Structural Timber Magazine - Issue 40

CRAFTED OVER TIME

Where others may rush, we prefer to savour time, to refine, to hone, to perfect. When others standardise, we master individuality, providing a truly bespoke service. And where others may stand still, we innovate, invest, and modernise. Every George Barnsdale timber window and door is meticulously made only for you – and has been since 1884. George Barnsdale. Don’t compromise. Customise.

Individuality worth waiting for since 1884.

pages.georgebarnsdale.co.uk

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Welcome to the Autumn issue of Structural Timber Magazine.

Traditionally, this is the one that includes the shortlist for the freshly announced Structural Timber Awards and where you can find out what caught the judge’s eyes.

This is the 11th year of the Awards and alongside the shock of the passage of time –the first one doesn’t seem long ago to me – it acts as a barometer of where timber sits as a construction material. The scope of sectors and size of buildings – and projects – is wider and more complex than ever before. The confidence of clients and developers to specify timber as an option has grown. The imagination of architects and the ease of use shown by engineers, manufacturers and installers et al, points at the confidence and familiarity of designing with timber.

The material sits in a sweet spot between the built environment and the natural environment, and you can see a raft of successful examples on the Awards shortlist – and elsewhere inside this issue – including some of the fantastic work being done by AKT II at the UCB Campus.

The recent announcement of the £16billion National Housing Bank to help speed up by the delivery of housing was welcomed by the construction industry, and it is essential if the UK is going to get anywhere near achieving

Gary Ramsay | Consultant Editor

Combilift’s

and

To

the goal of 1.5 million homes before this parliament is over. What the chances are of this happening is a common question posed to many housing providers and manufacturers. Wider adoption of more timber frame would be one important way.

Scotland has been leagues ahead in the number of new timber frame homes delivered compared to England and the rest of the home nations. We spoke to Deeside Timberframe’s David Crawford recently, about some of the significant investments it has made at its Throsk facility, but also about the shape of the timber sector generally. There are no single, easy solutions to fixing the ‘broken’ housing market but relying on ‘traditional’ masonry-led approaches to do all the work is not the way forward. They are simply not delivering at pace and with decarbonisation central to all construction aims, timber frame has so much to offer in ‘predictability, scalability, speed, quality and sustainability’.

Thanks as to our contributors, advertisers, and supporters for their help this issue, it is always hugely appreciated. 

Email: gary.ramsay@structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk

We are always looking for the latest industry news, people appointments and project case studies using all types of timber systems and products. For use both in print and online please send them to me at the contact email above.

Front cover: B&K Hybrid Solutions

SIPCO Structural Insulated Panels offer cost certainty for social and affordable housing providers, meeting and surpassing all the requirements of the Future Homes Standard.

SIPs provide sustainable buildings with high thermal performance and air tightness

Higher standards for insulation mean building regulations and low carbon targets are achievable

Low-carbon construction and fabric first approach provides sustainability and energy efficiency

Meets the strict requirements of Building Regulations, BREEAM and Passivhaus Standards

U-values as low as 0.09 W/m²K with minimal heat loss via thermal bridging (Y-value). Typically, 0.025 W/m²K exceeds the accredited and enhanced construction details Y-values of 0.08 and 0.04 W/m²K, respectively

Cover: B&K HYBRID SOLUTIONS

The industry’s leading timber and hybrid timber-steel specialist are celebrating a year of success. As headline sponsors of the 2025 Structural Timber Awards, this year they are not only celebrating the advancements and achievements across the industry but helping to redefine its future.

24 Supporting Industry Excellence

In a continued commitment to best practice in timber construction, the STA has an extensive bank of technical guidance available, to support design excellence in the key areas of fire safety and moisture management.

32 Natural Path to Energy Savings

Neil Turner, UK Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems, explains why insulating suspended timber floors is an effective way of improving energy efficiency and preventing heat loss.

36 Next Generation Structural Timber Innovation

Tristin Willis, Managing Director of Ultrapanel Building Technologies argues that structural timber solutions are ready to break through the speed, cost and sustainability barriers.

38 Building a Timber Future Rooted in Responsibility

A key session at the Structural Timber Conference 2025 will come from Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature – how can the sector scale timber construction responsibly and balance climate goals with practical delivery.

UK Industry News

A quick round-up of some recent news stories from the timber and construction sectors that you may have missed including: LSE appoints McLaren Construction for a £100million retrofit and extension, MEDITE SMARTPLY and STA collaborate on new survey, i-Roof becomes first panelised roofing system to achieve BBA Certification and new CEO at Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Ltd.

50 Timber Triumphs

It’s that time again. The judging is complete and the shortlist for the Structural Timber Awards 2025 is now live. Here is a quick reminder of those in the running for a prestigious Award.

58 Reflections on Engineered Timber

At a time when sustainability and innovation are driving change across the construction industry, engineered timber is delivering exceptional performance levels. Valentina Galmozzi, Design Director at AKT II explains more.

62 Strength in Sustainability

Deeside Timberframe is one of the key UK timber frame providers seeking to change the way homes are delivered and has made significant facility investments recently. We caught up with Managing Director, David Crawford to find out more.

66 Time to Count What Timber Stores

Gary Newman, CEO at Woodknowledge Wales illustrates how the case for wood goes beyond good building and into the realm of national climate strategy.

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Pushing the Boundaries of Timber Innovation

B&K Hybrid Solutions (BKHS) – the industry’s leading timber and hybrid timbersteel specialist – are celebrating a year of success. As headline sponsors of the 2025 Structural Timber Awards, this year they are not only celebrating advancements and achievements across the industry but helping to redefine its future.

With significant experience in engineered timber and structural steel, BKHS have established themselves as one of the UK’s most progressive subcontractors. Their mission is to showcase the full potential of hybrid timber-steel structures, working within every major sector on large-scale developments across the UK. They are currently delivering some of the most innovative and sustainable projects on the market, while reducing carbon, cost, and programme for their clients.

This ambition is enhanced by BKHS’ state-of-the-art production facility in Derby, which has allowed them to bring their steel manufacturing in-house and re-opened the door to new and exciting sectors, where their previous experience as steelwork manufacturers is invaluable. Offering full design and build packages, from concept to completion, BKHS’ multidisciplinary team are known for their technical excellence and environmental solutions, as a key industry partner working with some of the UK’s biggest clients and contractors.

B&K Hybrid Solutions have become a driving force in the design and delivery of hybrid systems that integrate cross laminated timber (CLT), glulam, and other engineered timber products with structural steelwork. Their 150-strong team includes structural engineers, draughtsmen, project managers, manufacturing and site operatives, and a dedicated sustainability department. Together, these specialists deliver a range of services and solutions, with their diverse experience showcased in some of the most iconic projects of the year.

Paradise SE11

Paradise SE11 stands as a milestone project for the team and the wider commercial timber sector. Located in the heart of London, this six-storey mass timber office is the largest of its kind to be completed since the introduction of tighter fire regulations. Delivering the full engineered timber and supporting steelwork package, the team’s longstanding expertise proved vital.

that adhesives used in the CLT planks did not delaminate under heat - informing the fire strategy on future projects, and underpinning Paradise’s legacy for the commercial sector.

The impact of Paradise SE11 has been far-reaching, with the building’s visibility from major train lines into Waterloo serving as a striking example of what can be achieved through sustainable architecture. Overall, Paradise exemplifies B&K Hybrid Solutions’ ethos: technical excellence, sustainable innovation, and the benefits of early engagement.

Iconic projects

The project’s success largely hinged on early involvement from specialist subcontractors. The team were engaged from the early design stages, supporting the project team – including Bywater, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates and FCB Studios - with comparative studies across structural systems, assessing the embodied carbon impact of various material options. The result of these efforts informed a timber-first approach and delivered a structure that will remain carbon negative for 60 years.

Paradise SE11’s most significant breakthrough is its achievement of a 90-minute fire rating for its fully exposed timber elementssurpassing the 60-minute limit set by Eurocode guidance. To achieve this, the design team collaborated on a bespoke, full-scale, load-bearing compartment fire test, which replicated real-world connection details and fire scenarios. This pioneering test validated the fire resilience of the dowelled connections, confirmed auto-extinction, and demonstrated

This can be seen in other BKHS projects currently on-site, including in the commercial space where newbuild developments such as 36–38 Berkeley Square and British Library demonstrate their ability to deliver high-profile, large-scale hybrid timber-steel projects. Meanwhile, iconic refurbishment projects – including Walworth Town Hall, Metropolis, and 123 Golden Lane (also for Bywater) – showcase how timber can reimagine existing buildings for modern use.

In the education sector, projects such as Fife College and Riverbank School highlight BKHS’ expertise with hybrid construction – balancing timber with steelwork and using ‘the right material in the right place’. Their exposed timber solution at Stowe School – shortlisted for Education Project of the Year at the 2025 Structural Timber Awards – also highlights the biophilic benefits timber can offer to school environments.

Leisure has been a mainstay of BKHS’ portfolio for several years. Eclipse Leisure Centre, delivered alongside Willmott Dixon, is the UK’s largest wet and dry leisure centre to be designed and built to Passivhaus standards. With exposed CLT and glulam throughout, the project showcases timber technology while consuming 60-70% less energy than a standard new build leisure centre - one of the world’s most advanced, energy-efficient leisure facilities.

BKHS have a growing presence in other sectors, such as healthcare, retail and residential – including UnivNorth, a student accommodation development at University of Oxford. Their in-house manufacturing facility has propelled them into the structural steelwork market, where large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects (including Island in Manchester and London Luton Airport Car Park) showcase their versatility. 

B&K Hybrid Solutions continue to deliver timber, steel and hybrid solutions that push boundaries across sectors. With their growing team, expanding footprint, and a track record of innovation, they are committed to helping clients build smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

Timber Rooftop Extension

Planned for LSE

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction for a £100million retrofit and extension of an existing 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields to create a home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the hub will be an exemplar in circular design and resource efficiency. It is expected to be the largest Passivhaus retrofit building in the UK.

Around 60% of the original building will be retained when the top three floors and roof plant enclosure are demolished and replaced by a lightweight CLT extension, taking the building from 9,856sq m to 11,848sq m. The removal of an infill structure at the core of the building frees up the floor plan and creates a generous atrium, while a new ground floor and partial first floor slab will facilitate level access into the building. World class educational facilities for the LSE will accommodate not just the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, but additional space for the Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics, Executive Education and Data Science Institute. New space includes a range of flexible teaching spaces, such as lecture halls and seminar rooms, breakout areas, ancillary offices,

a dining area, external terrace and ground floor café. A multi-purpose teaching and debating space, the 270-seat LSE Agora, will be used for high profile debates and broadcasts.

As a sustainability flagship for the LSE, the new building targets BREEAM Outstanding, Passivhaus certification and WELL Platinum, as well as exceeding London’s ambitious embodied and operational carbon, energy, water use, and biodiversity targets.

In collaboration with carbon consultant, Buro Happold, McLaren has identified practical strategies to reduce the embodied carbon footprint of the project. This includes re-evaluating material choices, omitting unnecessary components and integrating lowcarbon alternatives wherever feasible.

To minimise overall carbon emissions throughout the project’s lifecycle and support the circular economy, the building is designed to be adaptable, flexible and deconstructable. Materials salvaged for reuse include parquet and timber flooring, brass inlays from wall panelling, various lighting fixtures, ceramic tiles and rainwater hoppers and both internal and external brickwork. The team has also secured materials from other nearby sites for use on the project.

Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at the LSE comments, “This transformative project represents a major milestone in LSE’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability and academic excellence. It sets out to redefine standards in building reuse and sustainable development, targeting high accreditations alongside ambitious embodied and operational carbon targets. This facility will not only serve our academic community but also stand as an exemplar in sustainable design and construction across the sector. This is more than a building, it’s a bold statement about the future of education, architecture and environmental responsibility.”

McLaren Construction’s managing director for London & South, Darren Gill, added: “Retrofit techniques have advanced to the point where we can remodel 70-year-old buildings to create worldclass spaces at the same time as minimising both the embodied carbon in a construction project and the future operational carbon emissions.” With the new LSE Agora, McLaren will be responsible for creating a space that will become an iconic symbol of London’s open academic life around the world.” The new building is scheduled for completion in 2027.

www.mclarengroup.com

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• Fire resistant; to B-s1, d0 (EN 13501-1)

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DryGuard FR. The Ultimate Protection.

STA Publish Self Build Starter Pack

Developed to support the growing number of people building their own homes, the Structural Timber Association (STA) has launched a comprehensive Self Build Starter Pack – providing a step-by-step guide to building in timber frame and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs).

The appetite for custom and self-build construction is strong, with around 12,000 homes completed each year – accounting for approximately 7-10% of the UK’s housing market. Structural timber is an appealing solution for self-builders, thanks to the numerous benefits it offers, such as faster build times, better cost predictability, superior quality control and greater design flexibility compared to traditional building approaches.

Intended to demystify the process of building your own home, the starter pack addresses the increasing demand for guidance in the self-build sector, providing essential information on the features, differences and benefits of timber frame and SIPs. The pack also includes detailed information on the step-by-step build process from initial design through to completion, including planning applications and site preparation.

In addition, the comprehensive resource provides guidance on quality assurance and manufacturer selection, helping self-builders choose STA Assure certified manufacturers for guaranteed quality and compliance. Further critical sections focus on insurance, warranties and risk reduction, as well as tackling mortgage guidance and debunking common myths about the financing of timber construction projects.

Andrew Orris, Interim CEO of the STA, commented: “Self-building is becoming increasingly popular as people seek greater control over their housing solutions and look for more sustainable, energy-efficient homes. However, navigating the complexities of construction methods, regulations

and quality standards can be daunting for firsttime self-builders. This starter pack simplifies the process and showcases why timber frame and SIPs construction represents the smart choice for modern self-builders – offering speed, sustainability, design freedom and peace of mind, when delivered by our STA Assure certified members.”

The STA also appointed Gerard Lockey as a board member to represent members from the installer category. As the current Director of MINT Construction, a company specialising in structural timber frame installations, Gerard brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the leadership team and plays a key role in delivering high-profile timber construction projects, including notable works like Brent Cross West station.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gerard Lockey, who has been an active member of the STA for many years, chairing the Skills and Training Committee,” said Andrew Orriss. “He was instrumental in the introduction of the Timber Frame Competency Award Scheme and oversaw the evolution of that into the Installer Training Scheme we have today. The Board is very grateful for the time and effort Gerard has already committed over the years, and it seems fitting that he is now given this opportunity to further support and represent the installer membership category, particularly with the growing interest for structural timber systems in the market.”

Gerard Lockey added: “I’m excited to be joining STA, especially at a time where the UK is witnessing such positive growth with the adoption of timber frame in housebuilding, and housebuilders of all sizes transitioning towards the technology. Having already worked with the STA in the interests of installers, joining the board offers a great opportunity to carry on that important work.”

www.timefortimber.org

NEWS IN BRIEF

BSW Timber Introduces ‘Micro’ CLT to UK Market

BSW Timber recently released a range of new products to the UK. Via a partnership with binderholz (BSW Group’s parent company), this included a line of decorative micro CLT panels. The 3-layer solid wood spruce panel with tongue and groove connections on all four edges is a first for the UK market and is aimed at builders and DIY markets.

CCG (Scotland) Makes New Board Appointment

CCG (Scotland) has appointed long-serving employee and a key architect of its Technical Department, Gary Weir, to its Board. Gary’s promotion to Technical Director underscores CCG’s continued commitment to excellence in preconstruction, quality assurance, and innovation, and he joins a board led by Chairman and CEO, Alastair Wylie, and Group Managing Director, David Wylie.

TALO Appoints Head of Design as Part of

Expansion

TALO has appointed Gordon Ashton as its first Head of Design. TALO brings timber offsite manufacturing technology from Finland to build ultra-low energy homes in the UK, which exceed Passivhaus energy standards and at no cost premium. As Head of Design, Gordon will work closely with clients and their design teams at pre-construction stage, before projects move into the offsite manufacturing phase.

Mass Timber Mega Roof to Cover 10,000 Spectators

Construction is underway on the world’s largest freespan timber roof in Vancouver, Canada. The Freedom Mobile Arch, located in Hastings Park, will see a 105m column-free canopy built from glulam beams, CLT and a steel-tensioned oculus in an amphitheatre holding up to 10,000 people. The 18 glulam beams that will extend from the central oculus will each be over 50m long.

NORclad Launch New Timber Cladding Ranges

National Timber Group’s specialist cladding division has unveiled the Tailor’s Collection and Natura Collection to expand the Group’s offering of pre-finished timber solutions. Phil Nash, Cladding Manager at NTG England said both new ranges offer architects and installers more design freedom without compromising on performance and have the trusted protection of Remmers coatings.

Illegal Timber Sourcing Undermining Ethical Businesses

A recent investigation By Australian company Source Certain, has uncovered that timber illegally sourced from Russia is still entering the UK housing supply chain, with false labelling as sourced from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Think Timber, a strategic partner to the timber staircase sector, has developed bespoke packaging featuring a unique QR code to provide origin traceability.

Hundegger WALL-Master

Seen for the first time at LIGNA in May 2025, was the Hundegger Wall-Master. The allrounder for processing and assembly of insulated timber framed elements for construction.

Designed to process to the highest accuracy, walls, floors and roof systems for the highest performance timber buildings. Its compact gantry design with integrated control cabinets ensures optimal space usage in any factory environment.

The modular design allows for customised configurations and maximum flexibility. The powerful processing unit guarantees precise manufacturing of wall, roof, and ceiling elements – ensuring repeatability and accuracy.

An automatically controlled tool changer system enables optimal use of all types of fasteners. Full integration into the CAMBIUM software platform simplifies operation and control, helping user-friendliness and productivity. 

For more details connect with Hundegger WALL-Master or Chris Osborne 07512155156

HOW YOU BENEFIT:

For cross-sections from 20 x 60 mm to 300 x 650 mm

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With patented and proven ROBOT-unit for all-round 6-axis machining

Tool changer for up to 28 different tools

Small installation dimensions without structural changes on your hall floor, from 17.5 m x 5.8 m with 8 m wood length

Precision and performance sensibly combined

Your perfect partner for processing of buildings in timber!

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Compliance Confusion Puts Building Sector Success at Risk Reveals Survey

The results of a recent MEDITE SMARTPLY survey, conducted in collaboration with the Structural Timber Association (STA), reveals a sector with growing pressure on its shoulders – and diminishing clarity about how to meet it.

The survey captures responses from over 80 timber frame manufacturers working across residential, social housing and education. Although there is a clear desire to meet higher performance standards, many respondents pointed to a disconnect between policy ambition and the practical realities of delivery.

The urgency of net zero targets adds to the complexity. UK law requires net zero emissions by 2050, and homes currently account for 20% of all emissions. The Future Homes Standard (FHS), set to be introduced by 2025, will require new-build homes to incorporate low-carbon heating and energy efficiency. The expectation is that homes built to the FHS will produce 75–80% fewer carbon emissions compared

to previous regulations (Approved Document L 2013), with a strong focus on airtightness and highperformance building fabric— including walls, floors and roofs.

Chief among the concerns is the confusion surrounding Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV), a metric central to many Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) funding models. Nearly half of all survey respondents declined to disclose their PMV score, pointing to unclear definitions, a lack of relevance to smaller-scale operations or uncertainty about how the figure is even calculated. While Homes England and other government programmes incentivise high PMV through funding—such as capital grants for developments achieving 55% PMV or more—there remains no standardised industry process for calculation.

Compounding this is the perception that policy frameworks like the Future Homes Standard are increasingly geared toward volume developers. This is leaving smaller manufacturers, many of which are

already building above-regulation, struggling to see where they fit into the picture.

“The industry isn’t short on innovation or intention, but a lack of clarity is knocking confidence,” said Roly Ward, Head of Business Development at MEDITE SMARTPLY. “We’re hearing a clear message from the sector: manufacturers are being asked to move fast without clear footing. That’s not sustainable. Fire safety is a prime example. It remains the number one challenge for almost half of respondents, yet testing regimes aren’t clearly defined and insurers still lack confidence. That’s a risky bottleneck. If we want MMC to scale, we need regulatory clarity, joined-up standards, and products that simplify the compliance journey—not complicate it further.

“One of the most telling insights from the survey is that 39% of respondents are already building above regulations. Yet, they feel overlooked by the Future Homes Standard (FHS). That disconnect says a lot about how the standard is being communicated and applied. If

FHS is going to work as a driver of low-carbon housing, it needs to bring SMEs with it, not leave them guessing.”

The survey also highlights broader systemic pressures. 73% of manufacturers are facing skilled labour shortages, with concerns raised about the availability of apprenticeships, local training pathways, and the general appeal of construction careers to younger workers. This presents a serious challenge as demand for lowcarbon housing rises.

Despite the concerns, product development needs show an industry still striving for innovation. 81% called for OSB panels with integrated fire resistance, with 43% naming fire performance as their number one challenge. Many manufacturers also expressed interest in multi-functional solutions that reduce the need for layered materials and on-site adaptations by streamlining compliance across airtightness, thermal performance and buildability.

www.mdfosb.com

BUILT ON TRADITION, DESIGNED FOR TOMORROW

Our structural timber frames combine classic craftsmanship with modern performance.

01799 551261

info@pelham-structures.co.uk

pelham-structures.co.uk

Glulam Structure Solutions

At Buckland Timber we offer full-service glulam structure solutions, our Devon-based team of designers and engineers support you from concept to completion, helping turn your ideas into reality.

To discuss your next project, call us on 01363 891 363 or visit our website.

National Timber Systems Launches NTSROOMTM

National Timber Systems (NTS) has unveiled a new product designed to transform the way homes are built across the UK. The innovative NTSROOM™ system – an integrated floor and roof solution –promises to redefine efficiency, safety, and quality in modern housebuilding.

As the demand for faster, more sustainable construction solutions continues to grow, NTSROOM™ offers developers and housebuilders a comprehensive “Room in Roof” package including the cassette floor, that is factory-built and delivered ready for rapid installation on-site. A pair of semi-detached houses can now be installed in a single day using just one delivery, one crane, and one coordinated install plan.

The NTSROOF® suite of products – including NTSROOM™, NTSROOF®, and SUPERSPAN® – is fully backed by BBA third-party certification, giving developers and specifiers verified assurance of performance, quality, and regulatory compliance. NTS recently achieved BBA third-party certification for the NTSROOF®

suite of products – with Agrément Certificate No: 25/7437 Product Sheet 1 and 2.

“Achieving BBA third-party certification for NTSROOF®, SUPER-SPAN® and NTSROOM™ is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant, and sustainable roof solutions,” said Philip Carney, Technical & Innovation Director at NTS. “This continues our dedication to ensuring our products are Simple Safe Secure, while allowing the builder to do ‘less on site’. This achievement underscores our focus on innovation and excellence in offsite manufacturing.”

NTSROOM™ eliminates the need for highlevel steels, starting from a level wall plate and building up to a fully insulated, weather-tight roof and floor structure. The system includes pre-drilled holes in the floors for pipe and cable runs, reducing on-site modifications and eliminating potential installation errors.

Partnering with regional and national housebuilders to trial NTSROOM™, the system is already being used on live sites –tried and tested as the ideal integrated floor

and roof solution, helping to accelerate build programmes without compromising on safety or quality. NTSROOM™ is an integrated floor and roof system designed to adapt to evolving building regulations such as Part L and Part O. Engineered for thermal efficiency, comfort, and compliance, the system offers flexible options— including cantilevered roofs for natural shading.

From the outset, NTSROOM™ has been developed around NTS’s core principles of Simple. Safe. Secure. The joist layout ensures exceptional floor stiffness with short spans, while minimising drilling on-site. And with all cabling and pipe layouts provided, local carpentry teams can complete installation with speed and confidence.

“NTSROOM is the natural progression for NTSROOF” said Philip Carney, NTS Technical and Innovations Director. “NTSROOF has always had a level wallplate with a dwarf wall and a stubbed spandrel, integrating the floor is simple, as it is easily encapsulated in the current solution, growing on our need to do less on-site.” www.nationaltimbersystems.co.uk

Experience the Future of Housebuilding

Ultrapanel patented SIP systems are future-ready solutions designed to deliver high quality new homes at scale.

Smarter, Faster, Greener Housebuilding – Powered by Ultrapanel

Later this year we will be unveiling our state-of-the-art demonstration home that bring together cuttingedge construction technology with sustainable design.

Join us live or online – register your interest at hello@ultrapanel.co.uk

Ultrapanel Building Technologies Ltd

Salthill Road, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1PE

© Ultrapanel Building Technologies Ltd 2025

Structural Timber Specialists Expand at Calldene Structural Timber Solutions

Leading structural timber engineering specialists, Triad Timber Components Limited and Dover Trussed Roof Company Limited, have expanded their presence within Calldene Structural Timber Solutions to deliver market leading solutions to housebuilders across Southern England and the home counties.

For more than 50 years, Triad Timber Components has specialised in the design, production, and supply of structural timber

components. Meanwhile, established in 1967, the company is one of the most experienced trussed rafter and metal web joist manufacturers in the South East of England. As part of Calldene Structural Timber Solutions, they are enhancing their offering to regional developers, who will benefit from improved quality, reliability, and service from their strategically located production sites near Lancing and Canterbury.

Triad Timber Components and Dover Trussed Roof Company bring a combined 70 years of

timber engineering experience, specialising in the design, production and supply of structural timber components tailored for the housebuilders. Calldene provides access to the complete structural timber engineering solution, from design precision manufacturing through to installation.

“Calldene Structural Timber Solutions is proud to bring together two of Southern England’s longest established and leading timber brands. We will honour the legacy and heritage of Dover Trussed Roof Company and Triad Timber Components, whilst combining our expertise to better serve housebuilders across Southern England and the Home Counties,” says Les Fuller, Managing Director, at Calldene Structural Timber Solutions.

“Responding efficiently to increased demand for locally sourced products and services, together as Calldene Structural Timber Solutions we can offer better customer service to housebuilders across Southern England. We continue to invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to deliver engineering cost benefits and efficiency improvements into housebuilder’s projects, and ensuring precision quality, every time.”

www.calldene.co.uk

Katie Clemence-Jackson Appointed CEO of UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard

Katie Clemence-Jackson was recently appointed as the CEO of Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Limited – the company that has been established to own and manage Buildings Standard (the Standard).

The Standard is an initiative backed by the BBP, BRE, Carbon Trust, CIBSE, IStructE, LETI, RIBA, RICS and the UKGBC, which establishes a definition for a Net Zero Carbon Building for each of the main sectors and building typologies in UK real estate. The Pilot Version of the Standard was published in September 2024, and over 200 individual projects are currently involved in a Programme of testing the detailed application of the rule book against real world issues of design, construction and operation.

In May 2025, an open tender and a PQQ was issued for the

appointment of a Verification Administrator in order to put in place a structure for building owners and occupiers to apply for confirmation of their conformity to the Standard, once Version 1 is published at the end of this year.

David Partridge, Chair of the Governance Board of the Standard, explained: “It is hugely important that we put in place a robust and long lasting structure to take the Standard forward, after the publication of Version 1 at the end of this year – which has involved a truly radical collaboration between so many members of the UK real estate industry, over the last three years. Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Limited (NZCBS Ltd), is a not-for-profit company set up by the Founding Members behind the Standard, to own it and to

operate the process of verifying compliance, as well as keeping the Standard updated and producing future Versions of it. Appointing Katie Clemence-Jackson as our CEO, is a big statement of intent – her job will be to set up the executive secretariat that will run NZCBS Ltd and the Standard and ensure that its future is secure.”

Katie Clemence-Jackson has been involved with the Standard for some years. She is a CIBSE member and the Chair of CIBSE’s Sustainability Special Interest Group. She previously chaired the Standard’s Technical Steering Group, culminating in the publication of the Pilot Version, last year.

Katie said: “Providing meaningful, measurable decarbonisation in the UK built environment sector is something about which I care

deeply. Having previously chaired the Standard’s Technical Steering Group, I have seen first-hand the fantastic contributions that have shaped it; both from the Standard’s technical specialists, and from expert volunteers across the industry. In my new role as CEO, I will take the lead on continuing the Standard’s trailblazing trajectory, and building the firm foundations and connections it needs to continue making a huge impact across the country.”

www.nzcbuildings.co.uk

Builders are facing demands to deliver homes that are faster, cheaper, greener - and safer. It’s a tall order. But one British brand isn’t just meeting expectations. It’s torching them. Envirograf have spent decades protecting buildings from the inside out, with one mission at heart: to save lives. Now, with the launch of their EnviroEco Buildings, the brand is raising the roof on what’s possible in modern home construction. EnviroEco-Buildings are not your typical “Eco homes.” They’re in a completely new category.

Homes that can be built in just four days, cost a fraction of traditional builds, require no central heating or cooling, and can withstand both fires and floods.

In fact, they’ve been tested under some of the most extreme conditions imaginable…

To prove concept, Envirograf recently build a test home & set a ground floor living room and bedroom on fire with council members and architects inside. Two rooms were fully ablaze; yet no smoke, no heat, no panic.

This is thanks to the technology behind EnviroEco Wall Panels. The panels have been rigorously tested to meet and exceed BS and EN 3-hour fire resistance standards. They o er up to 90 minutes of fire protection and are designed to contain and isolate fire in a way that no conventional building materials can match.

After being self-extinguished, the rooms in the home were fully redecorated with electrics working within only four hours, not a trace of smoke left.

For any builder dealing with new fire regs, retrofits, or multi-unit developments, this isn’t just impressive, it’s game-changing.

Scottish Timber Frame Specialist Recruits for English Growth

A Scottish based offsite manufacturing business – capable of delivering up to 2,000 timber frame structures per year – has recruited two new staff, as it extends its geographic reach.

Kirkwood Timber Frame welcomes two County Durham natives – Antony Bayles, 47, from West Auckland, as Technical Sales Manager and Morgan Howe, age 27, from Bishop Auckland, as Contracts Supervisor, for England and Wales. The appointments will spearhead a strategic time in the expansion of the Aberdeenshire business as it extends its operation in England, securing new contracts and business opportunities.

From its inception in 2021, Kirkwood Timber Frame has invested significantly in its factory facility. This includes £3m in state-of-the-art machinery and technology to ensure it has the capability and capacity to support the growing timber frame market and customers’ needs south of the border.

The duo has a combined 35 years’ experience in the construction and timber frame industries. They will be supported by Managing Director Malcolm Thomson and Business Development Director Barbara Massie – both recognised and experienced leaders in the industry.

Antony previously managed the timber frame sector for a New York Stock Exchange top 100 construction company, covering UK, Ireland, and

the Nordics – bringing new products to market. In addition to his extensive sales experience, he has also held roles in manufacturing and product design, giving him a broad understanding of the industry. Morgan joined a national housebuilder at age 16, progressing from apprentice to site joiner. He left after seven years, working self-employed for most major manufactures of large timber frame structures, managing a team of staff that installed the frames on site.

Barbara Massie Business Development Director said: “Kirkwood is a tried and tested partner that has been supplying customers in Scotland with quality timber frame structures for a wide range of development schemes for over 40 years. We have noticed that there is now an appetite in England to trial and adopt timber frame construction, which most know is a greener, more sustainable, cost and time efficient Modern Method of Construction (MMC). To date we have secured several contracts in England with innovative companies looking to expediate build programmes, whilst meeting and exceeding energy efficiency standards and minimising waste and carbon emissions. It is clear that construction is evolving to embrace MMC – like timber frame. Morgan and Antony’s recruitment demonstrates our commitment to our English based customers to provide the hands-on

support, advice, information and high quality of service for which we are renowned in Scotland and the UK.”

Based in the North of England, the duo, are responsible for finding and converting new customers, and managing the design and building process of the timber frame structures from start to finish.

Antony said: “I’ve worked in the MMC timber frame construction industry - on both the manufacturing and design side right through to overseeing large projects on an international level. I feel that my well-rounded knowledge and understanding of the sector will support what is already a strong team at Kirkwood Timber Frame, as the business looks to secure further work in England.”

Morgan added: “I am confident that as a team, Antony and I have the knowledge and experience to support customers through the entire timber frame process from procurement, design and technical, to the install on site. We are well connected so know tried and tested partners that can help facilitate the seamless delivery of timber frame projects on developments, saving clients time and money as well as supporting in the creation of energy efficient and sustainable properties.” www.kirkwoodtimberframe.co.uk

L-R Antony Bayles Technical Sales Manager and Morgan Howe Contracts Supervisor, for England and Wales.

TIMCON White Paper Highlights Increase in Construction Pallet Use

The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) has launched a white paper on reuse of wooden pallets and packaging in the UK.

The document – ‘The status of wooden packaging & pallet reuse in the United Kingdom 2024’ - highlights that reuse is high and has been increasing in sectors from FMCG and pharmaceuticals to the construction industry over the last 10 years. It highlights the fact that the pallet sector stopped recognising the terms ‘single-use’ and ‘limited-use’ for pallets more than a decade ago.

The white paper points to a ‘change in mindset’ among supply chain users of wooden pallets and packaging who are acting on the clear environmental and economic benefits of reuse. This is driving already high levels of reuse in supply chains up further, as the white paper says: “Every wooden pallet, no matter what type, dimension and colour, will continue to be a reusable asset.”

TIMCON is the acknowledged representative body of the UK and Republic of Ireland wooden pallet and packaging industry.

“This essential document illustrates how far advanced the UK market is in the reuse of wooden pallets and packaging,” said TIMCON President John Dye. “The sector and its customers have changed their mind set with regards to reusing in the supply chain, which makes perfect economic and environmental sense.”

The annual UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market research reports prepared for TIMCON and Forest Research show that between 2015 and 2023 there has been a 40% increase in pallets being repaired and then reused in the marketplace. There are many thousands of pallets being reused daily throughout the UK, across all sectors. TIMCON estimates there are approximately 250 million pallets

NorDan UK Acquires Majority Shareholding in Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS)

NorDan UK has acquired a majority shareholding in Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS), a well-established manufacturer of high-quality doorsets based in Littleborough, Greater Manchester.

The move marks a key step in expanding NorDan’s presence in the UK entrance door market and reinforces its long-term strategy of offering fully certified, high-performance solutions across the built environment.

PDS is recognised for delivering fully certified fire door sets, including FD30, FD60 and Secure by Design-rated products. With a strong reputation for quality, compliance, and customer service, PDS is a natural fit with NorDan’s established standards. Together, the businesses will strengthen offerings across residential, commercial, social housing, and major construction sectors.

The acquisition combines PDS’s expertise in fire and security-rated doorsets with NorDan’s established portfolio of high-performance

currently in circulation in the UK. In 2023, the volume of repaired pallets, at 54.1 million, was 30% greater than the number of new pallets manufactured. 

For a full copy of the TIMCON white paper on reuse, please contact Stuart Hex at: info@timcon.org

timber and aluminium-clad timber windows and doors. Current PDS directors will remain shareholders and contribute at Board level, ensuring continuity of leadership and valuable industry insights.

Both companies have set out a clear focus on seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

The acquisition signals a shared ambition to lead the UK market with integrity, innovation, and compliance at its core. For specifiers, developers, and contractors, it represents a stronger, more complete offer from two respected names in the industry.

NorDan UK is one of the country’s fastest-growing window and door suppliers, with headquarters in Livingston and regional offices and showrooms across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Exeter and Inverness. A subsidiary of the NorDan Group – the company has built its reputation on products designed to withstand the harshest climates, delivering exceptional durability, thermal performance and a long-life expectancy. 

www.nordan.co.uk

L-R Craig Greenwood, Managing Director, NorDan UK and Tim Farley, Managing Director, PDS Doorsets

Tai ar y Cyd has won a prestigious CEW Award for collaborative working, recognising its pioneering use of homegrown timber and shared design to deliver scalable, low-carbon social housing across Wales. The award recognises the collaborative achievements of the 24 social landlords who are part of the Tai ar y Cyd programme. Backed by Welsh Government, the initiative is creating a new, scalable model for affordable, low

carbon housing in Wales – built using homegrown timber and developed through a shared ‘pattern book’ approach.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jane Bryant MS, said:

“I’m delighted that Tai ar y Cyd has received this well-deserved recognition at the CEW Awards. This award celebrates what we can achieve when we work together with shared purpose and vision.

Tai ar y Cyd exemplifies the Welsh Government’s commitment to delivering affordable, sustainable

Tai ar y Cyd Wins Major Construction Award for Collaborative Working

housing while supporting local supply chains and reducing our carbon footprint. It shows that when we unite behind common goals, we can create innovative solutions that benefit people and planet alike.”

This accolade highlights the project’s commitment to joint working, shared design standards and integrated delivery across organisations. It marks a significant milestone in the move towards a more sustainable and locally rooted housing system in Wales.

Woodknowledge Wales has worked alongside the Tai ar y Cyd team to demonstrate how Welsh timber can support high-quality, energy-efficient homes. By focusing on performance, repeatability and carbon reduction, the pattern book approach offers a replicable model for future housing that meets both environmental and social goals.

“This award rightly celebrates the ambition, leadership and cooperation behind Tai ar y Cyd,” said Gary Newman, Chief Executive

i-Roof Becomes First Panelised Roofing System to Achieve BBA Certification

i-Roof, the room-in-roof solution offered by Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions brand Roofspace Solutions, has become the first panelised roofing system to have been granted an Agrément Certificate by the British Board of Agrément (BBA). The achievement further cements SaintGobain Off-Site Solutions’ commitment to delivering high-quality, highly certified solutions that customers can trust.

i-Roof is a room-in-roof solution for 2.5 storey homes, constructed offsite in Roofspace Solutions’ specialist factory in Warwickshire. Its panels are custom-designed to meet individual project specifications and are manufactured under stringent quality-controlled conditions. The result is a precise system which allows for fast, efficient and safe on-site assembly. Delivering a robust structure with high thermal performance, i-Roof provides an ideal solution for ‘room in roof’ applications,

helping to maximise space and functionality within residential developments. One pair of i-Roof can be installed in just one day, maximising on-site efficiency and ensuring minimal disruption to build programmes. Installed using a crane, i-Roof also helps to enhance on-site health and safety, as less time is spent working at height.

Donald Matheson, Senior Technical Manager for Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, said: “After nearly two years of detailed reporting, we’re really proud to be the first to achieve this accreditation. The BBA is a widely respected independent organisation, and their acknowledgement now gives our customers further confidence that i-Roof is an ideal system for constructing better roofs, in a faster and safer manner.” The BBA Agrément Certification further positions i-Roof as a high-performance

www.roofspacesolutions.co.uk/i-roof

of Woodknowledge Wales. “It proves that when we work together, it’s possible to create a new kind of housing system—one that’s low carbon, high quality, and rooted in the natural and social resources of Wales.”

“This award is a testament to the dedication and partnership that define Tai ar y Cyd,” added Andrew Freegard, Executive Development Manager at Vale of Glamorgan Council and Chair of the project steering group. “It’s extraordinary to see 24 social landlords united in delivering high-quality, energyefficient homes for Wales.”

The CEW award recognises more than just collaboration – it also signals confidence in the ability of Welsh timber to support a modern, low-carbon housing system. The Tai ar y Cyd project continues to influence new approaches to procurement, design and delivery in the social housing sector.

www.woodknowledge.wales

CLT Toolbox Grants Free Access to its Pro-Tier Timber Engineering Platform to University Students

In a landmark move to accelerate the future of sustainable construction, CLT Toolbox, the Australian developer of innovative software solutions for mass timber engineering, announced the global education initiative. Effective until 30 June 2026, they are making its complete, top-tier ‘Pro’ software platform available entirely free to every university student and educators worldwide. This is made available to all students in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, UK, USA & Canada. CLT Toolbox says it “believes in giving students access to the same tools the professionals use. This program provides the fullfeatured CLT Toolbox Pro license – not a limited or watermarked educational version. Students and faculty get unrestricted access to:

• A complete suite of advanced design calculators for CLT and glulam members, and connections

• Complex design capabilities including ambient and fire design for floors and walls, shear wall and diaphragm analysis, and intricate connection detailing

• Compliance with multiple international standards including Eurocode 5 and Australian/New Zealand Standards

EcoCocon, a leading European manufacturer of prefabricated straw wall panels, has entered an exclusive partnership with Ecological Building Systems (EBS), the well-established distributor of sustainable building materials in the UK and Ireland.

The partnership will make EcoCocon’s innovative straw-based wall system more accessible to professionals across the UK and Irish construction markets, combining bio-based innovation with localised technical expertise. EcoCocon’s modular wall panels are made primarily from compressed straw and timber, offering Passive House-level thermal performance while significantly reducing embodied carbon. The system is robotically manufactured in Europe

• Transparent calculation routines, a key feature that allows students to inspect the underlying logic and bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice

• Flexibility to select from a diverse range of trusted partner products across the mass timber supply chain, this provides the freedom to choose from a comprehensive library of CLT) glulam and connection systems from leading manufacturers, ensuring designs meet specific project requirements and regional availability.

Studies show that using mass timber can reduce a building’s embodied carbon by up to 75% compared to traditional concrete and steel structures. With the global mass timber market projected to grow to US$1.3billion by 2030, this program is designed to cultivate the skilled workforce needed to meet this surging demand.

“My own university experience included only four weeks of timber education,” said Adam Jones, CEO of CLT Toolbox. “When I wanted to tackle a mass timber project for my final year thesis, I had to teach myself everything from scratch. If a tool like CLT Toolbox had been available to me then, it would have been a game-changer. By making our professional-grade platform free for all students, we are removing

that friction and empowering them to design with sustainable materials from day one. Access to professional-grade tools like CLT Toolbox at the university level is a game-changer. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping our students with the skills needed to lead the sustainable building revolution from day one of their careers.”

University faculty, deans, and academic administrators can register their institutions for free global access for all students and staff by visiting clttoolbox.com, signing up with your student email & sharing proof of studies to Corey Jones at: corey.jones@clttoolbox.com.au www.clttoolbox.com.au

EcoCocon and EBS Announce Exclusive Straw Panel Construction Partnership

to ensure precision, consistency and scalability –making it a viable solution for both single-family homes and large-scale developments. With the addition of EcoCocon to its portfolio, EBS will provide full distribution and technical support, including design consultation, detailing, training, and on-site assistance.

“We’re proud to partner with EcoCocon to bring this next-generation ecological wall system to our region,” said Penny Randell, UK Director and General Manager at EBS. “It aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting healthy, lowimpact buildings through science-led guidance and proven building solutions.”

Adrian Crosson, Irish Director & General Manager at EBS, added: “From the beginning, Ecological has focused on low embodied carbon solutions that are durable, purpose-fit for the UK and Ireland, and supported by expert technical guidance from design through to construction. By combining EcoCocon straw wall panel systems with our trusted technical

support, we’re making sustainable building more accessible and achievable than ever before.”

EcoCocon has been used in hundreds of projects across Europe, from schools and apartment buildings to custom homes and co-housing developments. The system is fully certified, supports circular construction, and is designed for fast on-site assembly, reducing build time and waste.

“This partnership marks a key step toward scaling up ecological construction,” said Paul Lynch, International Sales & Network Manager at EcoCocon. “Our aim is to make sustainable, lowcarbon buildings not only possible, but practical. With EBS, we have the right partner to support that journey in the UK and Ireland.” The two companies emphasise that this collaboration is about more than materials – it’s about enabling the construction sector to meet the growing demand for climate-conscious, human-centric buildings.

www.ecococon.eu

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

Supporting Industry Excellence

In a continued commitment to best practice in timber construction, the Structural Timber Association (STA) has an extensive bank of technical guidance available, to support design excellence in the key areas of fire safety and moisture management.

For standard timber frame buildings with a floor area above 600sq m, ‘Design guide to separating distances during construction, Version 3.3 for timber frame buildings’, introduces risk categories and enhanced mitigation strategies for different building configurations and site conditions. Product Paper 5 Guidance for structural timber frame buildings below 250sq m in total floor area expands on the separating guidance for smaller buildings and those on housing development sites.

Meanwhile, ‘Design guide to separating distances during construction, Part 4 for CLT Buildings’, which has been developed with support from KLH and binderholz, establishes fire-resilient design parameters based on robust testing and industry feedback, offering detailed tables to guide safe site layouts and planning.

Taken together, they offer critical guidance for designers, contractors, developers, construction managers and insurers on managing the risks of fire spread during the construction phase, a period when timber buildings can be more vulnerable. Intended for use during the design and pre-construction phases of a project, the guides support the development of the site fire risk assessment plan and optimisation of the risk mitigation process.

Aligned with regulatory expectations and supporting compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and HSG 168 guidance, the guides support the STA’s broader Site Safe strategy, which is mandatory for members and underpins risk mitigation through clear responsibilities, technical protocols, and quality assurance.

In addition, the STA has released the latest update to the STA Volume 1 Pattern Book: Structural timber buildings fire safety in use, which provides clarification of performance on different timber frame systems.

The publication, which has been peer reviewed by experts at BRE Global, demonstrates the fire resistance performance of a range of timber frame wall and floor constructions used commonly in the UK. By streamlining the process of demonstrating compliance for designers, manufacturers and regulators, the STA provides simple, clear instructions on what component parts within each construction element can be changed.

When it comes to moisture management, the STA has developed a straightforward, stage-by-stage guidance that is aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work and breaks moisture management into seven simple

Take Control of Moisture in Timber Construction

Moisture can be challenging when building with structural timber. Left unchecked, excess moisture can compromise performance, reduce durability and lead to costly repairs.

The Structural Timber Association (STA) has developed the Moisture Management Strategy, a comprehensive guide to help everyone involved in design and construction protect timber structures from moisture-related issues.

Why It Matters

Timber buildings can deliver outstanding performance, but only if moisture is properly managed throughout the build process. This guide shows how to plan and monitor moisture levels to safeguard both the structure and the building’s long-term quality.

What the Strategy Covers

Following the RIBA Plan of works, the document outlines clear steps to:

Understand why moisture management is critical in structural timber construction

Identify key risks during design, manufacture, transport, and installation

Select the right moisture control measures for each stage of a project

Use effective monitoring and inspection techniques

Document processes and maintain records for quality assurance

The Moisture Management Strategy is designed for:

Designers and specifiers

Site managers and contractors

Manufacturers and suppliers

Clients and insurers

Whether you are overseeing a small residential build or a large commercial project, the guide helps you put robust moisture management at the heart of your programme. You can access the full Moisture Management Strategy for free from the STA website: www.structuraltimber.co.uk

Use the QR code to download your free Moisture Management Strategy

steps. Each step assigns clear responsibilities and practical actions to prevent moisture from becoming a problem. Here’s how it’s structured:

Step 1: Set responsibilities

Make it clear who is accountable for moisture management from the outset.

Step 2: Outline a strategy

Build moisture control into the design and build plan from day one.

Step 3: Identify the risks

Develop a checklist of what could go wrong and how to prevent it.

Step 4: Lock in technical details

Finalise the design and confirm how risks will be handled.

Step 5: Site-level controls

Create an audit trail and check moisture levels before enclosing timber elements.

Step 6: Handover and maintenance

“As the Government continues to champion timber through the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap and housing pledges, ensuring that construction best practice keeps pace is vital.”

Andrew Orriss, Interim CEO, STA

Pass on a clear care plan and maintenance schedule to the client.

Step 7: Long-term monitoring

Ensure moisture management continues once the building is in use.

The result is fewer surprises, stronger buildings and peace of mind for all involved.

“As the Government continues to champion timber through the Timber in Construction Policy Roadmap and housing pledges, ensuring that construction best practice keeps pace is vital,” says Andrew Orriss, the STA’s CEO. “Safety during construction remains a top priority for the timber sector as it is with other build systems. These guides are grounded in scientific data, thorough testing and practical site experience, ensuring stakeholders can make informed decisions to mitigate risks during the build phase and discharge their legal obligations in line with the CDM regulations 2015.”

STA Assure is the STA’s Quality Assurance Scheme that provides confidence in the use of structural timber and determines member competency and compliance, providing solid reassurances to the construction community that its members meet or exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements.

With over 950 members, the STA continues to spearhead innovation, safety, and sustainability in the structural timber sector. These publications form part of the STA’s portfolio of technical guidance and affirm its role in shaping safer, greener construction practices across the UK. 

To download the guides visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/libraries

The Scalable and Sustainable Choice

Randek’s customisable technology is helping EDGE Timber Frame adapt and scale efficiently and is proving to a successful partnership in delivering faster, smarter and sustainable construction.

EDGE Timber Frame is delivering high-quality, precision-built timber structures across the North West, Cumbria, and South West Scotland. Operating from Penrith on the edge of the Lake District, the company delivers precision-engineered timber kits for bespoke homes, commercial buildings, and largescale developments. Founded in 2021 by Graeme Batey, the company has grown rapidly by prioritising quality, efficiency, and a straightforward, hands-on approach.

Early engagement and efficient delivery

EDGE Timber Frame takes a collaborative approach, engaging early with clients to ensure cost-effectiveness and practical buildability. The company works with both repeat clients and new developers looking to transition from traditional masonry. “We’re not just a manufacturer, we work with developers and self-builders from the outset,” says Graeme says. “Getting the design right early on avoids delays and unnecessary costs later. One of our clients was a brick-andblock builder. He tried timber frames with us and hasn’t looked back. Speed and quality are key drivers – three units up in four days, with roofs on before Christmas in freezing temperatures. That’s the kind of efficiency that wins people over.”

Scaling up with Randek and aligning with EDGE’s future

A critical part of EDGE Timber Frame’s growth has been its investment in a Randek production line, with the impact felt across the business instantly. “I first spoke to Randek at a Structural Timber Association (STA) conference,” adds Graeme. “Initially, I thought we might be too small for their machinery, but after analysing our production needs, it became clear that investing in Randek would be a game-changer. The improvement in both speed and quality was almost immediate. It’s changed how we operate day-to-day. We can take on more projects with confidence, knowing that every panel is built to the highest standard. This investment allows us to scale up responsibly without ever compromising quality.”

Beyond speed, precision has been a major benefit and the flexibility of Randek’s system has also played a key role in EDGE Timber Frame’s expansion. “The machine takes pre-cut timber, places studs with pinpoint accuracy, and nails everything automatically. The process is seamless,” Graeme says. “It’s not just about speed - it’s about quality and control. Randek isn’t just a supplier, they’re a long-term partner. They collaborated with us to fine-tune the production system, ensuring it aligned with our workflow. Their support has been invaluable in enhancing our processes and efficiency. Randek is open to modifications. We can adapt the line to our needs as we grow, which is crucial for us. That kind of adaptability gives us confidence that we can continue improving without outgrowing our systems.”

The offsite construction landscape

The UK’s offsite sector has seen mixed fortunes in recent times, with high-profile failures in the volumetric modular space. “The infrastructure isn’t ready for modular at scale,” says Graeme. “The costs, the logistics, and the financial backing required are huge. Panelised timber frame is the best route – it’s efficient, flexible, and far easier to transport and install. Bricklayers aren’t getting any cheaper, and the demand for quicker, higher-quality builds is only increasing. Timber frame offers a solution that works. Offsite construction ticks so many boxes – factory-controlled production, improved build speed, better thermal efficiency, lower carbon footprint. I wouldn’t do anything else.”

Future growth and strategic expansion

EDGE Timber Frame is focused on steady, strategic growth, ensuring that expansion is matched by a continued emphasis on quality and precision, and the company is refining its operations with an eye on future opportunities “Scaling up is important, but only if it’s done right,” says Graeme. “We’re not interested in rapid growth at the expense of quality. Our reputation is built on delivering a reliable, high-standard product, and that’s what will drive us forward. With Randek’s technology, we’ve increased efficiency while maintaining complete control over our output. That kind of investment means we can confidently take on larger projects without compromising standards. Our focus is on making well-informed, strategic decisions that will secure long-term success and industry leadership. We’ve built a solid foundation, and now it’s about making smart decisions to ensure long-term success.”

As EDGE Timber Frame continues to scale, Graeme remains focused on maintaining quality, efficiency, and strong client relationships, saying: “We’re building more than just houses – we’re building a business that people can rely on. The industry is evolving, and we’re making sure we’re part of that change.” 

www.randek.com/en www.edgetimberframe.co.uk www.builtoffsite.com.au

Image 1 Graeme Batey has overseen a huge transformation in productivity by investing in a Randek production line

SUSTAINABLE INSULATION FOR TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION

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■ Our glass mineral wool contains up to 80% recycled content

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Style & Performance

Maintaining architectural integrity when specifying timber windows involves a careful balance between preserving historical aesthetics and meeting modern performance standards.

Timber windows play a crucial role in a building’s aesthetics, influencing both its external appearance and complementing its interior design. The window style can often define the architectural style, with Georgian buildings being known for their tall, elegant sliding sash window bars and individual glazing, and contemporary buildings favouring simplistic designs with large expansive glazing and often finished in darker tones such as black or grey. In heritage buildings, windows are often protected features. Their design, materials, and craftsmanship reflect the era and social context of the building.

Specifying windows in heritage properties is more than a technical exercise – it’s a commitment to preserving architectural legacy. By combining historical sensitivity with modern expertise, architects can ensure that these buildings continue to inspire for generations to come. Replicating original window styles is often a requirement in listed buildings or conservation areas. Timber remains the preferred

material due to its historical accuracy and versatility. Timber windows allow a high level of customisation, allowing for the replication of historic characteristics, whilst incorporating modern performance standards.

To replace existing windows in listed buildings or conservation areas, permission from conservation officers can become a barrier, as they prefer to maintain the existing windows. That’s why being able to provide replacement windows that replicate existing designs and retain the character of a building is important and can be achieved in several ways. 

To find out more about maintaining architectural integrity when specifying timber windows, read our latest blog here: https://bit.ly/4lC6XUS

Do you have an upcoming timber windows project? Discover how we can support you and your timber window requirements here: https://pages.georgebarnsdale.co.uk/

Cutting Power & Prowess

Precision machining of timber components is essential to the consistent quality required by system manufacturers. Essetre – a member of the Weinig Group – are playing a huge part in making this happen by offering expert levels of technology and tooling.

The shortage of skilled trades and the demand for more houses to be built is putting significant pressure on the housebuilding sector. Many developers and contractors are responding to the crisis by setting up their own factories to enhance their offsite capabilities. This can only be done efficiently by investing in the most suitable equipment to start the whole process of precision timber cutting.

Essetre specialises in advanced CNC processing centres designed specifically for the timber frame, glulam and cross laminated timber (CLT) sectors. Kit manufacturers need a machine that delivers consistent accuracy and fast throughput, while remaining straightforward to operate, which is precisely where Essetre excels.

Whether the task is processing simple roof trusses, conventional rafters, I-joists, glulam or CLT, there is a machine in the Essetre range that does this to best in class standard. The integration of advanced technology into the Techno Saw and Techno Fast models delivers exceptional flexibility, versatility and rapid cycle times, while ensuring repeatable accuracy with every cut.

From the moment production begins, the Techno Saw delivers outstanding efficiency. Its intelligent- buffer infeed system keeps material flowing smoothly to the saw, ensuring uninterrupted operation. Add the optional automatic board stacking system, which can feed multiple pieces in a single cycle and the result is a powerful, high-performance cutting centre that maximises output and minimises downtime.

At the heart of the Techno Saw is a 5-axis continuous interpolating milling head featuring a double output. This compact, patented design allows a saw blade to be mounted on one end and an HSK 63F tool on the opposite end. With the optional 8-position automatic tool changer, the machine covers all machining possibilities unique to its class. Additional modules can also provide printing solutions for the side or face of components during processing.

During processing, components can be securely held by both the NC-controlled infeed clamp and an NC-controlled outfeed clamp. This technology enables the Techno Saw to deliver exceptional and repeatable accuracy, even with very long components. The standard configuration includes a driven outfeed conveyor to remove processed parts, which are reliably guided by top and side pressure guides during transfer.

A step up in the product range is the Techno Fast, capable of processing beams up to 400 x 240 x 13,000mm. This increased sectional capacity requires a more robust machine construction, while maintaining the same principles of flexibility and versatility. Equipped with a 600mm diameter saw, a chainsaw aggregate, and an 11-position automatic tool changer, the Techno Fast offers almost unlimited capabilities for processing glulam beams and other large timber sections.

Both machines are powered by industry-standard .BTL file formats, making integration into existing production environments fast and hassle-free. At the heart of the system is a vibrant, full-colour HMI screen, giving operators real-time visibility of simulations, production status, and essential data all at a glance. Designed with the user in mind, the interface is exceptionally intuitive, ensuring operators can get up and running with minimal training. For enhanced efficiency, optional features like EasyStock enable fully automated infeed of mixed material sections, perfectly aligned with your production demands delivering flexibility, precision, and productivity in one powerful package.

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Whether the task is processing simple roof trusses, conventional rafters, I-joists, glulam or CLT, there is a machine in the Essetre range that does this to best in class standard 2

In an industry where speed, precision, and adaptability are necessities, Essetre’s Techno Saw and Techno Fast stand out as cutting-edge solutions that truly deliver. Whether you are manufacturing precision timber components for modern housing or handling large glulam sections for complex structures, these machines offer the performance, integration, and reliability to keep your production ahead of the curve. 

For more information contact Weinig UK on 01235 557600 or email: sales.uk@weinig.com

Natural Path to Energy Savings

Neil Turner, UK Technical Manager at Ecological Building Systems (EBS), explains why insulating suspended timber floors is an effective way of improving energy efficiency and preventing heat loss.

The new solution has been developed to work alongside Glidevale Protect’s established A2 rated FrameSafe FR external breather wall membranes to offer a complete system both inside and out for low, medium and high-rise projects. This offers added protection for structures, particularly in high risk, multi-occupancy builds over 11m in height, specifically those covered by the Building Safety Act. The product is ideal for modular and offsite construction as well as traditional builds in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Studies show that there are approximately 10 million suspended timber ground floor constructions in the UK, and it is estimated that a large percentage are not sufficiently well insulated for energy efficiency and comfort. For contractors and specifiers, addressing thermal inefficiency is key to improving a building’s energy performance and indoor comfort.

Understanding the challenges

Suspended timber floors typically feature timber joists raised above a ventilated zone between the base of the joists and the ground below, allowing airflow beneath the building to keep the timber structure dry. While this design protects against moisture, it can also lead to uncontrolled airflow and heat loss, especially in the colder months. It is estimated that up to 15% of heat can escape through uninsulated floors. Addressing this requires a solution that not only balances thermal performance, moisture control and airtightness, but maintains ventilation to keep the timbers free from decay.

What to consider when choosing the right insulation material

There are several important factors to consider when selecting insulation to ensure optimal performance. The first aspect to consider is to tightly fit the insulation between the joists and also full fill the timber joist zone, hence leaving no air gaps, which can lead to closed loop thermal by-pass and reduce insulation performance. Insulation such as Gramitherm or Gutex Thermoflex can be installed tightly between floor joists, ensuring a snug fit that prevents air gaps and slumping over time. The flexible insulation batts are sized to give a flush fit for timber joists spaced at either 400 or 600mm centre spacing. Once the insulation has been installed, an airtightness and vapour control membrane, such as Pro Clima DA, is laid over the top.

Another important factor to consider is the moisture behaviour of the insulation. Breathable materials are ones

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Suspended timber floors typically feature timber joists raised above a ventilated zone between the base of the joists and the ground below

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What to aim for and what to avoid when installing insulation

Bigger Warehouse, Bigger Range, Same Trade Commitment

As an STA Gold member, Spotnails recognises the growing demand for robust, efficient fastening tools for the timber frame industry. We are proud to support this with a premium, innovative, purpose-built range designed for precision and performance.

As the UK’s oldest independent distributor of tools and fasteners, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality products from trusted suppliers including OMER , TJEP, MAX , and the awardwinning EVERWIN. Our continued growth is built on strong partnerships with leading tool manufacturers, allowing us to provide tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the timber frame sector.

Our focus on automation, with our key partners, has seen us complete large projects quickly and efficiently. We continue to evolve our product range, more recently adding the fully tested structural screws, which are now available on the MITEK software.

In September 2025, we will move into larger premises in South Wales – an exciting step forward for Spotnails. This new space

boosts our stock capacity, speeds up order fulfilment, and enhances the aftercare we offer professionals across the UK. Sustainability and community remain central to our ethos. We aim to grow responsibly, backing environmentally conscious building and maintaining strong ties with the people and

places we serve. At Spotnails, we’re proud to support the future of timber frame – securely, and sustainably. 

Explore the full selection of solutions to support every stage of timber frame construction at: www.spotnails.co.uk

The new South Wales premises will help boost stock capacity and speed up order fulfilment

that are moisture vapour diffusion open, hygroscopic and have a degree of water capillarity and allows them to absorb excess moisture vapour and release it safely, without compromising their overall performance. Natural fibre insulations are inherently breathable and in combination with controlled indoor ventilation can help regulate indoor humidity and moisture levels, contributing to a healthier and more stable indoor environment.

Preparation is key

A key feature of natural insulation materials is their highly beneficial carbon profile. For example, Gutex Thermoflex is made from post-industrial recycled wood chips, for example, sawn off cuts from the process used to make structural timber beams. By insulating a suspended ground floor with Gutex Thermoflex, all of the embodied biogenic carbon contained in the wood chips is locked into the building and hence improving the carbon profile of the home. It is non-toxic and excels at regulating internal humidity peaks, capable of absorbing up to 15% of its weight in moisture without losing its insulation properties. Made from sustainable grass and recycled jute fibres, Gramitherm also contains a large amount of embodied biogenic carbon.

It is important to ensure proper preparation before installing any insulation to protect the building fabric and guarantee long-term

performance. The subfloor joist area and the timber joists should be dry and free from any damp issues before work begins. Any rotting timber must be replaced to avoid future problems with damp, mould and structural integrity. It is also necessary to check for infestation and that the ground below the floor joists is not susceptible to water pooling from below.

It is vitally important to ensure that adequate crossflow ventilation is supplied via airbricks to the area beneath the floor, keeping the timbers dry and preventing decay. Where supporting walls are present, they should include gaps in the blockwork to ensure adequate air circulation. As part of the crossflow ventilation requirements, it is essential to consider the following aspects: the size of the ventilation opening, the airflow path, the location of ventilation openings, the spacing of air bricks, and the use of mechanical ventilation in situations where it is not possible to install vents on opposite walls.

Once the floor is insulated, it will make a significant difference in energy performance, as well as comfort and will also reduce the carbon footprint of the home.

Improving airtightness and vapour control

To ensure optimal airtightness, it is important to install a fully windtight monolithic breathable membrane, such as

Pro Clima Solitex Plus, under the joists prior to adding insulation. The primary function of this membrane is to allow moisture within the insulation to harmlessly diffuse into the ventilated air space below. This membrane also prevents cold air from rising from the vented airspace below the floor joists from rising up through the insulation zone and into the room above, hence eliminating any open loop convective thermal bypass and maintaining the thermal performance of the insulation.

All membrane overlaps should be securely sealed with Pro Clima Tescon Vana tape. While pipes or cables passing through the floor must be sealed using airtight grommets to prevent gaps or air leaks in the membrane. All of the membrane overlaps should be sealed with an airtightness tool such as Pro Clima Pressfix, which applies pressure to airtightness tapes or adhesive membranes. This activates the glue to form a long-lasting seal.

When suspended timber floors are insulated correctly, they can enhance thermal comfort, energy performance and overall indoor air quality, without compromising the building fabric. Natural insulation materials, when installed correctly with an effective membrane can provide an effective solution that meets modern thermal performance requirements.”

www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

Next Generation Structural Timber Innovation

The construction industry is under unprecedented pressure to deliver more homes and faster, but as Tristin Willis, Managing Director of Ultrapanel Building Technologies argues, structural timber solutions are ready to break through the long-standing barriers of speed, cost and sustainability.

Rising housebuilding targets, the urgent need to decarbonise combined with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard demand solutions that are faster, cleaner and smarter. At the heart of this challenge lies structural timber, a material that is not only renewable and low carbon but also capable of delivering high-performance buildings at scale when coupled with the right technology. At Ultrapanel Building Technologies, we believe the future of housebuilding rests on rethinking how we use timber. This is the principle that led us to develop Ultrapanel – a next-generation Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system. It is this innovation that has seen us land on the Structural Timber Awards 2025 shortlist in the Product Innovation category.

Rethinking SIP technology

Traditional SIP systems have long been valued for their energy performance, but they often require compromises in adaptability, cost or buildability. Our aim was to create a product that not only enhanced these benefits but also addressed the operational, environmental and financial pressures developers face today. The result is Ultrapanel, a patented engineered timber solution that combines structural support and insulation in a single precision-manufactured panel. Up to 70% lighter than blockwork and 50% lighter than traditional timber frame, Ultrapanel is simple to transport, handle and assemble – reducing both costs and carbon along the way.

Panels are joined by a unique steel connector system, enabling rapid on-site assembly and delivering weathertight structures up to 40% faster than traditional methods. The system integrates seamlessly with timber joists and trusses, allowing developers to create entire superstructures with one consistent approach.

Sustainability at every stage

For Ultrapanel, sustainability is not a byproduct but a founding principle. Every panel

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is manufactured from FSC or PEFC certified timber. Embodied carbon is significantly lower than traditional methods. With fewer deliveries and minimal reliance on heavy plant, the system further reduces site-based emissions. Performance in use is equally compelling. Ultrapanel achieves average U-values around 0.16 W/m²K and airtightness of at least 5 m³/h.m², with the ability to meet Passivhaus standards. For homeowners, this translates into reduced energy bills and improved comfort. For developers and housing providers, it supports compliance with the Future Homes Standard and advances broader net zero goals. Importantly, Ultrapanel is also designed with circularity in mind. Panels can be disassembled at the end of their lifecycle for reuse or recycling, aligning with modern principles of resource efficiency and waste minimisation.

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The recent Live build event saw the super-structure for a detached threebedroom home installed in just one day

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Panels are digitally designed and manufactured to millimetre precision

Redefining retrofit

While Ultrapanel is transforming newbuild delivery, its potential extends further into retrofit. As part of the Mayor of London’s Retrofit Accelerator – Homes Innovation Partnership, our Ultrapanel External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has been piloted in Barking and Dagenham. Here, Ultrapanel delivered rapid, low-disruption upgrades that improved thermal performance and reduced energy bills during the yearlong trial. This project demonstrates how timber innovation can also play a leading role in tackling the UK’s existing housing stock.

Building confidence in timber

Despite its advantages, timber still faces hesitancy in some corners of the market. Concerns around scalability, compliance, or perception often hold back adoption. We aim to change that. By combining industrialised manufacturing processes with certified safety and performance credentials, we are showing that structural timber systems can meet –and exceed – the standards demanded by developers, regulators and endusers. Our position within the Ultraframe Group also brings confidence. With a 40-year track record in precision manufacturing, producing over 25,000 roofing systems annually, we are applying proven high-volume expertise to timber construction – ensuring consistent quality and robust supply at scale.

Reaching the shortlist of the Structural Timber Awards is a proud moment for Ultrapanel Building Technologies. But more importantly, it signals something bigger: that the industry is ready to embrace next generation timber innovation. For developers, housing associations, and policymakers alike, the message is clear – with the right innovations, structural timber is not only part of the solution –it is central to it.

Building a Timber Future Rooted in Responsibility

One of the most anticipated sessions at the Structural Timber Conference 2025 will come from Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead at Built by Nature, which will explore how the sector can scale timber construction responsibly and balance climate goals with practical delivery.

Anna Lisa’s work sits at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and systems change. At Built by Nature (BbN) she leads strategic initiatives to accelerate the adoption of biobased materials, particularly timber, across the built environment.

“Our mission is to catalyse industry-led change,” explains Anna Lisa. “We bring together developers, architects, investors, insurers, and policymakers to identify challenges and unlock high-impact solutions.”

BbN is more than a network – it’s a growing movement. With a dedicated fund, a freely accessible Knowledge Hub and a coalition of demandside frontrunners, the organisation is helping to reshape how timber is perceived and applied across Europe and especially here in the UK. “Timber construction offers a way to deliver new homes without costing the earth,” Anna Lisa says. “It stores carbon, reduces emissions, and creates healthier environments. But to scale this transition, we need proactive policy and aligned regulation. Our Strategy is ‘connect, enable, amplify.’ We’re creating networks that are a key element of this strategy, all supported by the BbN fund. The Knowledge Hub is also a vital open-source resource in sharing and amplifying knowledge across the sector. We must ensure that growth in timber demand leads to positive outcomes for climate, nature, and people. That means embedding responsibility into every stage of the process.”

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Anna Lisa McSweeney, UK Networks Lead, Built by Nature

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BbN’s Annual Summit will take place at Paradise SE11 – the six-storey timber office building in Lambeth, developed by Bywater Properties

Principles with purpose

A cornerstone of BbN’s work is the ‘Principles for Responsible Timber Construction’ – a framework designed to guide best practice across the timber ecosystem. Together with industry partners, BbN has developed this in support of the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP). The organisation is currently running a campaign to encourage broad industry endorsement of the Principles. In parallel, BbN is developing an implementation framework for the Principles, which will be soft launched at the Woodrise conference in Vancouver this September. Leading developers, who report improved air quality for workers, reduced waste, and faster handovers on well-planned builds, are already realising benefits on the ground. “There’s growing demand for climate-smart buildings,” adds Anna Lisa. “Cities, financiers, and

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occupiers are asking for measurable carbon performance. The Principles help meet those demands, mitigate future risk, and unlock financing to meet net zero targets. It’s about creating a shared language and knowledge base, so everyone in the value chain is working to the same standards.”

The 2025 Built by Nature Prize celebrates excellence in timber building projects that demonstrate alignment with the ‘Principles’. Entries for this year’s prize are now closed, with winners set to be announced at BbN’s Annual Summit in London on 16 October. The Principles will be formally launched at COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November, supported by industry endorsements and outputs from the prize, including films of the winning projects that showcase ‘the art of the possible’.

Tackling myths, building confidence

Despite growing momentum, timber construction still faces persistent misconceptions – something Anna Lisa is keen to address. BbN supported the publication of ‘Discussing Timber Myths: A Dialogue between Ambitions and Facts’, a research-backed guide that provides factual insights into building quality, environmental impact, forestry practices, and economic feasibility. “There’s a belief that timber buildings can’t be insured, or that timber equals deforestation, or that it’s more expensive,” says Anna Lisa. “We want to empower the industry with evidence, so decisions are based on facts, not assumptions.”

One of the core pillars of BbN’s strategy is its Built by Nature Fund, which supports projects that address systemic barriers to timber adoption. The Fund backs initiatives that move the sector forward without offering competitive advantage to any one party. Recent examples include the ‘Mass Timber Insurance Playbook’ and the ‘Commercial Timber Guidebook’, which are fostering earlier collaboration between insurers, developers, and designers. “We source insights directly from our network of frontrunners and use that to set strategic priorities for each market,” explains Anna Lisa.

One of the most promising developments on the horizon is a new initiative to incentivise biobased construction through low-carbon

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BbN is promoting increased timber usage via a pioneering network from across the built environment

development finance. “The proposal looks to create a scalable framework that offers preferential lending rates to projects that meet as-built whole life cycle carbon limits,” says Anna Lisa. “By starting with finance, we can increase the pipeline of timber buildings and overcome one of the biggest barriers to scale: the lack of industry-wide benchmarks for embodied carbon.”

A regenerative vision

Looking ahead, Anna Lisa sees offsite timber solutions as a key enabler of regenerative, climate-resilient construction in the UK. “Engineered timber stores biogenic carbon for the long-term, reduces whole-life emissions, and is renewable when responsibly sourced. Factory-based manufacturing minimises waste, speeds up delivery, and ensures high-quality, energy-efficient performance. Timber is not just a material. It’s a connector. It links us to forests, to communities, and to a more circular, thoughtful way of building.” 

You can hear more from Anna Lisa McSweeney at the Structural Timber Conference 2025 01 October, NCC Birmingham with the presentation ‘Timber Transformation: Aligning Policy, Practice and Purpose’ For more information visit: www.structuraltimberconference.co.uk

www.builtbn.org

Glidevale Protect Provides Combined Membrane Solution for Exclusive Housing Development

A selection of Glidevale Protect’s products has been specified for an exclusive residential development at Matlock Road in Derbyshire, demonstrating how a co-ordinated approach to the design of the building envelope can enhance the energy efficiency of new homes.

Developed by Oakworth Construction for AG Properties (UK) Ltd, the scheme comprises nine bespoke four-bedroom homes set in the Derbyshire countryside. Constructed offsite using pre-insulated panels at Oakworth Timber Engineering’s Sheffield factory, the homes benefit from precision-engineered offsite construction techniques to improve thermal performance and reduce carbon emissions. Protect TF200 Thermo, a high-performance reflective external wall breather membrane, has been integrated into Oakworth Timber Engineering’s Varytherm timber frame system, improving both thermal performance and energy efficiency. Protect TF200, a nonreflective breather membrane, has been applied to the spandrel panels, providing weather protection during the construction phase and reducing the risk of interstitial condensation.

The newbuild project follows a fabric-first approach, with the timber frame construction designed to deliver exceptionally low U-values. The strong aged thermal resistance of the TF200 Thermo wall membrane helps to contribute to the performance of the overall wall build up,

achieving an average through-wall U-value of 0.16 W/m²K. Protect VP200, a high-performance, vapour permeable pitched roofing underlay, has been installed by supply chain partner Liberty Roofing across all roofs to minimise the risk of roof space condensation in line with BS 5250.

Jon Rees, Operation Director at Oakworth Construction, said: “Working with Glidevale Protect and specifying the right reflective membrane product for this project has been instrumental in helping us achieve the high standards of energy efficiency required for this development. Protect TF200 Thermo integrates seamlessly into our timber frame wall system, supporting our commitment to sustainable, low-carbon construction.” 

For more information visit: www.glidevaleprotect.com, call 0161 905 5700, or email: info@glidevaleprotect.com. You can also follow Glidevale Protect on LinkedIn.

Wood-Based Structural Flooring: Keeping Site Teams Safe

With slips and falls accounting for the largest cause of injuries in the UK construction industry, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect workforces on active housebuilding sites. Jonathan Lynch, UK Building Product Manager at EGGER UK explores how chipboard-based structural flooring can help.

In 2024/25, the UK recorded 35 fatal injuries to workers in the construction industry, with falls from height the most common cause of fatal accidents for workers in the UK. This highlights a clear need to better protect our teams on-site, with the building materials and products used able to play a role in this. Structural flooring is a good example of this in action.

Being installed early on during a build and often before the building is made watertight, structural flooring will often serve a secondary function as a working platform throughout the duration of the works. In addition to having to withstand daily site traffic and dropped tools or material spillages, the flooring is also likely to be exposed to the elements, all posing a potential slip risk for the workforce. When specifying structural flooring for a job, the focus can often be placed on its durability, performance, cost and sustainability. However, given its secondary use as a working platform, it is clear we should also be checking structural flooring products for slip potential too. But how is this graded?

The predominant test for structural flooring and its slip resistance is the Pendulum Test, which provides a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Widely used across the UK, a Pendulum Test evaluates the way a shoe or foot will react to a surface, in both wet and dry conditions. Structural flooring is tested against this system under BS-7976-2, with a value of 36 or more resulting in a ‘Low Slip Potential’ being assigned to the product, followed by ‘Moderate’ and ‘High’. While most structural flooring boards available on the UK market achieve a ‘Moderate’ rating, EGGER Protect is verified as ‘Low Slip Potential’ in wet conditions, in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance for assessing the slip resistance of flooring.

“While most structural flooring boards available on the UK market achieve a ‘Moderate’ rating, EGGER Protect is verified as ‘Low Slip Potential’ in wet conditions, in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance for assessing the slip resistance of flooring.”

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EGGER Protect has achieved the highest class of slip resistance with a PTV of 40 in wet and 55 in dry conditions

EGGER Protect is a high-quality structural flooring board, that features a permanent, thermally bonded surface layer on both sides to ensure moisture resistance and is engineered to withstand tough site conditions. EGGER Protect has achieved the highest class of slip resistance, with a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 40 in wet and 55 in dry conditions – all independently tested and verified by a UKAS accredited laboratory. Providing a 100-day exposure rating and able to be fitted in light rain conditions, EGGER Protect significantly minimises the chance of accidents and injuries on-site. 

to.egger.link/protect

The industry’s first and only P5 grade structural flooring with third-party certification for weather resistance of up to 100 days. Engineered to endure the most challenging site conditions, EGGER Protect is low-slip, moisture resistant and hard-wearing. Part of the EGGER Advanced Structural Flooring System, it can be fitted in light rain and provides a safe working platform even in wet conditions.

Discover EGGER Protect to.egger.link/protect

The Growth of Specialist Joinery

The UK joinery market has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for high-quality craftsmanship, sustainable materials and bespoke design.

One area that stands out is specialist joinery – an increasingly vital segment focused on custom, commercial-grade solutions tailored to the exact needs of projects. As design standards rise and clients demand more tailored solutions, specialist joinery is becoming essential to modern construction and interior fit-out strategies.

Specialist joinery serves retail, leisure, commercial offices and healthcare environments. These industries share a need for high-quality, functional and often visually appealing interiors, but they also present unique design challenges. While they may appear to be under pressure, these sectors remain key clients for joinery professionals who can offer innovation and flexibility.

A pivot toward refurbishment has become one of the key drivers of growth for specialist joinery. As businesses seek to enhance their premises without committing to full-scale construction projects, they are turning to interior specialists, and fit-outs, upgrades and retrofitting are more common than ever. This approach offers a cost-effective way to stay current, meet regulatory standards and enhance user experience, all without the risks and delays associated with major development work. Specialist joinery plays a central role here, delivering made-to-measure solutions for reception areas, meeting rooms, built-in storage and display elements that elevate the workspace while ensuring it serves its practical purpose.

Reflecting customer needs

Retailers and hospitality venues, too, are embracing refurbishment as a strategy for recovery and growth. It allows businesses to make targeted improvements that reflect their identity, meet evolving customer needs and demonstrate ongoing investment in their brand, all of which are crucial in attracting and retaining footfall in a challenging economic climate.

Offsite and modular specialist joinery is a key innovation supporting this shift from full-scale construction. Components fabricated in controlled factory environments ensure precision, reduce on-site disruption and accelerate project delivery. This approach is particularly valuable in high-traffic environments like retailers and hospitality venues, where downtime must be minimised, but bespoke, high-quality installations remain essential.

Perhaps the most important and unique opportunity for specialist joinery lies in the healthcare sector. Hospitals, clinics, care homes and mental health facilities demand an incredibly high standard of design, where durability, safety and hygiene are as critical as usability and comfort. Tailored solutions that respond to complex layouts, comply with strict regulations and support both patient wellbeing and clinical efficiency are the only option. Offsite modular joinery is also key here, enabling faster construction, reducing disruption to patients and ensuring high-quality, consistent results, particularly in high-specification areas.

The sector is currently undergoing significant transformation. In January 2025, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to its New Hospital Programme. This long-term initiative includes the construction of 40 new hospitals by 2030 and a comprehensive programme of refurbishments for existing NHS facilities, supported by an investment of up to £20billion. This announcement brings renewed confidence to the construction and interiors sector. For specialist joinery firms, it offers a sustained pipeline of long-term projects, something that is increasingly rare in today’s volatile market.

Specialist joinery

In this context, the growth of specialist joinery is not just a temporary trend but a reflection of broader changes in how we

approach the built environment. It is an industry that demands a high degree of craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration. But it is also a highly competitive space, where businesses must find ways to stand outnot just through pricing, but through quality, reliability and the ability to work closely with clients to deliver tailored outcomes.

One company aiming to set itself apart is leading UK timber supplier Premier Forest Products, which has recently launched a dedicated specialist joinery division. The new team – comprising industry experts Scott Bowman, Gareth Howells and Lee Jefferson – has been formed to deliver bespoke solutions with a strong focus on design, collaboration and customer service.

“Premier

Forest’s approach is built around flexibility, offering a full end-to-end service from initial concept to final installation. They work closely with clients at every stage of the project, ensuring that each solution is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the space, the user, and the brand.” Images 1-3

Premier Forest’s approach is built around flexibility, offering a full end-to-end service from initial concept to final installation. They work closely with clients at every stage of the project, ensuring that each solution is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the space, the user, and the brand. The new division also benefits from Premier Forest’s vertically integrated supply chain, which allows for efficient sourcing of high-quality timber materials and access to advanced manufacturing technologies.

Gareth Howells, Specialist Joinery Manager at Premier Forest Specialist Joinery, said: “In specialist joinery, craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration remain essential. Offsite and modular techniques are increasingly defining how projects are executed efficiently and to the highest standard, providing practical solutions for businesses and institutions that require speed, precision and adaptability. We are delighted to start this new venture to bolster Premier Forest’s specialist joinery offering, opening opportunities for us to expand into a more commercial setting while utilising the expertise of our new team members.” 

Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber operation engaged in the importation, processing, machining, engineering and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products from its multiple sites in the UK.

Driving Sustainable Construction Forward

The Structural Timber Conference returns on 01 October 2025 at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham, bringing together the UK’s leading voices in timber construction for a full day of expert talks, technical insight, and real-world case studies.

As the UK’s leading event for structural timber, the conference provides a unique opportunity to explore the future of lowcarbon building. With sessions spanning modern methods of construction (MMC), the circular economy, and sustainable timber innovation, the programme is designed to equip architects, structural engineers, contractors, and developers with the tools they need to deliver on both climate and housing targets.

At the heart of the agenda is timber’s critical role in achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions. Delegates will gain first-hand insight into the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the government-led initiative shaping the sector’s alignment with national sustainability strategies. Through in-depth technical and policy sessions, the conference will unpack how embodied carbon, design for disassembly, and circular principles can translate into practical, scalable solutions.

With 15 CPD-accredited sessions, the event offers more than knowledge – it provides actionable takeaways. Housing delivery opportunities, supply chain resilience, and the role of pattern books in design standardisation will be examined in detail, ensuring delegates leave with both inspiration and tangible strategies to implement in their own businesses.

The speaker line-up features an impressive line-up of industry leaders.

Chaired by Andrew Orriss, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA), the programme includes contributions from Edward Jezeph (Homes England), Sofia Raineri (HLM Architects), Paul Brannen (Confederation of Timber Industries), Victoria Hale (dRMM), Kelly Harrison (Whitby Wood) plus many more. Their diverse perspectives

will spark discussion on the opportunities and challenges shaping the timber construction landscape.

The Structural Timber Conference is more than a learning platform – it is a networking hub. Delegates can connect with policymakers, trade bodies, manufacturers, clients, and innovators who are actively shaping the sector. Whether you are a supplier, specifier, or timber specialist, this is your chance to engage directly with decision-makers and peers driving forward sustainable construction.

With a delegate list featuring architects, structural engineers, developers, contractors, and local authorities, the Structural Timber Conference 2025, offers unrivalled access to decision-makers shaping the future of timber construction in the UK. 

This year’s conference has been designed with a programme that addresses the real-world challenges and emerging opportunities across the timber supply chain. Join us on 01 October 2025 and be part of the conversation on timber’s role in a decarbonised built environment. Overleaf you can find the full speaker programme. Tickets are £145.00 + VAT and include access to the conference, pop-up exhibition, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

To book your place visit: www.radarbookingsystem.co.uk/structuraltimber-conference-2025/book-today

Delivering efficiency and competitive advantage for manufacturers of offsite

systems and technology

As specialists in industrialised construction technologies – our objective is to increase productivity and profitability by making offsite manufacturing operations leaner, safer and more efficient. We

Manufacturing logistics assessments

Manufacturing controls systems

Management systems implementation

Manufacturing process improvement

Offsite manufacturing audits and gap analysis

Digital factory simulation

Manufacturing systems integration

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

01.10.2025

NCC, BIRMINGHAM

INFORMING, INSPIRING AND SHOWCASING BEST PRACTICE TIMBER TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION

09:05 Registration, Exhibition Viewing and Networking

09:50 Introduction from Conference Chair Andrew Orriss, Chief Executive - STA

SESSION 1: Housing Opportunities, Pattern Books & Timber Supply Capability & Capacity

10:00 Keynote: Edward Jezeph, Homes England Investment and Affordable Housing Market Delivery

10:10 Katie Rudin, Akerlof & Sofia Raineri, HLM Architects

Housing Transformed: Shifting from Product to Process Using a Digital Kit-of-parts to Revolutionise How We Design and Deliver Homes

10:30 Oliver Novakovic, Barratt Redrow Vertical Integration of Timber Frame Technology and Self-supply

10:50 Adam Gravely, Future Homes Hub Collaboration for the New Homes Sector to Help Meet the Climate and Environmental Challenges Ahead

11:10 Christian Nielson, Swedish Wood Supply-chain Challenges Associated with Market Expansion

11:30 Q&A

11:40 Headline Exhibitor Audience AddressCompany representative from Partel

11:50 Refreshment Break, Exhibition Viewing and Networking

SESSION 2: Sustainability & Low Carbon Challenges

12:40 Paul Brannen, Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) Timber! - How Wood Can Save the World from Climate Breakdown

13:00 Anna Lisa McSweeney, Built By Nature Sustainability of Timber Construction

13:20 Ann-Marie Fallon, Architype The Challenges of Reaching Passivhaus Standards

13:40 Q&A

13:50 Headline Exhibitor Audience AddressDerek Brown, RapidSpec

14:00 Lunch, Exhibition Viewing and Networking

SESSION 3: Industrialised Construction –Expanding Timber Systems Manufacturing Capacity

14:40 Stewart Dalgarno, Structural Timber Association Timber Growth Project Update

15:00 Panel Debate: Facilitated by Darren Richards - Cogent Consulting Alex Goodfellow, Donaldson Offsite Peter Blunt, Innovaré Offsite Ola Skoglund, Randek

15:25 Jack Brayshaw, Vistry Group Top 5 Housebuilder Investment in Volume Timber Manufacture - Case Study on Largest Scheme

SESSION 4: Timber Application Case Studies

15:45 Victoria Hale, dRMM Adaptation of Prototype Housing Schemes. How to Re-think Traditional Design

16:05 Charlotte Hale, SO Modular Volume Delivery of Affordable Housing Using Timber Solutions - Panelised and Volumetric Modular

16:25 Alex Brock, B&K Structures Design & Delivery of Hybrid Structures

16:45 Kelly Harrison, Whitby Wood Optoppen Technology - Rooftop Extensions

17:05 Q&A

17:15 Chairmans Event Summary

17:20 Conference End

18:00 STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS DRINKS RECEPTION

Conference Sponsors, Exhibitors and Speakers

Adam Graveley Future Homes Hub

Alex Brock B&K Hybrid Solutions

Alex Goodfellow Donaldson Offsite

Andrew Orriss Structural Timber Association

Anna Lisa McSweeney Built by Nature

Ann-Marie Fallon Architype

Charlotte Hale SO Modular

Christian Nielson Swedish Wood

Darren Richards Cogent Consulting

Edward Jezeph Homes Englan

Jack Brayshaw Vistry Group

Katie Rudin Akerlof

Kelly Harrison Whitby Wood

Ola Skoglund Randek Robotics

Oliver Novakovic Barratt Redrow

Paul Brannen Confederation of Timber Industries

Peter Blunt Innovaré Offsite

Sofia Raineri HLM Architects

Stewart Dalgarno Structural Timber Association

Victoria Hale DRMM Event Sponsor

Headline Exhibitor

Timber Triumphs

It is that time again. The judging is complete and the shortlist for the Structural Timber Awards 2025 is live. With an enormous range of projects and cutting-edge timber technology on offer – here is a quick reminder of those in the running for a prestigious Award.

With this year seeing over 200 entries across the 19 categories, all roads now lead to the gala presentation evening at the Birmingham National Conference Centre (NCC) on 01 October where the Awards will be presented before a packed audience of over 500 national business leaders and high-profile decision makers from the construction industry.

This year, the 11th Awards event will be taking place on the evening after the Structural Timber Conference 2025 and as always, we will celebrate the pioneers and projects that are shaping the future of construction with timber. and will feature compelling examples of what can be achieved using the leading mainstream, natural and sustainable building material.

As all readers will appreciate, timber is more than just a building material – it is symbolic of environmentally responsible design and sustainable, low carbon architecture. Our core mission is to recognise and reward excellence, innovation, and sustainability within the timber industry – in whatever part of the supply chain you operate – from architects, structural engineers, contractors, clients and product manufacturers who demonstrate exceptional skill and creativity using structural timber.

This year’s judges had the tough job of shortlisting entries into each category and were amazed at the quality and variety of ways that timber has been used. One judge’s comment summed everything up saying: “Truly admirable on every level and shows what can be done when a client and project team are fully invested in raising the architectural bar to bring down carbon.”

Over the next few pages check out the projects, people and products picked out as outstanding in 2025 by our judges. All the finalists are of the highest quality but who do you think will win?

Structural Timber Awards 2025

Join us as we honour those who push boundaries and inspire the timber construction community to build a greener, stronger future. Celebrations take place later at Birmingham NCC on 01 October to celebrate architectural achievements and engineering ingenuity in timber construction. As a major event in the timber calendar this is an event not to be missed and is always a fun, relaxed and enjoyable evening of celebrations and a high-profile networking opportunity. 

Tickets are available for just £185 +VAT and includes complimentary drinks reception, three-course meal, awards ceremony and entertainment. The event presents a fantastic opportunity for you to host and entertain key clients.

If you would like to book tickets to attend the 2025 Structural Timber Awards visit: www.radarbookingsystem.co.uk

The 2025 Structural Timber Awards finalists are:

ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Stora Enso

Adrian James Architects and Timber Innovations

Copper Bottom

Architecture Unknown

Peel Park Community Centre

Habitat+ Architects

Anchorage Passivhaus

ONE creative environments

Tussac House, Extra Care Facility

Thomas-McBrien Architects

New Wave House

CLIENT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Don & Low

Manchester Metropolitan University

Robotics Living Lab Work In Progress Pavilion

Natural History Museum

Urban Nature Project - Natural History Museum

NHS Greater Glasgow Clyde Bishopton and Dargavel New Build Health Facility

PropCo (Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University)

Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough, Phase three, The Living Lab

Valleys to Coast Housing Association

Former Blaenllynfi School, Caerau, Maesteg

CUSTOM & SELF-BUILD PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Actis

Adrian James Architects and Timber Innovations

Copper Bottom

Habitat+ Architects

Anchorage Passivhaus

Lowfield Timber Frames

Doone Brae Farm - Plot 5

Michael Tarring Architects

Bridle Path

Oakwrights

Rotherby Manor Custom Build

Pelham Structures

St Edmunds Lane, Great Dunmow

Progress in Practice, Bailey Projects and MBC Timber Frame

Copper Beech Passivhaus Plus

SIP Build UK

The Gables

SIPS@Clays

Holme House, West Yorkshire - An Accessible

SIPs Home

Uwe Frohmader

Browhill Cottage 8Xtension

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: BeA Group

Bailey UK Projects Ltd/Progress in Practice/MBC Timber Frame

Copper Beech Passivhaus Plus

Glulam Solutions

Formartine House

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure

Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough, Phase three, The Living Lab

Pendragon Design and Build

Former Blaenllynfi School, Caerau, Maesteg

SJ Roberts Group

SJ Roberts Group Office Rebuild

Architect of the Year WINNER 2024 dRMM – Workstack

Client of the Year WINNER 2024 Foxtron Construction – Haileybury School

Commercial Project of the Year WINNER 2024 Buckland Timber and SPASE Architects – Sherbone House

COMMERCIAL/ INFRASTRUCTURE

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Sitesmart

B&K Hybrid Solutions, McLaughlin & Harvey, Ridge, UKAEA & Stora Enso

UKAEA – Main Gate Facility Visitor Centre

B&K Structures, Bywater, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates, FCBS Studios, Engenuiti & Stora Enso

Paradise SE11

B&K Structures, General Projects, Conamar, Feix&Merlin, HTS & Stora Enso

Walworth Town Hall

Bennetts Associates

Robotics Living Lab Work In Progress Pavilion

Buckland Timber (with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Atkins Realis, London Underground (TforL))

Colindale Station Redevelopment

Buckland Timber (with Willmott Dixon, Ellis Williams, Civic Engineers for Forestry England)

Lobslack Seed Processing Centre for Forestry England

Harley Haddow

Formartine House

Momentum Consulting Engineers

Unusual Rigging HQ

SJ Roberts Group / Lowfield Timber Frames

SJ Roberts Group Office Rebuild

Thomas-McBrien Architects

New Wave House

HEALTHCARE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: SO Modular

Fleming Timber Structures

Bishopton and Dargavel New Build Health Facility

Henry Brothers

The Soldiers’ Centre at Alexander Barracks

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure

Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough, Phase three, The Living Lab

ONE creative environments Tussac House, Extra Care Facility

Studio Propolis Bronwen’s Sanctuary

EDUCATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: PEFC UK

B&K Hybrid Solutions, Design Engine, Buro Happold, Engenuiti, Beard Construction & Stora Enso

Stowe School - Design, Technology & Engineering Building

Fleming Timber Structures Maybury Primary School, Edinburgh

Innovaré Offsite Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron School

Lowfield Timber Frames Orchard Grove Primary School

MICA Architects Woodland Quad

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure

Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough, Phase three, The Living Lab

R1 Construction

Wigston Science Centre, Leicestershire

Studio Propolis Bronwen’s Sanctuary

Webb Yates Engineers & Wellspring Architecture

The Heathland School Welfare Building

Xylotek - Advanced Timber Structures TQEC Research Hub – The Coal Shed

Custom & Self-Build Project of the Year WINNER 2024 Angles House – Beech Architects

Installer of the Year WINNER 2024

B&K Hybrid Solutions – Beech Court Pavilion, Abingdon School

LOW ENERGY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Partel

Allt Environmental

Secret Campsite - The Wash House

B&K Hybrid Solutions, Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects, Engenuiti & Stora Enso

Eclipse Leisure Centre

Bennetts Associates

Robotics Living Lab Work In Progress Pavilion

Cagni Williams Associates

New Courtyard Housing in Stratford

Lowfield Timber Frames

Orchard Grove Primary School

Oakwrights

Whipstocks Plot 1 – Net Zero, Carbon Neutral, Low Energy, Custom Build Home

Progress in Practice, Bailey Projects and MBC Timber Frame

Copper Beech Passivhaus Plus

SIPS ECO PANELS

Hartdene Barns - Ultra Low-Energy Net-Zero Homes Using SIPS Eco Panels

Stride Treglown

Gwynfaen

Thomas-McBrien Architects & New Wave London

New Wave House

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: ITW Construction Products

AKT II

AKT II

Engenuiti, Webb Yates Engineers & OFR

Paradise SE11

Paramount Structures

Eurodome Timber Salt Barns

Simple Works

Working with what we’ve gotreusing and conserving timber.

WSP

WSP CLT-Steel Composite Floor System

RETAIL & LEISURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Mauer

Allt Environmental

Secret Campsite - The Wash House

Armadilla Accommodation

The Lost Shore Surf Resort

B&K Hybrid Solutions, Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects, Engenuiti & Stora Enso

Eclipse Leisure Centre

Constructional Timber

Theatr Clwyd

Integral Engineering Design

BEAM Hertford

PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Knauf Insulation

Barboza Blanco & Carpenter Oak Boathouse

Lowfield Timber Frames

Doone Brae Farm - Plot 5

SIPS ECO PANELS

Hartdene Barns - Net-Zero Private Homes Using structural Timber Innovations

Timber Engineering UK

Whitfield Regeneration Project - Dundee

Webb Yates Engineers, Wilkinson King Architects

Field House

PIONEER AWARD

Sponsor: Combilift

ASBP, PEFC UK, Stora Enso, DoubleHelix, Woodknowledge Wales, Agrodome, Eurban, TDUK, CEI-Bois IMPACTT (Innovative Mapping and Processes to Advance Construction Timber Transparency)

Architecture Unknown

Peel Park Community Centre

B&K Structures, Bywater, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates, FCBS Studios, Engenuiti & Stora Enso

Paradise SE11

Cogent Consulting

Development and implementation of the STA Assure auditing and validation scheme

hsbcad

hsbcad: Pioneering Timber Construction Through Digital Innovation

The London School of Architecture

The Metabolic Estate

Rotho Blaas UK

Test Report for Fire Resitance of different CLT Joints

Stride Treglown

Tai ar y Cyd Pattern Book

Vistry Works

Vistry Works - Trainee Timber Frame Installer Apprenticeship Programme

Xylotek - Advanced Timber Structures

Rafter Walk - Canada Water

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Glidevale Protect

B&K Structures, Bywater, Gilbert-Ash, Webb Yates, FCBS Studios, Engenuiti & Stora Enso

Paradise SE11

B&K Structures, General Projects, Conamar, Feix&Merlin, Heyne Tillett

Steel & Stora Enso

Walworth Town Hall

Bennetts Associates

Robotics Living Lab Work In Progress Pavilion

Buckland Timber (with Willmott Dixon, Ellis Williams, Civic Engineers for Forestry England)

Lobslack Seed Processing Centre for Forestry England

Henry Brothers

The Soldiers’ Centre at Alexander Barracks

SIPS ECO PANELS

Hartdene Barns- Net-Zero Sustainable

Super Energy-Efficient Homes Using SIPS Eco Panels

Studio Propolis

Bronwen’s Sanctuary

TMJ Interiors

Confidential Financial Client

Xylotek - Advanced Timber Structures & Feilden Fowles Architects

Urban Nature Project - Natural History Museum

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Etex UK Insulation

Baucon Ireland

Cambridge Railway Station

BlokBuild

BlokBuild digitally manufactured cassette system

Canfield Carpentry

Catmere End

Fleming Timber Structures

Specialist Installer of the year

Mint Construction (Bedford) Colindale Train Station

SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: MiTek

Deeside Timberframe

Cloverhill

Pendragon Design and Build

Former Blaenllynfi School, Caerau, Maesteg

Seven Oaks Modular

Former Track 2000

Stride Treglown Gwynfaen

Vistry Group

Pavillion Park, Helsby

Social Housing Project of the Year WINNER 2024

Lowfield Timber Frames and Mole Architects – Girton Almshouses

Pioneer Award WINNER 2024

Professor Robert Hairstans, CATT Director –New Model Institute of Technology and Engineering

PROJECT OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: YB Fixings & Fasteners

B&K Structures

Paradise SE11

Bailey UK Projects Ltd/Progress in Practice/MBC Timber Frame

Copper Beech Passivhaus Plus

Lowfield Timber Frames

Orchard Grove Primary School

Rhys Bowker, Keon Homes

Port Loop Development Birmingham for Keon Homes and Midland Heart

Willmott Dixon

Lobslack Seed Processing Centre for Forestry England

SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Bulmor Lancer

KLH UK

Heathfield Youth Hub

OSKOP

Abbey hill Academy and college

Pasquill Redhill

Pasquill is the first UK truss manufacturer to fully automate production using the Randek AutoEye

Pendragon Design and Build

Former Blaenllynfi School, Caerau, Maesteg

Think Timber

CaLc-3p

PRODUCT/SYSTEM INNOVATION AWARD

Sponsor: James Jones & Sons

BlokBuild

BlokBuild digitally manufactured timber construction system

hsbcad

hsbMake | Manufacturing Execution System for Offsite Timber Construction

Oakwrights

Production Efficiencies through Modularisation and Standardisation of Dormer Roof Cassettes

Pasquill Redhill

Pasquill is the first UK truss manufacturer to fully automate production using the Randek AutoEye

Rotho Blaas UK

Removable connector for structural panels

Saint-Gobain Off-site Solutions

EnveoVent

Tenmat

Tenmat Ceiling Fan Firestop

Timber Engineering UK

UltraKit - Revolutionising how homes are built

Vistry Works

Vistry Innovation Centre

Ultrapanel Building Technologies

Ultrapanel Next Generation SIP Systems

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Sponsor: Cogent Consulting

Armadilla Accommodation

Successful, on-time delivery of the Lost Shore Surf Resort Project

BlokBuild

BlokBuild digitally manufactured construction system

Lowfield Timber Frames

SJ Roberts Group Office Rebuild

MAKAR

MAKAR’s Modern Methods of Construction in affordable terrace homes

Vistry Works

Vistry Works Warrington, Manufacturing business unit

Private Housing Project of the Year WINNER 2024 Takero Shimazaki and Webb Yates Engineers – Niwa House

Retail & Leisure Project of the Year WINNER 2024

Ramboll – Grime Graves Project

Reflections on Engineered Timber

At a time when sustainability and innovation are driving change across the construction industry, engineered timber is delivering exceptional structural and environmental performance. Valentina Galmozzi, Design Director at AKT II explains more.

At AKT II, we’ve had the privilege of working on projects that push the boundaries of what timber can achieve and this is perfectly exemplified by our work on the UCB Campus project at Windlesham, Surrey. As Design Director, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation and a commitment to performance can work together.

The UCB Campus project

The UCB Campus project was a unique opportunity to explore the potential of engineered timber in a complex retrofit setting. The Collaboration Hub, a pleated hybrid structure of cross laminated timber (CLT) and steel was designed to serve as a nexus for innovation and interaction. Working alongside Heatherwick Studio and Veretec, we developed a structural concept that not only met performance goals but also celebrated the tactile and spatial qualities of timber.

One of the key challenges was integrating the new timber structure within a site that included existing buildings from the 1960s and 2000s. This required a careful balance between structural ambition and practical constraints. The result is a warm-feeling, open, and inherently collaborative space that truly reflects its purpose.

A notable feature of the project is the technically challenging 8m cantilevered timber roof ribbons. These precise elements required close collaboration between Hess Timber, and AKT II to deliver an incredible first in the industry.

Hess Timber’s expertise in precision timber fabrication was invaluable in bringing Heatherwick Studio’s inspiring vision for the UCB Campus to life. AKT II learned about the meticulous process of custom-cutting CLT panels to exact specifications, ensuring that each piece fits perfectly within the complex design. Insights into the manufacturing processes allowed the design team to rationalise

structural elements without compromising aesthetics, resulting in an outstanding building made primarily of faceted CLT elements.

The collaborative approach to design and manufacture involved multiple consultants and contractors, optimising the timber structure for performance and environmental impact.

The natural finish and structural clarity of timber contribute to an appropriate sense of calm and connection at the Hub. We were interested in how the pleated geometry could enhance acoustic performance and daylighting, while also expressing the rhythm of the structure. This project reaffirmed our belief that timber is not just a sustainable choice, but a powerful design tool.

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Valentina Galmozzi, Design Director, AKT II

Mass Engineered Timber

Timber and sustainability in practice

Timber has long been central to AKT II’s sustainability agenda. Our commitment to engineered timber design dates to our work on Hunset Mill, Norfolk with ACME in 2004, one of the UK’s first CLT projects. Since then, we have continued explore and expand the role of timber into our projects, using it to enhance both environmental performance and structural efficiency.

The use of CLT at the UCB Campus project helps reduce the carbon footprint due to its renewable nature and lower embodied energy compared to traditional materials. Another stunning example of this is Haus Gables, designed by Jennifer Bonner of MALL Architects. This 2,200sq ft CLT home in Atlanta, USA, is one of only two CLT residences in the country. Assembled in fourteen days, the structure features 87 custom-cut CLT panels bolted together, with six gable roofs creating unique interior spaces.

A key area of innovation has been hybrid structures, where timber is combined with concrete and steel to leverage the unique benefits of each material to create more efficient and sustainable buildings. Research with Blumer Lehmann led to the development of stiff timber cantilevers, combining soft and hardwoods for enhanced performance.

Hybrid solutions are particularly effective for extensions and refurbishment works. The Arding & Hobbs project in Clapham Junction, UK, with Stiff & Trevillion for London developer W.RE, champions the effectiveness of hybrid structures, cleverly repurposing a Grade II-listed former department store into modern office and retail space.

A lightweight two-storey hybrid timber-steel diagrid extension was added, ensuring minimal load on the existing fabric.

The UCB Campus project was a unique opportunity to explore the potential of engineered timber in a complex retrofit setting including The Collaboration Hub with a pleated hybrid structure of CLT and steele 3

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, I believe timber will continue to play a vital role in shaping more sustainable, adaptable, and human-centred environments. At AKT II, we’re committed to exploring new typologies and techniques that make the most of timber’s potential for new builds and retrofits alike.

Of course, I also recognise that timber is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that my commitment to sustainability cannot possibly be limited to timber alone. Sustainable design means making informed, context-specific choices. It means using materials wisely, avoiding waste,

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and applying lean design principles that ensure every component serves a clear purpose. Timber is a renewable resource – but it’s not limitless. Its use must be balanced with careful forest management and a broader commitment to preserving biodiversity. As we face a growing climate emergency, protecting forests and ecosystems is just as critical as reducing embodied carbon in buildings.

My ambition is not only to contribute to projects that set new benchmarks in sustainable design, but also to inspire the next generation of architects and engineers to think critically about materials and methods. Timber has enormous potential, but it must be used with care. When applied thoughtfully, it can help lead the way toward a built environment that is smarter, leaner, and more in harmony with the natural world.  www.akt-uk.com

For more information on the STRUCTURAL TIMBER CONFERENCE, contact Emily Dyer on 01743 290025 or emily.dyer@radar-media.co.uk

NCC, BIRMINGHAM

Following a year of remarkable achievements and innovations, the conference promises to showcase the benefits and explore the possibilities of timber construction. With influential speakers and engaging discussions, the STRUCTURAL TIMBER CONFERENCE 2025 will address the challenges, present solutions and analyse successes, that help drive the industry forward.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

include access to the Conference, Exhibition and lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Book tickets at wwwstructuraltimberawards.co.uk

For more information on the STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS, contact Ellie Guest on 01743 290005 or ellie.guest@radar-media.co.uk

Featuring compelling examples of what can be achieved using the most natural and sustainable of materials, the STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARDS will also be taking place on the evening of 01 October 2025 at the National Conference Centre, following on from the Conference. Heading into the eleventh year, the Awards will celebrate outstanding projects, inspiring individuals and the coming together of an industry.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The sponsorship packages are already selling fast –limited opportunities remaining for 2025!

For more information contact David Smith on david.smith@radar-media.co.uk or 01743 290021

Strength in Sustainability

Deeside Timberframe

is one of the key timber frame providers in the UK seeking to change the way homes are delivered and has made significant investments in its business recently. We caught up with Managing Director, David Crawford to find out more.

Deeside Timberframe’s recent multimillion-pound investment programme – including a 5,500sq ft factory extension at its Throsk manufacturing facility – has been designed to scale up production and help deliver more high-quality, energy-efficient homes across both Scotland and England. This decisive step was driven by two pressing challenges – the UK’s growing demand for faster, more sustainable construction, and the company’s own ambition to lead the sector in manufacturing innovation.

“Timber frame is already the dominant construction method in Scotland, where over 90% of new homes are built this way,” says David. “But in England, timber frame remains underutilised – despite being the most effective solution to address the housing crisis. We see that as a major opportunity. If we are serious about building 1.5 million new homes while meeting net zero targets, then timber frame must play a central role. That means manufacturers like us need to be ready to deliver at scale.”

The shift towards smarter construction

The Throsk facility upgrade introduced advanced automation throughout the production line, from the precision of the Hundegger Turbo-Drive saw to new in-house truss and joist systems, with every upgrade focused on enhancing output, improving precision, and increasing consistency and efficiency.

“Importantly, this technology supports our skilled workforce by taking on repetitive and physically demanding tasks,” adds David. “By reducing manual handling and increasing process automation, we are creating a safer, more efficient working environment that allows our teams to focus on quality and craftsmanship where it matters most. We have future-proofed our operations so we can supply more homes, more efficiently, across both Scotland and England.”

With industrialised construction methods pushing greater efficiency, productivity and sustainability benefits, this plays directly into timber frame’s strengths - in many ways, timber frame is the leading offsite method. “As an offsite solution, timber frame manufacturing allows us to improve both efficiency and productivity by controlling quality, minimising delays, and reducing waste within a factory environment, something traditional construction methods can’t replicate at scale,” says David.

“Timber is a renewable material with significantly lower embodied carbon than masonry or steel alternatives. Timber frame homes also perform better in terms of thermal efficiency, helping to reduce energy usage for heating and cooling throughout the lifecycle of the building. We believe that by combining offsite precision with low-carbon materials, timber frame is uniquely placed to support the construction sector’s transition to a more productive and sustainable future.” Deeside’s own net zero strategy builds on these strengths with solar panels at Throsk now generating over a third of the site’s electricity, and new energy-efficient equipment reducing the operational footprint even further.

DfMA at the core

Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is key to delivering efficient, scalable building solutions and Deeside have standardised several core components to streamline production, while still allowing for the flexibility needed across residential and social housing typologies. This includes consistent wall and floor cassette systems, and templated roof truss designs that can be adapted across developments – all adding to greater interoperability and repeatability.

“DfMA is at the heart of our strategy,” says David. “We also work closely with clients at the earliest stage to align project specifications with our manufacturing capability, reducing cost, risk, and programme time from day one. An example of this in action is our Cloverhill

“Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is key to delivering efficient, scalable building solutions and Deeside have standardised several core components to streamline production, while still allowing for the flexibility needed across residential and social housing typologies. This includes consistent wall and floor cassette systems, and templated roof truss designs that can be adapted across developments – all adding to greater interoperability and repeatability.”

development in Aberdeen, where we have delivered nearly 100 timber frame units in just a few months. Thanks to early-stage design input, repeatable components, and co-ordinated delivery, we have been able to keep the project on schedule and minimise disruption on-site, demonstrating the full potential of DfMA-led, offsite construction at scale.”

Asked if the Government’s much quoted target of 1.5 million new is achievable, David is cautiously optimistic. But of course, there is no single, simple solution to fixing some of the issues that limit homes delivery. “These include planning reform, funding support, availability of land and embracing MMC including timber frame,” says David. “Traditional masonry-led approaches are already failing to deliver at the pace we need. Offsite timber frame can change that. It offers predictability, scalability, and speed, all without compromising on quality or sustainability. With our recent investment, capacity has scaled up significantly, Whether the homes are in Manchester or Midlothian, we are ready to deliver but we need planning reform, funding certainty, and a workforce strategy that aligns with offsite manufacturing. The industry is ready, but the system needs to catch up.”

In December 2024, Deeside announced a wider expansion into the English market. With a growing portfolio of projects, it opened a new dedicated office in Warrington and are part of several projects including a key affordable housing project in East Cowton, North Yorkshire.

Scotland is way ahead in delivering timber frame homes, but what can developers in England learn from the Scottish approach? Scotland’s embrace of timber frame has historically been shaped by both ‘policy and practice’ with local authorities and housing associations recognising its advantages early on and allowing the supply chain to mature around demand.

“England is at an earlier stage, but the opportunity is significant,” says David. “One of the most important lessons is commercial: timber frame, when considered from the outset of a project, can substantially reduce prelims, accelerate delivery, and minimise overall project costs. The earlier we are involved, the more value we can add – by aligning DfMA-led design to manufacturing efficiencies, reducing rework, and avoiding costly delays on-site.

“This is more than just a sustainability story, it is a viability one. Our new office in Warrington reflects the fact that demand is growing in England and we are better placed than ever to support developers locally, share our expertise, and help unlock the same scale and success that timber frame has already achieved across Scotland.”

Today’s clients want more than material choices. They want a consistent manufacturer and delivery partner, which can provide earlystage design input, technical advice, and reliable programme delivery – in many ways these are now baseline expectations. “That’s exactly what we offer,” adds David. “Our expanded in-house design team uses marketleading tools like Elecosoft and MiTek PAMIR to integrate with project teams from day one. Meanwhile, our investment in automation allows us to deliver consistently high standards at scale, with better lead times and greater transparency across the build process.”

The Timber in Construction Roadmap has set out a clear vision for increasing the safe and sustainable use of timber in the construction industry plus reduce carbon emissions and boost the domestic timber industry. Its ‘priority themes’ are shifting the thinking around what the forestry and timber sector’s aims for decades to come are. “We fully support the Roadmap,” says David. “It is exactly the kind of joined-up strategy needed. By setting clear targets and recognising the role of timber in achieving net zero, it gives both industry and government a shared direction of travel.

“We have already aligned our operations with these goals. Timber frame naturally offers lower embodied carbon compared to many other building materials, and our offsite manufacturing process further reduces waste, transport emissions and site impact. Timber frame supports circular economy principles, it is renewable, it sequesters carbon, and it allows for

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The facility at Throsk has undergone many changes to include more automation to deliver timber frame homes at scale

more adaptable and deconstructable buildings. We are working closely with clients to help them understand how timber can improve lifecycle performance, reduce whole-life costs, and ultimately help deliver greener buildings, faster.”

The Roadmap has focused minds on where the timber industry should be concentrating its efforts more but what are the biggest opportunities – and potential obstacles – for growing timber’s share in mainstream UK construction, especially with the global push for decarbonisation? David says: “The biggest opportunity is clear: timber frame is already a proven, scalable solution for building homes that are greener, faster, and more cost-effective to run. It offers huge potential to help meet the urgent demand for new housing – particularly in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes that are easier for residents to live in and for local authorities to maintain over time.

“The biggest obstacle, however, remains mindset. For decades, entire industries, supply chains, and skills pipelines have been built around traditional masonry construction. Change will not happen overnight. There are still perceptions to overcome and systems, from procurement to skills training, which need modernising to fully embrace timber. That said, we believe adoption will continue to accelerate. When a local authority or private developer delivers their first timber frame project and sees first-hand the performance benefits, programme certainty, and commercial savings, they are rarely looking back. We have seen it time and again: one successful project leads to the next. Our job as a manufacturer is to make that first step as easy and successful as possible.”

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David Crawford, Managing Director, Deeside Timberframe

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At Woodknowledge Wales, we recently published a report that makes what feels like a very simple point: buildings made from wood remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it. If we’re serious about tackling climate change, we should recognise that benefit – formally, fairly, and at scale.

This idea isn’t new. The UNFCCC, the IPCC, the EU – they all recognise long-term biogenic carbon storage in buildings as a form of greenhouse gas removal (GGR). But UK policy and reporting systems haven’t yet caught up. Carbon stored in homes and schools is, at best, seen as a temporary benefit. And most frameworks assume it’s released within a few decades – ignoring the lasting service timber structures provide. We think it’s time for that to change.

Unlike many engineered GGR technologies still in the pilot phase, timber buildings are already being delivered by the thousands.

According to the Structural Timber Association (STA), seven of the top ten UK housebuilders have invested in their own ‘in house’ timber frame manufacturing capability. This is a clear sign that the industry is already moving and ready to move further, faster.

But there’s a catch. If the carbon benefits of timber buildings aren’t formally recognised, we risk missing a huge opportunity. The UK’s sixth carbon budget anticipates a need for 75 million tonnes of CO2 removals every year by 2050. Using wood in construction can and should be part of that portfolio, with proper methodologies for monitoring, reporting and verification, just like any other climate solution.

That means using homegrown timber wherever possible. Not to close borders, but to close loops, reducing reliance on imported logs and investing in local processing. We need to make engineered wood products here from trees we’ve grown and managed sustainably. That’s not only good for carbon, but it’s also good for jobs, rural communities and resilient supply chains.

Time to Count What Timber Stores

Timber construction has always promised environmental benefits. But as Gary Newman, CEO at Woodknowledge Wales illustrates, we are now at a moment where the case for wood goes beyond good building and into the realm of national climate strategy.

We also need to think beyond construction. End-of-life strategies for timber buildings matter. Without proper reuse, recycling and accounting systems, we risk reversing the very carbon benefits we set out to achieve. That’s why circular economy thinking needs to be embedded from the start, not just in material choices, but in planning, policy and procurement.

At Woodknowledge Wales, we’re piloting this thinking through the ROOT project – a cross-sector initiative linking designers, manufacturers, and housing providers to explore regenerative, reusable, and carbonstoring materials in real-world developments. ROOT is our response to the question: what does it take to do this at scale? And we believe the economics will follow. As the global population rises and resource constraints become more visible, circular design will become an economic necessity, not just an environmental ideal. Managing waste, retaining value, and reducing emissions will no longer be cost burdens – they’ll be competitive advantages.

None of this happens in isolation. It depends on joined up thinking between forestry, construction, and policy. The recently published ‘Welsh Timber Industrial Strategy’, signals growing recognition across the UK and Ireland that timber can play a strategic role in climate, economy and land-use policy. But real progress will require clarity on how we value carbon, not just what we avoid emitting, but what we actively store.

For that to happen, wood in construction must be given formal standing in our climate reporting frameworks. That means recognising carbon storage in buildings as a measurable, reportable contribution to net zero. It also means creating space for private finance, where responsible compensation schemes could support

the delivery of carbon-storing homes, just as they currently support tree planting. This doesn’t mean timber is a silver bullet. We know that context matters, that biobased materials must be used wisely, and that sustainable forestry is a precondition, not a side note. But we also know this: every timber building we construct is a carbon store. And every policy that fails torecognise that risks leaving climate ambition on the table. Of course, buildings are already assets but in climate terms, they’re often seen as burdens. Heavy in embodied emissions, difficult to decarbonise. Timber allows us to think differently: what if our buildings could help remove carbon from the atmosphere? What if they were part of the solution? Because we already know how to build carbon stores. We just need to make it count. 

www.woodknowledge.wales

Using Wood in Construction as a Significant Greenhouse Gas Removal Mechanism

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Where others may rush, we prefer to savour time, to refine, to hone, to perfect. When others standardise, we master individuality, providing a truly bespoke service. And where others may stand still, we innovate, invest, and modernise. Every George Barnsdale timber window and door is meticulously made only for you – and has been since 1884. George Barnsdale. Don’t compromise. Customise.

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