THE RIGHT MATERIAL IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Timber and steel possess different structural properties that complement one another: whilst timber provides a low carbon and visually appealing solution, steel offers high strength and stiffness. Additionally, timber-steel hybrid solutions allow for creative and unique architectural designs – CLT panels can be prefabricated in different shapes and with precut openings, while steel can span long distances, providing more open and flexible interior spaces.

The prefabrication of hybrid solutions can significantly reduce on-site construction programme, resulting in commercial savings and shorter project delivery times. Additionally, the lightweight nature of timber reduces transport and foundation loads – particularly advantageous for refurbishment schemes.

B&K Hybrid Solutions (BKHS) specialise in the design and delivery of timber and steel structures, from concept to completion, and are committed to helping clients reduce cost, programme, and carbon by utilising the benefits of a hybrid approach.

For the UK to meet its ambitious net zero goals for 2050, the construction industry must play its part by reducing its substantial carbon footprint, cutting emissions wherever possible. The role of timber cannot be overstated, but there must be pragmatic decisions made about using the right material in the right place. Pushing the boundaries of hybrid solutions, BKHS believe timber and steel systems hold the key to sustainable construction.

Hybrid Solutions

Hybrid timber-steel solutions utilise the flexibility of both materials to create sustainable, efficient, and versatile building structures. Often specified for their sustainability credentials, using structural timber products such as cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulam effectively reduces the carbon footprint of a building in comparison to alternative construction methods. Engineered timber stores biogenic carbon during growth, acting as a carbon sink, and the process of manufacturing timber is far less carbon intensive than other materials.

However, commercial and design challenges can often become barriers for clients specifying timber. By incorporating steel, net zero targets can be hit while challenges are simultaneously mitigated. As well as this, other significant benefits can be harnessed by favouring a hybrid approach.

Recent hybrid timber-steel projects, such as Spelthorne Leisure Centre –the UK’s largest wet and dry leisure centre, where B&K Hybrid Solutions are currently delivering a CLT, glulam and steel package to Passivhaus standards – are testament to the exceptional standards of sustainability that hybrid solutions can achieve, while hitting commercial budgets for the client. Overall, timber-steel hybrid structures present a compelling solution for sustainable, innovative, and efficient building projects, combining the best properties of both materials to create resilient and environmentally responsible structures.

Sustainable Practices

While B&K Hybrid Solutions aim to create sustainable structures for every scheme, utilising the benefits of timber and timber-steel hybrid solutions, they are also committed to developing their own sustainability practices and reducing their carbon output. Recently partnering with sustainable certification and net zero organisation Planet

Mark, to measure and reduce their operational impact on the environment, BKHS are also focusing efforts on embedding a sustainable culture within the organisation.

“Internal engagement and alignment are key to embedding a sustainable culture within the business, which is then reflected in our work and internal practices.” says Lee Roberts, Pre-Construction Director at BKHS. “As such we have implemented an internal sustainability committee, with representatives from all departments contributing to making BKHS’ impact on the construction sector as environmentally friendly as possible.”

“We are also in the process of writing a Carbon Reduction Policy, which aims to set clear goals and reduce our own carbon emissions. This will provide us with a roadmap and will set a direction for the business and all our employees. We hope to see many of our project partners and supply chain embracing this by reviewing their own internal sustainability efforts, to help the construction industry reduce its carbon footprint.”

B&K Hybrid Solutions also ensure all timber products are sourced from sustainably managed PEFC or FSC-certified forests, which follow responsible logging practices, promoting biodiversity and minimising environmental impacts. Additionally, BKHS endeavour to procure materials from BES 6001 accredited organisations; ensuring companies follow sustainable and ethical practices throughout their supply chain and consider social aspects, including labour practices, health and safety, and fair employment, which contributes to a project’s overall BREEAM score. Lee adds: “Whether delivering a timber or timber-hybrid scheme, sustainability throughout the supply chain is key to construction’s sustainable future.”

Refurbishment: Reduce, Reuse, Renew Choosing the right material in the right place is vital for any project, but particularly when specifying structural timber for refurbishment schemes. The lowest carbon solution for many projects is to repurpose an existing structure; this is where a hybrid approach may be more logistically advantageous and commercially viable than a complete timber approach, particularly when cost and structural integrity are equally key to the client as sustainability.

The Gramophone Works – which won Project of the Year at the 2022 Structural Timber Awards – is a fantastic example of a hybrid building that has made a true difference in lowering the environmental impact of construction, whilst at the same time improving the existing building by utilising the structural benefits of steel. Situated alongside the Grand Union Canal in West London, The Gramophone Works comprises a mix of refurbished, extended and newbuild contemporary office spaces. Retaining the existing concrete elements to the two-storey record factory allowed the project team to integrate the striking property into the historic and social fabric of the surrounding neighbourhood, while at the same time adopting advanced timber technology to help deliver a sustainable and healthy phased scheme.

Similarly, Newson’s Yard – a high-profile new design hub in the Pimlico Road Design District – has demonstrated the advantages that hybrid systems can provide to refurbishment projects and has been shortlisted for Hybrid Project of the Year at the 2023 Offsite Awards and Retail and Leisure Project of the Year at the 2023 Structural Timber Awards. The scheme employs an offsite manufactured, hybrid steel and engineered timber design to create a new internal structure, which has repurposed the former timber yard and made use of the existing brickwork to create a high-end retail destination.

B&K Hybrid Solutions’ aim is to bring the exponential capabilities of hybrid solutions to the forefront of modern construction. Their robust supply chain has afforded them extensive experience with a vast portfolio of engineered products, including structural steelwork, CLT and glulam. In-house supply, supported by their advanced manufacturing facility, allows BKHS to offer complete design and build solutions – from concept to completion.