustainable in line with the Government’s Timber Procurement Policy (either Category A or Category B). Evidence of legal and sustainable timber can be demonstrated by supplying timber or timber products with

Chain of Custody. The acceptable claim for PEFC-certified material is “xx% PEFC Certified”. For the majority of construction standards, specifications and labels, 70% is the minimum accepted claim.

There are a number of certification options available to the construction sector. PEFC Project Certification is ideal for construction projects involving many different, sources of timber, or the one-off production of a specific product. It recognises that not all parties involved in specific projects are certified, even though the timber used for the project is covered by regular Chain of Custody certification. Usually, the fact that non-certified parties handle certified material would break the chain, and this is where PEFC Project Chain of Custody helps. As with the regular Chain of Custody, meticulous records must be maintained on all aspects of the wood and wood-based products received onsite, and employees involved in the project must be competent and receive sufficient training. At the completion of a project a certificate will be issued stating the overall percentage of PEFC legal and sustainable timber used in the construction.

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• Site delivery address • Clear product description • Quantity of delivery for each certified product • Delivery date • Formal claim against each certified product – xx% PEFC Certified • Supplier’s Chain of Custody certificate number.

Many specify certified materials in response to legislation and regulatory requirements, while others realise the benefits of delivering sustainability assurances to address their clients’ environmental, social and ethical concerns either through legislation such as the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and the US Lacey Act. Whatever your motivations, remember that certification sends a strong signal to forest owners that their investment in sustainable forest management certification is valued and appreciated by companies and customers around the world.

For more information on PEFC and chain of custody requirements visit: www.pefc.co.uk IMAGES: 01. The County Down Barn was featured on TV’s Grand Designs and featured PEFC-certified CLT. Courtesy Micah Jones Architects

Photos: Oporkka/iStock, Fausto Franzosi/PEFC Italy

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DAVID HOPKINS - TTF

Prepared for Action The Brexit clock is ticking away, yet with just six months to go there is still very little clarity on what UK business should be doing to prepare. David Hopkins, Managing Director, UK Timber Trade Federation (TTF), outlines the positive progress made so far for the timber sector.

01 The no-deal option – which even the most die-hard Brexiteers once dismissed as lunacy – is now considered a viable possibility and the temptation for all sides is to keep playing the ‘blame game’ for this situation – more than two years after the EU referendum in June 2016. There seems little desire for compromise from either side of the debate.

This is clearly not what the UK needs. At this stage of the negotiations, we should have already thrashed out the broad terms of the agreement, giving certainty to the economy and time for business to prepare.

This is the priority of the TTF and we are working hard to ensure that our Members are prepared for the future. The task is not easy, but our efforts are starting to pay off.

At the start of the Brexit process, we identified several areas over which the timber supply chain needed quick and simple clarity: the EUTR & FLEGT framework, product standards and regulations (particularly the Construction

02 Products Regulation) and then a list of issues related to our membership of the Customs Union, from tariffs to VAT payments, to plant health inspections and so on.

In each of these, we have made progress.

Firstly, the EU Timber Regulation. This was something that the UK and EU timber industries lobbied in favour of ahead of its introduction in 2013. It is an entirely sensible, business-friendly regulatory structure which forces companies to conduct thorough risk assessments on their international supply chains outside of the EU. It reduces the risk of illegally logged material entering the market and allows importers to run their business according to their appropriate levels of risk.

The TTF did not want to see any backsliding or removal of this framework, as we are proud of our record in improving legality and sustainability in the UK market. So, we have lobbied to keep it. And, at the Timber

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Industries Parliamentary Reception in February of this year, the Minister of State for Defra Therese Coffey, announced that the Government would retain the framework and that it had been fully incorporated into UK law.

Similarly, a lot of our concerns over common products standards have been addressed. As an affiliate member of British Standards Institute (BSI) we, like many other industry bodies, have been supporting their position to continue having common product standards with CEN (European Standards body) and ISO (international standards body) instead of reinstating old and withdrawn British Standards applying only to the UK market.

This is a basic exercise in reducing complexity and making business life easier.

Common standards minimise barriers to trade by avoiding conflicting national standards and duplication. Brexit fanatics may be unaware, but having a single

DAVID HOPKINS - TTF

03 standard European framework has resulted in a fall in the number of differing national standards within Europe from 160,000 in 1980 to 20,000 today. These common standards are quite autonomous from the EU too and the UK is one of the leading countries in developing them. It is important we maintain a UK voice in this development, particularly over the Eurocodes for construction.

The biggest hurdles though, remain over the Customs Union. Currently, the UK imports over 10 million cubic metres of timber per year, the vast majority of which comes from Europe. As part of the Customs Union, all of this clears ports immediately, with no need for customs checks, enabling an efficient ‘just-in-time’ style business model.

However, if the UK leaves the customs union, then, potentially, this all changes.

Timber could be subject to customs checks adding time and cost to businesses.

These checks are wide ranging, from basic assessment of import and shipping documents through to checks of the plant health regime. Ports are already overstretched in terms of human resources, so

adding extra strain will not be welcome.

This would also cause delays, during which time the timber will also have to be stored, causing further financial implications as the cost for space and storage is estimated to increase considerably.

On top of this, the current VAT regime is linked to the Customs Union. Under current rules, companies can spread the payment of VAT on EU imports so that goods are sold before having to pay the tax. This eases cash flow, especially for small businesses. However, under the terms of the Taxation Bill that was originally put before Parliament, once the UK leaves the EU and its VAT area, this would no longer be possible and the 20% VAT charge will be charged upfront. The TTF has calculated that our members would face a £1 billion Brexit VAT bill under this scenario.

We have been lobbying hard on these issues, arguing that the customs and VAT systems need to be preserved to avoid unnecessary cost and time. Thankfully, on the VAT point the Government has seen sense. In the first tranche of papers released to describe the Governments planning for a ‘no-deal’ scenario, the

Government has listened to our concerns and said that the VAT system will be preserved, providing a small dose of relief to all concerned.

However, on the other non-tariff barriers relating to Customs Union membership, we are still in the dark. The prospect of delays, build ups, and increased costs is very real and, until such time as we get clarity from the negotiations, there is little we can do to plan ahead.

All of this could be avoided if our own Government could stop fighting amongst itself, and focus on outcomes instead of point scoring. In the meantime, the TTF will continue to ensure our Members concerns are heard by Government. We know we want a profitable, growing timber industry.

If only the Government could clearly describe what it is trying to achieve.

For more information visit: www.ttf.co.uk

IMAGES: 01.

David Hopkins, Managing Director, TTF 02-03. The UK imports over 10 million cubic metres of

timber per year, the vast majority of which comes

from Europe

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 41

BUILDING PERFORMANCE

Tackling the Humidity Risk Niall Crosson, Group Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems and Michael Foerster, Engineer Head of Applications Technology at pro clima, discuss the need to ensure unforeseen moisture trapped during the build phase can be released from the building envelope to avoid damage to timber over time. conditions allow during the warmer summer months, the moisture within the structure can become permanently trapped in the building envelope.

Vapour may only be trapped in relatively small amounts but its impact can be significant over longer time periods.

Permanent mould and decay not only threaten the integrity and service life of the timbers but could also result in reduced air quality within the finished building by creating a breeding ground for fungal or bacterial spores.

01

02 In the wet UK climate, keeping structural timbers dry during the build phase of any project is virtually impossible. Rain, atmospheric moisture and high humidity are inevitable onsite and, as the project team races to get the building watertight, this moisture can become trapped, causing issues with damp, mould and the formation of spores over time which may lead to rot over the course of the building’s lifetime if inappropriate building materials are used which impede the drying process.

And our wet climate is not the only culprit.

Moisture from the drying of plaster and screeds can also lead to high humidity during construction, contributing to moisture-related damage to structural timbers and potentially reducing the service life of the property unless gradual release of moisture to the outside is built into the building fabric specification, along with best practice approaches to quality control.

Around 90% of all building failures are due to issues caused by moisture in some form, some which may have penetrated the structural timbers before the building became watertight. Often conventional vapour control layers (VCLs) can exacerbate these problems because all such membranes may allow some moisture into the structure due to air leakage during construction. If the vapour control membrane does not then allow the moisture to ‘back dry’ to the interior when

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To address these issues, the most effective specification methodology is to select a membrane that hinders the transfer of moisture into the building fabric during periods of high relative humidity, thereby limiting the root cause. It’s also essential that the chosen membrane enables back diffusion of any moisture that does enter the structure, enabling it to escape to the inside of the building before it can cause structural damage. This is especially critical in scenarios where the construction has limited drying capacity to the exterior, such as where impervious layers like OSB or plywood are used outside.

At pro clima, we have created a term for this technology – hydrosafe – and used this as a key element of the development of our airtightness membranes, including pro clima Intello Plus, which has recently achieved the renowned Passivhaus Institute’s highest ever rating for airtightness during tests for Passivhaus approval.

BUILDING PERFORMANCE hydrosafe technology provides enhanced back diffusion capacity, enabling any moisture in the structure to dry out to the interior rather than remaining trapped.

03 Hydrosafe technology ensures that the building envelope is much more forgiving because it provides humidity-variable moisture protection, particularly during the build phase when humidity levels are at their highest due to poured screeds and plastering. During periods of high relative humidity in the winter, when it is wet and cold outside and warmer and drier inside, the hydrosafe vapour check also provides excellent protection against condensation.

Then, during the warmer, summer months, when the relative humidity is lower,

The perfect AIRTIGHT

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The technology is based on tangible building physics data, which has been used to measure ‘hydrosafe values’: a calculation to assess the vapour resistance of a humidity-variable vapour check at an average humidity of 70%. For example, an average humidity of 70% will be present if there is a humidity of 90% inside the building and 50% humidity on the opposing side of the vapour check adjacent to the insulation between the rafters. As timberframed buildings continue to increase in popularity in the UK, specifiers are faced with the challenge of achieving a building envelope that delivers the benefits of airtightness without the risks of trapped moisture.

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Ecological Building Systems and pro clima have teamed up with the BBA to host a series of CPD seminars to support architects and construction professionals in squaring that circle.

For more information visit: www.intellosealofapproval.com For more information visit: www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

IMAGES: 01. INTELLO PLUS provides a broad vapour resistance

over varying humidity’s offering the optimum

combination of protection against condensation during

the winter and enhanced back diffusion capability

during the warmer summer months 02. Hydrosafe technology ensures reduced vulnerability to

condensation during the winter months, in particular

when humidity levels within the building may be

exceptionally high during the building phase 03. The BBA and Passivhaus approved pro clima Intello

Plus range ensures a reliable airtight seal while its

Hydrosafe technology preventing moisture from

becoming trapped in the structure

A packed full-day programme of: • Airtightness Technical Presentations • Practical Demonstrations • Guest speakers discussing their own low energy and Passive House projects SWINDON 16th October Charlie Luxton Charlie Luxton Environmental Design LONDON 18th October Patrick Chester Enhabit

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Alex Baines The Design Büro

TIMBER TREATMENT

The Value of Quality Treated Timber Ensuring the durability of your timber and extending its service life across a wide range of construction and landscaping applications is critical to performance standards. Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Export Sales Manager UK & Ireland for Piveteaubois, outlines some important considerations to remember when approaching timber protection.

01

Last year the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) began a programme to try to safeguard greater compliance and consistency within timber treatment standards followed concerns raised surrounding consistency and the resulting long term performance of treated timber products.

Timber that fails in any specification, not only affects the reputation of the timber merchant or importer that sells the timber, but also gives the material and the timber supply chain a poor reputation. If timber is to be specified and used more widely, the entire timber treatment sector needs to work together more closely to ensure the highest standards in treated timber are in operation.

What can you do to make sure you are specifying correctly? In order to ensure optimum durability of your timber structure, you need to assess the ‘in use’ situation plus the weather and biological risks in its environment alongside the fitness of purpose of the chosen timber species.

This is achieved either through the natural

durability of the wood, or through a preservative treatment or a combination of both.

Each timber species has its own characteristics in terms of natural durability (without treatment) and impregnatability (capacity to absorb a treatment product).

The allocation of a species to a ‘use class’ (UC) determines how the timber should be treated. The treatment effectiveness depends on the selection of the timber, the quality and quantity of the treatment product used and how the process is managed and controlled.

When buying UC3 or UC4 treated timber, check that the timber species used is ideal for impregnation and that the timber is initially well dried – this is essential for high quality impregnation. Also ask for the quantity of treatment product used, penetration and retention rates. The higher these are, the higher the quality of your treatment and its durability and long term performance.

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Piveteaubois pioneered the impregnation of pine to UC4 in France with the installation of its first autoclaves in 1984 to develop the use of softwood for outdoor use and timber frame buildings. Currently Piveteaubois treats over 100,000m3 of Pine products to UC4 annually under its DURAPIN flagship brand, including 15,000m3 of glulam.

Piveteaubois offers the only certified UC4 Pine glulam available on the market today. It provides a long-lasting structural component solution for all construction for outdoor use and in areas of high humidity.

UC4 Pine treated glulam is suitable for use in service class 3 and is guaranteed 20 years for use above ground.

All Piveteaubois UC4 treated timber is CTB-B+ certified. The CTB-B+ Quality Mark is the guarantee for the implementation of quality treatment and a controlled impregnation process validated by FCBA, a French independent certification body.

The FCBA audits the certified companies and conducts sampling twice yearly.

The CTB-B+ Quality Mark ensures that the timber meets with the technical specifications described in CTB-B+ standard, in accordance with standards NF B 50 105-3, EN 335, EN 350, EN599.

These ensure that the treated wood has a service life compatible with the performance expected by the industry and end-user within its use class.

For more information visit: www.piveteaubois.com/en/technologies/ durapin IMAGES: 01. Correct timber specification and treatment is critical

WOOD FOR OUTDOORS

GUARANTEED

20 YEARS ABOVE GROUND 15 YEARS IN GROUND CONTACT

AN EXCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY

TIMBER T HAT WITHSTAN DS T HE C HA L L EN G ES OF TI ME For over 30 years Durapin UC4 autoclave impregnated Pine has been offering the best guarantee available. It has proven to give the best combination of durability and aesthetics for all exterior structural and landscaping projects. UC4 treated Pine products include C24 timber, glulam, posts and machined rounds, decking, fencing and landscaping products.

www.piveteaubois.com/durapin

elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com • + 44 (0) 7821 807 788

SOLID WOOD

Multi-storey Building in Wood Timber at height is a construction trend that has spread across the globe.

ZÜBLIN Timber have been at the forefront of tall timber in Germany with a number of projects including – when completed – the tallest timber building in Germany.

01

02 The ten-storey SKAIO high-rise in Heilbronn, based on a design by Berlin-based architectural firm Kaden+Lager, is being built by Stadtsiedlung Heilbronn GmbH and ZÜBLIN Timber. The SKAIO will be Germany's first timber high-rise building and another milestone in multi-storey timber construction. When completed, it will be the tallest timber building in Germany.

The 34m building, being erected as part of the city exhibition for the BUGA 2019 horticulture show in Heilbronn, will have an above-ground gross floor area of 5,685m² and will offer space for 60 rental units with

03 a total of 3,300m² of living space. A bakery will move into the commercial space on the ground floor. The design for the SKAIO project was awarded to Kaden+Lager. The architectural firm has been a specialist in urban timber construction for many years and has designed several timber and timber hybrid buildings for a number of different clients. The building will be erected by ZÜBLIN Timber with the walls and ceilings constructed from timber. The hybrid structure will consist of a concrete base floor and the stairwell will consist of reinforced concrete. The façade will then be clad with aluminium panels externally.

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A major advantage of timber construction is the relatively short time needed for construction, as the timber elements are largely prefabricated and merely require mounting and assembly onsite. “We build one floor a week,” says Markus Brandl, Project Manager at ZÜBLIN Timber. “The supports for the new buildings are made of glulam timber. For the timber walls and ceilings, ZÜBLIN Timber uses only spruce – mainly from German forests and is fully PEFC-certified.” That is an important requirement for additional certification as Stadtsiedlung Heilbronn GmbH is applying for gold certification for SKAIO from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

ZÜBLIN Timber headquartered in Aichach will build the new 34m building. The order

by Stadtsiedlung Heilbronn GmbH includes a second hybrid timber building with five floors. This building, which is also being erected by ZÜBLIN, will have a gross floor area of 1,572m² and room for 13 apartments over five floors. Both structures form part of the city exhibition at the BUGA 2019 horticulture show and the new Neckarbogen neighbourhood.

For more information visit: www.zueblin-timber.com

IMAGES: 01. The 34m SKAIO is Germany’s first timber high-rise.

02. 3XGRÜN is a five storey hybrid timber and concrete residential complex and was a highly successful prefabricated timber house prototype 03. The Treet in Norway is a 14-storey residential tower and is regarded as the world’s first timber skyscraper

Maggie’s Centre Oldham, © dRMM | de Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects

National park visitor centre in Black Forest, Visualization, © sturm und wartzeck

ZÜBLIN Timber stands for ambitious and pioneered solutions in the field of timber construction. We are your singlesource provider for the development, production, delivery and execution of high-quality construction systems, from timber construction projects to timber engineering to turnkey project execution. We work hand in hand with our clients to develop efficient solutions and a sustainable quality of life.

www.zueblin-timber.com

ZÜBLIN Timber GmbH, Industriestr. 2, 86551 Aichach/Germany

SKAIO, © Architektur: Kaden+Lager, Visualisierung: The Third

Timber Construction Competence

SOLID WOOD

CLT for the Custom Homebuilder For the private individual looking to undertake a custom-build project there is limited access to personalised project advice that will guide them as to the suitability of cross laminated timber (CLT) for their project.

01 CLT is currently one of the most talked about ‘new’ building materials with many prominent case studies demonstrating the many benefits of using it as part of a complete building system. Speed of build, minimal disruption, energy efficiency and of course its robust sustainable proposition are a few of the well-documented positive outcomes of building with CLT. Should CLT be chosen – who will undertake the full project management of the build – from early stage concept through design to complete install of the superstructure with all the usual collaboration demanded between the client, architect and engineer from the outset.

CONSTRUKTCLT (formerly Trunk CLT) is addressing this by making CLT easily accessible to the custom homebuilder and those with smaller scale projects that are not on the priority radar of the established mass timber (CLT) delivery chain.

Jim Johnstone, Managing Director of CONSTRUKTCLT, is well-versed in building with timber elements and has over 30 years of design and building expertise gained primarily in the UK but also in North America and Europe. From his experience managing the installation of CLT in some of the largest commercial UK projects, he has chosen solid timber as his build medium of choice and the custom home market as the CONSTRUKTCLT business model. Jim brings the kind of expertise that is derived from delivering large scale projects within tight programs and applies this to building private homes. He believes that large or small, the client values are the same and centre on cost, program predictability and a quality outcome – in his opinion the order may change but these three are always prevalent.

“Belief in the quality and simplicity of building with CLT is easily transferred to the private client when they fully understand the

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02 many benefits that come from three basic principles,” says Jim Johnstone.” These are: • The cost accuracy derived from the precision of the design of the elements • The speed and predictability of the build program • The ‘human’ positive daily experience of living in a CLT home “The default ‘go-to’ for most prospective custom homebuilders has been limited to one of two building profiles being brick and block or traditional timber frame,” adds Jim. “Which are fine in their own right but the client now should add CLT to that option profile or they will miss the opportunity to build and live in a truly exceptional home.

“Typically, we are traditional in our thinking and lean to what we know and are familiar with. For those considering building their own home, take a close look at CLT. Where is the risk in delivering personalised custom design and built projects from state-of-

SOLID WOOD the-art Austrian and German manufacturing facilities using one of the most talked about building technologies to enter the construction industry in decades, with a building partner that will manage every step of the process from design, engineering, procurement to final build?”

CLT has become the first choice for discerning homebuilders in both Austria and Germany with around 70% of CLT consumption in these countries going into homebuilding much of which is single family residential.

03

Still not convinced?

It's often easy to draw comparisons to other countries and also quite easy to find reasons why they may favour this build method. CONSTRUKTCLT has its own case history portfolio in the two and a half years that they have been providing a CLT option for private clients. Recent CLT projects include: • Benslow Lane – private residential project with the client demanding high energy performance and comfort. CLT installation of five days.

• Driffield Rd Hackney – two-storey extension, looking for high visual impact • Whitstable Passivhaus Topsails – client designed by Erik Ramelow and Kaja Kippenberg • High St Kenilworth – private residential two-storey Passivhaus dwelling over a concrete basement • The Cube, Gravenhill, Bicester - three storey private Passivhaus.

• Copeland Rd Walthamstow - steel and CLT three-storey rear extension • Slips House – private unique design house with precast concrete basement, glulam arches and CLT roof, conforming with paragraph 55.

In all the mentioned projects there has been one common denominator which has resulted in the desired outcome for the client – that is total collaboration with

04 all the project stakeholders from start to finish. Jim welcomes close engagement with the project architects, engineers, and ground workers, mechanical and electrical contractors and believes that a house is not simply a sum of its parts, but a home which is a completed single unit objective and needs to be viewed as such. Bringing the disciplines from large commercial construction to custom home projects ensures that project execution is well-managed and co-ordinated.

Providing the prospective homebuilder

05 with the choice of using CLT is Jim’s goal and should the client choose this as their preferred option – then they are in a safe pair of hands.

For more information visit: www.construktclt.com

IMAGES: 01-02. Benslow Lane installation of CLT 03. Topsails Passivhaus private residential project 04-05. The Cube, Gravenhill, Bicester

CONSTRUKTCLT acknowledges the following companies who they have collaborated with on the above projects: Timber Concept GMBH, Gresford Architects, Trunk Low Energy Building Ltd, Structure Workshop Ltd, Studio Participate, Erik Ramelow and Kaja Kippenberg, Warehome Ltd, Cullen Timber Design and DG Timber Solutions Ltd

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SOLID WOOD

Playful MultiPly The UK’s first ever hardwood cross laminated timber (CLT) has been used to create a pavilion for the London Design Festival. The installation is a collaboration between Waugh Thistleton Architects, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and ARUP, and illustrates how modular hardwood CLT is a viable solution to the housing crisis.

01

02 MultiPly is comprised of a maze-like series of interconnected spaces that overlap and intertwine. It has been conceived and constructed to encourage visitors to re-think the way we design and build our homes and cities and is made with the first UK-manufactured CLT panels. The pavilion consists of 102 CLT panels, which are used to make 17 modules to be connected together with digitally fabricated joints.

Like a piece of flat-packed furniture, it arrived as a kit of parts and has simply and quietly been assembled in under a week. Because it is built out of modules,

the pavilion can be taken apart and reassembled in a new home after the London Design Festival. MultiPly confronts two of the current age’s biggest challenges – the pressing need for housing and the urgency to fight climate change and presents the fusion of modular systems and sustainable construction materials as a solution.

“The main ambition of this project is to publicly debate how environmental challenges can be addressed through innovative, affordable construction,” says Andrew Waugh, co-founder of Waugh Thistleton Architects. “We are at a crisis point in terms of both housing and CO2 emissions and we believe that building in a versatile, sustainable material, such as tulipwood, is an important way of addressing these issues. There was no real tradition of using CLT in the UK and, unlike some counterparts in Europe, we had no support or encouragement from

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government, or indeed clients – of the 20 CLT buildings we’ve designed, just two instructed them in timber, the other 18 we persuaded to use it!”

The pavilion will lead visitors through a series of stairs, corridors and open spaces, and in the evenings, will become a quiet and contemplative space with subtle lighting that emphasises the natural beauty of the tulipwood.

Arup’s Andrew Lawrence said: “Through the partnership of structural wood specialist Glenalmond Timber, which did the initial processing of the tulipwood, CSIC, which made the CLT, Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures, which tested the panels and Stage One, which machined them, MultiPly also holds out the prospect for CLT manufacture in the UK. Part of our wish has been to help build local capacity in the UK timber sector and MultiPly does indeed use the first ever CLT panels made in the UK. It’s an exciting moment, showing the UK is prepared to invest to be part of the global timber revolution.”

Mark Milne, Technical Manager at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, added: “As far as we are aware, this is the largest quantity of CLT that has ever been produced in this country. Most CLT that has previously been manufactured in the UK is in small quantities for research projects, with larger amounts used for building generally having to be imported. It’s great that Scotland now has the capability and flexibility at our Innovation Factory to produce CLT in larger quantities for innovative collaboration projects such as this one.”

For more information visit: www.multiply.london

IMAGES: 01. MultiPly is an intricate collection of timber modules 02. CLT being produced in the CSIC Innovation Factory

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SOLID WOOD span to the first floor deck, which was designed to bear the weight of the column horizontally with a spring support.

Balancing Nature with Timber The construction of three new Waterside Lodges at Center Parcs Elveden Forest is an ambitious architectural and engineering project utilising Metsä Wood’s Kerto® laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

01 The stunning new lodges have been designed to compliment the woodland landscape in which they sit, while connecting guests with the surrounding natural environment. Wood was a natural choice of building material, which would blend in seamlessly with the natural forest setting.

which is also curved three times to suit the sectional profile of the main roof. While providing an impressive architectural feature, the arch also serves as a shelter to the cantilevered terrace and first floor balcony, which look out over the lake.

Architectural practice Jackson Design Associates (JDA) were faced with the challenge of not only creating a design, which would blend in with the natural surroundings, but also be sufficiently lightweight to achieve the impressive arches, overhangs, and cantilever designs, without needing a considerable amount of foundation works.

The architects at JDA needed to find a solution that would make the structure easy to assemble and stay/remain stable from wind action or ground settlement. They choose to use lightweight and versatile Kerto LVL for the portal frames. Kerto LVL was chosen as the construction material as its solid bonded structure offers incredible strength and dimensional stability, while its high strength to weight ratio allows for smaller spacing in mechanical connections.

Architects JDA created an elegant shape, reminiscent of a boat turned upside-down.

The lodges have two levels: the forestfacing side is situated higher, accessed through a wooden bridge on the first floor. Unique to this project is a two storey ‘leaning’ arch overhanging the lake edge,

One of the most complex elements of the structure was an exposed arch at the front, which leans towards the lake. This needed to withstand biaxial bending and compression, while supporting the roof structure with a large cantilever. Kerto LVL Q-panels were used to create the long

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Another factor was that the angled arch had to have a considerable bending moment connection at the top. This had to be manufactured in such a way that there was a perfect connection between the deck and arch, resulting in an irregular shape.

Vertical columns were formed with two members spaced to support the first floor’s beams and curved roof beams. Kerto LVL was also used to create a recessed infill detail, closing the gap between the two vertical columns, a bespoke detail developed by JDA and Metsä Wood. The columns, floor beams and support ribs of the curved roof were created using Kerto LVL Q-panel structural members. This allowed for smaller spacing in the doweled circular bending moment connection and better moisture stability. The bracing of the roof and floor was provided by Kerto LVL Q-panels, which were connected together with 3-dimentional screwing. In this way no steel bracing was required.

Engineering firm, BSP Consulting, designed the foundations and the steel platform supporting the frames, which cantilevered over the lake. The Kerto LVL frames, consisting of the arch, two columns and the floor beam, are connected to the steel through metal shoes, which transfer shear and horizontal forces to the platform. The end result is breath taking and a great reflection of the hard work and ingenuity of the project design team, engineering know-how, and the vision of both the client and architect.

For more information visit: www.metsawood.com IMAGES: 01. Architectural practice Jackson Design Associates (JDA)

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TIMBER EXPO 2018

Reaching New Heights at Timber Expo Building tall in timber is exceeding expectations and driving the timber industry rapidly forward across the globe. Those interested in the new thinking, innovative products and cutting-edge technology behind these new heights can discover it all at this year’s Timber Expo.

Trade Fabrication Systems is explaining all about its coated and laminated wood-based panel products.

01

02 Timber Expo, supported by TRADA, features the largest collection of timber brands under one roof, alongside products, seminars, CPD workshops and unmissable networking opportunities. Forming part of UK Construction Week (UKCW), architects, main contractors, manufacturers and engineers won’t want to miss out at Birmingham’s NEC between 9 – 11 October.

Timber is scaling heights never seen before, spelling an exciting future for the industry that is explored through this year’s theme – the Future of Construction.

The Future of Construction Hub provides an immersive opportunity to discover digital construction, 3D printing, robotics, AI and AR and offsite construction. Birmingham City University academics are presenting their latest research work, while Coventry University is bringing along its state-ofthe-art construction simulator for all to experience life as a site manager. And Canon is offering visitors an immersive experience within their own work. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own design files on a USB stick to see it brought to life in a new dimension.

An Innovation Trail uncovers innovating and pioneering ideas, projects and products from exhibitors such as Gripsure, which is launching two new products at the show: Gripsure Ecodek and Gripsure made with Accoya. Timber Structures is showcasing its TS3 timber bonding technology range, and

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“Timber Expo consists of three days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the timber sector both within the UK and internationally,” says Nathan Garnett, UKCW Event Director. “The show covers a wide range of timber applications, from structural uses of timber frame, glulam, SIPs and CLT through to the joinery industry’s best products across timber cladding, stairs, doors and windows, mouldings, skirtings and flooring. There’s not a more comprehensive representation of the timber industry in the UK.” Inspiring Exhibitors There is a wealth of exhibitors ready and waiting to discuss their latest products at Timber Expo. STEICO’s I-joist wall studs offer a healthy solution to a developing environment, Hanson Plywood’s specialist panels suit dry, humid and exterior use and Rothoblaas provides the systems, fixings and equipment necessary for making timber a success in any project. Capital Holz100 will be discussing its healthy living spaces entirely made from wood with no glue or harmful chemicals used in production. Cellecta will be showcasing its environmentally friendly acoustic and thermal insulation including ScreedBoard®.

And, for a different take on wood, Eco Flooring is using reclaimed timber to make stylish wooden floors. Other unmissable

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TIMBER EXPO 2018 exhibitors include Ambrovit S.P.A, Glennon Brothers, SIGA 1966 UK, SCM Group, American Softwood and Ergodomus Timber Engineering, who is presenting its innovative constructive system enabling CLT constructions of up to 20 storeys high even in seismic areas.

Invaluable Advice Visitors can access the best independent advice, connections and information at the TRADA stand, before heading over to the TRADA supported Timber Focus Theatre.

Unmissable sessions include: • How tall we can build in wood • Correct design for fire safety performance • How can we work more effectively in multi-disciplinary teams • How specifiers research and source timber products • Private residences made beautiful by using wood.

Speakers include Kevin Flanagan, Partner at PLP Architecture, Daniel Kreissig, Project Manager, ZÜBLIN Timber, Robin Lancashire, Senior Timber Frame Consultant, TRADA and Anthony Thistleton, co-founder and partner at Waugh Thistleton Architects.

New this year is the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) Time for Timber CPD workshop programme delivered by the Structural Timber Association, Timber Trade Federation, Trussed Rafter Association, and British Woodworking Federation and supported by the timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good. Attendees can network with the entire timber supply chain and understand the latest regulations, products and services on offer.

Free CPD sessions across UKCW cover topics such as fire doors with the British Woodworking Federation, sound insulation with H&H Acoustic Technologies and Building Regulations – update post-Grenfell with the Chartered Institute of Architectural

03 Technologists. CPD spaces are limited, making advanced booking essential.

New wooden builds don’t need to be on a large scale, they can also be small and intimate. The Tiny House project by Carwyn Lloyd Jones created a lot of interest. So much so, that Timber Expo has challenged the talented carpenter to build a Tiny House with a timber frame for this year's event.

Another build happening at the show is by 2NDState and the Royal College of Art. The structure is being designed and built at Grymsdyke Farm (a research facility, fabrication workshop and living-working space for architects, artists, designers and those interested in materials and processes of making) and then dismantled and rebuilt at the Timber Expo. This will be an interesting build to see and understand how the structure comes together.

Time to Celebrate & Relax Future leaders will be championed as the winner of the UKCW Role Models initiative is announced on 10 October. The launch of the new Passivhaus Student Competition will arm the next generation of architects and designers with the design skills needed to deliver sustainable buildings.

Other highlights for aspiring construction professionals include: • Design your home of the future, with George Clarke’s MOBIE • The Finishes and Interiors Sector’s #iBuiltThis2018 photography competition.

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Finally, Celebrations will be in order on 10 October at the Structural Timber Awards, hosted by TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.

Once the networking and learning is complete, it is time to relax and soak up the mellow sounds of beautiful rosewood marimba at various short intervals during the day. TRADA has invited Andrew Woolcock, The BBC Young Musician percussion winner of 2016, to astound visitors with his musicianship and dexterity on the marimba.

Those hoping to network in a more relaxed environment can visit the Central Bar in Hall 11, sponsored by Elliott Group, the Hall 9 Bar, sponsored by Germany Trade & Invest and the Beer Festival, sponsored by Velux, with street food, rockaoke, a gin and fizz bar and FIX Radio.

Tickets are available at: www.timber-expo.co.uk Visitors can benefit from the other UKCW shows: Surface and Materials, Build Show, Energy 2018, Building Tech Live, HVAC 2018, Civils Expo, Plant and Machinery Live and Grand Designs Live on 10-11 October. Updates and show news are available at: www.ukconstructionweek.com and Twitter at @TimberExpo or tweet using #TimberExpo2018.

IMAGES: 01-03. Timber Expo will feature a range of innovative structures, seminar sessions and learning environment

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TIMBER EXPO 2018

TRADA Ready for Action TRADA will play its usual key role at the centre of Timber Expo with a range of activities and the always popular Timber Focus seminar programme.

01 Winning designs, rosewood marimba performances, books galore and a timber installation from the Royal College of Art are just a few of the many highlights of TRADA’s presence at Timber Expo this year.

You can meet TRADA’s top team of timber experts, browse literature, learn more about the prestigious Urban Buzz competition but above all be educated, engaged and entertained at Timber Expo 2018.

An impressive line-up of hosts and speakers will bring their specialist timber knowledge to this prestigious three-day event at NEC Birmingham on 9-11 October. Highlights include key CPD fire design topics, groundbreaking timber building case studies, all interspersed with rosewood marimba performances by Andrew Woolcock, the BBC Young Musician percussion winner of 2016.

TRADA’s University Engagement Programme Visitors can admire the winning designs from TRADA’s University Challenge 2018 (dubbed Urban Buzz), including the understated winning entry, reminiscent of rice terraces in China. A talented multidisciplinary team from some of Britain’s best-known universities won the prestigious undergraduate competition. Edward Shaw and Wing Lam Lo from the University of Sheffield, Katy Horner from Edinburgh Napier University, Will Evans from Coventry University and Jure Zibret from Leicester School of Architecture, ‘Team 6’, beat off eleven impressive rivals to win the £2,000 top prize with their ground-breaking entry of a multi-storey timber car park.

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Next year’s University Challenge promises to be even bigger and better. Tabitha Binding, University Engagement Manager at TRADA will be on hand to answer questions and provide details on how to apply. See them on stand T150.

TRADA Visit the TRADA stand (T145) to browse an extensive and wide-ranging collection of free wood information sheets, case studies and research summaries, covering all aspects of timber design and build — and enjoy an exclusive show discount on TRADA membership and publications.

Some of TRADA’s enduring bestsellers, such as ‘Timber frame construction’, will also be available to purchase at the TRADA Bookshop, which – thanks to a show discount of £5 off when you spend £25 or more – you can now add to your collection for less. Take advantage of our introductory show offer and save £50 when you join up as a TRADA member during the event or check out a sample of the upcoming ‘Timber decking: The professionals' manual 3rd edition’, full of updated information and images, which will also be on the stand for your perusal.

Technical Timber Zone Come prepared with a timber-related question and challenge our team of technical experts or test the extent of your own knowledge of strength grades or wood species by participating in an interactive quiz on strength grading or wood species identification – Amazon vouchers will be up for grabs and awarded to the lucky person/persons selected from the daily draw. See them on stand T150.

Installation from Royal College of Art Grymsdyke Farm, a Buckinghamshire-based research facility, fabrication workshop and living-working space for architects, artists and designers, was the venue for an enthusiastic, multi-disciplinary team of students to create an installation for display at Timber Expo 2018. TRADA, in partnership with The Royal College of Art Architecture, Hanson Plywood, Timber Expo and Grymsdyke Farm, joined forces to bring

TIMBER EXPO 2018

02 their expertise, specialist knowledge and products during a a ten-day intense design and make workshop in September. Led

by Manja van de Worp, tutor (Structures & Technology) in the School of Architecture at the Royal College of Art, the project brief was a cross-disciplinary investigation into flexible construction systems for housing using plywood panels. Experts have set the bar high, with tight timescales to encourage students to roll up their sleeves and ensure maximum learning.

TRADA's Timber Focus Theatre The TRADA Timber Focus Theatre returns again this year with another ‘glittering’ panel, including speakers from Ramboll, Knox Bhavan, Arup and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. The theatre combines key fire design issues, chat show debates with highprofile guests, aspirational case studies, and technical design talks to help you tackle the timber nuts that are difficult to crack.

Over the three days each morning will start with an insightful introduction to two key fire design topics: specification and regulatory requirements for timber cladding and correct detailing and installation of timber fire resistant doorsets.

The afternoon sessions will include: Building Timber Buildings as High as a Tree • The key design considerations to be taken when building tall with timber • Identifying the limiting factors • Lessons that have been learned to date.

Designing CLT for Durability • The importance of and methods for preventing moisture ingress during construction • Design details to prevent leaking roofs and elsewhere • Repair methods for when the plumbing leaks.

Making the Right Connection • Choosing the best connection for each application • Considerations when making bespoke connections • Designing components which are both the panel and the connection.

MawsonKerr Architects will talk about designing Sunbeams Music Centre, a stunning timber building which brings hope,

03 beauty and a sense of well-being to severely disabled children and adults in the heart of rural Cumbria. Feilden Fowles provides a fascinating insight into their new studio, a demountable barn-like building built on a half-acre farm in the centre of London.

Meanwhile, Knox Bhaven shares a collection of their favourite bespoke, private, residential projects.

For more information on TRADA at Timber Expo 2018 and details of the Timber Focus Theatre sessions visit: www.trada.co.uk IMAGES: 01. The Timber Focus Theatre will have a range of industry topics for discussion 02. TRADA’s University Challenge 2018 was hugely successful. See the results of Urban Buzz on stand T150 03. The use of timber on the Sunbeams Music Centre is critical to the buildings look, feel and effect on its users.

Courtesy MawsonKerr Architects

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS Occasionally there is an event that grabs the attention of the construction industry – the Structural Timber Awards is one such event. With the heightened interest in offsite manufacture and construction, it is easy to see why these Awards are experiencing exponential growth year on year. However, the Structural Timber Awards would not be possible without the financial contributions and support of our fantastic sponsors – so we would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to those companies.

The Structural Timber Awards provide one of the most effective platforms to showcase architectural gems and product innovations. Aimed at promoting excellence in the use of structural timber technologies these Awards recognise best practice and the accomplishments of ground-breaking projects.

If you would like more information on the sponsorship opportunities available at the 2019 Structural Timber Awards, please do not hesitate to contact the team.

For more information on any of our Structural Timber Awards sponsors, visit our website: www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk

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STA MEMBERSHIP

Underpinning Credentials and Upholding Credibility The Structural Timber Association (STA) was initially established to support the overall objectives of the sector and associated supply chains by creating greater awareness of the performance, productivity and sustainability benefits of using offsite manufactured structural timber systems.

The STA has more recently widened their remit to put more emphasis on providing technical insight and access to unique training schemes and industry recognised assessments.

Back in 2016 Cogent Consulting started working with the STA to develop a Membership and Quality Standards Scheme. STA Assure was launched early the next year and the initial accreditation scheme was based on an online selfassessment declaration process – in 2018 this was advanced to an independently audited assessment.

Darren Richards Managing Director of the STA Assure auditors, Cogent Consulting said: “The process of independent audits further underpins the credentials and standing of the STA’s members. It is fair to say that the STA has experienced some low-levels of resistance to the change in the audit procedure. However, these audits have been developed to assist STA members adopt ‘best practise principles’ and once they meet and get involved with the audit team – members find the process extremely beneficial to their business, whilst providing a baseline benchmark on

competency and ensuring an industrywide approach to methods of assuring performance.”

STA Assure STA Assure offers reassurances to the construction community and self-builders, that STA manufacturing members meet or even exceed current legislation, regulatory requirements and quality standards in respect of the various structural timber systems on offer. Focusing on the levels of in-house quality procedures, management systems and product performance standards, as well as external accreditations – the STA Assure assessment includes a bespoke Site Safe audit – validating CDM compliance and Health & Safety Executive requirements for the protection and registration of timber structures during construction. This audit ensures that design and production processes and quality controls are in line with the customer’s expectations for consistent, high levels of quality with continuous improvement at the heart of the manufacturer’s culture.

STA Assure has received formal recognition from six of the industry’s leading structural warranty and building control bodies –

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LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee, Protek Warranty, Build-Zone Warranty, Self-Build Zone Warranty and CRL. Due to the quality, training and technical excellence initiatives - some businesses have publicly stated that they will only work with STA members.

By providing transparency, credibility and accountability, the STA will safeguard the interests of end users, enabling them to partner with reputable member companies that will harness the multitude of inherent benefits that structural timber offers.

STA Assure creates a clear distinction in the expected performance levels of STA members and non-members within the structural timber arena.

Benefits of Membership Membership of the STA brings genuine commercial benefits through technical insights, client referrals and access to unique training and industry credibility.

By providing networking opportunities and technical guidance, the STA supports innovation and product development to increase growth in market share. It is also about being part of an organisation that directly engages with the government and industry bodies on behalf of the timber sector – promoting the capacity within the industry and the role timber systems can play in the current drive to meet the need to develop quality homes at a rapid rate to meet the shortfall in housing stock.

Full details of STA Assure and the benefits of joining the Structural Timber Association can be found at: www.structuraltimber.co.uk

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TIMBER SUPPLY

A Successful History: A Bright Future Snows Timber has evolved in many ways since its humble beginnings in the late 19th century. Starting as a small coal and wood merchant in Glastonbury, the company now imports more than 150,000 cubic metres of sawn softwood yearly and processes and distributes more than 1,000 timber products.

01 The organisation’s core customer base now includes independent timber and builders’ merchants, DIY stores, fencing manufacturers, garden building manufacturers, joinery shops, shopfitters and construction companies. A great deal of Snows’ evolution has been natural, but there comes a time to review, implement change and find ways to improve. Just because you’ve been doing things a certain way for years does not mean that is the right way.

Our aims are quite simple, getting the right products to the people who want them as quickly and as cost effectively as we can. These are the same aims we had as that small coal and wood merchant but on a much larger scale. The challenge is combining all methods of stock buying, production, ordering and delivery. We have

moved on a little since our business started with horses and carts.

We’ve been busy examining every part of the business from buying raw timber, through production to customer delivery to ensure we were using the best and most efficient methods at every stage.

Starting with our sales team, this year we consolidated our regional sales offices and brought them all together in a new, national office to help promote best practice and to give our clients a single contact point with every part of the company. Our aim is to provide a tailored, personalised service with a national sales network. We know that sales in the timber industry should involve a two-way conversation. The stereotype of the pushy sales person telling the buyer what they need does not work with the

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businesses we work with. They are very knowledgeable and we can learn from them, just as they can learn from us. To put this simply – if our clients’ needs do not inform our buying and production patterns, we’re going to be stuck with a lot of timber products we cannot sell.

Another benefit of a single sales office is the sharing of knowledge. Our staff can learn from and teach each other, using their combined knowledge to continually strive to improve their customer service. Ultimately, their focus is to offer a consistent, informed and reliable customer experience.

We opened our new sales office in Towcester, Northants, in May this year and each day our team is already handling around 400 calls, processing an average of 150 orders and receiving an average of 75 customer emails.

To keep up with demand, we have also investigated how we can increase our production capabilities. We have introduced double shifts at our Glastonbury distribution centre to increase our capacity for the picking and milling of products. This has been a great success and the programme will be rolled out to our other distribution centres. We no longer have expensive and sophisticated machinery sitting idle for large chunks of the day and our staff appreciate the increased flexibility in working hours.

Alongside this, our customers benefit from our operational hours increasing by 30%, meaning we can pick, pack and fulfil more orders.

We are also refurbishing and redesigning our Mansfield Distribution Centre to increase our stock holding and milling capacity. This will give us the ability to hold more stock on the ground which has improved availability, resulting in a better service for our customers.

Our drive for efficiency has also been good for the environment. Something which every future-facing company must put at the centre of every decision it takes. In

TIMBER SUPPLY

02 January 2018 we introduced a new routing and scheduling system named Routyn. We are the first company in the country to use this system and it has already allowed us to deliver the same volume of products as before with 25% fewer vehicles covering 10% fewer miles. This has resulted in savings in fuel costs and a considerable reduction in vehicle emissions. The system has also reduced human error resulting in more accurate delivery and increased ability to meet customers bespoke needs.

This increased efficiency hasn’t just saved us money. It has allowed us to refocus resources in our distribution centres and given us increased capacity to pick and mill product. Ian Church, Managing Director of Snows Timber explained: “We’ve engaged with a very clever piece of software which allows us to schedule the routes of our entire vehicle fleet in less than two minutes, creating huge differences in transport efficiencies. It used to take anywhere from one to two hours at each location when we did it manually. It saves us up to six hours each day.”

Alongside this, ensuring we have a fleet fit for the job is an important aspect of our business. We perform daily walk-around defect checks to ensure all our vehicles are safe for road use and we are currently introducing newer lower-emission vehicles to the fleet.

We have installed a biomass boiler at our Glastonbury distribution centre. It runs at 90% efficiency on offcuts from our sawmills, causing significantly less waste than conventional boilers. It provides power and lighting at the site and it also qualifies for a £12,000 government payback scheme which we will invest to further improve the sites energy efficiency. Over time, the savings in energy costs will easily cover the initial £40,000 investment in the boiler. These improvements, along with our commitment to FSC/PEFC certified products – 99% of our wood is certified – are all part of our dedication to reducing our environmental impact.

03 It has been a busy year for Snows Timber.

Change can sometimes bring disruption, but we have aimed to put our customers first because we know that is the way to keep them, and the improvements we have made have had twin positive effects. We have become more efficient for our clients and our staff. The time and money we have saved allows us to refocus. We have more man-hours to spend both serving our clients and looking for even more ways to improve the running of the business.

For more information visit: www.snowstimber.com IMAGES: 01-03. Snows Timber has had a busy year of expansion

and business improvements for its growing

customer base

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 65

BWF – HELEN HEWITT

Time for More Timber The woodworking sector, and more broadly the timber industry, is currently facing an array of opportunities, along with a number of challenges. Helen Hewitt, Acting CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), outlines what its ‘Build it Better with Wood’ strategy hopes to achieve.

01 It’s an exciting time to be stepping into my new role as acting CEO of the BWF as we implement our ‘Build it Better with Wood’ strategy. Aiming to make wood the firstchoice material in any build, the campaign is focused on promoting the industry’s talented professionals and expertise while raising standards in health and safety as well as skills and training. We face a number of well-documented challenges, such as the skills gap and tough trading – which are not restricted to our sector – so it’s important as a trade association that we come together to overcome these obstacles and provide each other with guidance and support.

I worked in the manufacturing and textiles sector when the UK faced a skills exodus, so I’ve seen first-hand the need for worldclass training and recruitment programmes to attract and retain talent. This is vital to aid growth and secure the future of an industry or profession, and is supported

02 by the BWF through our involvement in the development of new apprenticeships and our ‘Wow! I Made That!’ campaign as well as our Centre of Excellence training network.

Our training manager, Tony Batchelor, has been instrumental in helping us address the skills gap by implementing training packages and highlighting areas where we can provide support. A great example of this was the launch earlier this year of the UK’s first fire door installation qualification in partnership with the NPTC Group of Colleges.

It’s important however that, while focusing on recruiting new talent, we also do all that we can to retain skilled professionals with years of experience in our sector. Career progression and opportunities are vast within the sector and not just limited to workshop-based woodwork. With further careers in human resources, warehousing,

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compliance or sales available to name just a few, an insight into woodworking from hands-on experience is incredibly valuable in office or field-based roles.

The skills gap is an ongoing conversation amid a broader national debate around current tough trading conditions. We’ve been working closely with the CITB, Construction Products Association and other industry bodies to form a strong and collaborative approach to both of these issues and will continue to do so throughout 2019.

Timber – the material of choice To help us overcome these core challenges, it’s important as an industry that we collectively promote the advantages of building with wood. Through our Build It Better with Wood campaign, we focus on four key benefits of using wood over any alternative material:

BWF – HELEN HEWITT Sustainable Credentials – timber is the only truly recyclable material, which absorbs and stores billions of tonnes of carbon every day. Moreover, the use of sustainable forestry products is helping European forests to grow by an area the size of three football pitches every hour – helping capture even more carbon.

Health and Wellbeing Benefits – 47% of people agree that natural materials in their home make them feel better and bringing wood indoors could help lower stress, blood pressure and heart rates in homes and workplaces. Helping people feel better both mentally and physically, timber can make a real impact on building occupants’ health and wellbeing.

Superior Performance – a tough, durable and solid material, timber can last a lifetime. Ideal for building furniture, doors and windows, as well as entire buildings, wood provides an alternative material that offers better whole-life costs than man-made solutions.

Ability to Help Save Lives – more than three million fire doors are manufactured and certified by BWF members each year.

These go on to hold back the spread of fire and smoke to help save lives.

Of course, one of my core priorities is making sure that we continue to campaign on behalf of our members and provide insight and practical resources to help them achieve their objectives. We’re constantly reviewing the products that our members offer – giving us a deep understanding of individual businesses to allow us to add real value. Communication is key to this, and following our most successful Annual Meeting for members to date which took place in June, I’m pleased to say that we have a really engaged, growing and active membership.

An essential part of delivering for our members is our role in the development, drive and implementation of standards and

03 regulations. High standards and service are at the very heart of the BWF’s values and are fully supported by our members through the BWF Code of Conduct. With the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) continuing its investigation into the standards and minimum requirements of fire doors, we are providing our ongoing support to the Government department. By offering our technical expertise about standards, testing and certification frameworks, we will help ensure a rigorous approach is taken to the investigation and testing program.

Having entered the woodworking sector with previous experience in design and

manufacturing, it’s exciting to be entering a collaborative industry that is focused on progression and bettering itself for the benefit of its clients and the wider construction industry. I’m delighted to be leading the next chapter of the BWF and look forward to working closely with you all.

For more information visit: www.bwf.org.uk

IMAGES: 01.

Helen Hewitt, Acting CEO of the British Woodworking Federation 02-03. The Build it Better with Wood’ campaign is focused on

promoting the industry’s talented professionals and

developing apprenticeships

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 67

FIRE DOOR SAFETY WEEK 2018

Fire Door Five The Fire Door Safety Week campaign was launched in 2012 and has steadily grown in terms of reach and impact. In 2017 it reached over 19 million people, delivering messages on the importance of fire doors in saving lives and protecting property, and landlords’ legal responsibilities for managing fire door safety.

Local Authorities to carry out replacement and repair works. Finance should not be used as an excuse. The stakes are too high. As part of Fire Door Safety Week, we have created a ‘Five Step Fire Door Check’ to help people check their fire doors and empower them to report faulty doors.

With over four million new fire doors bought and installed every year in the UK, the vast majority made from timber, fire doors are often the first line of defence in a fire and their correct specification, maintenance and management can be the difference between life and death for building occupants. However, they remain a significant area of neglect, often the first thing to be downgraded on a specification and mismanaged throughout their service life, propped open, damaged and badly maintained Now in its sixth year, this year’s FDSW campaign – ‘Fire Door Five: Shutting the door on fire and smoke’ – aims to draw attention to the importance of properlyfitted and accredited fire doors as well as raising awareness of the dangers of smoke inhalation and the role that correctly installed fire doors can do in preventing the spread of both fire and smoke. Part of the activity will see campaigners explore the need to establish a Building Safety Fund to help pay for vital and life-saving fire

safety improvements in Local Authority and Housing Association accommodation.

Hannah Mansell, spokesperson for FDSW, as well as British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Head of Technical Research and Insight, chair of the Passive Fire Protection Forum and a trustee of the Children’s Burns Trust, says: “Through Fire Door Safety Week, we will once more renew our efforts to ensure that residents, landlords and building owners across the UK are armed with the information they need to make informed decisions that will improve safety.

“There is no doubt that fire doors, fully fitted with their correct and compatible components, that are properly installed and maintained play a crucial role in saving lives in the event of a fire. The legacy of neglect means more lives could be lost as a result of substandard fire protection measures.

We know that the necessary corrective actions will cost and that is why we are asking the Government set up a Building Safety Fund for Housing Associations and

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“Over the last year, there has been significant discussion about the responsibility of landlords, councils and Housing Associations to ensure the safety of their tenants but there is still a massive learning curve in terms of awareness about how fire doors that are correctly specified, installed, maintained and of course closed can limit the effect of fire and smoke, and what to do in the event of a fire. Because of this uncertainty, our focus for fire door safety week this year is ‘shutting the door on fire and smoke’ and we want to educate everyone on how effective fire doors can be in stopping the spread of fire and smoke.”

The annual campaign is run by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), BWF-Certifire scheme, the newly formed BWF Fire Door Alliance and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) and works closely with the Home Office’s National Fire Safety campaign (formerly Fire Kills). For more information visit: www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk IMAGES: 01. Specifying the correct fire door and having regular

inspections is vital

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ENHANCED BUILDING PERFORMANCE

BeA Strengthens Team BeA Fastening Systems, the manufacturer of manual, semi-automatic and fully automated fastening solutions for construction and industry, has strengthened its offsite construction sales team with a new and strategically important appointment.

Neil Hoskins joins the business, which meets the needs of customers using timber frame, light gauge steel frame and engineered wood, as a timber frame specialist. He will be responsible for BeA’s offsite sales activity in Scotland - helping the business to build on its success in offering high quality products backed by equally high levels of service and technical support.

A well-known figure throughout the timber frame industry, both in Scotland and across the wider UK, Neil joins BeA having spent fifteen years at ITW Construction Products.

He joined ITW in 2003 as a key account manager before progressing to national

sales manager – a post he held for four years. During his career Neil has also worked in timber sales and in sales for one of Scotland’s best-known fixing and fastener distributors.

Commenting on his appointment, Neil said: “I’m delighted to be joining BeA and especially as I’ve been aware of the company’s growing success and offer for some time. The business is already the preferred fastening partner for many of timber frame’s biggest and best-known names across mainland Europe and I’m looking forward to emulating that here in the UK, paying particular attention to my native Scotland.”

01 For more information visit: www.bea-group.com IMAGES: 01. Supporting Scottish timber frame, BeA, has appointed Neil Hoskins to drive sales of its product in Scotland

Expert Build with Glosford Promoting offsite construction against the more traditional approaches should in theory be an easy sell. However, like any new business entrant into a sector that has seen little change over a long period, trying to convince clients to re-consider their approach can prove challenging.

With the use of structural insulated panel (SIP) construction the change can be relatively simple and the benefits can be well worth the effort. Principally, as we know the sector is striving to eliminate delays to agreed programmes which can often include lack of co-ordination and interface with the many different sub-contractors’ packages. A lack of early interrogation of client drawings prior to commencement to risk assess a project also leads to issues.

With a SIP build that is manufactured offsite there has to be early intervention by the SIP company to evaluate the drawing packages and to check ‘buildability’. This will start with the foundations and as a result these need to be built to a tighter tolerance thus

improving overall build quality. It then extends to the superstructure elements including checking the window and door openings are all accurate and match window and door schedules. Floor heights work with stairs and internal partitions have been carefully thought through to ensure proper access and suitability for occupants.

At Glosford SIPS we have a quality management system that has at its core working with architects prior to commencing groundworks to ensure the final construction packages are fully detailed. We are also the only UK SIP company with a fully automated CNC-production facility and our own in house-qualified engineers.

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01 For more information visit: www.glosfordsips.co.uk IMAGES: 01. SIP construction is key to ‘buildability’

For reliable fastening solutions that benefit your business and your bottom line‌

Across Europe, BeA is the trusted fastening partner for some of the biggest and best known names in timber frame and light gauge steel frame construction. We offer an unrivalled range of manual, semi-automatic and fully automated fastening solutions backed by exceptional service - including loan tool agreements and access to mobile engineers.

01482 889 911 | sales@uk.bea-group.com | www.bea-group.com

PANEL PRODUCTS

Ideal Material Options Norbord is the world’s largest manufacturer of OSB and has recently invested £95 million in a new plant in Inverness, Scotland. David Connacher, Marketing Manager, Norbord Europe, discusses why timber and OSB is central to the UK construction industry’s future growth.

01 Architects, contractors and developers are working harder and harder, employment is at an all-time high, and the industry cannot recruit enough people to fill the jobs available. These are great problems to have if all the effort is worth it in the end. But despite a buoyant economy and healthy workloads, productivity seems strangely lower than the industry would have hoped.

Working harder for a minimal improvement in output, especially over a prolonged period, is demoralising. So what’s the problem?

Economists argue endlessly about this and most agree on a few basic reasons for our lacklustre productivity. One is the persistently low interest rates that make it easy for poorly-performing companies to keep afloat by borrowing. Another is industry’s reluctance to invest – especially in R&D and the capital equipment and

processes necessary to boost productivity.

There has been a lot of talk about ‘modern methods of construction’ even before the crash of 2008, yet the only method to gain any traction has been offsite manufacture, and many would argue that even that has not been adopted widely enough to make a real difference. This is not for want of trying by the structural timber sector.

The UK’s chronic housing shortage has ensured that housebuilding has consistently led growth in the construction industry for the past decade and this has led to a strong increase in demand for timber and timber products. The star performer in the sector is undoubtedly oriented-strand board (OSB), a product sector in which Norbord is the UK market leader.

It has been demonstrated time and time again that timber and timber products are the ideal materials for offsite systems.

Though most volume housebuilders in the UK stay with traditional brick-and-block construction for the majority of their new homes, timber frame is gradually increasing market share though England and Wales lag behind Scotland, where timber frame has been the preferred method of housebuilding for a generation.

OSB is a major component of nearly every timber frame system yet its versatility goes way beyond this application. In fact, the benefits of OSB are so many that it can, on its own, make an appreciable contribution to improving productivity in construction.

OSB’s main competition is traditional softwood ply, but thanks to sustained campaigning on the part of manufacturers, distributors and trade associations, this versatile material is now replacing plywood in many applications.

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PANEL PRODUCTS OSB’s mechanical properties, especially its consistent strength and durability are demonstrably superior to softwood ply, though end-users (being naturally conservative in their habits) have taken some persuading. In addition, Norbord’s SterlingOSB Zero brand, supplied to the UK market, is also all homegrown, unlike plywood, all of which has to be imported from overseas. It also wins in the costefficiency/performance stakes. Such is the versatility of OSB that it can yield benefits in virtually all sectors of the construction industry – on or offsite.

02

Demand for OSB has grown steadily, yearon-year, since the financial crash of 2008.

Production has struggled to keep pace, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.

This is why Norbord recently invested £95 million in a new plant in Inverness, Scotland. With the ability to produce 640,000 cubic metres of SterlingOSB Zero per year when the line is fully operational, the new state-of-the-art continuouspress plant almost doubles the factory’s production capacity to meet existing and future UK demand.

The increased emphasis on sustainable construction has also helped boost the popularity of OSB. Not only is the product made from trees harvested from sustainably-managed forests, but the raw material used by Norbord’s Inverness plant comes from plantations within an 80-mile radius of the factory. Investment in R&D has enabled manufacturers to enhance the basic properties of OSB and tailor it to specific applications. Today, OSB is used for permanent applications, as a sheathing board in timber frame systems, a decking board for flat roofs and for sarking in pitched roofs. OSB technology is developing rapidly in response to, and in anticipation of, new applications and consumer expectations.

03 Perhaps one of the most unexpected selling-points of OSB today is its visual appearance. In the early days of OSB, the distinctive texture of the board, with numerous shreds of wood fibre apparently pressed together in a random way (it is actually carefully oriented, as the name suggests) was treated by buyers with suspicion. Unlike plywood, whose surface gives the appearance of a single continuous sheet of solid wood, OSB is quite unmistakably composed of many small strands of wood fibre. While this was interpreted by many potential buyers as a weakness, the distinctive appearance of OSB has recently become a fashionable design feature, employed increasingly in retail and catering outlets as well as

temporary structures at pop-up villages, adventure parks and music festivals.

Timber is an age-old building material, and its popularity is unlikely to wane in the foreseeable future. Its versatility and sustainability (not to mention its physical properties of high strength-to-weight) guarantees its place in the modern construction industry.

For more information visit: www.norbord.co.uk

IMAGES: 01-02. OSB is used for permanent applications, as a

sheathing board in timber frame systems, a decking

board for flat roofs and for sarking in pitched roofs 03.

The Norbord facility at Inverness had a £95 million

investment in 2018

STMAG | www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk | 73

MACHINERY

Working with Wood The W Exhibition is the UK’s leading show for the joinery and furniture industries. Taking place every two years, it is an opportunity for the whole industry to come together to network, watch live demonstrations of woodworking machinery and view the latest products and developments.

Hoffmann – and all will be demonstrating their latest machinery and technological advancements.

The biennial event will also feature new interactive zones specifically designed to aid industry professionals, showcase innovation and reward talent.

01 programmes and the use of wood rising as a sustainable and economical material.

Much of the W Exhibition deals with the working of wood and use of timber in building.

Taking place from the 30 September – 3 October at the NEC, Birmingham, W Exhibition will span over 11,000sq m and play host to more than 200 of the biggest and best names in the industry.

02 Every two years the UK industry meets at this show to experience the latest in machinery, components and materials with the emphasis on live demonstration of products and process.

As the UK economy continues to grow, the manufacturing industry goes from strengthto-strength, with accelerated house building

The W Exhibition embraces the growth of this industry, not just through an increase of exhibitors and visitors taking part but also by recognising and showcasing new talent and training within the industry and promoting the next generation who will take the industry forward, through its educational focus. The line-up includes leading machinery companies like Homag, Biesse, SCM, Felder, RW Machinery, Advanced Machinery Services, Masterwood and

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BRAND NEW Education Zone: Situated in Hall 6, the Education Zone has been designed to support and advise visitors on the latest legislation, health and safety, productivity, careers, education and apprenticeships within the furniture industry. Experts from the Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA), the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and Didac Training College will be on hand to help visitors navigate their way around key issues and important changes within the industry and take part in one-to-one drop-in sessions and daily workshops that are open to all.

The Elements of Innovation Zone Now in its second year, the Elements of Innovation Zone offers visitors an opportunity to see the most groundbreaking products and design concepts up close. Each product will have been shortlisted for the show’s very own Elements of Innovation Awards and presented to an independent judging panel to be in with the chance of winning a coveted title. Winners will be announced during the show.

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MACHINERY

04 a drinks reception at The W Exhibition.

The awards showcase the best of UK joinery, recognising the projects, products, processes and people that have hit the heights of woodworking excellence in the last year.

03 Visitors will also have access to the W Exhibition’s sister show, Elements.

Elements is an event that takes place alongside the W Exhibition and is the only components show featuring a wide range of finishing products for the KBB, furniture production and interior design markets. Stands will include the very latest wirework and storage solutions, surface trends, materials and technologies designed by influential manufacturers from the UK, Europe and further afield.

Leading components manufacturer Blum, décor specialists Alpi SpA, edging experts Karebant, Tece and Kalp as well as finishing professionals Remmers UK will all make their debut at the bi-annual event, whilst further brands – including Crofts & Assinder, Mundy Veneer, Hranipex, Ostermann and Merenda – return to Elements after a successful 2016.

“This year, we have been exploring new avenues in a bid to represent the whole industry and emulate the success our exhibitors had in 2016,” says Event Director Lisa Campagnola. “By working closely with leading companies, show partners and industry associations, we have been able to create a show that offers real value and substance. We are excited to welcome new companies, introduce new exhibition features and create informative and supportive features within the show. We are confident the W Exhibition and Elements will continue to be unmissable events for the furniture design and manufacturing industry.”

The British Woodworking Awards shortlist will also be announced at The W Exhibition. The shortlist for the prestigious 2018 BWF Awards will be unveiled at

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“It is the perfect occasion to announce the finalists, say the BWF. “The W Exhibition is a key part of our calendar and established part of our community. Many people will already be gathered and so it will be a great chance to start celebrating with our peers. The Awards are not insular, in fact we run them to develop the stories and to help us to project the industry better. They are, however, a great opportunity to remind ourselves what a special sector this is and of all the brilliant work and people that we often take for granted.”

To register for your FREE ticket and join over 8,000 industry professionals at the UK’s only woodworking machinery and materials show visit: www.wexhibition.co.uk/Register For more information visit www.wexhibition. co.uk or follow @W_Exhibition and @Elements_Expo on Twitter and like ‘The W Exhibition’ on Facebook.

IMAGES: 01-04. Every two years the UK industry meets to

experience the latest in machinery, components

and materials with the emphasis on live

demonstration of products and process

Timber Engineering Static calculation Building Physics Tailor made solutions R&D

MACHINERY

OIKOS – AREA: Innovative technology for machining construction timber elements The market of timber buildings is constantly growing worldwide. Timber construction offers many advantages in terms of economy, ecology and sustainability. SCM dedicated its know-how to create a new standard for processing wooden structural beams and modular wall elements.

01

02 As a result, two important projects are born: OIKOS, for machining structural beams and CLT wall panels and AREA for machining walls, insulating panels and curved beams.

Two different machines that share the same design concept typical of all SCM machining centres.

Innovation Machining units specifically designed to maximise performance in terms of dimensions, dynamics and power. Six axes on the OIKOS machining unit ensure high performance and productivity, and up to 30kW power for the AREA electro-spindle to perform any operation with maximum stiffness, either using saw-blades up to 1020mm in diameter and chainsaws with a cutting length up to 480mm. Maximum worktable dimensions are 4.5m in width and 50m in length.

Precision OIKOS consolidates the technology of six-workpiece-sides machining without having to rotate or reposition the beams with a maximum width of 1250mm, thickness of 300mm and length of 19m.

This improves precision so that beams can go directly to the construction site without the need for any manual adjustment.

AREA – thanks to the innovative solutions employed in the supporting structure – allows extremely precise machining on very long elements.

Flexibility The unique configuration of OIKOS allows several operations, such as cutting insulating or composite panels and threading lamellar beams. The AREA worktable can be equipped to process panels of different materials.

Simple and Quick to Use SCM Maestro Beam&Wall software permits to achieve maximum speed and ease of use: a single program allowing access to the programming, program execution and tool management environments. Besides, SCM Maestro Beam&Wall can be easily interfaced with most CAD programs used

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by customers, thanks to the import of BTL files, the most common format in the sector of timber construction.

Nesting Function The Nesting function to process wall panels is now available for both OIKOS and AREA, in order to optimise the use of the material and reduce waste.

Order Profitability The simulation software makes it possible to test the programs in advance on PC and visualise the operations that will be performed during production, with obvious benefits for the customer: • To eliminate collision risks, errors and downtime • To calculate time and cost of production For more information visit: www.scmgroup.com

IMAGE: 01. OIKOS 02. AREA

CNC MACHINING CENTRES FOR TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

SCM is able to provide high technological cnc machining centres for the construction industry. Structural beams and modular elements of wooden walls are produced with extreme accuracy and rapidity thanks to Oikos and Area. The innovative structure with 6-axis architecture allows any machining operation on all faces without revolving or repositioning the workpiece.

SCM Maestro Beam&Wall software permits easy interface with most CAD programs used by customers, thanks to the import of BTL files, the most common format used in timber construction.

Hall 9 Stand T325 SCM UK Tel. +44 (0)115 9770044 - scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com - www.scmgroup.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Take Centre Stage at the 2019 Offsite Construction Awards The buzz around offsite construction is not slowing down and with the Government’s policy for the ‘presumption of offsite’ technology, demand is on the rise – as the offsite sector rises to the challenge, it is time for innovators to step forward and prepare to take centre stage at the 2019 Offsite Awards. the offsite industry to be held up alongside those considered the nation’s best.

Being shortlisted for the Awards will earn recognition within the offsite community and the wider construction industry – opening doors to securing new business development opportunities.

Enter Today Returning for 2019, the Offsite Construction Awards promises to be the best year yet with a high calibre of industry leading companies and inspiring projects expected to enter the 22 different categories.

With such a wealth of innovation, The Best Use of Timber Technology is always hotly contested. These Awards create an opportunity to align the structural timber industry with the valuable offsite sector.

The list of previous winners reads like the ‘who’s who’ of building technology but it’s not only the major players and the iconic buildings that pick up an award – the Offsite Awards are renowned for unearthing those projects that may be small in stature but are awe inspiring in terms of innovation.

But it’s not only projects that receive great acclaim – people are at the forefront of the Awards – architects, engineers, installers and clients are all recognised for their outstanding achievements.

Why Get involved?

Entries into the 2018 Offsite Construction Awards were phenomenal and the profile and coverage gained by all the finalists

and winners has helped to propel the offsite sector to another level. This event is the ideal opportunity for construction professionals to maximise industry exposure by demonstrating what separates them from their competitors. The winning organisations will be promoted to a national audience, giving entrants the opportunity to make their mark on this vibrant market.

So, if you are proud of your exceptional team, project development or product innovation there are just five questions to answer to grasp the opportunity to take centre stage at the 2019 Offsite Awards.

Entering the Offsite Construction Awards allows the most innovative achievements of

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The Offsite Construction Awards are taking place on 5 March 2019, during Futurebuild, at the ExCeL, London where circa 500 delegates will gather to celebrate the best in the offsite industry. The drinks reception will provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and network before the awards ceremony.

Do you have a project that you think is worthy of winning an Offsite Construction Award?

If yes, start your entry today!

The closing date for Award Entries is the 11 January 2019 – enter any of the 22 categories free of charge by visiting: www.offsiteawards.co.uk

VAC-VAC VAC-VAC

VAC-VAC BACK!

Vac-Vac

TM

TREATED TIMBER The very latest VAC-VAC wood preservative is designed to help you make the most of your construction timbers.

Using tried and tested low pressure treatments, next generation VAC-VAC will give you and your customers a cost effective long term protection against the threat of decay.

REAL WORLD THINKING. REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE.

Providing complete peace of mind protection and future proofing for any new timber building.

VAC-VAC is a registered trademark of Arch Timber Protection Ltd, a Lonza company.

Use wood preservatives safely. Aways read the label and instructions before use.

www.lonzawoodprotection.com/eu

LONG TERM PROTECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION TIMBERS

English & Continental Hardwood Specialists

As Europe’s leading specialist supplier of English and Continental Hardwood, Whitmore’s recognises a responsibility to its customers, suppliers and staff to base its commercial activities on well managed forest resources.

For over 100 years Whitmore’s have been supplying craftsmen and specifiers nationwide, with quality hardwoods, sawn and seasoned with care.

From our centrally located site in the village of Claybrooke Magna in Leicestershire, we stand as the country’s most specialist suppliers of English and Continental hardwood timbers.

With our wide range of sizes and grades of English, Continental and North American hardwood species, we have a vast range of timbers for use in construction, joinery and furniture. We also stock a range of specialist products such as flooring, decking, worktops and offer a full machining service.

01455 209121 fax: 01455 209041 e-mail: sales@whitmores.co.uk www.whitmores.co.uk

SPONSORS OF

STA AWARDS 2018

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY If you are interested in learning more about offsite construction in the timber sector and the associated manufacturing processes then choose from some of the timber specific events taking place in 2018/19:

DATE 9-11 Oct 18

EVENT

VENUE

WEBSITE

UK Construction Week

NEC, Birmingham

www.ukconstructionweek.com

One of the UK’s largest built environment events, UK Construction Week (UKCW), is FREE to attend and consists of nine shows: Timber Expo, Build Show, Civils Expo, Plant & Machinery Live, Energy 2018, Building Tech Live, Surface & Materials Show and HVAC 2018 running from 9-11 October and Grand Designs Live which is open to the trade on 10-11 October.

10 Oct 18

Structural Timber Awards

NCC, Birmingham

www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk

The Structural Timber Awards are back for 2018, celebrating it’s fourth year rewarding the very best in structural timber construction. Over 600 construction professionals will gather at the prestigious ceremony to celebrate the great, the good and the simply outstanding.

30 Oct 18

Modular Matters

NEC, Birmingham

www.modularmatters.co.uk

New for 2018, the Modular Matters conference and exhibition will focus on the latest developments, innovations and investments in the volumetric modular offsite sector and aims to engage with industry pioneers from within the offsite supply-chain, leading designers, specifiers, engineers and ground-breaking clients. Limited tickets available – book now to avoid disappointment!

4 & 5 Dec 18

Spotlight on Offsite

NEC, Birmingham

www.spotlightonoffsite.co.uk

Spotlight on Offsite brings together distinguished speakers from a broad spectrum of pioneering organisations representing clients, construction professionals and suppliers. The combined conference and exhibition will showcase ground-breaking offsite construction solutions and focus on the latest developments, innovations and investments in the offsite sector across a range of vertical markets. Tickets are now available online!

12 Feb 19

HOUSING 5-7 Mar 19

Explore Offsite Housing

www.exploreoffsite.co.uk

London

Experts have hailed offsite construction as the only way to respond to the demand for new housing. Moving the construction of houses into factories enables the build to take place both efficiently and economically, making the national shortage of labour less of a concern. This two day conference brings together technology leaders to discuss the growing opportunities that the housing shortage presents for offsite construction solutions.

Futurebuild

ExCeL, London

www.futurebuild.co.uk

A fresh format that’s nothing like an ordinary trade show bringing together the most innovative, exciting and inspiring brands, companies, speakers and experiences. The centrepiece will be the comprehensive conference programme curated by top industry figures surrounded by eight unique ‘futurebuild districts’ that will each explore a different aspect of the built environment. These will include building performance, infrastructure and energy.

5 Mar 19

Offsite Construction Awards

ExCeL, London

www.offsiteawards.co.uk

Celebrate the best in precision building design and delivery at the Offsite Construction Awards. The Awards will reward outstanding examples of prefabrication and factory-based methods, products, systems and disciplines that increasingly strive to develop a sustainable, streamlined and cost-effective way to deliver a better built environment. Entries close 11 January 2019.

CONFERENCE | EXHIBITION

14 May 2019

To register your interest in joining our speaker line-up, contact amy.pryce@radar-communications.co.uk

www.solidwoodsolutions.co.uk

London

Solid Wood Solutions will shine a spotlight on pioneering projects through informative case studies presented by those who conceived and developed the buildings that are gaining global attention. This event presents a great opportunity to gain insight and network with those who are shaping the future of the engineered timber industry.

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Whatever you ask of it, a JJI-Joist has the answer every time. No ifs. No buts. No matter how complex or awkward the job, we have built the ultimate can-do joist. By manufacturing to the highest specification our I-Joists are light, strong, thermally efficient, BIM compatible, FSC and PEFC certified and PAS 2050 accredited (to cut a long list short). But it’s also the back-up we offer that no one can equal. Our expert team of designers, engineers and regional technical support is always there to say ‘yes we can’.

WEB: www.jamesjones.co.uk/ewp

EMAIL: jji-joists @ jamesjones.co.uk

Although NEW to the UK, TILCOR ROOFING SYSTEMS are currently the fastest growing stone coated pressed metal tile company in the world.

TILCOR ROOFING SYSTEMS are manufactured by the Ross Roof Group in New Zealand who has been involved in roofing production over 4 generations since 1942. Installed in many countries, the TILCOR range offers exceptional strength and durability in the harshest of climates. Watertight, fire and earthquake resistant, our pressed steel roofing tiles can withstand hurricane-force winds, torrential rain and hailstones.

Thanks to the use of the modular TILCOR Shake roofing sheet, which is characterised by lightness and flexibility, the below architectural forms demonstrate impressive credentials. Another consideration for choosing the TILCOR roofing sheet is the durability of a 50-year pro-rata warranty & a 40-year BBA. This means that unlike alternative solutions, you get a versatile roof made to last the test of time. The pure steel is manufactured using iron ore from the New Zealand beaches, recognised as one of the purest forms of steel and is protected with ZINCALUME® coating. ZINCALUME® aluminium-zinc coating is about 2.5 times better in resistance compared to ordinary zinc alloy which is commonly used in Europe. ZINCALUME® is a guarantee of quality NEW ZEALAND STEEL LTD.

UK Registered Address: Ross Roof Group UK Ltd Foresters Hall 25-27 Weslow Street London SEl 9 3RY Tel.: +44 (0)1295 712 444 E-mail: info.uk@tilcor.com

TILCOR

ROOFING SYSTEMS

LEGENDARY

Tilcor the Natural choice in lightweight pressed metal roofing tiles

PURE QUALITY

FROM THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND

Tilcor roofing tiles are produced from the purest iron ore steel extracted from the west coast of New Zealand using stone obtained from volcanic rocks formed many millions of years ago on the New Zealand islands.

BEFORE ROOF REPLACEMENT: WOODEN SHAKE

TILCOR ROOFING SYSTEMS are suited to almost every

REPLACED WITH NEW TILCOR PRESSED METAL TILE STONE SHAKE

Theus demand for theprofiles UK market is perfectly suited to Tilcor Please contact for additional & colours in our range.

building type, they are nearly 10 times faster to install than

Roofing Systems and ROSS ROOF GROUP is committed to

traditional tiling methods and are lightweight - only 6.3 or ,, PROVENproviding quickCLIMATIC and expedient service. With the UK market IN HARSHEST CONDITIONS 2 ALL OVER THE WORLD 6.4 kgs a m (depending on the profile) meaning less strain growing and looking continuously at innovative design to on your roof. The natural raw materials of the New Zealand,

make them more efficient and environmentally friendly, plus , NATURAL & UNIQUE AESTHETIC-LOOKING ROOFS

steel together with the natural coloured stone chip, mean the

the recent demand for modular housing, Tilcor have a tile , BRANDED "MADE IN NEW ZEALAND" product will last as long as traditional tiles but with the added, ORIGINAL, solution to suit customer and planningPRODUCT requirements. The

- LEGENDARY HERITAGE, DURABILITY AND RESISTANCE

bonus of minimal colour fading.

fact these tiles can be installed so much faster than more

,, LEADINGtraditional ROOFING methods, TILE IN THE UK CONSERVATORY make them ideal for every project.

MARKET TILCOR ROOFING SYSTEMS are virtually maintenance free, Our roofing systems reduce time on site making Tilcor a making them ideal for Councils & Housing Associations

perfect roof solution for theCONSTRUCTORS UK market. ,, EXCELLENT SERVICE FOR ROOFERS, AND BUILDING PROFESSIONALS which will minimise countless repairs following bad weather conditions. TILCOR ROOFING SYSTEMS are ideal for schools, modular housing, transforming a flat roof to a pitched roof, MOD buildings, non-traditional housing stock, vertical cladding, traditional housing stock and other roofing installations. We pride ourselves on getting repeat business essentially due to:

OUR PRODUCT QUALITY • • • • • • • • •

Customer service BBA & LABC Installation inspections Full CAD & BIM Complete & timely specifications UK coverage of roofing contractors UK distribution network Quick lead times for product Class A fire rated

www.tilcor.com/uk

It’s a common misconception in the UK that steel panels cannot be installed the same as traditional tiling methods.

One can see from the photos above they are more versatile and flexible and can be installed on any roof type. In Europe, the Buffalo eye dormer window type is very common, using our approved installers, a perfect finish is achieved. Of course, the product is lightweight therefore perfect for all construction types, especially timber or prefabricated.

GROUP

UK Registered Address: Ross Roof Group UK Ltd Foresters Hall 25-27 Weslow Street London SEl 9 3RY Tel.: +44 (0)1295 712 444 E-mail: info.uk@tilcor.com

If you have any enquiries please contact: Darren Durrant-Rance, National Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1295 712 444 Email: info.uk@tilcor.com

The next generation of insulations by Pavatex To insure you have the right specification and technical support, contact; by

Contact NBT T 01844 338338 E info@natural-building.co.uk www.natural-building.co.uk