Timber Construction Magazine Issue 15 Spring 2021

15

SPRING 2021 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)

KEEPING TIMBER CONNECTED  16 Rothoblaas CEO Stefano Muscoloni talks about the new UK subsidiary and future plans for the timber sector DIGITAL TOOLS & BIM  20

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION  28

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre on designing the future with cutting edge technology

BWF’s Helen Hewitt talks about inspiring students into a career in woodworking and joinery manufacture

Landguard Point G R O U P REBO BAMBOO DIVISION

BAMBOO

UK

Introducing an exciting new product.

Landguard Point Ltd are excited to introduce our partnership with REBO Bamboo products in 2021. Rebo are a manufacturer of revolutionary BAMBOO products.

Landguard Point will be the UK’s sole stockist of REBO’s bamboo cladding and decking ranges, offering an exclusive opportunity to our customers.

We are excited to introduce a high-end brand specialized in spreading traditional bamboo culture and innovative living design. The modern world has a focus on sustainability and environmental impacts. Bamboo offers an unrivalled option, with its 5 year growing period and high utilization rate. Meaning it offers the greenest timber resource option.

Our revolutionary technique of carbonization, enhances the natural characteristics of the product. These processes increase durability, hardness, and toughness. Whilst also offering classifications in anti-slip, anti-flammability, and anti-corrosion values.

We will be introducing both a cladding and decking range, covering two colorations and designs. These offer a stylish and durable option for landscaping and architectural designs. We envisage bamboo playing an integral role in these sectors future, and we are excited to offer you the opportunity to join us on this journey.

THE FUTURE NEEDS BAMBOO MAKE IT HAPPEN Contact us today for more information, our team of expert timber importers will help you with any enquiry you have.

Scan with your Phone to View Our Bamboo eBrochure

t: 01554 701860 / 01359 258264 e: sales@landguardpoint.com www.landguardpoint.com

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  ISSUE 15 CONTENTS

02

12

14

News........................................................................................02

16

18

The latest news and views from across the industry.

Marketing Treated Timber.............................................12 The Timber Trade Federation and Wood Protection Association are combining forces for an awareness campaign to promote the sale of correctly-treated timber.

Timber Decking Bucks the Trend.................................14 The huge increase in demand for timber decking has resulted in many retailers reporting record year turnovers.

20

24

28

30

Cover Story: Rothoblaas...................................................16 The Italian multinational manufacturer of high technology timber solutions has opened the doors to its brand new UK subsidiary in Manchester. Stefano Muscoloni, the newly appointed CEO of Rothoblaas UK tells us more.

An Ace of Space....................................................................18 For architects, developers, housebuilders and importantly for homeowners, room in roof systems provide more space and breathe new life into a building’s traditional ‘dead zone’.

The Shape of Future Construction...............................20 Sam Hart, innovation manager at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre spoke to us about the far reaching growth in digital tools and technology across timber and construction.

The Effective Way to Build..............................................24 Is timber frame and modern methods of construction (MMC) the answer to the UK’s many housing demands?

Training for the Future....................................................28 Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, highlights why as a sector it’s essential to inspire students into a career in woodworking and joinery manufacture.

Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon

Registered address:

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows,

 01925 270093

Merseyside WA12 9QA

Artwork: Pete Awad

Maximising Energy Efficiency......................................30

 artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

Company registered in England and

MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY PROPASSIV proved to be a winning combination for the first oak frame Passivhaus to be built in the heart of South West England.

Follow Timber Media:

Wales. Company Number 10839173.

 @Timber_Media

VAT registration number 271 5498 81.

The Perfect Partner for the Timber Industry Manage your timber materials more safely, using less space and in less time with Combilift’s materials handling solutions.

combilift.com Timber Trader UK magazine 185 x 62 Liz.indd 1

Timber Construction Magazine

10/07/2020 17:13:43

Spring 2021

01

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

SR Timber welcomes new national construction products regulator

SR Timber has applauded the announcement by Housing Secretary

“I sincerely hope that the establishment of the OPSS’s new division isn’t

Robert Jenrick MP that the government is going to get tough on

just a knee-jerk response so that the government can be seen to be acting

poor-quality materials being used in housebuilding and rogue

in light of recent tragic events. The introduction of the division could herald

suppliers with the introduction of a new regulatory body as part of

a new era for UK construction and the standards that are in place, and, in so

the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

doing, improve the quality of all the homes we build in this country.”

However, SR Timber – which is a leading importer of timber More at  www.sr-timber.co.uk

products and the UK’s largest importer of roofing batten, including its flagship Premium Gold – says that reputable businesses within the construction industry have been crying out for such a body for years and that it’s such a shame that the terrible tragedy of the Grenfell

The new national construction products regulator has been set

Tower fire is one the reasons that has prompted the government to act.

up to ensure homes are built from safe materials. The regulator

SR Timber trading director Shaun Revill said that his company has

for construction products will have the power to remove any

long championed the use of quality products that are compliant with

product from the market that presents a significant safety risk

British Standards, and it has also been outspoken in its criticism of the

and prosecute any companies who flout the rules on product

ease with which poor-quality or even fake materials can be used as part

safety. The regulator will have strong enforcement powers

of the construction of a house – with no real policing of standards.

including the ability to conduct its own product-testing when

“The government must be commended for setting up the new

investigating concerns. Businesses must ensure that their

division of the OPSS, and hopefully it will have the teeth required to put

products are safe before being sold in addition to testing

an end to poor-quality materials being used in the construction sector

products against safety standards.

– particularly for houses and apartment blocks,” said Shaun Revill. “On

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “We are

the flipside, the fact that the government has been forced to act does

establishing a national regulator to address these concerns and

suggest that this problem could be just the tip of the iceberg and that,

a review into testing to ensure our national approach is fit for

despite the best intentions of agencies such as BSI, the rules are being

purpose. We will continue to listen to the evidence emerging in

systematically flouted. This makes a mockery of the accreditations

the Inquiry and await the judge’s ultimate recommendation - but

that this country has in place, which are supposed to set the highest

it is already clear that action is required now and that is what

standards around quality and usage.

we are doing.” The regulator will operate within the Office for

“I have seen first-hand examples of roofing batten being used as

Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) which will be expanded and

part of the construction of houses that does not meet the requirements

given up to £10 million in funding to establish the new function.

of British Standard BS 5534:2014+A2:2018 – and it’s so frustrating that

It will work with the Building Safety Regulator and Trading

there hasn’t been anything done about it. Until now, the system has

Standards to encourage and enforce compliance.

relied on eagle-eyed Building Inspectors or calls to Trading Standards More at  http://bit.ly/2OI3bzl

about clear and obvious cases of materials that aren’t compliant with the relevant standards.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

02

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Director General and WPIF notch up 25 years Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF) director general, Alastair Kerr has been recognised for 25 years of distinguished service dating back to the organisation’s formation in 1996. WPIF was formed by the UK and Irish board manufacturers to support members processing activities as well as their products in the market.

With a particular emphasis on technical environmental and regulatory matters, Alastair has steered an in-house team supported by external consultants to provide active engagement and representation for member companies on the key issues affecting the sector. These issues range from standards development, climate change, energy efficiency, recycling, industrial emissions and to advocating against the continuation of subsidies that support the burning of wood. Most recently the WPIF has led the industry’s response in successfully pressing for the closure of Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive on 31 March this year.

The WPIF managing board presented Alastair with a Burr Elm

In response, Alastair said he had always sought to make the Federation: “an integral part of the sector” and to gain trust as a

bowl crafted by the Cumbrian artistic woodturner Jonathan Leech, in

“safe pair of hands” who can speak for the industry based on honest

appreciation of his service to date. WPIF Chairman Chris Emery said: “By

engagement at all levels across the membership. Alastair added: “Over

listening carefully to members, Alastair understands the ‘pulse’ of the

the past 25 years I have never taken any of this for granted and I look

sector and over the past 25 years has focused the Federation on the

forward to a few more years working closely with the members.”

issues that are most important for the members and in doing so they More at  www.wpif.org.uk

have realised real benefit”.

Transforming British Woods Since 2016

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

03

It’s been five years since we launched Brimstone, our thermally modified British hardwood for cladding, decking and joinery.

That’s five years of turning locally grown trees into high quality durable and stable wood, reducing timber imports and supporting our local woodlands.

Available from Vastern Timber 01793 853 281 vastern.co.uk/brimstone @VasternTimberUK

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Taylor Lane fast-track completion of miltary family homes

Taylor Lane Timber Frame announced that the Defence Infrastructure

choice of provider was a challenging piece. After an extensive selection

Organisation (DIO) housing scheme across Salisbury Plain Training

process considering the country’s leading providers and given the high

Area is now complete. In a little over two and half years, main

volume, fast-track demand of the project, we elected to select two

contractor Lovell, alongside the DIO and supply chain partners have

partners, Taylor Lane being one of them.

delivered 917 high-quality, modern homes for the British Army across

“We swiftly developed a very open and transparent working

three locations in Wiltshire. The final homes were delivered by a

relationship, developing design solutions and fashioning the technical

smaller team to ensure social distancing was maintained, yet despite

and commercial package over a series of months to enable delivery

the circumstances the largest site – the Alanbrooke Estate at Larkhill

at the speed required. We needed a positive, ‘can-do’ mentality and

– was completed one month ahead of the contracted delivery date.

decisive approach. This was crucial amongst our senior team and the

The estate comprises 450 homes made up of six house types each with

key supply chain partners. It was essential that we selected partners

a garage and two or more parking spaces.

that understood the scale and significance of the project. This stood

Taylor Lane was one of two timber frame companies appointed

by Lovell. The Hereford-based manufacturer was charged with

across the trades but was clearly crucial on key packages such as timber frame.”

supplying and erecting 450 timber frames across two of the three

Wayne Ricketts, sales director for Taylor Lane Timber Frame said:

sites, collaborating with Stewart Milne Timber Systems on the larger

“This project was one of the largest we have ever tackled. It presented

Alanbrooke Estate. This extraordinary partnership demonstrated the

challenges and opportunities for us as a supply chain partner and for

benefits of collaboration, alongside the speed, accuracy and efficiency

our industry; we were able to prove the power of collaboration and the

of timber frame.

true value of timber frame construction. It has been a privilege to work

John Leary, major projects director, Lovell said: “The speed of build

on such an exemplary scheme.”

on the Service Families’ Accommodation scheme meant that timber More at  www.taylor-lane.co.uk

frame and thus an element of offsite manufacture was a given, but the

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

04

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Actis welcomes Government’s response to Part L consultation Insulation specialist Actis has welcomed the

of the energy savings is achieved through the

government’s response to its consultation

fabric of the building.

on Part L revisions which will pave the way

Actis technical director, architect Thomas

to the new Future Homes Standard – the

Wiedmer (pictured) said: “This is good news

changes, expected to come into force in

and the focus is on ensuring the fabric of the

mid-2022, will see new homes required to

building is the main driver of energy efficiency.

achieve a carbon emissions reduction target

The government is not only keeping the

of 31% over the current rate.

existing target FEE but is apparently now

The consultation document – The Future

carrying out plans to make it more stringent,

Homes Standard: changes to Part L and Part F

which is essential to ensure maximum thermal

of the Building Regulations for new dwellings

improvement via the fabric of the building.

– asked contributors to choose between a 20%

“Energy efficiency standards should always

improvement favouring fabric improvements

be based on reducing the need for energy first

and a 31% increase based on a combination

and in particular limiting the heat loss through

of fabric and new technologies. But the use

thermal elements – that is through achieving

towards the far more stringent energy

of building services technology to achieve

excellent U-values, reducing thermal bridging

efficiency requirements for new homes to

the higher target will now play a smaller part

and improving airtightness – the fabric first

be laid down under the forthcoming Future

than initially suggested in the consultation.

principle. If the target FEE is tightened after

Homes Standard, which should be in place

The government has not only decided to keep

the next consultation round then this will place

by 2025. That in turn will play a key role in

the target Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) rate,

greater importance on energy efficiency, which

enabling the UK to meet its 2050 net zero

whose removal had been on the table, but

is better news for addressing climate change,

target.

is now examining the merits of tightening it

as well as saving the homeowner money in the

further. This would ensure a greater proportion

longer term by reducing heating bills.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

05

The Part L changes are a stepping stone

More at  www.insulation-actis.com

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Combilift launch Aisle Master-OP Combilift officially launched the latest

The low floor height of just 280mm enables

conditions for operators of all sizes. The

addition to its product portfolio in a virtual

convenient, single step access from both sides

Operator Presence Detection floor pad

press conference in February. The NEW

of the truck which speeds up order picking

engages the parking brake automatically when

Aisle Master-OP (AME-OP) is a stand-on

compared to the operator having to get in

the operator steps off the truck to carry out

electric powered model that combines the

and out from a seated position. The AME-

order picking.

advantages of a narrow aisle articulated

OP truck has all the key advantages of the

forklift and an order picker for versatile

conventional Aisle Master – indoor/outdoor

model, Combilift carry out extensive field

operation in warehousing applications.

operation for loading/offloading and for stock

testing on customer’s sites, and this was the

replenishment at other times during shifts

case with the Aisle Master-OP,” added Martin

when order picking is not required.

McVicar. “The AME-OP is now a production

The development of this model was influenced by customer feedback as well as

“Before we officially launch any new

the recent soaring growth of e-commerce.

The Aisle Master-OP is available in a

“Customers already using the Aisle Master

number of variants, with lift capacities from

in build for four customers in the United

for space saving, storage and efficiency in

1,500kg to 2,500kg, lift heights of up to

States and three in New Zealand – including

their warehouse asked if we could redevelop

15m, and can operate in aisles as narrow

Sorted Logistics, a 3PL and freight forwarder

the Aisle Master to meet their ever-growing

as 1650mm. It features a patented chain

who will be receiving 8 AME-OP units shortly.

demand for order picking customised orders,”

steering system (EU Patent No. 3008008),

This is a major innovation in the warehousing

said Combilift CEO Martin McVicar.

which allows the truck to articulate more

sector and the versatility to use the one Aisle

than 205°, and an inline drive motor and front

Master for multiple applications – narrow aisle

out in 2019 and 2020 has created the Aisle

drive axle, all of which enable narrower aisle

operation, truck to rack handling, bulk picking

Master-OP, a main feature of which is the

operation. The multifunctional programmable

and item order picking – will result in healthy

step-through operator compartment which

joy stick control lever in the operator

demand for this new product in our home and

has design copyright protection (European

compartment, which includes controls for

export markets around the world.”

Design Registration No. 002676809-0001),

the hydraulics and traction, is adjustable to

across multiple markets in four continents.

enable comfortable and ergonomic working

Research and development carried

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

06

model within Combilift, with units currently

More at  www.combilift.com

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

COMPOSITE TIMBER CLADDING & DECKING STYLE I DURABILITY

I C O M F O RT

ATRIA DECKING - SAND NOVA CLADDING - MOCHA BROWN

GEMEAUX DECKING - STONE GREY

MALO CLADDING - LIGHT GREY

STYLISH contemporary cladding and decking profiles with a range of finishes and colours to satisfy all tastes.

DURABLE

and long lasting: superior lifespan to wood deckings. Does not split.

20-year guaranty against fungus, termites and soft rot.

COMFORT

: excellent slip-resistance even when wet, pleasant on bare feet.

No splinters. High scratch resistance. Low maintenance and easy install. Anti-graffiti cladding option.

SUSTAINABLE

: 100% recyclable and produced with green energy with local PEFC certified timber from our French mills.

QUALITY testing done daily according to European standard EN15534. Euroclass B fire rated cladding profiles available on demand.

F O R S A M P L E S O R F U RT H E R I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T :

E L I Timber S A B EConstruction T H . P I VMagazine E T E A U @ P ISpring V E T2021 E A U . C O M

07

|

+44 (0) 7821 807  7 8@Timber_Media 8 | S Y L N E O. C O M

www.timbermedia.co.uk

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Riverside Sunderland to define future living in design challenge

Built environment students from Universities across the UK

and how we grow as families and communities. A well-designed

are being invited to design a home and neighbourhood of the

home can enhance the way we live and promote good health and

future. Riverside Sunderland is redefining the city: transforming

well-being. Students never fail to amaze me with their imagination,

a spectacular site into a unique, carbon neutral urban quarter –

talent and passion when it comes to home. I founded MOBIE to create

an extraordinary place to live, work and play. Working in teams,

a generational shift in homebuilding and placemaking and inspire

students from different built environment disciplines will share their

young people to help define the way they want to live in the future.

vision of what urban living in this amazing place will look like in the

That is why I am so excited to be a part of the launch of the Riverside

future.

Sunderland: University Student Design Challenge.

The Ministry of Building Innovation and Education (MOBIE),

We are asking built environment students from Universities

Sunderland City Council and the Timber and Research Development

across the UK to design a home and neighbourhood of the future

Association’s (TRADA) University Engagement Programme, with

to transform a spectacular site in Sunderland, my wonderful home

industry sponsor the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), are

city, into a unique, carbon neutral urban quarter. This is an amazing

excited to launch this innovative Urban Living Design Competition for

opportunity and challenge and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team with

built environment students and recent graduates from across the UK’s

MOBIE, Sunderland City Council and TRADA’s University Engagement

universities.

Programme who are making this happen. I cannot wait to see the

Current students from all built environment courses at UK

incredible and inspirational, future thinking designs that are created.”

universities, along with 2020 graduates are invited to participate in

Through the challenge, and a series of interactive online evening

the interdisciplinary team challenge. Top entrants will be awarded

webinars that will run throughout February, participants will increase

cash prizes. The schemes must be carbon neutral, creatively employing

their understanding of the Climate Challenge, routes to carbon neutral

sustainable building materials and construction methods, be energy

and net zero homes, sustainable forestry and timber products, offsite

efficient, as well as technologically smart, focussing on the health and

and modern methods of construction, Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and

well-being of people, the community and our planet.

carbon calculation tools, interdisciplinary design teams, award-winning

The homes and community must be adaptable to meet the needs of

timber homes, built and theoretical, the benefits of using timber and

living and working now and in the future. Designed and engineered to

where caution is advised, and essential resources. The competition

be manufactured locally using modern methods of construction (MMC)

opens on 1 February and runs for four months, closing Friday 28 May

with the main material focus and specification of timber and hybrid

2021.

systems (timber combined with other building materials).

More at  www.cti-timber.org  www.mobie.org.uk

Launching the challenge, George Clarke said: “Home is the most

 www.trada.co.uk

important piece of architecture in our lives. It crafts the way we live,

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

08

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Joseph Murnane, trainee timber frame designer, said: “I am happy to have started work here at SO Modular and I look forward to the challenges that lay ahead. I have already developed more knowledge and skills, including working the software needed for design, during the few weeks that I have been here. I have also learnt a lot about how the structure of timber frame is made. During my first year in college, I thoroughly enjoyed the design module, and this is why I wanted to start an apprenticeship based SO Modular new apprentices - left to right - Joseph Murnane, Trainee Designer and Harrison Davies, Trainee QS

SO Modular investing in new talent

on design. So far, I have enjoyed the work that I have done at SO Modular.”

Charlotte Hale, operations director, SO Modular, added: “We are enjoying a big uplift in demand as we move into 2021 and we are excited to be able to offer young people this opportunity. We look forward to watching our new apprentices grow with our company in 2021 – giving young people a chance is important in these challenging times.”

SO Modular also announced its attainment of BOPAS certification.

The accreditation recognised by principal mortgage lenders as providing

Timber frame construction specialist SO Modular has created two new jobs

the necessary assurance to address the perceived risks associated with

on the back of an uplift in demand, despite the challenges of the Covid-19

innovative construction methods. BOPAS has been designed to address

pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The Neath-based company has

the issues associated with bringing innovative or non-traditional

brought in two new apprentices and partnered with Cyfle and Neath Port

building methods and materials to the market. Historically, mortgage

Talbot College to give them a rounded education and ensure they are fully

lenders have been reluctant to lend against forms of construction with

qualified in their respective fields.

which they are unfamiliar. In many instances, valuers may have refused

Joseph Murnane joined as a trainee designer and Harrison Davies as

to value properties, as part of the mortgage application process, if the

a trainee quantity surveyor. The course will mix classroom training with

property incorporated unfamiliar building systems. Accreditation by the

on-the-job experience, learning a number of skills in the process. Harrison

scheme provides comprehensive assurance to mortgage lenders that

Davies, apprentice quantity surveyor, said: “I am delighted to be a part

innovatively constructed properties will be sufficiently durable as to be

of SO Modular. I am very excited to develop new skills, gain a plethora

readily saleable for a minimum of 60 years, underpinned by warranty.

of knowledge from my colleagues and pursue my desired career in More at  www.somodular.co.uk

Estimating and Quantity Surveying.”

Assured protection for your building projects SPECIFY TIMBER TREATED WITH VACSOL 6118 WATER BASED, METAL FREE PRESERVATIVE

TREATED TIMBER 4 BPR (Biocidal Products Regulation) Authorised 4 Innovative VAC-VAC booster technology for enhanced protection and performance 4 Treated timbers for use in Use Classes 1, 2 and 3 (Coated)

FIND OUT w: trustvacsol.com e: timberprotectionadvice.ukca@lonza.com MORE VACSOL Aqua 6118 is a BPR authorised product. Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

09

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Ingenious completes £19m funding deal for Citu Ingenious Real Estate Finance LLP has agreed a £19 million loan facility with property developer Citu, to fund the next 120 units at the Climate Innovation District (CID) in Leeds. The loan will fund the development of 120 new apartments and houses at what will

our investors. We are pleased to be supporting Citu with the next phase

become the largest sustainable residential development in the UK.

of the CID development providing attractive homes for buyers looking

Over 800 family homes are to be built in total over four phases, using

for a quality, sustainable and energy-efficient place to live close to Leeds

Citu’s own offsite manufacturing facility, which uses an innovative

city centre.”

timber framed system designed in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University to reduce carbon emissions at every stage.

The units themselves will benefit from a range of green qualities,

Jonathan Wilson at Citu, said: “This new relationship is an exciting marker in the evolution and expansion of our delivery business which will enable CITU to grow further and double our annual outputs

incorporating the latest in sustainable technology. For example, passive

through the future regeneration and delivery at the Climate Innovation

cooling, light wells and mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR)

District, Leeds. The importance of who we work with on these

systems, which capture the heat generated by appliances, transferring it

innovative and exciting projects is fundamental. The relationship we

from existing stale air to incoming fresh air. The site is located in Leeds’

have developed with Ingenious is built upon a shared, long-term view

South Bank next to the River Aire, a short walk from the city centre. It

of how we can work together on a more sustainable future whilst

is part of the Aire Valley Leeds Area Action Plan, a major regeneration

raising industry standards in both delivery and building performance.

area covering 1,300 hectares of land. The CID bisects the River Aire, and

With many high street banks still investing heavily in fossil fuel projects

benefits from a new pedestrian bridge constructed by Citu in 2019. The

it was, and is, hugely important we work with like-minded, ethical

bridge provides access to the rest of the South Bank area and city centre

partners such as Ingenious. We are on a bold journey as a business and

via a short walk along the river.

relationships like this only support the success and positive outcomes

Tom Brown, Managing Director of Real Estate at Ingenious,

we require to disrupt the status quo.”

commented: “Ingenious is dedicated to supporting sustainable More at  www.citu.co.uk

developments while maintaining our commitment to the objectives of

Roofspace Solutions plans to plant more trees Roofspace Solutions has kicked off the year with a goal to plant more than 2,000 trees in the next 12 months. The pledge has been made in partnership with MoreTrees and will commit Roofspace to plant one mangrove tree for each pair of its i-Roof components installed, with the 2,000-tree target equating to an estimated 600 tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere. i-Roof is Roofspace Solutions’ fully designed, manufactured and installed panelised roofing solution suitable for any size of housebuilders.

Niki Tibble, co-founder at MoreTrees, said: “Now is the time to take

With the complex build of the roof happening offsite, the structure is

action to tackle climate change. Roofspace Solutions will be supporting

installed and delivered in just one day, saving up to five weeks’ build time

our tree planting partners’ projects across the world and making a

for a pair of roofs.

difference to the future of our planet. Traditionally, construction and

Paul Terry, Managing Director of Roofspace Solutions, said: “There is an ever growing need to protect the environment before it’s too late.

housebuilding have had a negative impact on the environment, so it’s fantastic to see that new, sustainable methods are available.”

Our actions speak louder than words, so I believe this initiative shows

Roofspace Solutions is part of Saint-Gobain’s Off-Site Solutions division,

that we’ve tied our success as an organisation to our commitment to

created to improve the quality and speed of construction using offsite

sustainability, as they both go hand in hand. In addition to planting new

methods. Together, the group is working towards a target of zero emissions

trees for every pair our roofs we install, we’ll also continue to find new

by 2050, with a roadmap highlighting the concrete steps being taken over

ways to champion the environment, along with our commitment to

the next 10 years to improve sustainability in every aspect of its operations.

reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill and minimising the More at  www.roofspacesolutions.co.uk  www.moretrees.eco

energy used per unit.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

10

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

ED

ESS NE IN S U B R U O Y DOES

G N I P L A HE ?

D N A H

MITSUBISHI BUSINESS

BENEFITS Our cars have always been built for tough jobs.

But we know one of the toughest jobs you’ll face right now is keeping your business thriving in these uncertain times. That’s why we support local businesses with our ‘Business Benefits’ scheme, offering exclusive discounts on our range of Commercial 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Search Mitsubishi Business Benefits to find out more.

Business Benefits provides you with access to some specific Local Business Programme terms which are provided by your chosen dealer and are only available for small business users who meet at least one of the following criteria a) Those who receive a cash allowance instead of a company car and can provide proof, b) Business owners/legal directors of a limited company/partners in a limited liability partnership (LLP), c) Professional partners and sole traders, d) Vehicles acquired for business purpose, e) VAT registered business. Local Business Programme offers are not available in

Timber Construction Magazine Spring 2021

www.timbermedia.co.uk  @Timber_Media conjunction with any other offer and are available for vehicles registered between 1st January and 31st July 2021. Applicable in the UK, subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time.

11

FEATURE  WOOD CHOICE

Marketing Treated Timber The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Wood Protection Association (WPA) are combining forces for an awareness campaign this spring, to promote the sale of correctly-treated timber.

M

erchants are always looking for ways to gain business

Elements of the campaign include an online training module, free

advantage. Making sure you have the right level of

to merchants, builders, landscapers, and even specifiers and consumers

timber treatment on wood for different purposes can

to use, prepared by the WPA. There is a free A5 sized leaflet which

mark out your knowledge as being superior to that of

opens out to a poster that merchants can use in-branch to show

your competitors. And as most builders will tell, a knowledgeable

customers which type of treated timber is suitable for which purpose.

merchant is one they’re more likely to re-visit regularly for supplies.

It is available from both organisations. The TTF will be making

In an age where it is all to easy for complaints about product quality to make their way onto social media and ruin an otherwise

information available further along the supply chain during the spring and summer through builders and contractors.

good reputation, it pays to ensure that all your merchant branch

On the supply side, the TTF’s Code of Conduct has been adapted to

staff dealing with timber products are well informed about timber

ensure that, from the beginning of April 2021, suppliers of treated timber

preservative treatments. “We’re talking here about the types of pre-use

will ‘clearly and unambiguously’ identify the treated timber being sold as

timber treatment which are factory-applied under quality-controlled

fit for its intended purpose. At a minimum, TTF members are to identify,

conditions, leading to the best outcomes when customers use the

at all stages of the supply process to merchants (on stock movement

timber in their projects,” says Gordon Ewbank, CEO of the Wood

records, sales records and orders), whether the timber is treated to Use

Protection Association (WPA). “These are the only types of treatment

Class 2 for internal dry environment use only: for Use Class 3 applications

which can live up to the desired service life for the timber product.

– timber used above ground externally but not in contact with the

Timber treated by a firm accredited under the WPA’s Benchmark

ground, or Use Class 4, for any outdoor timber element e.g. decking

scheme, for example, indicates that it has been

joists and posts, which is either in temporary or

assessed through a third-party independent

permanent contact with the ground or provides

auditing process.”

external structural support. UC4 applies even

This spring, the WPA and TTF are running a

if, for example, a decking membrane is installed

joint campaign to increase awareness amongst

beneath it. TTF members are also to ensure

merchants and amongst the fencing and

that customers ordering treated timber have

landscaping sector of the three key levels of

sufficient information and, where necessary,

timber treatment, where they can be used, and

training, in order to be able to sell, use or install

why they matter, then rolling this information

treated timbers correctly. These new actions

out further along the supply chain. The

were agreed at the TTF’s AGM in November 2020.

campaign is also being supported by the Timber

“Merchants who join with TTF and WPA

Decking & Cladding Association. “Merchants

in promoting correctly-treated timber this

who want to be at the forefront of the added

spring and summer will be able to catch the

value opportunity that preservative treated

wave, business-wise,” adds TTF’s Nick Boulton.

timber represents need to make sure their

“Take the opportunity to demonstrate your

staff are up to speed,” says Nick Boulton, TTF’s

timber treatment knowledge and reap the

Head of Technical & Trade. “The campaign will

reputational business benefits of doing so.”

be rolling out further along the supply chain More at  www.ttf.co.uk

through spring and summer and beyond.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

12

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

charcoal

crafted by nature and perfected by experts IRO - which is Japanese for ‘colour’ - is inspired by yakisugi, the Japenese method of charring timber. We’re combining one of the oldest, most versatile building materials with progressive design techniques to redefine how natural timber can be used in modern spaces, putting you in control.

As people turn to colour to elicit different moods and to energise their buildings, IRO’s collection of colours evokes emotion and excitement, embracing creativity over dull tones and faded palettes.

contact us for more information hello@irotimber.co.uk | www.irotimber.co.uk

HAPA Architects charcoal IRO external cladding external, square edge, 25mm x 150mm x 3600mm

Advertise with Timber Media’s Products & Services

For more information call Terry Hanlon on 01925 270093 or email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

13

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  DECKING

Timber Decking Bucks the Trend The events of the last 12 months have certainly made us redefine how we regard our private outdoor spaces. Forced to spend long periods of time cooped up at home, these spaces have become our havens, increasingly important for mental health and wellbeing.

I

t seems more and more of us

The huge increase in demand for timber

knowing all too well of its versatile, tactile

have turned our attentions to

decking has resulted in many retailers

and environmentally friendly qualities. Our

improving our gardens, seeing

reporting record year turnovers, re-enforcing

members continue to inspire us with their

them more as an extension

the enduring popularity of wood. The

innovative new decking products, designed

to the home. And natural and easy to use

Timber Decking & Cladding Association

not only to reflect but to energise home

timber appears to be the material of choice.

(TDCA) shares this love affair with wood –

improvement trends.

 Case Study: Soft colour makes a bold statement The Minnie family wanted to create a modern

‘Dolphin’ grey with ‘Charcoal’ black around

but simplistic space to wind down during the

the border. This tied in nicely with their

evening. They were looking for a product

black window frames and meant the

that offered something a bit different – they

modern, minimalistic look was consistent

found IRO from BSW Timber.

throughout the house and garden.

IRO means ‘colour’ in Japanese.

The family were drawn to the smooth

Inspired by the ancient Japanese method

feel of the IRO deck board, especially under

of charring timber – Yakisugi, IRO is heat

barefoot and that’s also the beauty of a timber

enhanced and coated in wood cream

deck – in the summer months it doesn’t get

resulting in a striking grain appearance.

unbearably hot. With the aid of the IRO ‘touch-

IRO is available in a range of 10 colours,

up’ colour product their deck can be refreshed

IRO is DeckMark approved and is also

including driftwood white, poppy red

years down the line, making it look as new for

available as a cladding product – learn

and lagoon blue. The Minnie family chose

many more summers to come.

more here  www.irotimber.co.uk

IRO deck boards in Dolphin and Charcoal

 Case Study: Durability and sustainability in the heart of Glencoe When we are allowed to leave our homes

choice – specified correctly it provides many

and go on holiday again in the not too distant

years of service and offers a sustainable

future, a trip to Woodlands in the breath-

option when it comes to selecting a building

taking Scottish landscape might be on your

material. Already five years in situ and the

list of destinations. In these ‘Luxury Wee

European Redwood Pine deck boards look

Lodges’, nestled in the heart of the forest,

great and are performing well.

Gripsure’s Premier anti-slip timber decking

Gripsure Premier deck boards, images courtesy of Woodlands Glencoe.

Gripsure’s Premier anti-slip decking offers

provides the perfect veranda of each cabin

a 10-year warranty and carries the TDCA

and around the hot tubs, with boardwalks

DeckMark Plus accreditation which means it

and steps weaving guests through the trees

has undergone additional specific technical

and safely up to their accommodation.

or safety evaluations by a recognised

be kept clean, to ensure safety through the

The brief was to find a product which

quantitative procedure, in this case slip

use of anti-slip measures.

offered durability in the harsh and wet winter

resistance testing. It is important for any

conditions and beauty to compliment the

decking project which includes steps, is under

Learn more about Gripsure products

surrounding area. Timber is of course a great

trees, will encounter heavy footfall or will not

here  www.gripsure.co.uk

TDCA exists to provide key support and information to help ensure that all decks are built to a high standard, using quality materials.

Through our growing membership we can promote accredited suppliers, products and installers who share our passion to build decks the right way with durable materials. More at  www.tdca.org.uk

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

14

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

OUR PRODUCT? PEACE OF MIND. OUR SERVICE? PIECE OF CAKE. When it comes to protecting your timber products in the low pressure market, Koppers PROTIM offers continued supply for the long-term.

Available Now

• Take advantage of a long-term, trustworthy supply of PROTIM products • For use on Use Class 1, 2 and 3 Coated timbers • Get in touch today

www.kopperspc.eu | kpc.uk.sales@koppers.eu |+44 (0)1628 486644 ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that eect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2020.

THE TIMBER CLADDING HANDBOOK for specifiers, buyers and installers

FREE

- Why Timber is a Good Choice - Cladding Design - Materials Design - Cladding Installation - Maintenance - UK Building Regulations and Compliance - Key Points Checklist - Sources of information

DOWNLOAD OR order hard copy for only

£12 Cladding

THE TIMBER CLADDING HANDBOOK

Material Selection: Visual Grading

Design

To the righ t: standar d cladding profiles with vary ing colo finishin ur and g options shown arrange in differe ments nt .

Appearance Grading

Grey colu mn belo w: open screenin jointed Timber is a natural grown material with species specific features and attributes – so every g, differin g board custom piece of timber cladding will look slightly different. widths made clad and ding pan more bes els pro poke des vide ign opt The appearance can be affected by the following characteristics – these will have a ions. bearing on the aesthetics but could also affect the quality of the cladding. To take into

account the occurrence of these natural attributes, timber cladding is graded but such grading systems can differ from supplier to supplier.

TELL ME MORE >

Examples of typical timber characteristics:

BS8605-1 External Timber Cladding Part 1: Method of specifying

Knots: their type, size, frequency and position

Grain slope

Bark pockets

Spiral grain

End shakes

Resin pockets

Exposed pith

cites BS EN 942, 14519, 14951 and 15146 as being acceptable appearance grading systems. ____________________________________ BS 1186:3 1990 - Timber for and workmanship in joinery BS EN 942 - Timber in Joinery Whilst BS 1186 has been superseded by the harmonised European Standard BS EN 942 it is still widely referenced in the supply chain and by designers with regard to guidance on the appearance quality of timber for different applications. BS 1186 details the limits of visual characteristics that can affect the surface of cladding such as: knots, splits, resin pockets, sapwood, exposed pith and grain straightness etc. Modern day manufacturing practices and material approval procedures have largely superseded its use.

Ask your supplier to describe in detail (and show you), the grade(s) that they supply.

Depending on the timber species, the supplier may have more than one appearance grade available of the same type of cladding. This will sometimes include batch tolerances (i.e. percentages of cladding within packs which may meet a lower grade).

For obvious reasons, appearance grading criteria reflects the weather exposed face more than the concealed face of the cladding.

9

12

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

15

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

THE TIM

BER CLA

DDING

HANDBO

OK

COVER STORY  ROTHOBLAAS

Keeping Timber Connected

Rothoblaas, the Italian multinational manufacturer of high technology timber solutions, has opened the doors to its brand new UK subsidiary in Manchester. Eve Dennehy caught up with Stefano Muscoloni, newly appointed CEO of Rothoblaas UK to find out more.

R

othoblaas is much more than just a manufacturer,

What can you tell us about what’s happening in the UK market

tell us more about the company?

overall and why have you taken the decision to expand your

“Rothoblaas is an Italian multinational company providing

base here?

“The decision to open the UK subsidiary was due partly to growth in

high technology solutions for the timber sector. We want to be recognised as an innovative company: a company

the market and because we now have six members of staff here. Also,

that spreads the know-how as well as the technology. Our headquarters

for Brexit purposes, having a subsidiary in the UK helps us with import

are based in the Dolomite region of Northern Italy from where we

and export – for example we can provide all our documentation in

provide worldwide product and support services that cover every need

Sterling instead of the Euro and this is a major benefit.”

for timber construction, in particular for mass timber construction, and What is your UK strategy and how does it fit into the company’s

specialising in cross laminated timber (CLT).

“The roots of Rothoblaas go back to 1991, and this year we celebrate

overall strategy?

“Our strategy is related to growing the mass timber market. The UK

our 30th anniversary. The Company was formed by Robert Blaas when he was 24 and running his own business selling machines for carpenters. He

market is strong, with increasing numbers of designers, engineers and

was active initially just in the Dolomite region, subsequently growing to

contractors keen to use mass timber. We need to aid the process of growing

cover the whole of Italy and finally reaching an international market. He

the market in this direction. We’re working with all the main mass timber

was joined in the business in 1993 by Peter Lang who was just 20 at the

contractors in the UK as well as many of the largest companies in modular

time and together they identified a gap in the market which led them to

construction so you can see Rothoblaas fixings, tapes and membranes in

develop Rothoblaas into the company it is today.

most mass timber buildings here. We also see the importance in helping to

“They were pioneers, but there was also an element of luck in

develop the market for timber frame, carpentry and joinery.”

that they happened to be based in the area in which CLT was born. In the early 1990s the mass timber market was based predominantly in

Tell us more about your range of products and services...

“We design and manufacture fastenings: screws, connectors,

this same area of northern Italy, Austria and Germany and it focused mainly on private homes and small structures. What Robert and

hidden connections – everything required to connect two pieces of

Peter understood was that the market for timber construction would

timber. Our range also includes fall protection systems, Passivhaus

inevitably head in this direction, that CLT would be the market for the

products such as membranes and tapes, and noise reduction systems

future. They were the first to believe in this material as the future of

which is quite new to the market. Around 5% of our turnover comes

construction and decided to move into the design and production of

from our large range of carpentry tools and machines. In Italy carpentry

fasteners and screws, going on to develop the full range of products

is a common trade which is why we’ve developed such a large range,

and services needed for all elements of timber construction. In fact the

and this enables us to supply specialised carpentry products to the UK

only product Rothoblaas doesn’t provide is the timber itself.”

market that would be difficult to find here otherwise.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

16

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

COVER STORY  ROTHOBLAAS

As a company you are committed to R&D. How do you

important market, we gradually increased the number of agents to six

collaborate with leading academic institutions to further

and began to raise our profile. It’s a streamlined and efficient way of

timber knowledge and technology?

working, the idea is to increase the structure in each country and to

“We take care internally of the R&D for all of our products

have a subsidiary Rothoblaas with an office and a warehouse.”

from concept to market entry. Very often the ideas come from our collaboration with universities or contractors or builders. It’s very

With the unforgiving demands of international ‘just in time

important to us that we’re working with the best timber construction

delivery’, how do you organise your global logistics to keep up?

universities around the world, such as the Universities of Trento

“Our way to be in the market is to have the product very close to

Innsbruck, Edinburgh Napier and different universities in France and

our customer to ensure that we meet their needs. We aim to provide

Germany.

product for our clients in two or three days and to achieve this we have 22 subsidiaries and twelve warehouses including in the United States,

You recently launched the ground-breaking Spider connector,

Japan, South Africa, and the UK.

how is this product likely to further what is possible for mass timber construction?

“We have two warehouses in Europe: our largest is at our Italian HQ. This warehouse was expanded four years ago, but demand had already

“This component will advance what is possible for timber

outgrown it after only three years and we are currently building a new,

construction as it allows column connection directly to the CLT floor

fully automated warehouse to replace it which will have double the

structure without the use of beams, which was not previously a

capacity and an additional 3,200 m2 space for stocking products. There

possibility. Because the Spider allows you to build more like a concrete

will also be 1,200 m2 for new offices. The new warehouse will operate

structure, it opens up possibilities for designing commercial and

24 hours a day, 7 days a week using a sophisticated robotic system that

multistorey buildings with open plan spaces which is not possible using

automatically stocks each pallet according to a software formula, then

CLT wall panels alone. It will also enable building at greater height.

collects the pallets to be loaded into specific trucks.

“The Spider has already been used in three projects in Italy and Austria and we have just received approval for another project in the north of Italy. Although in the UK we don’t yet have a live project, we are receiving several requests for the Spider including an enquiry for a 14-storey under consideration in London.”

Rothoblaas is operative in more than 70

Our strategy is related to growing the mass timber market. The UK market is strong, with increasing numbers of designers, engineers and contractors keen to use mass timber. We need to aid the process of growing the market in this direction

countries and is expanding to new areas – what is your model for providing ‘on the ground’ technical support?

“We are currently expanding into several new territories, mainly

“Product for all the other warehouses around the world will be

the US and Canada, but also South America and Asia. We also now

stocked here and from this central position of northern Italy we’ll stock

have technical agents in China, Thailand, Japan. We have around

the product for the whole of Europe. As a great example of material re-

480 employees worldwide. Our model is to have one or two highly-

use, some of the original CLT from the old warehouse is being recycled

trained technical agents in each country. For example in Thailand,

and shipped to Chile where it is being used to build a new warehouse.

we’ve recently begun to have some projects in mass timber so we’ve

This means that the original timber can go on to store CO2 for the

appointed a locally-based technical agent to develop this market. This

lifetime of a second building.”

is what happened in the UK in 2013 when we were working with just More at  www.rothoblaas.com

a few contractors on their mass timber projects. Seeing the UK as an

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

17

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  ROOFING

An Ace of Space For architects, developers, housebuilders and importantly for homeowners, room in roof systems provide more space and breathe new life into a buildings’ traditional ‘dead zone’.

U

sing timber technology and offsite manufacture methods,

The factory-controlled manufacture means the products are created

room in roof systems are becoming increasingly popular

under strict quality control procedures. This helps ensure no cold spots in the

for building designers and specifiers, offering a complete

panels or spandrels that may arise from more traditional construction methods

roof solution and helping maximise sellable space by

onsite. This is an important factor in the drive to close the performance gap.

developing the extra space.

The risk of downtime associated with co-ordinating multiple trades, product

Amongst the market leaders in the UK is Smartroof, whose systems

deliveries and safe storage of materials from different suppliers for traditional

comprise of a series of factory-produced panels incorporating insulated roof

room in roof is virtually eliminated. This helps free up the housebuilder’s skilled

panels, spandrel wall panels, dormers, roof windows, GRP chimneys, soffit and

trades onsite to speed up the build programme.

fascia – all delivered to site as a complete package and craned into place. Once insitu, the roofs simply require roof tiling. The system has many benefits including less waste, a better overall control of quality, and are safer and more efficient to install. Room in roof systems also include less time spent working at height and erecting scaffolding in confined spaces. Reduced vehicle movements onsite and less manual handling is a further benefit during the install process and the risk associated with falling blockwork from exposed gable walls is eliminated.

To cope with the increased specification of its panelised room in roof system, Smartroof recently completed a £1.2 million investment in its Derbyshire production facility to further drive efficiencies, improve quality and meet the growing demand for its roof system. The investment at the company’s Swadlincote facility will see manufacturing capabilities increase by 150%, meaning they will have the ability to produce up to 25 plots per day.

As part of the investment at the 48,000sq ft production facility, attention has been paid to layout and flow of materials. Five state-of-the-art fabrication bays have been installed along with 18 new overhead cranes. To further

Speaking about the company’s investment in its UK manufacturing

increase the efficiency of production processes, new automated CNC saws

operation, Kevin Sherlock, Managing Director at Smartroof said: “Following

enable safe, accurate and fast cross-cutting, while new roof and spandrel

the continuing growth of our business it became clear we needed to further

benches have been constructed to incorporate retractable airline hoses

invest in our production facility to match the expectation and growth in

for improved safety. Whilst improving staff safety and reducing waste, the

demand from our customers. With housebuilders turning to ‘room in roof’

investment has dramatically increased the company’s production capability.

systems, this investment has allowed us to improve our output and support

The investment programme has reinforced Smartroof’s position as

the delivery of UK housing programmes with an innovative system that meets

one of the UK’s leading offsite manufacturers of room in roof solutions,

the requirements for quality, safety and performance. The growth in home

enabling the company to meet the housing sectors growing demand

working and the need for extra dedicated space – rather than the dining room

whilst improving working conditions of its growing workforce. Being

table – will also mean housebuilders will be looking for ways to maximise

manufactured offsite it offers a whole range of benefits associated with

available space and financial return. Our ‘room in roof’ system is a solution they

moving roof construction away from the building site and into a factory

will want to explore as we look to exploit a new home’s full potential.”

controlled environment, ranging from improved health and safety, speed More at  www.smartroof.co.uk

of construction, risk and cost certainty and consistent quality.

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

18

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

Learn more by visiting: www.posi-joist.co.uk

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

19

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

THE BIG INTERVIEW  CSIC

The Shape of Future Construction Sam Hart, innovation manager at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) spoke to us about the huge and far reaching growth in digital tools and technology across the timber and construction sectors.

T

he timber sector has traditionally been slow to

cells, or other machines – they will be produced exactly as prescribed

adopt digital tools and the use of BIM? Is this true

by the computer and put together in a factory setting. It is almost

and how is CSIC changing that attitude?

inevitable that on a site, where there may be rain, snow, or wind, you

“I wouldn’t say the timber sector has been slow to adopt

cannot deliver the same levels of quality manually as a computer can in

digital tools. In fact, with timber construction largely based around

a controlled environment, like a factory.

“In turn, that transfers through to a building’s energy efficiency –

offsite manufacturing, in many ways it has proven faster than other parts of the industry on the uptake of technologies such as computer

greater accuracy during construction means they are inherently more

aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.

airtight. Insulation, for instance, can be blown into any spaces with

“Broadly speaking, the adoption of BIM is led by the size of projects.

precision, rather than shoved into gaps. Automated processes can be

Although it can still be useful, smaller projects probably do not see the

monitored in line with a very strict quality assurance regime, which

same depth and range of the benefits that BIM has to offer compared

means they perform much better. Buildings will also have a much

to what larger ones can realise. And, from a more general perspective,

greater chance of performing as they have been designed to, using

digital tools are very much in use by timber construction companies

digital tools – bridging the performance gap that has long been an

in a number of different ways, from building timber frame houses to

issue.

“There is, however, a flipside to that. Trades involved in the

panellised or fully modular projects.

“Among our current cohort of projects, we have been building

construction process need to know the exact specifications and

a demonstration housing unit with UK-grown timber that will be

tolerances being worked to – everything they are producing has to

showcased at COP26 later this year. As part of the initiative, we are

fit precisely with that. Communication throughout the supply chain,

developing a full digital twin, which feeds back data on everything from

therefore, becomes absolutely key and has to be factored in to a

productivity and the manufacturing process, to sustainability and post-

greater degree than it even normally would be.”

occupancy performance. It will evidence the benefits of not only using homegrown timber, but also the possibilities opened up by access to a

The growth in Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (AR/VR)

digital twin in construction.”

and robotics has huge potential in revolutionising the way we design, build and monitor building performance – what

There is a digital transformation taking place across the

projects are CSIC working on?

construction industry everywhere – especially with increased

“The Covid-19 pandemic has obviously limited people’s ability to

use of offsite manufacture – what key benefits do digital tools

travel and, for the construction industry that can be challenging – not

bring to providing better quality and energy efficient buildings?

least from a regulatory and standards perspective. Specifically, one

“Ultimately, it is about the quality of product that can be delivered

of the issues is that officials from local authorities have been unable

with precision engineering. Using a computer to design a building at

to verify that buildings under construction are compliant with current

an early stage allows you to be much more accurate with the plans,

standards.

“We have been working with the University of Strathclyde and

adhering to far stricter tolerances. When that data is transferred to an automated process – whether it is robotics, offsite manufacturing

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

Robert Gordon University to address this issue. We are designing a VR

20

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

THE BIG INTERVIEW  CSIC

and AR system that will allow building standards officials to remotely tour a site as it is being built and make the necessary checks. While this technology has an obvious use at the moment, it could also be employed more routinely in the future – particularly in rural and remote areas, where travelling to sites may take hours.

“That said, not every local authority will have access to, or the means to purchase, VR and AR hardware. So, we are also working on a more rudimentary form of the technology which could allow them to remotely inspect sites through an app on their mobile or tablet for simple checks like whether doors and walls are in the correct place, before moving into more complex areas.”

What is the future for homegrown CLT and what role is CSIC playing in developing this?

“Laminated timber of all kinds – cross laminated timber (CLT), nail laminated timber (NLT), and glued laminated timber (GLT) – is a key focus of what we do at CSIC. In fact, the vast majority of my current work is in these areas. Previous research from Edinburgh Napier University has shown that homegrown timber can be used for structural applications and we began the commercialisation of mass timber in earnest around two years ago.

“We took the next step in that process with the project we announced last year that will lead to the demonstration of a UK-grown timber housing unit at COP26 in November. The walls will be made from CLT, the floors from GLT, and NLT will be used in the roof. Through the increased use of homegrown timber in commercial construction and housebuilding, we can reduce our reliance on imported timber. There should be a range of knock-on benefits from that in terms of costs for construction companies, reduced carbon footprint, and in a wider economic sense from the setting up of new and more resilient supply chains in the UK. “However, we need to raise awareness in the industry and a big part of this project is about doing that. Ultimately, greater sustainable use of our natural and renewable resources will deliver a range of environmental, cost, and economic benefits for Scotland and the wider UK, as well as for individual businesses.”

The digitalisation of construction and the timber sector is attracting a younger and more diverse group of industry

developing, and future workforce, while helping to build confidence

entrants – how is CSIC helping develop and deliver this change

within our industry partners that robust talent pipelines are in place.

in skillsets?

We also recognise that the skills required within the workforce are

“The transition from traditional to modern methods of construction

rapidly and continuously changing. This requires a high degree of

represents a significant shift in the way that we design, manufacture,

flexibility within our education programmes and increases our focus

and assemble, or construct buildings. It also impacts on the skills that

on developing transferable, or meta-skills, which augment the skills

are required by those involved in the process, and the competencies

traditionally associated with construction job roles. We can, therefore,

and standards that we associate with job roles in the industry.

expect to see continued interest and investment in innovation,

“At CSIC, we are committed to supporting our colleges and

creativity, and entrepreneurial skills alongside skills associated with

universities to be fully prepared for the volume up-skilling, res-killing

wider mega-trends such as low carbon, circular economy, and digital

and multi-skilling demands associated with transformational shifts

literacy.”

in industry practice. Our ‘Offsite Ready’ programme, delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, City of Glasgow College,

How can the digital transformation of the construction sector

and a range of industry partners, has supported hundreds of educators

and the wider uptake of BIM help to reduce environmental

to develop knowledge and understanding of offsite construction,

impact and improve building performance?

and to embed their learning into teaching practice. Our ‘Passivhaus’

“In addition to the above, efficiencies in digital and offsite

programme will deliver more than 600 free-to-access training places

construction methods will lead to a reduction in waste. Everything

for operatives over the next 12 months, and our partnership with ‘Fuel

done with these approaches is designed for manufacture and assembly,

Change’ is engaging construction apprentices in the design and use of

disassembly and reassembly, with any waste recycled or used to heat the

low carbon insulation made from locally sourced, natural materials.

factory itself. Greater accuracy during construction improves thermal and

“Investing in developing our educators is a critical precursor to ensuring that our skills system is equipped to support our existing,

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

energy efficiency of buildings and, in Scotland, the more timber used will translate into more carbon sequestered.”

21

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media



THE BIG INTERVIEW  CSIC

CSIC has been in operation since 2014 – how has it delivered so

What plans are there for the next 18 months in terms of

far on its role in introducing and facilitating innovation in the

developing a technology/digital strategy to help businesses

timber, offsite and wider construction sectors?

understand digital tools better – e.g. what work is CSIC

“We have helped a number of companies bring new products,

doing regarding help with understanding the fourth national planning framework (NPF4)?

systems, and processes to fruition.

In our first five years we supported 299 projects, raising nearly

“We are doing a huge amount that focuses on digital – through the

£15 million in investment from industry and other project partners.

Scottish Construction Leadership Forum and working with the Scottish

These initiatives have had real benefits for the companies involved

Futures Trust. On top of some of the projects I’ve outlined, we are

and the construction sector at large, creating £829 million in

working on initiatives that demystify what is available to the sector too.

additional revenues and around £8 million in cost savings, creating and

Digital is a broad term and not every piece of technology is going to be

safeguarding thousands of jobs in the process.

relevant to every business, so we’re putting a lot of effort into helping

“Specifically from an offsite perspective, CSIC facilitated the creation

companies understand the technology they should be looking at and,

of Offsite Solutions Scotland, which brings together some of the country’s

just as importantly, the technology they can largely disregard. As for

leading offsite companies and stakeholders as a co-operative. The idea is

NPF4, it is still an open consultation and we will submit our response

that by working in partnership we can make Scotland a centre of excellence

in due course. Our hope is that it aspires to deliver all the themes that

for the offsite construction industry and transform people’s lives, homes

reflect the future of the industry, underpinning the delivery of greater

and communities using world-leading offsite timber solutions from

energy efficiency, high quality buildings, sustainability targets, and

Scotland, working to a bigger scale and de-risking projects.”

digital enablement for the industry.”

As society deals with Covid-19, can you say more about the i-Con

Will CSIC have a role in the COP26 events?

initiative and how it is assisting the built environment in dealing with effects of the virus on the construction supply chain? “i-Con was set up and funded as a response to Covid-19. It aims to

“The main showcase activity for us around COP26 is the homegrown timber home demonstration, which we hope will be a catalyst for greener housing and a more environmentally friendly

deliver solutions to problems that came up as a result of the pandemic

construction industry in the years to come. We are collaborating with

– the aforementioned project about building standards is an example

stakeholders across the sector on scoping out ways to get involved in

of the type of work it is assisting with. As well as that, another initiative

COP26 to showcase the great work being done across the Scottish built

looked at improving light steel frame gauged manufacturing, while it

environment. We have a lot of ideas and have identified a number of

is also exploring how using offsite construction methods can make it

opportunities which we hope to be able to share soon.”

easier to control the flow of people and drive automation – which, by its More at  www.cs-ic.org

nature, means less human interaction.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

22

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

ADVERTORIAL  LONZA WOOD PROTECTION

David Law to retire from Lonza

The timber industry pay tribute to David Law, marketing manager at Lonza Wood Protection, who is retiring after almost 36 years in the business.

I

n 1985, Great Britain was experiencing a post Falklands

Fiona Scott was a mere wisp of a girl when she and David first

war boom, Margaret Thatcher was an ascending prime

worked together in the 1990’s; now Marcoms specialist at Lonza she

minister, embroiled in the UK miner’s strike against

has continued to work closely with Dave for the past 30 years. Fiona

Arthur Scargill’s National Union of Mineworkers.

remembers: “What a long way Dave and I have come together - from

EastEnders debuted on the TV, the first mobile phone was released

using drawing boards, cutting mats and hand rendering in those early

in the UK and the Sinclair C5 was launched.

days, setting out the Hickson & Welch conference room for meetings

On the first of July that year the Hickson Timber Products publicity

and temperamental slide carousels to the electronic technologies and

team was joined by a mild mannered but ambitious young man

digital communication tools of today. Supportive, creative, dedicated

called David Law. Steve Young, Executive Chairman of the The Wood

and empathetic, Dave has always guided me professionally and as a

Protection Association and Chairman of the Timber Decking & Cladding

friend for a huge chunk of my life and for which I feel very lucky.”

Steve Young commented on Dave’s skills and competitive nature:

Association recalls that day: “In the mid 1980’s Dave joined the publicity team at Hickson

“Throughout the years his skills, ability to adapt, empathy for others,

Timber Products. The department was being expanded to provide a

team loyalty, modesty, occasional stubbornness and all round likeability

Public Relations role for the Hickson International Group. As part of

have endeared him to all who have had the good fortune to work

the PR programme we had just signed a major sponsorship deal with

with him. In or out of the office everything Dave did was tackled with

Castleford Rugby League – Dave was a huge fan! He made it clear to me

determination and a will to succeed.”

Tony Kelly and John Abbott recall the Launch of Tanalith E which

that if he was to join Hickson to lead the design team then management of this sponsorship contract and interface with the club had to be part

was orchestrated under Dave’s hand. “The planning and organisation

of his role. I didn’t hesitate and I have no doubt that Dave’s tireless work

was unseen before in the wood preservation industry. The special

and diplomacy was the key factor in the long-running success of this

evening dinner hosted by Phil Tufnell will be in-grained in our minds

sponsorship deal and its PR benefit to the Hickson Group.”

forever.“ Tony Kelly as Lonza MD appointed Andy Hodge as Marketing

Janet Sycamore of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association

Director for Lonza in 2014, Andy and Dave teamed up in the summer

also worked with Dave and recollects those times: “I worked with David

of that year. Andy recalls: “I remember walking into the Castleford

for 10 years and his work ethic was just to get his head down and crack

marketing suite for the first time and meeting Dave and the team. The

on with things. He was so hardworking and dedicated and his capacity

offices were dated but the creativity was abundant and I knew instantly

to get things done was immense. He thought nothing of putting in

this was friendly and fertile territory. I had met Dave on many occasions

extra hours being first in and last to leave regularly. He became a pro at

at trade shows and events and admired his attention to detail. In all

making sure everything fell in to place and everyone was notified. It’s

honesty I was very much looking forward to working with him.”

Severn Valley Woodworks Director David Twigg writes: “In the

his enthusiasm and dedication and his calm and methodical approach that impressed and inspired. A managers dream really.”

ensuing years leading up to retirement Dave has continued to be a

Dr Mark Hull reminisces about the way that David has inspired him

valuable asset to Lonza Wood Protection, revelling in delighting his

during their time working together: “I first met David in the Technical

colleagues and the company’s customers. It is a testimony to his skills

Centre when he took a mug shot of me shortly after joining Hickson

and temperament that has enabled Dave to perform at a consistently

Timber Products. Since that time, I have had various mentor figures who

high level over a career spanning from the late 1980s to 2021. Through

I have always looked up to for guidance and with the utmost respect

the good times and the not so good times, he has maintained the

for what they could do and pass on to the younger guy, Brian Winter,

respect of everyone who came into his orbit and retires as one of the

Terry Chiddle and David were always part of that group. However, as is

outstanding characters of the wood protection industry.”

inevitable, my mentors have retired one by one and David is the latest, More at  www.lonzawoodprotection.com/eu

to reach the ‘Final Vacuum’ of his working life.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

23

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  OFFSITE & TIMBER

The Effective Way to Build Is timber frame and modern methods of construction (MMC) the answer to the UK’s many housing demands?

T

he Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called

Importantly, timber is a renewable material, with up to 90% of the

on the government and local authorities for urgent

timber used in the UK coming from certified sustainable sources such as

investment in housing to meet the growing demand for

the FSC and PEFC. The majority of the remaining 10% comes from well

social housing. Homeless charity Crisis recently calculated

managed sources in countries which do not practice certification. For

that 90,000 homes need to be built a year in order to meet this demand.

every tree that is harvested, five are planted in its place which means

Recent studies in the industry to calculate that if these houses were

that it is not only a sustainable method, but one that is integral to the

built using timber frame construction rather than traditional masonry

governments Net Zero by 2050 initiative.

methods, could save the government over £261 million.

Timber frame construction responds to the wider housing

Richard Swayne, Director of Paramount Timber Frame says: “The time has come for the industry to switch to timber frame more

challenges. In fact, building with timber would see the government’s

aggressively. The benefits for using timber instead of traditional

existing target of building 300,000 homes per annum reached far more

masonry methods are tenfold. At Paramount Timber Frame, we know

effectively and sustainably, generating cost savings across the board

there is intense need for delivering high quality, good value housing and

and arguably moving towards bursting the current housing bubble.

fast. Switching to timber frame is how we start to build for tomorrow.

Building with timber is cost effective, with timber frame coming in at around a 2.8%* cost saving. It is also shortening construction time

To not only alleviate the housing crises, but to evolve the industry to becoming more sustainable, for both the environment and society.

Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber

as Rider Levett Bucknall found in a study between the two methods.

The build time for an average timber frame home was only 41 weeks

Association says: “It’s no secret that Britain’s housing construction

compared to 49 weeks for masonry. The two months of saved time

has faced numerous challenges over the decades, from planning

equates to further cost savings on labour most notably, as well as

restrictions, cost of materials and safety issues. Timber construction

improve cash flow by completing projects sooner.

provides a glaringly obvious solution to many of these challenges whilst

The cost savings and efficiency aren’t the only benefit associate

also meeting housing needs efficiently and net zero carbon by 2050

with timber frame. Timber is part of the circular economy, which is the

target. With timber construction we believe we can build back Britain,

most effective carbon store. When used instead of the more traditional

Better, Greener and Faster. Our Time for Timber campaign embodies

building materials, a single cubic metre of timber will save around 0.8

this, bringing together the science, data and industry thought-leaders,

tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. When extended to the 90,000

echoing that the time to change our out-dated construction methods

homes a year – that can make a huge difference to the environment.

is now.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

24

www.timbermedia.co.uk

  @Timber_Media

Are you an engineering or architecture student and want to measure yourself against design professionals? Take part in the competition and design your timber multi-storey structure with our most innovative products! You can win a tour that will start from our Italian headquarters and will end with the participation in the Mass Timber Seminar and the prestigious Forum Holzbau in Innsbruck, two of the most important events in the world of timber construction.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? buildtheimpossible.rothoblaas.com

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

25

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  OFFSITE & TIMBER

A new in-depth NHBC Foundation report has looked at how lessons

housebuilders more confidence. “Offsite production is much quicker

learned from the past century can help increase the use of timber

than brick and block, making it an ideal way to build the homes we

frame and other offsite construction methods. The 48-page document,

so desperately need here,” explains Dan. “But speed is just one of its

Modern Methods of Construction: Building on Experience, looks at steel

merits. It is not speed at the cost of quality. Far from it. Construction

and concrete as well as timber construction. It examines the drivers

within a factory environment means each stage of the process is

which sparked their use in the past and how problems encountered can

carefully measured, with construction details clearly laid down, to

be used as learning tools to ensure the industry can provide enough

ensure the performance of the final building is as predicted. From

high-quality homes over the coming decades.

a thermal point of view a timber frame building can be much more

Although volume housebuilder such as Barratt Developments

efficient than its traditional equivalent.

(with its acquisition of Oregon Timber Frame, one of the UK’s largest

“Elements such as wiring, plumbing and insulation take place

timber frame manufacturers) have adopted timber frame more with

in the factory. Our insulation systems, which can eliminate thermal

targets of building at least 20% of its homes using an element of offsite

bridging and in real life deliver or improve on the U-values predicted

construction including timber frame, it is still not fully understood from

under lab conditions, take between 25 and 50% less time to install than

a volume housebuilder perspective.

traditional alternatives, which all helps to speed up the process.”

Actis specification manager Dan Anson-Hart, who works with many in the UK timber frame industry says the report should now give volume

In his foreword to the NHBC report, Government MMC champion Mark Farmer said: “Calls for a system of prefabrication, which would enable us to build houses in the same way as cars and aeroplanes, have been made for nearly a century - often as a response to the extreme

 Timber vs Masonry Savings

need that followed times of social and economic upheaval. As we navigate the Covid-19 crisis and come out of the EU, there is, again,

Average house size:

91 sqm*

an opportunity to innovate, to build better with homes that use new

Cost per sqm for timber:

1,148.38**

technology and delivery mechanisms, meet net zero carbon targets,

Cost per average house size for timber:

104,502.58

and provide jobs of the future.”

Cost per sqm for masonry:

1,180.34**

Cost per average house size for masonry:

107,410.94

The report concludes: “We must harness technological advances and digitally enabled design and deliver economical and numerous factory-

Cost for 90,000 average homes a year in timber: 9,405,232,200

made homes to respond to pressing housing need and the climate crisis.

Cost for 90,000 average homes a year masonry: 9,666,984,600

Homes should be better performing, good-looking and long-lasting, be spacious and comfortable and enhance neighbourhoods. Design should

Cost Saving of £261,752,400

be based on established good practice principles such as construction detailing and building physics like heat loss and ventilation.”

*According to RIBA Homewise report 2015 More at  www.paramounttimberframe.com

**According to study by Rider Levett Bucknall

 www.insulation-actis.com

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

26

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FOR TIMBER THAT KEEPS OUR FORESTS STRONG, ® CHOOSE FSC Our forests give us many things, including a huge variety of timber and timber products.

FSC helps look after forests and the people and wildlife who call them home. So you can use timber, panels and other forest products while keeping our forests full of life. www.fsc-uk.org

FSC®F000231

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

27

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  EDUCATION

Training For The Future As a sector it’s essential for us to consider how we can inspire students into a career in woodworking and joinery manufacture, and support the talented individuals already within our profession, says Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF).

A

Retaining and upskilling our professionals

t the BWF, we welcome the

our sector and provides teachers with free

recent announcement of the

resources to deliver engaging and informative

Skills for Jobs White Paper by

programmes of work. Aligned to the National

In addition to encouraging new talent, as

the Education Secretary Gavin

Curriculum for Design and Technology (D&T),

an industry we need to continue our focus on

Williamson. This will launch a Lifetime Skills

the programme allows students to research

continued professional development (CPD) and

Guarantee and sees both the construction and

and design a timber structure or wood-based

upskilling our professionals, as ongoing training

manufacturing sectors set to gain from the

product as well as identify the best type

and development are fundamental to the

investment in skills and further education. We

of timber to use, taking into consideration

growth of our sector.

are fully committed to working with relevant

sustainable design, production processes and

stakeholders in shaping further education

suitability for end-use.

provision and with our members to facilitate

To help our members raise their skill levels, the BWF Wood Industry Training (WIT) Forum

These forward-thinking initiatives are crucial

works closely with funding partners to support

their role in developing and designing

for opening up the world of woodworking and

member training activity to improve and

industry specific technical courses relevant to

joinery manufacture to students and positioning

increase skills across the sector. For example,

specific job roles.

apprenticeships as an exciting route to a lifelong

the BWF WIT Forum GET Fund provides funding

career in our sector.

support to eligible BWF training group members

Inspiring potential apprentices Attracting new talent into the woodworking

to help them access a wide range of training

Apprenticeship standards

courses.

and joinery manufacturing profession is a key

When new people do join our sector

We also work with Approved Training

priority for the BWF. This crucial work plays a

through apprenticeships, it’s vital to continue

Providers (ATPs) across the UK to provide our

vital role in driving the sector’s post-Covid-19

to consider how programmes are delivered,

members with access to first class education

recovery and supporting the UK’s net zero

and what the apprenticeship standards

provision via the BWF Employee Training Hub.

carbon emission targets through an ongoing

must contain, to ensure that they align with

This provides BWF members with access to a

focus on sustainable construction.

the existing and emerging demands of the

wide range of high-quality skills and training

industry today. The woodworking and joinery

solutions at discounted cost in some areas.

To encourage growth, we’ve launched a number of initiatives to help inspire

manufacture sector is far more technologically

The continued development of our

students and new starters into a career in

advanced in terms of design and manufacturing

professionals is fundamental to the growth

our sector, including the BWF Timber Futures

processes than 10 or 20 years ago, meaning

of our profession. At the start of the year, it’s

campaign, which showcases the wide range of

apprenticeship standards must be consistently

important for us to pause and consider what

opportunities available to existing students and

reviewed to ensure they remain relevant

the woodworking and joinery manufacture

individuals considering a career in woodworking

industry needs.

sector needs in terms of talent to continue on

and joinery. Timber Futures also provides

To address this challenge, we work

its upward path this year. Throughout 2021

resources to encourage education providers to

collaboratively with our members, education

the BWF will have a clear focus on career

continue to or introduce woodworking to the

partners and other stakeholders to maintain

development for those within the profession,

curriculum.

and develop apprenticeship standards so that

skills retention and attracting future talent

they remain fit-for-purpose. This approach helps

so that our sector continues to thrive and

‘WOW I MADE THAT!’ education programme,

address new demands on skills and training

becomes a champion of continued professional

created to inspire students in Years 9-12 to

to produce apprentices that are work ready

development and best practice.

get into woodworking. The programme offers

and have the skills, knowledge and behaviours

insight into the roles and projects within

needed to progress on their chosen career path.

A key tool within Timber Futures is the

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

28

More at  www.bwf.org.uk

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

Grow Your Business Timber Media has launched our e-marketing service for advertisers.

With over 5,000 timber industry business professional contacts, we can send your bespoke, solus e-newsletter to top decision makers in our industry... but be quick, the service is limited to one e-newsletter per week which will be mailed on a Monday to our mailing list.

A second e-newsletter will be sent the following Thursday to engage contacts who opened but did not click the links. You’ll then receive a statistics report for the two e-newsletters the following Monday.

All for a set price of only £500 (+vat)

To book your slot today email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

29

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  TIMBER & PASSIVHAUS

Maximising Energy Efficiency

MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY PROPASSIV proved to be a winning combination for the first oak frame Passivhaus to be built in the heart of Wiltshire, South West England.

B

uilt by award-winning construction company Erigo

control properties, used as structural sheathing in timber frame

Developments, ‘Seldom Seen’, a private detached

buildings. These features eliminate the need for additional air and

residence, was at the time of completion the first house

vapour control layer (AVCL) membranes. Its coating also provides a

in Wiltshire to meet the Passivhaus standard. It still ranks

durable, smooth surface perfect for the use of airtight tape at the panel

as only the eighth certified Passivhaus in the South West of England.

Designed around a traditional oak frame and finished in oak cladding, the house was strategically sympathetic to its rural Area of Outstanding

joints. SMARTPLY’s in-house speciality surfacing technology provides this integrated vapour barrier, which delivers high and constant vapour resistance across the whole surface.

Natural Beauty (AONB) setting. The combination of MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY PROPASSIV helped to achieve its Passivhaus status.

“At the time, there was nothing else on the market that fulfilled

For this project, the timber frame was in-filled with Icynene Sprayfoam insulation, with SMARTPLY PROPASSIV lining the interior, alongside plasterboard facing the room. MEDITE VENT was installed on

its role in this location,” said Rebecca Thursby, Director of Erigo

the exterior of the spray foam, which was then topped with Tyvek wrap

Developments. “We used an oak frame to create the external envelope

and finished with the timber cladding.

and then choose both MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY PROPASSIV to

MEDITE SMARTPLY’s entire product range, including MEDITE VENT

achieve the level of airtightness required to meet the Passivhaus

and SMARTPLY PROPASSIV, is manufactured with FSC-certified Irish

standard. We managed to get the airtightness down to 0.38 ACH @ 50

timber, from their own sustainably managed forests, demonstrating a

Pascals, which is very good.”

clear supply chain and manufacturing process.

To reach Passivhaus standard, a building must achieve an airtightness

Being conscious of how this industry impacts the environment is

level of 0.6ACH (air change per Hour) at 50 Pascals or less. In other words,

also something that Erigo Developments takes very seriously. Erigo is an

the volume of uncontrolled air leakages in one hour must be less than

award-winning construction company that puts an exceptionally strong

0.6 times the overall building volume when the difference in air pressure

focus on being environmentally responsible. The company demonstrates

between the indoors and outdoors is 50 Pascals. In this case, Pascals

this by selecting carbon responsible materials and always aiming to

indicates the air pressure difference between inside the building and

achieve zero non-hazardous waste to landfill in all of their projects.

outside the building for the airtightness test. Reaching an airtightness level of 0.38 can be considered a remarkable achievement.

Perfect for use in low energy buildings, MEDITE VENT is a high

“We’ve made a commitment that we’re only going to build to a Passivhaus standard going forward, and to build with carbon responsible materials,” adds Rebecca. “I think everyone needs to do their bit to combat

performance, breathable sheathing panel, suitable for use in timber

climate change. I think that building regulations need to go further in terms

frame structures. It boasts high racking strength in excess of Category 1

of power requirements and what’s needed from houses now to achieve

requirements, and high vapour permeability alongside weather resistance.

energy efficiency. That way, everyone knows what they can do in order to

Its extremely low vapour diffusion factor helps to prevent condensation

reduce their energy demands. There also needs to be more incentives in

and because it is manufactured with no added formaldehyde, it contributes

place to make people choose carbon responsible materials.”

to both a healthier working environment for installing contractors and a More at  www.erigodevelopments.co.uk

healthier living environment for building occupants.

 mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-propassiv

This intelligently formulated panel is teamed with SMARTPLY

 mdfosb.com/en/products/medite-vent

PROPASSIV, an airtight structural OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

30

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

31

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

Enhanced thermal performance for awardwinning service families’ accommodation, Salisbury Plain

Quality Fixing Supplies Ltd

Your one-stop shop for: • Bolts and Nuts

• Furniture Fixings

• Drill Bits

• Washers

• Roofing Bolts

• Tools

• Concrete Anchors

• Hook Bolts

• Helicoil Inserts

• Nails

• Eye Bolts

• Wood Screws

• Staples

• Security Fixings

• Plastic Plug

• Rivets

• Drill Screws

• Socket Screws

• Threaded Bar

• Pallet Wrap

• Tube & Fittings

• Window Screws

• Sealants

• Valves

The superior quality of Reflectashield® TF 0.81 breather membrane from the A. Proctor Group has been installed to ensure a highly efficient thermal performance for a series of new housing schemes on Salisbury Plain set to accommodate service personnel relocating from Germany.

New - Assorted Trays

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation commissioned Lovell with the task of delivering a total of 917 homes, of which specialist contractor, Taylor Lane Timber Frame, erected 450 of its timber frame kits. Recognition of the high standards achieved was further endorsed when the project was awarded the prestigious ‘Timber Frame Project of the Year’ at the Structural Timber Awards.

Comprehensive range of problem solving handy mixed sets. Offering a wide variery of commonly used items designed to cover the majority of small jobs that need a quick fix. Packaged in robust trays that can be securely clipped shut, ready for the next task

Commenting on the selection of Reflectashield TF 0.81 Derek Gough, Senior Estimator for Taylor Lane explains: “Taylor Lane has been designing and manufacturing top quality timber frame systems for over 40 years for a wide variety of sectors. All products chosen for use within the manufacturing of our homes have to be consistent with our customer’s expectations of the highest quality and performance.

“For the Salisbury Plain project, our 140mm timber frame system was used with a requirement for the chosen insulation to achieve a U-value of 0.21 W/m2K. Each property was designed to have an energy performance 19% greater than Building Regulations requirements. We use Reflectashield TF 0.81 on all of our projects and in our experience believe it to be one of the best membranes on the market.

“Installed on the external face of the timber frame, foil side face out, the use of Reflectashield TF 0.81 enabled us to achieve the required U-value whilst using the minimum amount of insulation. It also provides excellent tear resistance and protection for our timber frame panels.”

26 Unit Factory Estate, Argyle Street, Hull, HU3 1HD Tel: 01482 210635 Email: lee.harding@qfshull.co.uk Web: www.qfshull.co.uk

Reflectashield TF 0.81 complies well within the low vapour resistance requirements set out by BS 4016, TRADA and the NHBC. For more information contact www.proctorgroup.com

Launch of The Timber Cladding Handbook

THE TIMBER CLADDING HANDBOOK

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) in collaboration with The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have jointly published a new resource – The Timber Cladding Handbook.

Norbord’s updated online and interactive resources needed for building in 2021

Produced with support from the Wood Protection Association (WPA), Wood Campus and with technical input from Dr Ivor Davies, the Handbook is aimed at specifiers, buyers and installers of timber cladding.

A go-to reference The 48 page book provides clear, relevant and up to date information covering cladding design, installation, material choice and UK building regulation compliance. The Handbook references a new version of the TRADA External Timber Cladding manual which is due for release in late spring/early summer. The two documents will complement each other – the Handbook acting as a forerunner with summarised and illustrative guidance with TRADA’s being more detailed and of particular interest to the specification and professional installer market.

As the UK’s biggest supplier of premium engineered wood panels to the UK construction and housebuilding market, Norbord has always been committed to supporting customers in a variety of ways. The combination of a downloadable checklist for housebuilders and an interactive product guide is just the tool needed for specifying the right panel product in all sorts of applications.

Housebuilders can download a checklist from the housebuilders’ page of the website which will help in the selection of the perfect product from floor to roof. The checklist is just one of many resources available on the Norbord website designed especially for the housebuilder.

Partnership Agreement

The housebuilders’ page also includes a fully interactive product guide to download, details of projects using Norbord’s popular boards, answers to frequently asked questions and samples and brochures to order. The guide is already proving to be an invaluable online resource for housebuilders, specifiers and architects. A simple click on the tabs at the side of the guide opens up the chosen product, application or technical information. Whatever the project, the easy-tonavigate guide makes choosing the right product simple. The guide contains all the information needed on panels in the SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor and CaberWood MDF portfolios, including detailed technical product data and installation advice. In addition to this, Norbord’s booklet highlights different applications, including roofing, flooring, walling, timber frames, hoarding, shopfitting, and furniture among others such as moulding and packing.

The Handbook has been produced as part of the TDCA/TTF partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the market for timber cladding and decking and the teams are working on a Timber Decking Handbook due for circulation in Spring, watch this space for further information.

Janet Sycamore – TDCA Director of Operations, commented: “This clear and well-illustrated document has been produced to help prevent the common and easily avoidable problems that we see over and over again and we are delighted with the result. The complexities of designing, creating and installing timber cladding can be quite daunting but this Handbook brings everything together in one accessible source. We hope it will prove to be a valuable reference for anyone involved with timber cladding”.

The guide, which also encompasses contact information for general enquiries and technical expertise, is the ultimate tool for specifying panel products in the building and construction industries and can be downloaded from the housebuilders’ page on Norbord’s website, or if a paper copy of the guide is preferred this can be ordered here at www.norbord.co.uk/samples.

For those looking for added assurances of quality, the TDCA operates the CladMark quality accreditation schemes covering materials and installers. They provide evidence of compliance with the good manufacturing practices and the sound installation techniques required by the TDCA. The Timber Cladding Handbook is available as a free pdf download at: www.tdca.org.uk/ publications with printed versions costing £12 each including P&P.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk

Timber Construction Magazine

Spring 2021

for specifiers, buyers and installers

32

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

YOUR PARTNER IN CERTIFIED TIMBER BERGSTRAAT 25 | B-8511 AALBEKE | BELGIUM | T. +32 (0)56 43 33 33 | F. +32 (0)56 43 33 34 GENEVIEVE@VANDECASTEELE.BE | DAVE@VANDECASTEELE.BE | WWW.VANDECASTEELE.BE

MEDITE makes it real

®

From windows and doors to tables and chairs. To kitchen cupboards, skirting and bespoke-crafted stairs. For dolls houses and toys, putting smiles on little ones’ faces. And planters and baskets in our beloved green spaces. The clocks, the picture frames that adorn living room walls. The desks for home working and learning in schools.

Engineered wood panels for imaginative builds, whether practical or playful, MEDITE® makes it real.

Join the MEDITE MDF community online to receive the latest updates and to be entered into a competition – sign up to receive a free gift.

Visit meditemakesitreal.com for more information.

Dreamers welcome!