TIMBER
THE CLEAR BENEFITS OF ENGINEERED WOOD
All images: Corfe Castle in Dorset
Justin Hayward, Technical Timber Manager at Lathams, explores the versatility of engineered wood and its increasing popularity in both contemporary and heritage projects. JAMES LATHAM
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n recent years, there has been huge growth in the engineered wood market as the value proposition has become better understood. At the most basic level, engineered wood provides increased yield and reduced wastage as it can be supplied in standard sizes with minimal need for trimming. From the outset, it is saving manufacturers of joinery products money. Another key driver behind the growth of engineered wood is its inherent predictability through every stage of its life. In the workshop, manufacturers of staircases, doors and windows have a steady and reliable supply of highquality timber with fewer defects compared with standard timber. Once installed, it not only provides better thermal performance than natural wood but is more resistant to warping and twisting, helping to mitigate the age-old issue of timber expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature and airborne moisture. FC&A – SEPTEMBER – 2020
And while the upfront cost will often be more than natural timber, the savings begin in the manufacturing process and continue throughout the product’s lifespan, with lower ongoing maintenance requirements. The fact that engineered wood produces less waste makes it an incredibly sustainable option with the leading products sourced from approved suppliers all over the world. It is also FSC- and PEFC-accredited, so its production is guaranteed to meet the highest environmental and social standards. Additional testing in laboratory conditions against quality standards such as KOMO provide extra peace of mind. It is these aspects that have seen high-quality engineered wood products such as WoodEx become increasingly popular in the residential house-building market with both bespoke and volume developers embracing the benefits. Its versatility also means that it can be used in a wide range of projects, whether the restoration of a listed building or the creation of a state-of-the-art commercial scheme. Manufacturers and suppliers like George Barnsdale, which have been providing bespoke timber windows and doors for architects, contractors, developers and restorers for 24
generations, are increasingly turning to engineered wood, even for their most sensitive of projects. A number of their recent projects highlight the opportunities offered by the product, such as replacing the windows and doors in a Grade II Listed property dating back to 1677. Overlooking the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset, the project saw the installation of a range of hand-finished flush casement windows manufactured from FSCcertified engineered softwood that were both highly functional but completely in tune with the historic surroundings. Borough Market’s 16 Winchester Walk is a former Victorian fruit warehouse near to London Bridge that has been converted into loft-style apartments, office space and a restaurant.
