STRUCTURAL TIMBER

The latest in structural timber building design and technologies

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Arc Building Solutions Cavity Barrier Innovation

AND PROMOTING BUILDING SAFETY

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Competing Timber Philosophies Working with wood needs clear architectural and industrial thinking to transform our buildings

P30

The Net Zero Challenge

How the Timber Industry Net Zero Roadmap can help the sector deliver real carbon savings

P40

Mass Timber Insurance Playbook Guidance on securing confidence and an equitable insurance policy for mass timber construction

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Welcome to the first Structural Timber Magazine of 2023. The year so far has seen a growing momentum in showcasing timber’s benefits but also in dealing calmly with barriers to specification and perceived weaknesses.

Two key industry documents are covered inside. Firstly, Timber Development UK (TDUK), in collaboration with the Structural Timber Association and ten other UK timber trade associations, launched the Timber Industry Net Zero Roadmap. The Roadmap sets out the varied causes of carbon emissions throughout the timber supply chain and the steps that need to be taken to address the relentless net zero challenge, that cannot be underestimated. The net zero journey is not easy and as TDUK’s Sustainability Director, Charlie Law points out, an important first step is understanding how your business can accurately count its carbon emissions. Only then, “can you begin to accurately identify ways to be more competitive in a low-carbon market.”

Secondly, the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook is a landmark piece of guidance. The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products, with funding from Built by Nature, has endeavoured to create a tool for developers, investors and designers. As outlined by the three authors of the Playbook, it is hoped to encourage, “early and ongoing dialogue between the client, designer and insurer with a view to producing buildings that can be considered for insurance on a more equitable basis as traditional construction methods.”

Yet another example of how mass timber can deliver stunning buildings and save thousands of tonnes of CO2 at the same time, can be seen in The Black & White Building. The entire building is – as architects Waugh Thistleton describe it – ‘visibly sustainable’. The CLT frame was chosen for its perfect balance of sustainability, lightness and strength with glulam used for the curtain walling, and the columns and beams made from beech LVL. Alongside being powered by 100% renewable energy sources – including 80 solar panels on the rooftop – what is there not to admire?

Finally, as the UK faces dwindling supplies of homegrown wood, Stuart Goodall, Confor, Chief Executive provides a spirited piece on how we can stop ourselves ‘sleepwalking’ into a timber shortage crisis in the near future.

A special thanks to all our contributors, advertisers and supporters for their help this issue, it is genuinely appreciated.

Gary Ramsay | Consultant Editor

E: gary.ramsay@structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk