Timber Construction Magazine Issue 7 Spring 2019

07 SPRING 2019 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)

Photo © SMARTLAM

WOOD AND WELLBEING Improving human health and wellbeing through certified wood and green buildings / 12 TALKING TIMBER

PREVIEW: FUTUREBUILD 2019

Martin Whitfield MP Chair of the APPG on Timber Industries talks about promoting the sector’s interests / 09

The evolution of ecobuild is expanding for 2019 / 29

01582 592707

CONTENTS SPRING 2019 09

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 02 NEWS

11

The latest news from the sector including advice over due diligence checks in the event of a no deal Brexit and stabilising prices for the timber market

09 INTERVIEW: MARTIN WHITFIELD MP

The Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Timber Industries talks about promoting the interests of the sector and the post-Brexit landscape

11 STANDING UP FOR TIMBER

Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation Helen Hewitt talks about creating a collective voice for the sector

12

12 COVER STORY: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

20

How certified wood and green buildings are improving human health and wellbeing

15 RECRUITMENT

Jim Roach, MD of ARV Solutions, talks about mixed dilemmas and opportunities for offsite

16 TIMBER TRADE 21

As one of the least forested countries in Europe the UK is set to become more dependent on imports as home-grown softwood supplies peak. Owen Davies of FSC UK explains why credible certification is more important than ever

26

17 SHOWCASING BRITISH TIMBER

Timber Construction takes a look at a selection of buildings which are showcasing homegrown timber

20 CHANGING THE GAME IN EDUCATION

Gareth Barber, managing director or the Stable Company, explains how timber is offering a solution that is redefining the modern teaching space

21 LESSONS IN BUILDING WITH TIMBER

Showcasing UK schools and educational buildings constructed from timber

29

35

26 IMPROVING THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Achieving exceptional thermal performance in a Passivhaus timber build

29 PREVIEW: FUTUREBUILD 2019

Futurebuild – the evolution of ecobuild – has announced expansion plans for 2019

35 PROJECT FOCUS: BUSHEY CEMETERY

Waugh Thistleton Architects worked closely with The United Synagogue to enlarge the UK’s most significant Jewish cemetery, with timber featuring heavily in the design

EDITOR Michelle Gordon  michelle.gordon@timbermedia.co.uk

SALES DIRECTOR Terry Hanlon  terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk  01925 270093

DESIGN Pete Awad  artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81

jjI-JOISTS. SMARTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE I -JOIST.

JJI-Joists have an answer for everything built-in. No matter how demanding your job, JJI-Joists are in a class of their own. Solid timber flanges and OSB web make them light but very strong and easy to work with (creating service holes couldn’t be simpler). Our environmental credentials are also second to none. Add to that our technical brains on hand to answer questions - and our design software that gives smart cost-effective answers, and your choice has to be intelligent JJI-Joists. Well, you’d be daft not to.

www.jamesjones.co.uk/ewp EMAIL: jji-joists @ jamesjones.co.uk

01

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

NEWS

MANAGEMENT TEAM QUALIFY AS ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS Six members of NYTimber’s management team have qualified as adult mental health first aiders.

They underwent training, delivered by Mental Health First Aid England, which covered areas including depression, suicide, substance misuse, anxiety, and personality and eating disorders.

It also provided the NYTimber team with a five-point action plan to work through when administering mental health first aid.

The team will use their training to identify and support the recovery of employees that are struggling with mental health problems.

Mental health in the workplace is becoming an increasingly important issue; last year, Theresa May pledged to update health and safety regulations to give mental health the same

(L-R) Darren Coleman, branch development manager, Adam Ramejkis, branch operations manager, Camille Bowman, HR manager, Gordon Bache, operations manager, and Andrew Watters, production manager.

standing as physical health. It is the aim for all UK employers to have qualified mental health

and this should not be limited to physical health.

with mental health issues, employers can help

first aiders in place, in the same way there are

This is especially important at NYTimber where

prevent suicide and provide support to those

mandatory physical first aiders.

men, who account for 75% of all UK suicides,

that need it most. We will continue to invest

make up 95% of the workforce.

in improving the health and wellbeing of our

Camille Bowman, human resources manager at NYTimber, said: “Employers have a responsibility for the health of their employees

“By increasing awareness of the support available, and reducing any stigma associated

employees and would encourage others to do the same.”

STABILISING PRICES FOR TIMBER MARKET Prices in the timber market have stabilised

high global demand and tightness of supply

uncertainties created by the unfolding drama

following major increases over the previous

suggests no reason why the big picture will

of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU – or

half year, according to the Winter 2018

change in the foreseeable future, says Bidwells.

possibly not as the case may be – make crystal

Raymond Henderson, forestry partner at

ball gazing murkier and less certain than ever.

Timber Price Database from property consultants Bidwells.

Bidwells said: “It is always difficult to predict

That said, the fundamentals of timber sales

the future, given the influence which global

should not alter too drastically regardless of

timber prices achieved in the six months to

demand and exchange rates have on domestic

our membership of the European club.”

December 2018.

timber values, but the overall macro-economic

The report looks at the standing conifer

Reports are produced on a sixth monthly

situation of increasing demand and tightening

basis and new contributors are welcome.

metres of private sector coniferous timber

supplies suggests no reason to suspect a

All information is treated in the strictest

grown in Scotland, Northern England and a

weakening of prices over the short term.

confidence.

Returns from the sale of 776,970 cubic

small amount in Wales with a total standing

“We do, of course, live in strange times

To view the full insights and research, visit

value to the grower of £29.8m suggest that

where informed projections are apt to

www.bidwells.co.uk/insights-and-research/

the meteoric rise in timber prices experienced

be overtaken by events and the ongoing

timber-price-database-winter-2018/

in the half year between October 2017 and March 2018 has levelled off.

Data submitted from 121 coniferous transactions suggests that prices have risen slightly between April and September 2018, though it is more accurate to say that values have been maintained at their previously high levels.

Continued weakness of sterling remains a major factor in UK grown timber prices, but

02

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

NEWS

ADVICE OVER DUE DILIGENCE CHECKS IN NO DEAL BREXIT Timber importers and exporters are being advised to make preparations for product checks in the event of a no deal Brexit.

The Government says that delivering a deal with the EU remains its top priority, but it must prepare for every eventuality.

In a no deal scenario, businesses importing timber and timber products from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) and placing it on the UK market will have to carry out checks from day one of EU Exit.

The checks known as ‘due diligence’ aim to demonstrate that they are importing legally harvested timber, helping to protect against illegal deforestation.

Due diligence checks would involve: • gathering information on the timber, including its species, quantity, supplier, country of harvest and compliance with applicable legislation • assessing the risk of timber being illegal, applying set criteria in the regulations • obtaining additional information or taking further steps to verify

producers first placing on the market, and internal UK trade. As before,

legality (for example testing or assessment of the supply chain)

they will need to conduct checks to confirm their timber is legally

Businesses can either develop their own systems for these checks or

harvested.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – the body

use one provided by an approved monitoring organisation.

Companies that currently import timber from the rest of the world

responsible for enforcement – has been working with companies involved

already have to do these checks and there will be no changes to the

in the timber trade to keep them informed about what they will need to do

current process for businesses importing from outside the EU, UK

in a no deal scenario and how to minimise impacts to their business.

Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber Ask your suppliers for PEFC-certified wood products

Discover more at www.pefc.co.uk

03

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

COME AND SEE TIMBER CONSTRUCTION AT FUTUREBUILD 2019 STAND E1

Photos: Oporkka/iStock, Fausto Franzosi/PEFC Italy

PEFC: Your assurance of responsibly sourced timber

SPRING 2019

NEWS

FIVE-YEAR DISTRIBUTION DEAL SIGNED Modified timber manufacturer LIGNIA Wood Company has signed a distribution agreement with one of the UK’s leading timber distributors – Timber Connection.

The exclusive five-year agreement will see Timber Connection distributing LIGNIA’s products across the UK and the Republic of Ireland from its 150,000 ft² base in Kirkby, near Liverpool.

LIGNIA is a natural, modified timber. The company’s manufacturing process involves taking sustainably-sourced FSC softwood and modifying it into high-performance timber. It is also enhanced to include greater durability, with a 50-year warranty against rot and decay in above-ground applications, plus improved performance for shrinkage and swelling.

Established in 1991, Timber Connection is a leading supplier of commercially-imported hardwoods and premium grade softwoods to the importer/merchant sector within the UK and Ireland.

Standing, left to right, Steve Rogers of LIGNIA, Keeley Baker and David Green of Timber Connection Seated, left to right, Hans Ng of LIGNIA and Danny Catherall of Timber Connection

LIGNIA’s commercial director Steve Rogers said: “We’re delighted to be working with Timber Connection in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for our LIGNIA products. They have both an excellent reputation and the ability

and Ireland. Having had the chance to follow

choice in these markets.”

Timber Connection’s managing director

developments over the last 12 months from

to develop full national coverage into our

Danny Catherall added: “Timber Connection

their company’s inspiring base in Barry we are

chosen market sectors, so we’re now looking

is really looking forward to this exciting

hugely impressed and look forward to working

to leverage the competitive advantage they

opportunity and believe we are the ideal

with the LIGNIA team to ensure success for

bring to ensure LIGNIA becomes the product of

partner to establish the LIGNIA brand in the UK

both of our businesses going forward”.

ANNUAL BIM SURVEY LAUNCHED NBS has launched its annual national BIM Survey, marking almost a decade of tracking BIM adoption in the UK. While the 2018 report showed some frustrations around the speed of the adoption of BIM, and its perceived lack of enforcement from Government, there were positives to take from it.

Last year saw the biggest year-on-year growth on BIM usage and awareness since 2014 with other positives including the increasing awareness of Uniclass 2015 that is gaining strong traction across the industry with just over a third now using the classification system.

NBS CEO, Richard Waterhouse, said: “When adopting any new process, technology or system there will always be that period of time needed to adjust, learn and grow and this is the journey we follow with the BIM Report.

“The industry is always improving, but we also see new challenges and problems that require new solutions and there’s no doubt that digital technology is a big part of how we will tackle this in 2019 and beyond.

“The launch of the new ISO 19650 series is evidence that the UK remains the one to watch when it comes to international learnings and

be among the first to have access to the findings.

approaches to new ways of working.”

You can complete this year’s NBS National BIM Survey, open until the end of March, by visiting www.thenbs.com/bim-survey-2019

04

A pre-release report is sent to all participants, so those taking part will The NBS BIM Toolkit, the NBS National BIM Library and NBS Chorus are all designed to support best design practice using BIM.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

NEWS

WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL WINNER The jury of the World Architecture Festival (WAF)

It lowers our blood pressure and heart rate and

awarded the Best Use of Certified Timber prize,

improves our cognitive ability.”

supported by PEFC, to International House in Sydney.

With its seven floors, it is the world’s tallest all‐commercial building constructed fully from engineered timber.

Designed by Tzannes architecture,

With the many benefits for climate and health, timber is gaining ground as a construction material.

“The variety and geographic diversity of the projects entered into the prize verified that certified wood is a growing global trend. The PEFC

International House was built by Lendlease with

certification provided confidence to architects

PEFC-certified cross laminated timber (CLT)

that sustainability issues were correctly addressed

supplied by Stora Enso.

in their projects,” said Mark Thomson, architect

Its clear glass façade reveals the inside timber structure to the public.

Representing a very low-carbon outcome, both in construction and operation, the building sets new standards in sustainable construction.

With certified timber as the main construction

and member of the WAF jury.

“The judges of the best certified wood prize were impressed at the high quality of projects submitted for the award.”

Dedicated to celebrating and sharing outstanding architecture, the World

material, the building stores large amounts of

Architecture Festival awards architecture prizes

carbon in its fabric.

in various categories.

While the adjacent harbour cools the building through modern heat exchange technology, photovoltaic panels on the roof generate

This year, PEFC and WAF awarded the Best

Photo courtesy of World Architecture Festival

Use of Certified Timber Prize for the first time.

It recognises architects and project teams

“Seeing the alchemy with which architects

for their use of certified timber as a main

transformed certified timber into magnificent living

construction material for buildings outstanding

and working space was beyond awe-inspiring and

reduced the waste by 25%, compared to a

in sustainability, innovation, quality or aesthetics

a fitting testament to the numerous managers of

conventional building.

and 40 architects from over 20 countries entered

PEFC-certified forests all around the world,” said

their projects into this category.

Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO.

renewable energy.

The use of prefabricated timber elements

“Timber has a very strong effect on humans, both psychologically and physically,” said Jonathan Evans, director of Tzannes architecture.

“We respond to the warmth of the timber, the character, the natural heritage of the material.

Nine shortlisted candidates presented

Krakani Lumi Camp by Taylor and Hinds

their projects at the festival and fascinated the

Architects and the Royal Academy of Music Theatre

audience with their innovative constructions and

and Recital Hall by Ian Ritchie Architects were

background stories.

awarded as highly commended entries.

HARDWOOD TIMBER IS ON THE UP Hardwood timber is on the up says

Beech/Sycamore firewood is up by

Grown in Britain as its latest pricing

10-15% and logs are up by 5-10% (partly

data shows increases in value across the

export market pull) and Sweet Chestnut/

board for 2018.

Lime/Poplar – Firewood/(biomass) is up by 15-20%.

“Buyers may wince at steadily rising

Poplar logs are up by 20% and Sweet

prices such as these we have recorded in our latest pricing tables but demand

Chestnut logs are up 15-20% while

across the world is set to steadily rise

harvesting rates are rising on an average

and rise and so increases should be

of 10%.

Biomass is pushing up the pricing for

passed up the supply chain as it is an

all grades of firewood and the firewood

amazing substance and should be valued

market is responding by paying stronger

accordingly,” said chief executive of

prices, notably for what it particularly wants (Ash).

Grown in Britain Dougal Driver.

There is strong demand for Oak, which reached record prices at the

“The rising prices of hardwood timber are fantastic news for woodland

November Hardwood Auction in Cirencester, with planking up by 30% and

owners,” said Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Sir Harry Studholme.

firewood up by 10-15%.

“Higher prices justify and encourage woodland management, and this

This has been driven by the weak pound, China buying up French oak

management supports future production of this beautiful raw material.

and weaker import availability and oak sawn timber prices are high, with

More than this, well-managed woodlands help plants and wildlife to flourish

concurrent prices for millable round oak.

and store carbon to help tackle climate change. Grown in Britain are doing

Ash firewood is up by 20-30% and planking is up by 10% (export) showing a strong demand.

05

an exceptional job to develop the market for hardwood timber and realise these benefits.”

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

NEWS

TONGE BRIDGE TIMBER PURCHASE

Bringing you FSC® 100%

Tropical Hardwood

Family-owned Beers Timber Holdings has announced the completion of the purchase of Tonge Bridge Timber of Bolton.

The Liverpool-based group, which celebrated its centenary in 2016, also owns Beers Timber and Building Supplies, MBS Plumbing Supplies and wholesale timber distributor Evans Bellhouse, operating from 15

from Guyana

• Greenheart • Purpleheart • Basralocus

• Tatabu • Kabukalli • And more…

depots across Merseyside, Wirral, Manchester and Cheshire.

The purchase of Tonge Bridge Timber will increase group turnover to £37m and the enlarged group will employ 160 staff across its depots in the North West.

Tonge Bridge Timber is an importer and manufacturer of machined timber products, supplying to timber & builders’ merchants, and large end users in the north of England from its three-acre machining facility in Bolton. Tonge Bridge Timber has built a reputation with its customers for supplying high-quality products with excellent customer service.

Managing director of the Beers Group, Michael Beer, said: “I am very pleased and excited to have completed the purchase of Tonge Bridge Timber, being a family-owned business, we see many similarities in culture between the two businesses” “The purchase will enhance and complement our position as suppliers of quality timber and building materials in the North West. There is great potential to grow the business and integrate it within our existing businesses.”

The existing management team and staff at Tonge Bridge Timber led by managing director Andrew Broddle will be staying on to run the business. Previous co-owner Brian Kirkpatrick will ultimately be retiring from the business but is continuing in the short term as a consultant.

The deal team for Beers consisted of Langtons Accountants, Liverpool, and Bermans Solicitors, Liverpool, with The Bank Of Scotland (Liverpool office) providing funding.

The deal team for Tonge Bridge consisted of Pierce Business Advisory, Blackburn, Hill Eckersley Accountants, Bolton, and KBL Solicitors, Bolton.

06

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

www.mcvantage.com SPRING 2019

Comparison The UK’s only OSB manufacturer Nothing compares to SterlingOSB Zero. The first and only OSB made in the UK with zero-added formaldehyde.

Ideal for structural applications such as walls, roofs and dry lining, meeting all industry standards.

To view the entire range of zero-added formaldehyde OSB, please visit:

SterlingOSBZero.com

07

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

The world leader in timber preservation technology Protim

Celcure

Aquatan

FirePro

Fire-X

DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY TIMBER SOLUTIONS FOR DECADES FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu Call: +44 (0)1628 486644 Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757 Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1LS 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 effect 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 Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, 08are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. Š Copyright 2018.

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire SPRING 2019

INTERVIEW: MARTIN WHITFIELD

T

he All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries was set up in February 2016 to help grow the use of timber and develop vibrant timber-based industries.

“It is a facilitating body where parliamentarians from across the

political divide can come together to listen to the people who are

experts in the field and to listen to people who are affected by the industry in its widest sense but also to give people from the industry a chance to speak to parliamentarians,” explained its chair Martin Whitfield MP. And with Brexit just around the corner and no clear indication on what the UK’s future customs system may look like, ensuring that the timber industry’s collective voice is heard has never been more important.

The £10bn timber sector relies heavily on imports from Europe and the free flow of timber through UK ports is essential to the smooth running of the industry.

A continuing, ongoing relationship with Europe is needed, not just for the timber industry, said Whitfield, who wants to see the UK remain a member of the customs union and single market, post-Brexit.

The timber sector benefits from frictionless trade thanks to an agreement which allows the flow of raw product around the European Union with reassurances of safety from pests, and disease.

But leaving the customs union would threaten the efficiency of the current arrangements with timber shipments potentially being held up at ports while customs checks are carried out.

“If you are a housing factory churning out x number of houses a week, you can only do that because you know the wood is going to arrive within a 2.5-hour window because there isn’t massive storage space anymore,” explained Whitfield. “That on-time, frictionless delivery needs to happen because if it doesn’t, if there is just some delay somewhere the knock-on effect is enormous.”

Brexit could also see an end to the sharing of skills and knowledge within the timber industry, said Whitfield.

“Europe while we have been in it has been able to create a workplace where skilled workers can travel around to do the jobs that are needed,” he explained. “People always think of the bankers and IT workers that go off to Amsterdam, Strasbourg and Brussels and the people who come to the UK

PUTTING TIMBER CENTRE STAGE Martin Whitfield MP, chair of the AllParty Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries, talks to Michelle Gordon about making sure that the sector’s voice is heard in the Brexit debate and helping people to fall in love with timber

to plant and pick fruit etc but there is a whole group of skilled workers who travel around and bring with them technology and skills.

“We have benefitted from it in the timber industry and one of my worries is that with our departure from the EU there is a great risk of that collegiality, friendship, knowledge, breaking down.”

“Timber is a critical sector and is one that, I think, we need to reinject a love and affection for,” said Whitfield.

“Re-establishing an understanding of the whole process of timber, I think

There is already evidence of this happening within the scientific and educational communities, he said, with workers from within the EU choosing not to apply for advertised roles within the UK and young people from the UK not going for roles elsewhere in Europe.

is really really important because the reality is that the timber industry is part of that mix that is going to answer our housing crisis.

“And the people in the timber industry in the wider sense, from the start through to construction, are the people who hold the answers to delivering

“There will be a fracturing and a dip in the number of people who can fulfil the skill requirements that our timber industry needs because they are so diverse, and we don’t have the unemployed workforce to fulfil all the vacancies that will be coming down the line,” said Whitfield.

our new housing, better quality housing, housing that has a longevity about it, housing that can answer our carbon footprint problems.”

Delivering on this will be harder from outside the EU, says Whitfield, but he remains confident that the sector has the skills and experience to do so.

“But more worryingly it means apprentices won’t have access to those

“I personally think that is done far better within the EU but if not then

people, they won’t have the ability to go and see the massively automated

that skill, diligence and enthusiasm will still be there from the timber industry

sawmills in Northern Europe, which are incredible places, and bring back that

wherever we are, it may just take longer and it may be harder but I know the

knowledge, and we will suffer, and like so many things if we stop doing it we will

timber industry can re-establish itself and fulfil the needs that our communities

lose the ability to do it and it will be that much harder to start up.”

have for good, affordable, safe housing that is a pleasure to live in.”

The timber industries are in the top 50% of manufacturing industries in

Whatever the future brings the APPG will be “in the background and

the UK, contributing over £10 billion per year to the economy and employing

foreground shouting and advocating,” said Whitfield, “bashing down doors” to

around 200,000 people in construction, manufacturing and distribution. But

make sure the sector has its say.

there remains a lack of understanding about the potential of wood and the

He added: “We will open the doors to make sure that the right people are

role that it plays in our everyday lives, said Whitfield with most people not

there when the decisions are made – there is an expertise there within the

understanding the enormous technological innovations that have gone on in

sector – and the role of an MP in an APPG is to make sure that they get to sit

the industry over the past 20 years.

at the table so that their contribution is listened to.”

09

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR ANY GREEN BUILDING PROJECT

Using wood products from responsibly managed forests is key to any green building project.

Third-party forest certification standards, like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI), are a proof-point that wood comes from responsibly managed forests that have been managed for multiple environmental, social and economic values — today and into the future. Architects and builders are turning to products certified to the SFI Standard to meet their green building needs.

Learn more at sfiprogram.org/green-building.

Products certified to SFI are recognized by many leading green building rating programs around the world like the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

PRODUCTS CERTIFIED TO SFI STANDARDS ARE SOLD IN NEARLY

COUNTRIES Internationally endorsed by

INTERVIEW: HELEN HEWITT

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT WOOD The British Woodworking Federation has an ambition to make wood the construction material of choice. Its chief executive Helen Hewitt talks to Michelle Gordon about bringing together the woodworking sector to drive change

T

he British Woodworking Federation

an awarding organisation and a training provider

talk about timber, they have more of a focus on

(BWF), the trade association for the UK’s

and driving standards, delivering quality training and

plastic and other materials. So, we have designed

woodworking and joinery manufacturing

developing talent remain important to her.

a programme that can drop into a school’s existing

industry, is on a mission to promote the UK’s exceptional woodworking skills and the

benefits of building with wood.

Its Build it Better with Wood campaign,

Ensuring a strong workforce for the future

technology and design programme called “Wow! I

will be key to bolstering the industry which

made that!” written around introducing timber and

contributes £3.8bn to the UK economy. On the

timber technology.”

whole, the sector is buoyant with the BWF’s state

The skills agenda is not the only area that

launched last June, aims to make wood the

of trade survey showing a positive outlook and

could be affected by Brexit and while Hewitt

construction material of choice by celebrating

BWF members – whose collective turnover is an

doesn’t want to dwell too much on the ifs and

its many benefits in the built environment and promoting the vast range of woodworking and

The future is about working together and growth,” she said. “Developing people is really core to our sector and making sure that we do attract new people and develop them.”

joinery expertise available in the UK. “It is about bringing together the collective voice of the woodworking sector to promote the benefits of wood and show how cost effective and truly sustainable the material is,” said Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, which has over 700 members.

The campaign is not just about promoting a positive image, it also aims to unite the woodworking

estimated £2bn –reporting a busy year, with many

buts of an ever-changing situation, the UK’s

sector to achieve excellence in areas such as

looking to recruit new staff and grow their business.

impending withdrawal from the European Union is

productivity, health and safety and skills and training

But there is some apprehension over the future,

tying in with the BWF’s Code of Conduct which aims

with an ageing workforce and lack of people entering

to set a benchmark for the industry and to promote

the industry, and, of course, Brexit.

and encourage high standards.

Before joining the BWF, all members undergo a

Skills and training form a core part of the Build it Better with Wood campaign and the BWF has been

a cause for concern.

While the BWF promotes and supports the use of homegrown timber, it has to be realistic, says Hewitt, about the important role of imported timber.

“Our sector relies on the importing of timber,

robust audit against the code’s standards, covering

involved in developing apprenticeship standards

so we are concerned about access and keeping a

areas including customer care, technical expertise

for the industry, as well as working with schools, to

very close eye on what is happening at the ports

and training, environmental impact and waste

attract more young people into the sector.

– blockages, high tariffs for importing products

management, sustainability, financial stability and compliance with health and safety legislation.

The membership journey is key for Hewitt, a

“Apprenticeships and the skills agenda is

etc,” said Hewitt. “Also, we do export some of our

challenging and we want to make sure that people

products, so what happens to our export market is

have access to good provision,” said Hewitt.

also important.”

Another issue on the BWF’s radar is the

previous membership director of the BWF, who took

“We are involved with developing the new

over as chief executive in November, having held the

apprenticeship standards and we have got the level

stockpiling of goods, in case of shortages post-Brexit,

role on an interim basis.

2 carpentry and joinery and the level 3 advanced

which is pushing up the price of warehousing.

“I am very focused on the membership

carpentry and joinery and we are really keen to

Despite the uncertainty, Hewitt is positive about

journey – so when we bring in a member it is

ensure that the colleges and providers take up those

the future of the industry, which she believes has a

very much about ensuring that they understand

standards.

“unique passion about it”.

the values of the BWF – and also on retaining members,” she explained.

Hewitt had a varied career prior to joining the BWF, previously working for sector skills councils,

11

“But obviously from that you need to encourage

“The future is about working together and

your Year 9s, Year 10s and Year 12s to look at these

growth,” she said. “Developing people is really core to

career paths. We have identified that current GCSE

our sector and making sure that we do attract new

design and technology programmes don’t really

people and develop them.”

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

COVER STORY: SFI

CERTIFIED WOOD AND GREEN BUILDINGS IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH AND WELLBEING Architects and builders who look for the SFI label for green building projects are helping us lead healthier lives says Annie Perkins, senior director, strategic partnerships at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc.

T

he Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) is helping architects and builders

in classrooms has been shown to reduce stress and the heart rates of students. In

do their part to sustain our shared environment and improve our health

Washington State, a pilot project funded by the state legislature is breaking new

and wellbeing in the process. Sourcing forest-based construction materials

ground by using certified cross-laminated timber (CLT) to build 20 classrooms

that are certified to the SFI standards is easy thanks to the SFI label.

at five schools across Washington. All the loadbearing walls in the schools are

The SFI label means these certified products come from sustainably

designed to use CLT and will be left exposed inside the buildings, leaving students

managed forests – forests that clean the air we breathe and the water we

surrounded by natural wood. This offers more than just a pleasant environment –

drink and provide life sustaining values like access to recreation. Using certified

it will provoke positive psychological responses in much the same way that forests

wood also provides architects, builders and owners with the proof points they

have been credited with eliciting biophilic responses.

need to ensure compliance with green-rating systems like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). Both programmes recognise SFI.

PROJECT LEARNING TREE BUILDS SUPPORT FOR GREEN BUILDINGS

BUILDINGS AND BIOPHILIA MEAN ENHANCED WELLBEING

that as the global community addresses climate change, population growth and

The environmental and health benefits linked to sustainably managed forests

so much more, we realise that our built environment plays such a critical role in

The expanded use of wood in schools is thanks to a growing understanding

don’t end when trees are harvested. Green buildings that rely on wood make

providing solutions, both from a facility and occupant perspective. SFI is building

us happier and healthier, a concept that is summed up by the term biophilia –

support among teachers and students for this way of thinking through our

humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. Biophilic design has been

environmental education initiative, Project Learning Tree (PLT).

linked to reducing stress, improving cognitive function and creativity, accelerating

PLT is an award-winning environmental education programme that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the

healing, and encouraging an overall sense of wellbeing.

A 2015 Planet Ark study, WOOD: Housing Health Humanity, found that wood

environment and actions they can take to conserve it. PLT covers the benefits of

COWBELL BREWING CO. WINS SFI AWARD CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF WOOD The SFI Award is part of the only North American programme to recognise, award and publicise excellence in wood architecture. The Wood Design Awards programme from Wood WORKS! is a national industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council. On 4 March 2019, Cowbell Brewing Co. will receive its award at a gala in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Using certified wood-based building materials to enhance human health and well-being, address climate change, conserve biodiversity, and provide supply chain assurance was at the heart of the Cowbell brewery’s design. Cowbell chose products certified to SFI for this beautiful brewery, restaurant and event space in Blyth, a village in southwestern Ontario. It features a closed-loop brewery and an onsite carbon sequestration initiative with verified performance. Cowbell’s actions and choice of certified wood products confirm its commitment to great beer and a truly environmentally friendly facility.

12

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

COVER STORY: SFI sustainable forestry. Students learn about the environmental and health benefits sustainably managed forests provide, including the role green building materials play.

ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE, INC. (SFI)

GREEN BUILDINGS CAN RECONNECT US WITH NATURE Learning more about the benefits of green building is more critical now than ever. As the world’s population

SFI Inc. is a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. We are an independent,

continues to urbanise, embracing biophilic design is the

non-profit organisation that provides supply chain assurances, delivers conservation

way forward. Americans, for example, spend 90% of their

leadership, and supports environmental education and community engagement. SFI

time indoors, according to the US Environmental Protection

works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals,

Agency. UN data shows that about 90% of the UK population

landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous peoples, governments, and

now live in towns and cities, and nearly 50% of the population

universities. SFI standards and on-product labels help consumers make responsible

worldwide live in urban areas.

purchasing decisions. Additionally, we oversee the SFI Forest Partners Program,

This is part of the increasing disconnect between humans

which aims to increase supply of certified forest products, the SFI Conservation and

and nature in the past 50 years. Try asking a parent over the age

Community Partnerships Grant Program, which funds research and community building,

of 40 to compare how much time they spent outside versus the

and Project Learning Tree, which educates teachers and youth about forests and the

time spent outside by their children.

environment. SFI Inc. is governed by an independent three chamber board of directors

This accelerating disconnection to our natural

representing environmental, social, and economic sectors equally. SFI is endorsed by the

environment correlates to the lack of urgency many have

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). SFI believes caring for

towards the dire state of our warming climate. Being

forests improves everyone’s quality of life. Learn more: sfiprogram.org.

connected to nature is important because it leads to concern for nature. A 2017 review of the literature on this topic, from Britain’s Natural History Museum, cites multiple studies showing that if people feel connected to nature, then they will be less likely to harm it because harming nature is perceived as harming oneself.

traditional building materials, can deliver significant carbon savings.

The pre-fab, modular design of many of these certified wood-based products can also speed up construction times and save even more energy. In Washington State, a four-classroom building at Greywolf Elementary in Sequim was built in a

BETTER BUILDINGS, BETTER CLIMATE, BETTER HEALTH

single day in April 2018 using CLT.

Green buildings are also a big part of the answer to the challenge of climate change, which is becoming increasingly urgent – after all, without a healthy planet, we can’t enjoy healthy lives. Green buildings have a smaller carbon footprint due to lower embodied energy in materials, and less energy use during operations.

SHOWING THE WAY WITH THE WELL BUILDING STANDARD Strengthening the links between healthy buildings and human wellbeing

This is significant because the construction industry produces about 40% of

is at the heart of the WELL Building Standard. Overseen by the International

global carbon emissions, and projections of population growth point to a future

WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the standard has signed up more than 830

with more buildings, not fewer.

projects encompassing over 155 million square feet of real estate in 32 countries

Forest building products, originating from certified, responsibly managed

worldwide. In April 2017, IWBI and LEED announced measures to make it easier

forests, can help address the challenges of urban population growth as well. CLT

for green building projects to pursue dual certification. Many building products

is being used in an increasing number of tall wood buildings. Tall wood buildings

certified to the SFI standards are eligible for LEED credits. In 2016, LEED

offer excellent opportunities for densification, reducing urban sprawl and its

announced a new alternative compliance path that allowed products certified

related pollution and energy costs. Using greener materials like wood, instead of

to SFI standards to be eligible for LEED credits. Since then, 269 projects have registered for the new LEED alternative compliance path.

On 13 February 2019 the IWBI sponsored a Wood and Wellness conference in London. The event was billed as a way to educate and inform architects, interior designers, construction professionals and the timber sector. It was a chance to share the latest research on wood’s ability to contribute to health and wellbeing.

SFI HAS ALWAYS BELIEVED IN THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN QUALITY OF LIFE AND SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY As part of a global community committed to sustaining our forests, SFI is committed to ensuring that well-managed forests achieve their full potential to lift people up and improve our shared quality of life. Our supply chain starts in North America’s responsiblymanaged forests and stretches around the world. Products certified to SFI standards are sold in more than 140 countries. So, when you choose SFI, you are helping the SFI community stand tall for future forests and the health and wellbeing of us all.

13

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FUTUREBUILD SHOW OFFER 3 YEARS FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO TIMBER CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE

COME AND SEE US ON STAND E1

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 14

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: RECRUITMENT

MIXED DILEMMAS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFSITE The offsite sector; timber frame and timber engineered solutions specifically, is progressing well and in some areas fast becoming the norm. However, we live in uncertain times, and beyond the obvious “B-word” there are a range of further dilemmas which need to be understood says Jim Roach, managing director of ARV Solutions BREXIT MAY BE BAD FOR OFFSITE, RESTRICTING SKILLS (APART FROM ECONOMIC EFFECTS), BUT COULD ALSO DRIVE WORK TOWARDS IT FROM THE SKILLS SHORTAGE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTING TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION. I’ll quickly cover this and move on! From a staffing point of view, employers are already concerned recruitment is difficult due to the skills shortage and Brexit looks only to compound this.

act now on skill development to avoid the industry

that a wide range of new start-ups are entering the

missing out on growth opportunities.

market with panelised and volumetric solutions at scale. There have been the highly visible “disruptors”

CONSTRUCTION HAS AN OUTDATED IMAGE AND IS NOT ATTRACTING ENOUGH TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE, YET THE JOBS ARISING AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE MODERN SECTOR, ARE SO MUCH BETTER ALIGNED TO THEM – IF ONLY THEY KNEW!

but there are many more under the radar and more than anyone can be really aware of unless seriously seeking them out: keep watching! Timber frame and engineered timber needs to keep pushing for growth and market share or risks a rapid overtake from other offsite forms that get their offering right – as some really are!

Even with overseas workers, talent is in short supply.

The innovative digital developments and

Should the UK leave, this will be exacerbated and by

advances within the industry now make it a much

necessity drive demand towards offsite methods and

more exciting career option, offering a plethora

the leading professional staffing provider to the

MMC which can be more people efficient.

of new opportunities and critically, still not widely

structural timber and broader offsite sector to see

known about today.

“the wood for the trees”. From our perspective we

OFFSITE IS A GOOD ANSWER TO CONSTRUCTION SKILLS BUT HAS ITS OWN ACUTE SKILLS SHORTAGE.

Today’s workforce now has digital skills to be

EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE? My business, ARV Solutions is well placed as

have seen little evidence (to date) for concern, and

revered. The innovation potential for this industry,

many more clients are committed to investing in

the strong eco credentials of timber-based

the UK. Candidates are understandably concerned

construction, and the chance to leave a legacy in the

about making a career move with the uncertainty

ever, a record 853,000 vacancies in the UK (Office

built environment could allow it to join the likes of

of Brexit so have not been making moves in large

for National Statistics) and yet, due to uncertainty

the finance or technology industry who always have

numbers.

in the economy the tightest jobseeker market in 20

a pool of upcoming talent to feed their workforce.

years (REC Report on Jobs).

Construction is low down on their careers list,

could see far larger scale job movement. There is

not helped by outdated advice. The construction

a swell of people ready for the next move as soon

industry needs to sell the digital advances and eco

as they see job security as less of a driver. ARV

credentials, and promote them far more effectively

Solutions managed to end last year on an all-time

in order to attract a young workforce.

high with a 30% increase in placements despite

The UK has the highest levels of employment

THE ACUTE SKILLS SHORTAGE MEANS THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO UPSKILL AND TRAIN AS WELL AS ATTRACT TALENT FROM OUTSIDE THE UK. For the offsite timber sector, there is a huge opportunity to establish a sustainable, efficient, skilled workforce so we can move from the pitfalls of traditional construction methods. Within the world of offsite, structural timber in all its forms

Add a little more long-term certainty and we

the wider acute candidate shortage. Additionally,

LET’S SAY OFFSITE WINS THROUGH, AS IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING: THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER VIABLE OFFSITE SOLUTIONS THAT COULD UPSET THE TIMBER MARKET With increasing interest in offsite construction,

we recruited for more employers than ever before, including a considerable proportion with large scale start-ups.

It is a time for action, not to sit back and wait.

Every company needs to have clear strategies ready for every eventuality, and be ready to take advantage of opportunities and ill winds alike.

is leading, both as a widely accepted “normal”

timber-based forms must really be driven as the

form of construction and in the new and exciting,

preferred choice, wherever suited. There is a danger

fast-growing engineered solutions. However, the

that busy timber-based manufacturers could sit

Jim Roach is managing director of ARV Solutions. He

workforce is not growing efficiently, it is declining

contented with healthy order books. As recruiters

and his team have specialised in recruiting for the

with an ageing workforce. There is an urgent need to

to the wider offsite industry we are very aware

timber frame and engineered timber sector since 2003.

15

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER

THE RISE AND FALL OF BRITISH TIMBER The UK is one of the least forested countries in Europe and with homegrown softwood supplies set to peak in the next decade, we are likely to become more dependent on imports. Owen Davies, forest standards manager at FSC, UK explains why credible certification is more important than ever

T

he UK forestry and forest product sectors have had much to say in recent years about an impending dip in homegrown softwood availability, with combined availability from the private and public forest estates in Great Britain expected to peak around 2027-31 and then decline, according to the Forestry Commission.

Some have attributed at least part of this dip to Forest Stewardship

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit, multistakeholder organisation established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.

Council (FSC) certification requirements for species diversification, but an earlier UK-level forecast based on like-for-like restocking predicted a slightly

Through all this, the proportion of FSC-certified timber going to sawmills

earlier peak (in 2022-26) and dip before FSC even existed (Whiteman, 1991)

has remained relatively constant, varying from 66 to 77% between 2008 and

In reality, trends in timber availability are largely the result of changes in new planting rates over the years, and the consequent age structure of UK

2017, according to the Forestry Commission.

Despite assertions to the contrary within the timber sector, the FSC-

forests. Many in the sector, such as Confor, continue to call for increased

certified area in the UK continues to expand slowly and, at 1,635,543 ha in

planting of productive woodland.

February 2019, is now at its highest level in a decade.

Current GB softwood availability forecasts assume that private sector

Recent growth has been in private forest management group schemes.

managers will maximise production, but hardwood forecasts take into account

In February, the combined area of 16 group schemes, with a total of nearly a

evidence of current management (Forestry Commission, 2018). Timber

thousand members, was over 454,000 ha. Anecdotally, more forest owners

availability could be higher if more woods were managed.

are waiting to join group schemes when they are ready to start timber

While there is rightly a deal of emphasis on new planting, a recent Royal Forestry Society report covering England and Wales points out that the benefits

harvesting.

So, in about ten years’ time there will be a peak in home-grown softwood

of new planting will only be realised slowly, and much could be gained by

availability, followed by a sharp decline. A peak in hardwood availability will

bringing more existing woodland into management (RFS, 2019).

come about 15 years later. Even if we start frantically planting new productive forests right now, they will not mature in time to smooth out these peaks and troughs, while bringing more existing woods into management is only likely to affect hardwood availability.

For a time, then, we will become even more dependent on imports than we currently are – bearing in mind that we are already the second largest net importer of forest products in the world, according to the Forestry Commission.

At FSC UK, we believe that FSC certification will be more important than ever, to ensure both that standards are maintained in UK forests and that timber imports do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation.

The UK remains one of the least forested countries in Europe. We need to decide right now whether we want more and better managed forests.

Whatever the future holds, FSC will be there to ensure that our woods are managed in ways which are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and

All photos © FSC

References: Confor (2017). Planting the Future: How trees can deliver for our economy, environment and society.

Confor, Edinburgh. Available online at http://www.confor.org.uk/media/246544/ plantingthefutureemail.pdf.

16

economically viable, to achieve our vision of Forests For All Forever.

Forestry Commission (2018). Forestry Statistics 2018. First release. Available online at https://www.forestresearch.gov. uk/tools-and-resources/statistics/forestrystatistics/forestry-statistics-2018/.

RFS (2019). Bringing Woodland into Management: The missed opportunities in England and Wales. Royal Forestry Society, Banbury. Available online at https://rfs.org. uk/media/552717/woodland-managementmissed-opportunities-in-england-and-wales.pdf.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

Whiteman, A. (1991). The Supply and Demand for Wood in the United Kingdom.

Forestry Commission Occasional Paper 29.

Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. Available online at https://www.forestry.gov.uk/PDF/ FCOP029.pdf/$FILE/FCOP029.pdf.

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER

BUILDING WITH BRITISH TIMBER Timber Construction takes a look at a selection of buildings which are showcasing British timber

CREAGAN COTTAGES, GLENMORE Client: Albyn Housing Association Architect: John Gilbert Architects Contractor: McLeod Buildings Ltd Quantity Surveyor: Armour and Partners Structural Engineer: Fairhurst and Partners

The architects specified healthier

This pilot scheme, providing affordable

felling, with a sustainable urban drainage

homes for key workers in the heart of the

system used to minimise new surface water

materials such as recycled cellulose

Cairngorms National Park, examined how

pipework.

insulation, wood fibre board, external

to maximise the use of Scottish timber

Timber is used extensively in Scotland

sheathing to improve insulation and

and minimise energy use throughout

for structure and cladding but much of the

airtightness and bitumen free paving

construction and occupation of the homes.

material comes from Northern Europe and

materials.

Scottish National Heritage undertook

Russia. The cottages at Glenmore maximised

The homes were designed to require

squirrel and ant surveys prior to work taking

the use of Scottish timber and all products

very little heating throughout the year, with

place on the site and an arboriculturist

had an FSC rating.

windows orientated to maximise solar gain

oversaw work to mix new, native trees around the clearing.

Great care was taken to minimise tree

The use of external untreated larch is in keeping with the local architecture at the nearby campsite and visitors’ centre.

and a highly insulated building envelope with CO2 emissions at 48% lower than

Building Regulations standards.

ď ”

17

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

Why choose FSC? FSC® offers credible assurance that the timber products you buy and sell come from responsible sources.

© FSC UK / Max More

• Improved market access

• Government

Procurement Policy compliance

• Meeting customer expectations

© Olympic Delivery Authority

FSC®F000231

• Corporate Social Responsibility compliance

• Enhanced public image

• Use of the FSC trademarks

© Ecochoice

FSC UK Phone: + 44 (0)1686 413 916 / email: info@fsc-uk.org / web: www.fsc-uk.org / Twitter: @FSCUK

Dricon FIRE RETARDANT TREATED TIMBER

18

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

TM

ATP GENERIC

TM

FIRE RETARDANT TREATED TIMBER

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER

EAST WHINS, DUNELAND Client: Duneland Ltd Architect: John Gilbert Architects Contractor: Kier Milne Quantity Surveyor: Torrance Partnerships Structural Engineer: Fairhurst & Partners Services Engineer: Thomas Clarke Associates

East Wins is an innovative ecovillage built for Duneland Ltd, a social enterprise group created by members of the Findhorn Foundation – a spiritual community and international centre for holistic learning.

It comprises 25 homes – a mix of twobedroom flats and two and three-bedroom houses – with co-housing facilities including

Photo © Tom Manley

a large kitchen, common room and meeting mechanical ventilation systems with heat

greatly reducing the carbon miles that

The brownfield site, which sits on the

recovery, while underfloor heating is fed by

would be generated by imported timber.

edge of the existing Findhorn community and

an air source heat pump. The wind turbines

The walls are clad in Scottish larch sourced

village, was formerly part of an RAF base.

within the community are net exporters

from within 60 miles of the site. Solid CLT

to the National Grid, making the whole

has been used for the first floors, providing

community zero carbon.

excellent carbon sequestration (217 tonnes

room.

The Findhorn community whose guiding principles are to build and work with nature,

The homes were built using large off-

was extensively involved in the design process and passive solar design is at the

site constructed elements such as timber

heart of the development.

cassette roofs, timber kit walls, and large

The homes are built to high energy efficiency standards with low-energy timber windows and doors and make use of

of CO2), improved thermal mass and good

acoustic properties.

Timber offcuts and cardboard waste

cross-laminated timber slab floors, reducing

were made available to the local community

the amount of traffic coming to site.

for recycling and a neighbouring workshop

Scottish timber was used extensively,

was completely re-clad in larch offcuts.

ENGLISH WOODLANDS OFFICE

English Heritage Buildings was approached by

company of its kind to be awarded the

the most innovative materials to build with. Oak-

Exova BM TRADA Q-Mark Certification,

its existing workspace with a contemporary

framed buildings are designed to last generations

certifying that all of its products have passed

oak frame office.

as oak hardens with age. The English Woodlands

the international testing, inspection and

office will benefit from the material strengthening

certification process which requires timber

wholly reflected the personality of the

as it dries, twisting across its width, which in turn

used to be sourced from managed forests.

company and the high quality of its products

will add a unique charm to the building.

The brief was to create a space that

and meet its growing needs.

Using green oak as the main material in this

By utilising the natural insulation properties of green oak, English Heritage Buildings was

The building scooped Highly Commended in the Commercial category at the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2017.

Commenting on the new building,

project, which was completed within five months,

able to construct a well-insulated, light and

English Heritage Buildings was able to create a

spacious oak frame office, while keeping the

the judges praised the entry as “a simple

more spacious interior for the office, as oak, as a

new construction sympathetic to its rural

design, well executed in a delightful working

structural frame, does not require load bearing

surroundings and the nature of the business.

environment. An impressive modern building

walls, and so can create larger internal spaces.

19

The durability of green oak makes it one of

English Woodlands in East Sussex to replace

English Heritage Buildings is the only

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

constructed from oak and slate”.

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: EDUCATION

HOW TIMBER-FRAME CONSTRUCTION IS CHANGING THE GAME IN EDUCATION School building projects can be constrained by space and budget. Gareth Barber, managing director or the Stable Company, which designs, manufactures and installs bespoke timber buildings, explains how timber is offering a solution that is redefining the modern teaching space Loxdale Primary School

M

ost schools can count available space as

requirements, the design of the building, both

blood pressure, heart rate and stress responses when

being in very short supply and if there’s

internal and external, made use of timber’s ability

compared with other material types”.

anything else that’s scarce, then it’s

to fit into and complement surrounding woodland.

available budget to address the issue.

The build included a rustic meadow roof, providing

traditional classroom in favour of these more flexible,

Solutions need to balance cost and

a great habitat for local birds and insects, as well as

contemporary learning spaces can boost cognitive

quality. So, how is timber offering a solution that is

a useful learning resource. The use of a specialist

performance, with timber’s biophilic properties

redefining the modern teaching space?

foundation system allowed the build to be placed on

resulting in “improved mental engagement, alertness,

land that was prone to becoming wet and boggy in

concentration, physiological and psychological

the winter months.

responsiveness”, according to Wood: Nature Inspired

DYNAMIC: TRANSFORMING DERELICT LAND INTO VALUABLE LEARNING SPACE As modular, standalone facilities, timber

Design.

OPTIMAL COMFORT We can all agree that comfort in one’s learning

classrooms can be placed almost anywhere.

surroundings is conducive to good academic

This means they can transform derelict land into

performance – and this is where timber-frame

something more useful and beautiful.

construction comes into its own.

Often situated on a previously disused site,

Evidence has suggested that escaping a

This is partly because timber is a hygroscopic

GROUNDBREAKING ‘GREEN’ CREDENTIALS. By maintaining a more stable temperature, timber buildings save on heating and cooling, thereby non-renewable energy use – a long-term

sometimes bordering school playing fields, timber-

material. This means it has a cellular structure with

financial and environmental plus point. That’s not to

framed buildings have proven useful for facilitating

air pockets, which restrict the material’s ability to

mention that timber is a 100% renewable material

outdoor learning – ‘bringing the outdoors in’. Design

conduct heat in summer, but also serve to contain

– wood has the lowest ecological resource use index

features such as sliding doors provide a more readily-

heat that is inside during colder winter months.

of any building material.

available sense of escapism in the pursuit of outdoor

Able to be fully draught proofed and central heated,

learning objectives, particularly for younger pupils. Over

timber-framed buildings are also breathable –

modular buildings can be carefully designed to

time, educational focus has been shifting in favour of

thereby improving air quality.

maximise the amount of natural sunlight. Strategic

providing more outdoor learning provision; studies

The latest technological innovations can

Because of their standalone nature, timber

window placement and light sensor technology

have illustrated how outdoor education is superior for

supplement this naturally-high thermal performance.

are popular design solutions; Smart lighting causes

developing imagination and critical thinking.

Heat pumps are able to keep building interiors at a

lights to dim according to the level of natural sunlight

consistent temperature, with the option for high-tech

within the building, subsequently conserving

classrooms is a bespoke and customisable process,

insulation. As this is contained within the structure in

electricity – an eco-friendly, money-saving bonus.

without the constraints associated with traditional

the timber cavity, the walls of a timber frame building

buildings. Timber’s popularity amongst many Special

can be much thinner than concrete or stone, whilst

Educational Needs schools is testament to its ability

achieving the same level of insulation – thereby also

to be flexible and cater to those with additional

saving on vital building space – crucial for many schools.

The design and construction of timber

learning requirements. Teachers value the dynamism of these spaces; their ability to adapt based on need.

The timber build at Keelman’s Way School (see

TIME-FRIENDLY Timber buildings can be erected by a team of specialists within a matter of days or weeks rather than months, drastically minimising on-site

HIDDEN BENEFITS FOR USERS There is a growing body of evidence to suggest

disruption. The turnaround for entire projects – from seeking planning permission to the handover of keys

case study for more information) was constructed

that diverse learning spaces can actually benefit pupils’

– is sometimes as short as six months. That’s not to

on a derelict piece of land within a belt of trees,

mental wellbeing, as well as that of their teachers.

mention timber buildings often come in at a cheaper

accommodating two teaching spaces of up to 15

A study by Planet Ark noted that “the presence of

price than the equivalent constructed with more

children. Serving children with additional learning

wood has positive physiological effects, lowering

traditional building materials.

20

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: EDUCATION

LESSONS IN BUILDING WITH TIMBER From speed of build and cost efficiency to reducing stress and improving concentration levels there are many reasons why more and more schools and educational buildings are being constructed from timber

Hayes Primary School. Photo © Kilian O’Sullivan

W

augh Thistleton Architects designed

“Generally, if you are going to build a school

“Climate change isn’t a fashion, it isn’t

its first CLT building 15 years ago and

it is because one is needed so you need to get it

going anywhere, and it is only going to be taken

has since become a pioneer for timber

finished as soon as you can,” he said. “You want to

increasingly more seriously, the production of

construction.

get the staff in there, up and running, well before

cement is massive in terms of its carbon emission

the September start, so you have to finish a school

so at some point in the near future we are going

book showcases a wide range of buildings within

in June or July you can’t finish in October, it just

to have carbon taxes and we are going to look at

the UK which have been built using cross-laminated

doesn’t work – they are very specific dates.

cement like we look at cigarettes or petrol now,”

Its recently published CLT 100

timber (CLT).

“We find with clients and architects when we

“Having a level of pre-fabrication, having a factory-made structure means that you have the

talk to them about timber and CLT they see that

guarantees of quality and of things being ready

as a risk, as an experiment, as something new,”

made, so you have got the time savings from

explained Andrew Waugh. “The idea behind the

both of those.”

book was to demonstrate that actually in the UK

There are also health benefits and it has

we have over 500 different engineered timber

been proven that students being taught in timber

buildings, finished, completed, still standing, with

buildings are less stressed and have lower heart

happy occupiers.”

rates, as well as higher concentration levels.

One of the chapters within the book focuses

by a material that has better acoustic quality, that

most prominent sectors for CLT, and comprises

releases and accepts humidity on a more natural

32 case studies showcasing projects including

level – all of those sorts of things make a real

primary schools, university buildings and a school

difference,” he explained.

CLT is commonly used in schools, said

The only limitations are “imagination” and “creativity” he said.

Projects featured in the book include Mayfield School, Hayes Primary School and Essex University Business School. (More details over the page.)

The use of CLT as a construction material is growing and the “development world and

Waugh, as it delivers on quality, speed and cost

construction world” are really positive about its

effectiveness – all key drivers in the construction of

use said Waugh but on the whole architects are

educational buildings.

lagging behind.

21

every building in the future.

“It is the natural beauty of being surrounded

on education, which has remained one of the

swimming pool.

said Waugh who would like to see CLT used in

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

Hayes Primary School. Photo © Kilian O’Sullivan

SPRING 2019



FEATURE: EDUCATION

MAYFIELD SCHOOL, LONDON BOROUGH OF REDBRIDGE Architect: David Miller Architects Structural engineer & timber engineer: Ramboll Timber contractor: KLH UK Timber manufacturer: KLH Massivholz Main contractor: Bouygues UK Timber volume: 110,500ft3 (3,128m3) Timber assembly: 12 weeks Overall construction: 74 weeks Structure type: pure timber

Photos © Hufton + Crow Photography

With a 17-month programme from design to completion the 91,000ft2 school extension

differentiated by a staggered pattern.

Where possible the timber was

were needed.

The offsite manufacturing allowed

to provide capacity for an additional 800

expressed as part of the design concept

the frame of the building to be removed

pupils and 80 staff, was only viable in CLT.

for the three-storey building which offers

from the critical path, while the low weight

uplifting and flexible teaching spaces and

eliminated the need for piled foundations.

extensive sports facilities.

This ensured the programme could be met

The aesthetic aim was to develop a new visual style for the school, which could be drawn upon for the redevelopment of other

A set of ‘rules’ was applied to the early

and disruption to the existing school was

blocks within the larger site. A mix of robust

design in order to maximise the efficiency of

minimised. Fit-out was able to start on the

brick with three shades of Trespa cladding

the CLT by optimising spans and widths and

lower floors while the upper floors were still

and render was chosen, the vast sports hall

glulam was incorporated where wider spans

being erected.

HAYES PRIMARY SCHOOL, KENLEY, SURREY Architect: Hayhurst & Co Structural engineer: Crofton Design Timber engineer & timber contractor: Eurban Timber manufacturer: Schillinger Holz/Stora Enso Main contractor: Kier Timber volume: 5,300ft3 (150m3) Timber assembly: 3 weeks Overall construction: 60 weeks Structure type: pure timber

Photos © Kilian O’Sullivan

The expansion of Hayes Primary School

school which identifies the circulation route

walls and pitched roofs with concrete block

and delineates the infant teaching space.

building which had grown in a piecemeal

walls and glulam beams. Through timber

The solid timber pieces are cut and stacked

and incoherent fashion.

exposed internally and externally the design

to form openings in the wall, through to

reflects the woodland nature of the site.

the classrooms, and it has recesses on

The new building provides 105 additional pupil spaces, comprising four

22

The hybrid structure uses CLT for spine

brings renewed energy to a tired, outdated

One of the key features of the school

alternating sides that form shelves for the

classrooms, a CT lab, hall, administration

is a wall made of horizontally stacked CLT

school library, seats and reading alcoves, as

facilities and external play and learning

panels which is 250-feet long and 25-inches

well as storage for classroom equipment and

spaces.

deep. It is a key navigation point in the

teaching materials.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: EDUCATION

ESSEX UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL, COLCHESTER Architect & structural engineer: BDP Timber engineer: Engenuiti Timber contractor: B&K Structures Timber manufacturer: Binderholz Main contractor: Morgan Sindall Timber volume: 45,2003 (1279m3) Timber assembly: 28 weeks Overall construction: 69 weeks Structure type: Hybrid

The business school is located on a hillside in

and thoughtfully integrate the building into the

of the design resulting in a building which is visibly

Wivenhoe Park and forms an important link

site which is surrounded by mature parkland.

sustainable at every level from its orientation

between the existing 1960s campus and the new knowledge gateway research park.

The timber frame spans the site from east to west in a crescent form, creating outdoor amenity space with an al fresco dining and gathering area.

The sustainably sourced curved timber frame and cladding were key aspects of the specification

The 5,500m three-storey building provides

on site and choice of structure and materials to

teaching, office and administration space, as well

landscaping and passive engineering strategies.

2

as lecture theatres.

The hybrid frame incorporates substantial glulam beams alongside CLT allowing for the impressive volumes of the lecture theatres.

A zero-carbon approach was at the forefront

Photos © Gareth Gardner

ALDERMAN KNIGHT SCHOOL, TEWKESBURY Architect: Quattro Design Architects Timber Frame construction: Taylor Lane Timber Frame Main contractor: EG Carter and Co Timber assembly: 3 weeks

Timber frame construction was specified

Taylor Lane designed bespoke solutions for

for the post-16 centre at Alderman Knight

the curved and circular details and internal

School as speed and ease of construction

square timber panels with filleted joints

was crucial.

formed the curved corridors.

The aim of the facility is to offer

For the structural integrity of the

continuity to pupils of the established

timber frame, the curved wall had to be

school for children aged four to 16 with

constructed from steel and the frame,

moderate and additional learning difficulties.

designed and fabricated by Taylor Lane’s

Taylor Lane designed, manufactured and

dedicated steel department, had to carry

erected the timber frame kit for the building

the load of the floor to ceiling windows

classrooms, two of which can be combined

which had several challenging features

and glazing. The curve was particularly

into one; an ICT room; fitness facility;

including a curved external wall, curved

challenging and had to be rollered to the

hygiene suite; break-out rooms and offices.

corridors and large circular rooflights.

correct radius.

A large, open community space sits within

Alongside the 140mm timber frame kit,

The building comprises three standard

the curve of the building.



23

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

Photo courtesy of Richard Burbidge

Online resources to help you specify and build robust and long lasting decking and cladding structures in wood.

Photo courtesy of Silva Timber

Your route to independently accredited materials, accessories, designers and installers.

Photo courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie

Independent inspection and expert witness services.

5C Flemming Court, Castleford, WF10 5HW  01977 558147  info@tdca.org.uk  www. tdca.org.uk The TDCA is an independent, technical and advisory body for the timber decking and timber cladding industry.

It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.

School achieves aesthetic fire performance with MEDITE PREMIER FR

A state-of-the-art sports and learning centre in Cambridge features a dramatic space-defining acoustic system based on the use of MEDITE PREMIER FR fire rated panels from MEDITE SMARTPLY. The product was specified by architects Chadwick Dryer Clarke Studio (CDC) for acoustic panelling in the new sports hall for the prestigious Stephen Perse Foundation senior school.

“MEDITE SMARTPLY forms a benchmark for us,” explained Mr Mark Clarke, Director at CDC, “and we have no hesitation in specifying their brand for our projects. We chose MEDITE PREMIER FR MDF in particular for this project as it achieved the required fire performance, which is paramount for a school building. It is also suitably robust and easily formed to create the perforations required for its acoustic performance. The fact that the product is sustainably produced is also an important factor for us.”

The sports hall is part of a complete new building designed

by CDC, combining sports facilities with new classrooms and social learning spaces. This mixed use made careful consideration of acoustic performance essential. The decision to use acoustic panelling as a solution then provided the opportunity to create an opulent interior that would not only be functional but inspiring.

24

Mr Clarke said: “We wanted the panelling to be able perform a dual role: to temper the reverberation times within the large volume of the hall, and provide a high-quality finish that would define the space.”

Within the sports hall, approximately 530 MEDITE PREMIER FR panels were installed at high level above a storey-high ‘plinth’ of concrete blockwork. They were finished in RAL 7044, a silk grey tone, which complemented the treated cross-laminated timber (CLT) finish in other areas. The same product was also used around the building for the creation of architraves, skirtings and window linings. Within England, Building Bulletin 93 sets out performance standards for acoustics in schools. As building regulations also state that within schools or similar public buildings a Euroclass B or C fire rated panel must be used and MEDITE PREMIER FR offers the perfect solution.

“The FR panels are lined at the rear with a black fleece and glass-wool insulation,” Mr Clarke explains. “This 28% open area absorbs sound and reduces the reverberation time, greatly improving the quality of the environment within the space.”

A social working environment and a sense of community was central to the project: an important internal space that would become one of the main hubs of activity in the school. The whole

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

school community, including governors, teachers and pupils, was consulted as part of the design development to ensure the right performance and aesthetic could be achieved. Mr Clarke said: “The eventual building design solution sprang from conversations with the client team and a careful analysis of the opportunities of the site. It was like solving a puzzle: many of our projects share this problem-solving ethos. I was a challenge for all involved in its development and construction, but it has been very successful since handover and is proving to provide a highly satisfying new sequence of spaces for the school.”

The result is a functional, beautiful building, which uses calming colour and modern shapes to break up and add intriguing interest to the expanse of space within the immense, four-court sports hall.

Discover more about MEDITE PREMIER FR here: mdfosb.com/en/medite/products/medite-premier-fr

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: EDUCATION

NEW SUTTON SECONDARY SCHOOL (NS3), BELMONT, SUTTON Architect and passivhaus designer: Architype Structural design: Ramboll Contractor: Willmott Dixon Quantity surveyor: Synergy Planning consultant: Lichfields Structural engineer: Price & Myers M&E consultant: BDP CLT supplier: KLH UK Gross internal floor area: 10,600 sqm Structure type: Cross Laminated Timber and concrete frame

The new £36m secondary school with 6th form

sustainability, with an ambition to achieve

research facilities. It has been strongly influenced

is part of the wider masterplan for the intended

Passivhaus certification.

by a thorough programme of consultation with

The ground floor and first floor slabs of the

London Cancer Hub (LCH), a new life science

multiple stakeholders and the surrounding community.

innovation cluster focused on cancer research

four-storey building are concrete but natural

and treatment, situated on the former Sutton

materials have been used wherever possible

Hospital site.

such as Douglas Fir timber cladding and spruce

wings to balance the mass of the large school that

The central spine is interposed by alternating

CLT. Birch ply has been used for internal wall

will accommodate up to 1,275 pupils and 95 staff.

the London Borough of Sutton and the Harris

linings and joinery. The design of the new school,

This dynamic layout maximises the site’s usable

Federation, seizes the opportunity to integrate

which exposes as much of the CLT internally, as

external areas, enhanced by a comprehensive

secondary school pupils into the campus’s wider

possible, aims to inspire pupils to pursue a career

landscape strategy that offers a diverse range

remit of scientific research and treatment.

within life sciences, supported by the expertise,

of outdoor recreational and learning spaces and

innovation and influence of the surrounding

sports facilities.

The brief for the school, developed by

A key integration has been environmental

KEELMAN’S WAY SCHOOL materials and a wealth of special touches to ensure the build performed in terms of the sensory and practical experience.

Designed to complement existing amenity space practically and aesthetically, it contains a kitchen, two fully-equipped changing rooms for the disability football team and a generous teaching space.

The use of a specialist foundation system allowed the build to be placed on land that was prone to becoming wet and boggy in the winter months and built away from flood-risk areas, it is intended to withstand the elements.

The building comprises a black EPDM rubber roof and hard-wearing browncoloured UPVC cladding on the doors and windows. In order to minimise aesthetic disruption to the surrounding area, trims, fascia and soffit boards are all in matching Keelman’s Way School provides Early Years,

acts as a standalone classroom and sports

timber, with the external timber cladding left

Primary and Secondary Education for 125

changing area on the fringe of the school

in a natural finish.

pupils with severe and complex learning

playing fields.

difficulties – Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The facility contains a rustic meadow roof, providing a habitat for birds and insects,

six weeks and aims to meet the range of

as well as a useful learning resource, with

construct, designed and manufactured by

complex needs presented by the students,

timber’s natural aesthetic allowing the build

The Stable Company, measuring 138m² and

using considered design, well-chosen

to blend into surrounding woodland.

‘The Hide’ is a single-storey timber

25

The building was completed within

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: INSULATION

Photo © Mac Eye Photography

A PASSIVHAUS TIMBER BUILD

L

ike many self-builders, Mick Woolley had nurtured ambitions of building

After researching potential suppliers of woodfibre insulation and taking

his own home for several years before he finally took the plunge and

advice from Mac Eye Projects, he came across NBT, the UK supplier of the

bought a plot of land in Warwickshire with planning permission to build

Pavatex range of woodfibre insulation and airtightness solutions. He worked

a three-bedroom bungalow.

with the company to develop the specification for the building envelope,

“Initially, I had looked for a plot further south but I struggled to get

planning permission for the type of property I wanted to build,” he explained.

including both the wall and roof build up.

“One of the things I liked about NBT was that they offered me a complete

“To me, there’s no point doing a self-build project if it looks like an off-the shelf

solution,” Woolley said. “They have a range of woodfibre systems, including

property you can buy from a developer; I had a clear idea of what I wanted

the Pavatherm and Pavatherm Combi we have used on this build, along with

and timber construction was at the heart of that vision, along with energy

high-performance airtightness membranes, including the pink Pavatex ADB

efficiency and a contemporary, open plan layout.

breathable membrane that we used to wrap the walls and the blue DSB 2

“The bungalow I’m about to move into has all of those elements

over rafter airtightness and vapour control membrane that forms part of the

embedded into every aspect of the design and construction, it’s unique and

roof build up. Best of all, they offered us their expertise and technical support,

unconventional, with the capacity to generate most of the energy I will need

which was invaluable during both the specification and build phases.”

and a gloriously tactile aesthetic from the creative use of wood and timber products.”

PERFORMANCE, AESTHETICS AND MATERIALITY

FABRIC FIRST

a similar 164m2 size as the bungalow that his team has built but the initial

The original planning consent for Woolley’s plot was for a property of To achieve his goal of a super-efficient house, Woolley was keen to explore whether the Passivhaus standard could be achieved for his project.

This demands an extremely airtight and highly-insulated building envelope to

design has been cleverly modified by architect, Mark Siddall, to ensure the building meets its Passivhaus goal.

The three-bedroom bungalow features a large 54m2 space that combines

achieve exceptional thermal performance and is particularly challenging in the

a living and dining area with a spacious kitchen. The floors are all on one level

design of bungalows due to the surface-area-to-volume ratio.

to support accessibility but, at Woolley’s suggestion, the ceiling heights vary

He wanted to use CLT; a material he’d been impressed by when watching

to create a sense of different spaces within the open-plan layout. The study,

self-build projects on Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’. From his research into

which can also double up as a guest bedroom, features large windows to

timber construction, Woolley had also decided that woodfibre insulation

allow light to flood into the space and this can be extended into the spacious

would be the best-fit solution for his well-insulated building envelope and

hallway by opening the impressive 1.8-metre-wide CLT doors that connect

enlisted the help of timber construction specialist, Mac Eye Projects, to help

the two areas.

him deliver the build.

“The whole concept of this home is ambitious because I have not

“I wanted to use materials that would complement each other and not conflict,” said Woolley. “A ‘fabric first’ approach to specifying building materials is fundamental to the Passivhaus philosophy and woodfibre insulation not

allowed the goals of achieving a highly efficient and airtight Passivhaus build compromise the aesthetics or materials used in the design,” said Woolley.

Indeed, timber is tactile and visible everywhere, from the engineered oak

only offers a high standard of thermal performance but also has the same

floors and door surrounds, to the white-washed CLT walls where the wood

naturally-hygroscopic properties as wood, allowing moisture to be absorbed

grain is still visible, the clear stained CLT doors and the natural timber acoustic

and dispersed gradually, thereby avoiding any risk of condensation.”

panels on the ceilings.

26

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

FEATURE: INSULATION “This project articulates timber construction everywhere you look and it’s thanks to the functionality of the building envelope specification that we’ve

keep the internal space cool that Woolley experienced first.

“It was a really hot day during the heatwave when the building envelope

been able to combine that sensory appeal with the very highest standards of

was completed,” he recalls. “As soon as we stepped inside we could feel how

airtightness and thermal performance,” said Woolley.

well the structure performed as an insulator against the heat. There were no

The walls are made from 84mm CLT on the inside face and 360mm

windows or doors in place at the time but it was a great indicator. Now, with

I-joists have been fixed to the structure, with 80mm Pavatherm-Combi, a

the airtightness membranes added and the windows and doors all in place,

universal woodfibre insulation board for cladding, tiling, plaster and render,

the winter months have demonstrated how well the thermal wrap of CLT,

fixed to the other side of the I-joists. The structure was then wrapped using

woodfibre and airtightness membrane performs in cold weather too.”

the Pavatex ADB Airtightness membrane and additional loose-fill insulation

The initial airtightness tests carried out on the building achieved exceptionally high scores. The Passivhaus standard requires a very low air

was blown into the void.

The roof has been constructed using a CLT cassette system, with 27mm

change rate of approximately 0.6 times a room’s volume per hour at a pressure

CLT forming the top and bottom of each insulated, 240mm deep cassette. A

differential of 50 Pascals and the bungalow achieved 0.08. The final blower

layer of 180mm Pavatherm woodfibre insulation has then been installed onto

door test to measure the finished property’s airtightness for Passivhaus

this highly-insulated structure and Pavatex DSB 2 airtight and vapour control

certification will be carried out when all works are completed.

membrane has been used to help maximise the performance of the insulation

The thermal performance of the building envelope will ensure that very

by preventing moisture or cold air from penetrating the structure and helping

little energy is required for heating, most of which will be provided by using

to maintain an ambient indoor temperature all year round.

heat generated by cooking and bathing via an MVHR system (mechanical

Whilst the walls and roof both achieve outstanding insulation using

ventilation with heat recovery). For hot water and general electrical

woodfibre, for the bungalow the roof, walls and floor all needed to reach a U

consumption, there will be an air source heat pump and a 9kW solar PV

value of around 0.1. For the foundation, an XPS raft from Jackon Insulation

installation, which Woolley hopes will power both his new home and the

proved highly efficient, with the custom cut installation only taking a couple of

electric car he plans to buy.

days to install. The raft with its integrated upstand in XPS transitions into the

He added: “Between the carbon lock up of building the house from timber products, the lack of energy needed for heating and cooling and the

woodfibre providing a thermal bridge-free foundation.

renewables installations, this bungalow will provide long-term environmental and running cost savings while using the most contemporary materials

ENERGY EFFICIENT Although the project has taken several months, with some of the interior

fabricated from timber, a construction resource as old as time.”

finishes still being completed, the wall and roof structure was erected within just two days last July, and it was the highly-insulated structure’s ability to

For more information visit: www.natural-building.co.uk

DRESSER ADDS PRECISION

Dresser Mouldings, one of the UK’s largest bespoke timber manufacturers specialising in quality, bespoke timber mouldings, is now offering Sansin Precision Coat factory finishes.

Sansin’s Precision Coat products have been developed to meet the demand for coatings that balance wood protection and performance along with stunning colour and aesthetics.

Backed by over 30 years of proven experience protecting large commercial, residential and mass timber wood buildings and structures, Sansin’s factory finishes deliver high performance and durability in low-VOC, water-borne formulas for modified, engineered and specialty woods.

Bill Gunn, Managing Director of Dresser Mouldings commented, “This is a great fit for us and one which will add real value to our customers. Here at Dresser Mouldings we pride ourselves in having the largest selection of bespoke manufacturing for exterior timber substrates, backed by state-

of-the-art technology, machinery and expertise. The addition of Sansin’s Precision Coat factory finishes combines both the beauty and protection of a class-leading product with the commitment to quality manufacturing and attention to detail for which Dresser Mouldings is known.”

Offered in a variety of stunning colours, Sansin’s Precision Coat factory finishes include; Precision Coat SDF for wood siding, cladding and decking; Precision Coat Foundation, a penetrating base coat that offers up to six months protection against weathering and UV during construction; Precision Coat ENS, a self-priming and tough, durable satin two-coat finish that can be applied to virtually any surface – from millwork to cladding and decks; and Precision Coat WoodForce, a durable, water repellent wood treatment for exterior wood surfaces designed to achieve a natural weathered look, while ensuring dimensional stability by reducing moisture absorption up to 74% during wetting periods.

For samples and more information: 01706 658900 www.dressermouldings.com

27

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

The future of Materials @FuturebuildNow

Introducing Futurebuild 2019 The new Materials Hub at Futurebuild 2019 will showcase the latest innovations and emerging new products from all aspects of materials, including concrete, timber, steel and masonry. A dedicated seminar theatre will provide visitors to this Hub with the opportunity to learn about the latest research emerging from this sector.

The TRADA Bookshop will give construction professionals the opportunity to view the work created as part of the TRADA University Challenge competition, and a place to read the latest timber publications. The Future of Concrete, in collaboration with The Concrete Centre, will showcase the

/FuturebuildNow

/FuturebuildNow

very best in concrete design, its usage in construction and its sustainability credentials, whilst Natural Building UK will bring together forwardthinking organisations, who will provide educational talks and product demonstrations on natural material usage within construction.

Register for free today www.futurebuild.co.uk/register

/FuturebuildNow

FuturebuildNow

In partnership with

28

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

PREVIEW: FUTUREBUILD Futurebuild ExCel, London 5 – 7 March 2019 www.futurebuild.co.uk

BIGGER AND BETTER FOR 2019 Futurebuild – the evolution of ecobuild – has announced expansion plans for 2019 with a 20% increase in floorspace to accommodate a host of new features and exhibits. Timber Construction takes a closer look at what visitors can expect

F

uturebuild 2019 will bring together opinionshapers, decision-makers and product

buildings, infrastructure and cities.

There will also be six ‘Futurebuild Hubs’,

such as district energy, autonomous buildings and renewables.

• Offsite: Showcasing and championing the

innovators to explore the latest technologies

focusing on wider construction issues and bringing

and approaches, and debate the biggest

industry together to flesh out the big thinking

latest thinking and innovations – including all

issues facing the built environment – now

and facilitate practical delivery. Each dedicated

aspects of design and delivery – in this growing

to a crucial aspect of the built environment,

area of interest for the construction industry.

they will host cutting-edge exhibitors and

The hub will increase in size this year, due to

and in the future – both in the UK and overseas.

“Futurebuild 2019 represents everything

we set out to achieve. It will be an event for the

deliver comprehensive content and educational

industry, by the industry, and 100% committed to

programmes, including evidence-based seminars,

championing innovation and sustainability for the

onsite products, and in-practice demonstrations.

future of the built environment,” explained Martin Hurn, managing director of Futurebuild Events Ltd.

They are: • Buildings: Covering all aspects of building –

high levels of demand from previous visitors.

• Materials: Combining the latest innovations, research and understanding in mainstream materials, including concrete, timber, steel and masonry, as well as emerging new materials.

• Urban Infrastructure: A space dedicated to all

“After all, unless the future is sustainable, and unless

including new build, retrofit and refurbishment.

we think beyond the status quo, we won’t have a

The place to explore and debate building

aspects of the city, apart from the buildings

future at all.”

technology, procurement, legislation, facilities

themselves. Discuss and discover all things

management and maintenance.

around infrastructure, water, urban greening,

The ecobuild brand lives on through the conference at the heart of Futurebuild which will bring industry experts, academics, community

• Energy: Bringing together all areas of the sector, including emerging new approaches,

the public realm, wellbeing inclusivity and anti-



terrorism.

leaders and politicians together to debate and explore cutting-edge thinking around the most critical social and environmental issues. A series of curated exhibits will immediately surround the arena, acting as a discussion point for key sustainability topics.

The key message to come out of the 2018 conference, which focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how we could deliver them in the United Kingdom, was that the time to act is now.

This year, the ecobuild conference takes an overarching theme of “time for action” and is focusing on how the industry can influence the resilience, sustainability and quality of homes,

29

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

Timber cladding direct from the sawmills Vastern Timber offers a wide range of external timber cladding. Species available include larch, western red cedar, oak, chestnut and now our new Brimstone® range of thermally modified British hardwoods.

Other products available, please visit our website for the full range.

Vastern Timber Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire T 01793 853 281 E sales@vastern.co.uk

See us at futurebuild Stand Number C35

Studley, Wiltshire T 01249 813 173

vastern.co.uk

2019:

the year of healthy building

There’s been a lot of talk but now it’s time for action – it’s time the entire construction industry embraces healthy building. A healthy building is healthy for both its occupants and the environment. It has high indoor air and acoustic qualities, high performing insulation – to keep heat both in and out, maximises natural light and uses natural materials which do little damage to the environment.

We all need to cut through the confusions surrounding materials, processes and techniques for buildings – to do this, the whole supply chain needs better information. To provide more information and raise awareness of the importance of healthy building, Steico is launching an unbranded healthy building campaign at Futurebuild 2019.

Visit us at Futurebuild – stand E54 – where we’re inviting all those interested in healthy building to show their commitment by pinning a leaf to our tree:

Green leaf: you’re committed to changing the way that you build.

Silver leaf: you’re already creating healthy buildings.

Gold leaf: you’re already creating exemplary healthy buildings.

Or, sign up to the health newsfeed by emailing ‘health newsfeed’ to leaf@ecomerchant.co.uk. The UK building specifications need to take account of a building’s impact on the health and wellbeing of its occupants. Steico believes now is the time to change and Futurebuild is the perfect place to start.

For further information, contact Steico UK on 01727 515 120, visit www.steico.co.uk or email at info@steico.co.uk

30

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

PREVIEW: FUTUREBUILD • Interiors: Dedicated to all aspects of domestic and commercial interiors. Championing ‘design

BIGGER AND BETTER This year’s event promises to be bigger than

with purpose’ and placing a focus on crucial

ever with a 20% increase in floorspace due to

design elements such as colour, sound and

unprecedented demand and a record number of

materials.

re-bookings following ecobuild 2018.

The Interiors Hub, which is new for 2019, will

“We know that 72% of our visitors want to find

focus on designing with purpose, with sessions to

new technologies and innovations, so expanding

explore the impact good design and interiors can

the event by 20% is a great reflection of the sheer

have on the way we work, designing for dementia

scale of activity we have planned and the increased

and the WELL Building Standard. It will provide

demand for exhibitor space,” said Hurn. “We’re

an opportunity for manufacturers to meet active

excited to welcome exhibitors and visitors to the

buyers and high-level decision makers, as well as

future.”

showcase innovative products and collaboratively explore the impact of design on end users.

The increased floorspace makes way for a number of major new pavilions, including Made in

The Waste Zone – a further, separate

Britain, ADE and Mindful Materials. It also provides

exhibition and talks programme dedicated to

an opportunity for many start-up companies to

exploring waste as a resource and the circular

find a home at the event, alongside major brands,

economy – is returning to the exhibition for a

including Bauder, Hadley Group and ROCKWOOL.

second year with a range of new features.

The expansion makes way for the Knowledge

Duncan Baker-Brown, curator of the Waste

Forum – a new feature which has been designed

Zone, said: “We’ve seen that people are becoming

to meet the ever-evolving needs of visitors and

increasingly aware of the world around them and

their desire to enhance their skill sets. Within the

are challenging the negative impact humankind is

forum, industry-leading partners, academia and

having on our Earth. The damage being done will

professional bodies will offer a comprehensive

four key themes: digital construction and quality

be discussed at length in the Waste Zone – we’ll be

look at the biggest issues facing the built

in construction; built environment research

looking at how to transform a ‘throwaway’ culture

environment and offer solutions and guidance

and education, leadership and professional

into an intelligent, circular economy where waste is

to take back to the office. The Futurebuild

practice; skills and delivery and working with

recycled and re-used.”

Knowledge Forum will host workshops across

manufacturers.



See Magply at Stand F58

31

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

PREVIEW: FUTUREBUILD INNOVATION ZONE Futurebuild has been announced as an official UK Government Innovation Partner and will host ‘The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Innovation Zone’.

The Innovation Zone – delivered by BEIS in conjunction with Innovate UK and the wider

The Zone will provide a concentrated platform

with thousands of industry professionals – from

carbon economy.

senior decision makers to start-up innovators –

This will take the form of three distinct areas: • A three-day seminar series focused on key clean growth themes • An exhibition of innovative companies that

innovation family – will inspire and educate visitors

have been funded and achieved growth

around the Government’s ambitious clean growth

through various BEIS and Innovate UK

initiatives and provide knowledge to innovative

funding streams

companies on how to access funding and support

change. Futurebuild is the ideal location to do that,

for knowledge share and investment in a lower

• A ‘Business Bar’ providing one-to-one

visiting from around the globe to learn about the latest innovation and develop mutually beneficial relationships. We’re looking forward to the start of another long and fruitful partnership through the Innovation Zone.”

Futurebuild has been selected to host the Innovation Zone due to its position as the industry event that brings built environment opinion

business support and education to people

shapers, decision-makers and product innovators

with innovative ideas on how they can access

together under a shared goal of achieving positive

in delivering on the Clean Growth Strategy and

available funding and innovation support.

change.

showcase the impact and opportunities of BEIS’s

“We pride ourselves on being the industry

from BEIS and Innovate UK. It will demonstrate the Government’s work

Ian Meikle, director, clean growth &

Energy Innovation Programme. Focused on

event where professionals from every field of

infrastructure at Innovate UK, said: “Futurebuild

accelerating the commercialisation of innovative

the built environment unite to share knowledge

is an excellent platform to showcase the

clean energy technologies and processes.

and harness the latest opportunities to drive the

huge opportunities for businesses of clean

entire sector forward. We’re extremely pleased

growth technologies, and in particular the

opportunities presented by tackling climate change.

that BEIS and Innovate UK has recognised this in

unprecedented investment by government

Visitors will be able to learn more about businesses

their decision to partner with us in delivering the

through the Clean Growth Grand Challenge.

who are already benefiting from the opportunities

Innovation Zone at Futurebuild 2019,” said Hurn.

There is a real appetite among businesses across

BEIS will be highlighting the economic

created by the £2.5bn Clean Growth Strategy, as

“BEIS wants to build further awareness and

the built environment to innovate and grow in a

well as gaining an in-depth understanding of the

advocacy around its aims of driving innovation in

future low-carbon economy. Innovate UK looks

work of BEIS and opportunities available from BEIS

the clean growth sector and ensuring the UK is

forward to being a key partner in the Futurebuild

and Innovate UK.

recognised as a global leader in tackling climate

Innovation Zone.

NEW TIMBER DESIGN PUBLICATION TO LAUNCH AT FUTUREBUILD

Cowan Court © 6a architects

A new publication focusing on collaboration in

three seminars at Futurebuild offering delegates

continue improving the quality of our timber

the design of innovative timber buildings is to be

the opportunity to hear each building’s journey

buildings.”

launched at Futurebuild.

from design to completion from the architects,

‘Timber Design Pioneers,’ published by TRADA (Timber Research and Development Association) and supported by the timber

Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good’s campaign

structural engineers, project managers and

director, added: “This project is as much about

technical directors.

inspiring new pioneers in timber design as it is

Each case study explores different

about celebrating innovation and driving change

industry’s campaign, Wood for Good, pulls

approaches to problem-solving and how effective

in the way projects are approached and delivered;

together the most successful partnerships in

collaboration led to innovative designs for timber

a kaleidoscope of solutions mirroring the different

timber design.

buildings. ‘Timber Design Pioneers’ covers key

perspectives in multi-disciplinary teams.”

It shares the lessons learned and obstacles overcome by multidisciplinary teams which produced buildings including the award-winning

themes such as wellbeing, sustainability, interiors, process, and complex briefs.

TRADA’s membership and marketing

The launch will take place on Wood for Good’s stand at G50 on 6 March at 4.15pm and is a one-off opportunity to get a copy of the publication in print, while stocks last.

Cowan Court by 6a Architects, the BREEAM

manager, Rupert Scott, said: “TRADA is honoured

excellent-rated Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care

to collaborate with Wood for Good in producing

and the award-winning Vortex at Bloomberg’s

such an indispensable publication. We hope it

new headquarters

inspires others to work together in partnership

launch.

across disciplines, so that as an industry we can

For more information, visit trada.co.uk.

These particular projects will be the focus of

32

Dyson Neonatal Unit © Fotohaus

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

The timber design pioneers case studies will be available for free download following the

SPRING 2019

ENGINEERED TIMBER

DOUGLAS FIR PINE SPRUCE & LARCH

GLULAM DOUGLAS FIR Cinema «Les Fauvettes» - Architect : Françoise RAYNAUD

LAMWOOD engineered timber production: 50,000 m 3/year glulam, glued solid timber and finger-jointed timber.

CAD-based machining and cut to size service.

Treatment options : UC2 - UC3.2 (green, grey and brown ) or UC4 (green or brown) pre-pressure treated glulam for exterior use (structural or playground equipment).

Non-visible rim board glulam for timber frame manufacturers. Please contact us for the range of sections available.

MAKE WOOD DO THE IMPOSSIBLE !

GLULAM UC4 TREATED PINE BROWN IMPREGNATION Plaza de Toros de la Serrezuela

33

GLULAM SAPWOOD FREE DOUGLAS Sainte-Florence (85)

FOR AN ELECTRONIC OR PAPER COPY OF OUR STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS CATALOGUE please contact : elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK +44 (0) 7821 807 788

GLULAM LARCH ARC Rocheteau Saillard (44)

WINNER

www.piveteaubois.com/en SPRING 2019

Scotframe Case Study – Millbank, Udny near Aberdeen

This contemporary timber frame house was designed and built to be

manufactured in a factory quality controlled environment that minimises

working together to create the design SAP with a target of achieving a

Val-U-Therm PLUS® contributes towards providing solutions for

who supplied the Val-U-Therm PLUS® timber frame kit package for the build ran various design SAP scenarios until the desired rating was achieved with budget.

PassivHaus. With ever changing Building Regulations you can have

This 255m² house was completed in just 13 weeks – from bare plot to fully completed house with landscaped gardens. It achieved a 99% as built EPC and 0.5 air changes per hour. It was constructed using Scotframes Val-U-Therm PLUS® factory insulated closed panel walls Val-U-Therm PLUS® performance brought together in an integrated building envelope and

®

regulations now.

This project was completed within time and on budget and exceeded the By using a timber frame closed panel system such as class leading Val-U-Therm PLUS® they were able to erect the kit to a wind and water tight stage in just 5 days.

In a class of its own ®

Val-U-Therm PLUS ensures space heating energy costs can be dramatically reduced whilst giving class leading speed of construction, extremely low U values and exceptional air tightness.

AIRTIGHTNESS

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION

www.scotframe.co.uk Inverurie 01467 624440 34

Cumbernauld 01236 861200

Dundee 01382 561772

Inverness 01463 717328

Swindon 01793 234503

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

PROJECT FOCUS: BUSHEY CEMETERY

NATURAL APPROACH FOR CEMETERY EXTENSION

Waugh Thistleton Architects worked closely with The United Synagogue to enlarge the UK’s most significant Jewish cemetery, with timber featuring heavily in the design which is focused around the Jewish funeral process Location: Hertfordshire Client: The United Synagogue Contractor: Buxton Building Contractors Limited Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood Partnership Ltd Environmental/M&E Engineer: P3r Engineers Ltd Quantity Surveyor/Cost Consultant: Deacon and Jones LLP Project Management: Deacon and Jones LLP Landscape Architects: J & L Gibbons

Bushey Cemetery is the UK’s most significant Jewish cemetery, set in a 16-acre site of outstanding natural beauty in London’s Green Belt.

Waugh Thistleton Architects was appointed by The United Synagogue to enlarge the cemetery and create two new prayer halls.

The process of the Jewish funeral defined the design for the extended site and each point in the processional ceremony was carefully landscaped to provide contemplative settings and

All photos © Lewis Kahn

views, harnessing the site’s established trees as key pivot points.

The prayer halls are constructed from solid rammed earth walls. This ancient building method involves ramming a mixture of selected aggregates, including gravel, sand, silt and a small amount of clay, into place between flat formwork panels.

Connected by a cloistered timber colonnade, the earthen prayer halls are lined in English Oak, with sections of the rammed earth left exposed in the ceremonial spaces.

A linear reed bed park, including ponds, weirs and swails, provides the halls with a tranquil waters’ edge setting.

The project has won a string of awards including the WAF 2017 Best Completed Religious Building, RIBA East Award 2018 and RIBA National Award 2018.

It was also shortlisted for an AJ Community & Faith 2017 Award and the Stirling Prize 2018, as well as being named by The Times newspaper as one of the top 10 greatest new buildings of 2018.

35

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

Futurebuild 2019 - launchpad of an exciting new venture

Closer collaboration between RCM, SPSenvirowall and SPS Facades will see the sister companies jointly exhibiting at Futurebuild 2019 at London’s ExCel on 5th -7th March on stand D72

Latest innovations in Heat Air Moisture control to feature at Ecobuild The latest innovations in managing the balance between heat, air and moisture movement within the building envelope will be on display at this year’s Ecobuild.

Futurebuild 2019 was chosen as the ideal venue to announce the greater integration between RCM, SPSenvirowall and SPS Facades. All three companies are part of the Benx group. Futurebuild, which is held at ExCel, London on 5th – 7th March is the evolution of Ecobuild. The show is a unique destination for visitors to gain unrivalled insights and hands-on experience around the latest innovations, products and materials. Following on from last years’ successful event, RCM has decided to once again showcase its portfolio of building boards, facades, airtightness solutions and complete through wall solutions; this time joined by SPSenvirowall and SPS Facades. By working closer together the three companies will open up a joint portfolio of high-quality innovative products and services meeting the needs of different sectors across the construction industry. Customers will be able to choose from a vast array of products for the building envelope.

The A. Proctor Group, recognised worldwide for its extensive portfolio of technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane products for the construction industry, continues to lead the way in the research, design and manufacture of solutions which are at the forefront of the drive to achieve the optimum balance between these three core elements.

To be or not to be OSB?

Addressing the need for maximising thermal performance in space critical applications, the A. Proctor Group has developed Spacetherm®, a range of solutions to provide architects, builders and installers great flexibility and ease of use, combined with exceptional thermal performance qualities, which can be retained for up to 50 years.

For those specifiers who have contemplated using SterlingOSB Zero for a new project, Norbord has produced a CPD video presentation which highlights the features and benefits of the popular, versatile board. There are variants available and applications include roofing, timber framing and interior fit outs. Available on RIBA’s CPD website, the video presentation, which features a voiceover, begins with learning aims and ends with learning outcomes. The variants of SterlingOSB Zero are clearly described, with the voiceover, bullet points and images establishing the benefits of SterlingOSB Zero OSB3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue & Groove, and SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions. This is followed by information on why OSB is better than plywood and why SterlingOSB Zero is better than regular OSB; particular focus is paid to SterlingOSB’s zero-added formaldehyde (ZAF).

Head to RIBA’s CPD website - https://www.ribacpd.com/norbord-europe-ltd/5477/to-be-or-not-toosb-the-benefits-and-applications-of-oriented-strand-board/406947/movie.

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

One of the latest innovations on display will be Fireshield®, a vapour permeable walling underlay with a fire proof surface. Fireshield is suitable for all walling applications including those in multiple storey buildings. Its unique coating doesn’t just resist fire but eliminates fire spread.

Wraptite® is a unique patented external airtight and vapour permeable, self-adhered membrane which solves the problem of reliably achieving airtightness in buildings. Applying Wraptite to the outside of the building will mean there are fewer penetrations for services, therefore, the likelihood of expensive remedial work is greatly reduced.

Setting the industry standard for high-quality performance and design in roofing, Roofshield is a unique, three-layer, nonwoven, spunbonded, polypropylene air & vapour permeable membrane with a patented melt-blown core. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe, without the need for air gaps or additional ventilation. Roofshield eliminates the incidence of interstitial condensation in pitched roofs.

The latest solutions from the A. Proctor Group will be on display at Ecobuild stand number E60 at ExCel London from 6-8 March 2018.

View more Case Studies on our website: www.proctorgroup.com

For all advertising enquiries contact Terry Hanlon on  01925 270093

MEDITE SMARTPLY LAUNCHES TIME SAVING NEW PATTRESS PANEL FOR DRYLINERS PATTRESS PLUS is the time saving, dust reducing, noise eliminating new OSB3 panel that dryliners have been dreaming of.

The latest product from innovative timber panel manufacturers MEDITE SMARTPLY will be available to order from 1st February 2019.

Ideal for contractors who construct plasterboard partitions, PATTRESS PLUS panels feature a continuous recess along one side that is designed to accommodate ‘C’ studs without the need to cut in slots on site.

This key design feature means that each panel sits flush against the stud flange, holding steady while you simply screw the other side into place.

The finished result means a massive reduction in dust - as no cutting is required, drastically reduced noise - due to fewer power tools, and much less time spent cutting and installing panels which can save hours, if not days, on big installations.

PATTRESS PLUS panels are available in thicknesses of 15mm or 18mm, widths of 397mm or 597mm (to fit 400mm and 600mm stud centres), and lengths of 1250mm or 2397mm, in line with leading plasterboard partition specifications.

Head of Marketing and Brand at MEDITE SMARTPLY, Stuart Devoil, comments: “PATTRESS PLUS panels have been created to meet a clear market need. When speaking to Dryliners and contractors dealing with plasterboard partitions, it became clear that installing pattressing is one

36

big headache. We found that the current boards they use require cutting on site, which creates large amounts of dust and noise, that in turn creates additional health and safety risk, plus the use of additional metalwork and fixings adding time and complexity, all resulting in extended installation times. We just wanted to reduce the risk and complexity, whilst saving them some time into the bargain.

product with one plastering contractor who said he’ll never go back to traditional panels after using PATTRESS PLUS.” For more information on PATTRESS PLUS, and to find your nearest stockist, please visit: https://mdfosb. com/en/smartply/products/pattress-plus

“With our expertise in developing innovative timber panel solutions we knew that this latest technology will help tradespeople to create a safer working environment while saving them time and money. We’ve already trialled the

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2019

MDF From standard, light, moisture resistant and fire retardant to exterior, flexible and profiled, our extensive range of Medium Density Fibreboard can offer a solution to any construction or design requirements

Live, work and play...

Veneered Panels With a mixture of contemporary designs and patterns, we offer the widest range of high quality veneered stock in the UK from Europe’s most respected manufacturing companies

Decking As well as a range of durable hardwood decking, we offer an exciting new composite decking material that brings style, functionality and flair to any outdoor spaces.

Accoya® Modified Wood Accoya® is a modified timber which is guaranteed for 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater. Its performance and properties are remarkable, from joinery for the home to bridges submerged in water, Accoya long life wood stands up to every application challenge.

Cladding With a multi-million pound stock holding across a wide range of products, you can be confident in our ability to satisfy your cladding requirements

Birch Plywood Our range of high quality Birch Plywood is available with either FSC® or PEFC certification and we have a comprehensive chain of custody in place to ensure transparency in the sourcing of all our timber products

Solid Surface The wide variety of colours, its translucency, its thermoforming properties and its hard wearing nature ensure that Solid Surface stands out in every project, allowing interior designers the freedom to develop results that have no limits

Performance Doorblanks Decorative Panels Whether for residential or commercial applications, with over 500 laminate decors and a massive collection of melamines, no matter what your project requirements, we’ll have the solution.

We have the widest selection of certified door types, sizes, thicknesses and finishes in the country and our highly experienced team has an in-depth technical knowledge and understanding of all the products we supply

Flexible Products Flexible sheet materials offer interior designers a simple and cost effective method to produce complex, curved designs, with minimum effort

Hardwoods Working in partnership with our reputable suppliers from around the World, we maintain a good and varied stock of hardwood and we’ve recently added some really exciting new species.

Latham's extensive range of panel and timber products enhance the environments where we all live, work and play.

Find out more...

Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk Visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk