TIMBER
CONNECT JUNE 2017
inside this issue... 2
News, Views and Information from the STA Welcome to the launch edition of ‘Timber Connect’ – the Structural Timber Association’s newsletter designed to keep construction professionals up-to-date with the latest industry news, initiatives, services and technical information available from the UK’s largest timber trade association. The STA’s principal role is to influence legislation and regulation to support the overall objectives of the structural timber sector and associated supply chains. Clearly demonstrated at our recent Annual Conference - this is a year of change and a year of opportunity. Our keynote speaker, Mark Farmer, author of the government commissioned report, ‘Modernise or Die’ – has firmly placed ‘offsite’ at the top of the construction agenda – generating not only industry headlines but national media attention. The Farmer Report concludes that our sector has a major part to play in the future of the construction industry.
Following the EU Referendum there has never been a more important time for our Association to form close links with our governments to ensure we minimise the impact on our supply-chains and maximise the opportunities surrounding the resurgence in the offsite sector. The Structural Timber Association represents a wide range of members and services with a vast array of customers and this type of governmental interaction is a crucial part of our activity. By working together, the STA and our members can demonstrate that we are ready for this exciting challenge.
Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive
Commercial and Membership Benefits
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STA Library - Latest Document announcement
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Project Gallery Ronald McDonald House
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Project Gallery University of Essex
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Industry News - A Lasting and Stable Alternative
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@STAtimber Structural Timber Association Contact Us
Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk
Industry News The Time is Right...
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Dates For Your Diary
Membership Benefits
Commercial Benefits
Reflecting a significant percentage of the UK’s structural timber technology and system providers - over 400 members benefit from: • Direct representation with Government and construction sector leaders • Highest quality and technical standards - driven by our STA Assure scheme • A Code of Conduct - by which all member companies operate • Relevant and ‘best-in-class’ training and education • Networking events, trade shows and conferences
STA membership brings genuine commercial benefits through technical insights, client referrals, access to unique training and industry recognised credibility. We create greater awareness of the performance and productivity benefits of using structural timber solutions and support the drive for sustainable offsite construction. By providing networking opportunities and technical guidance - the STA supports innovation and product development to increase growth in market share. It is also about being part of an organisation that directly engages with the government and industry bodies on behalf of the timber sector - promoting the capacity within the industry and the role timber systems can play in the
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current drive to develop quality homes at a rapid rate to meet the shortfall in the housing sector. The STA represents a wide spectrum of companies who operate across the timber construction industry including suppliers, manufacturers, erectors and designers. Our latest quality initiative - the STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme, has received formal recognition from two of the industry’s leading structural warranty and building control bodies - LABC Warranty and Premier Guarantee. STA Assure is designed to benefit both clients and our members by offering reassurances to the construction community by promoting the differing accreditations and quality standards held by individual STA member companies.
JOIN TODAY - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/members/join-today
• STA enquiry system delivering business development opportunities direct to members • Direct communication with your target customers through attendance at events and a national PR and marketing campaign To view our full list of members go to: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/ members For further information on membership categories, rates and benefits, please contact Bob Davis – Membership Manager: bob.davis@structuraltimber.co.uk or call 01259 272140
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
New Fire Guidance documents now available for download
STA LIBRARY
The STA is the authoritative voice of the structural timber industry in the UK. The Association is committed to stringent standards of quality and service and sets a professional benchmark for the industry. We produce a range of Advice Notes, Information Papers, Construction Details and Technical Bulletins covering all aspects of structural timber design and application. Technical information is free to access - however, some documents are only accessible to STA Members. STRUCTURAL TIMBER ASSOCIATION Building solutions in timber
Design guide to separating distances during construction for structural timber frame buildings Site Safe policy
16 Steps to fire safety
Version 7.0 May 2017
Promoting good practice on structural timber construction sites Version 4.1 May 2017
Product Paper 4 Product assemblies to achieve different category levels of structural timber frame Date: January 2017 Author: Martin Milner Version: 5.0
Contents 1 2
Introduction and background Timber frame build assemblies that comply with each type of category to reduce separating distances
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Rules for timber frame build assemblies in Category B and C
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Allocation of points for assemblies
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Examples of points and assemblies
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Wall and floor systems as tested
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Appendix 1 - STA proforma for self-certification of product assembly
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Appendix 2 - Floor joist types and description
Revision History Version 2.0, October 2013 - solutions, solution matrix and combinations added Version 3.0, October 2014 - editing on rules, Combination 5 added and CLT reference Version 5.0, Dec 2016 - above 600m2 removed, S4b added to P19, Site Safe logo updated, insulation notes added to P7, updated notes on non-wood based boards, plus flat roofs added
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Site Safe
16 Steps to Fire Safety
This policy is now mandatory to all members delivering a building through the process of either; manufacture only, manufacture and site assemble or site assemble only.
This document provides summary guidance for the preparation of a design phase, pre-construction and construction phase fire risk assessment on new build by STA members and others in the construction industry.
Site registration with CFOA will be required on projects above 600m2 in total floor area. The Site Safe policy reflects the need for member companies to be flexible in their management approach and it is the function that is to be undertaken and audited.
The document assumes the reader is familiar with the legal requirements and understanding of fire risk assessments; see further reading for supporting information.
PRODUCT PAPER 4 - PRODUCT ASSEMBLIES TO ACHIEVE DIFFERENT CATEGORY LEVELS OF TIMBER FRAME
Design Guide to Separating Distances During Construction This product paper is for the timber frame supply chain. It provides a set of wall and floor assemblies which, when combined, will provide the performance needed to achieve a specific category of timber frame or CLT. The definition of assembly is a product that is delivered out of the factory from the manufacturer without additional works on site or in the case of floors delivered as loose elements for assembly on site before the next wall level is erected.
Download our latest technical information - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/library
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PROJECT GALLERY
Our Project Gallery demonstrates the diverse application and capabilities of structural timber across a range of sectors. By exploiting advanced offsite manufacturing technology to increase capacity - structural timber systems deliver cost and programme assurances, developing energy efficient buildings at a rapid rate - reducing capital and on-going running costs.
Project: Ronald McDonald House Company: CCG OSM Sector: Healthcare Technology: Timber Frame
CCG OSM aimed to create a building that sensitively addresses the needs of the end user and which reflects the heritage and manufacturing history of the city of Glasgow. The bespoke facility allows the charity to offer an enhanced, dedicated service to families with sick children by creating a comfortable, ‘home from home’ environment. The building design incorporates a series of vernacular white brick forms, connected by green-roofed, white concrete porticos creating an industrial silhouette. A series of semi-enclosed courtyards allow residents to enjoy peaceful amenity space. The internal
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environment has been ergonomically designed with desirable small spaces in which to relax as well as a library and children’s play area. A mix of timber frame and steel frame was used for the construction with CCG OSM providing specialist services for the design, manufacture and installation of the enhanced closed panel timber system for the main structure of the building. For the more complex elements of the design, such as the vernacular roof - a hybrid system of steel and timber was used. The steel frame is infilled with timber cassette roofing panels which were manufactured by CCG OSM, contributing to the overall offsite delivery of the project.
The panelised timber system delivered instant benefits to the project, facilitating a rapid build programme together with enhanced levels of precision and detailing which resulted in a smooth installation of complex features such as the windows. Offsite manufacture for onsite assembly meant the building was wind and water tight far quicker than that achievable through a traditional build process. Ultimately the use of CCG OSM’s timber system ensured that the project was delivered almost one month ahead of schedule. For the full project profile visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/projectprofiles/ronald-mcdonald-house/
Keep up with our latest member projects - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/project-profiles
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
Structural Timber - Delivering Better Buildings
Project: Checkendon, Oxfordshire Company: Timber Innovations Sector: Self-build Technology: SIPS
Project: University of Essex Company: B & K Structures Sector: Education Technology: CLT & Glulam
Timber Innovations were appointed to provide a complete hybrid timber package which incorporated a structural insulated panel system for the walls and roof, external timber cladding and a glulam ridged beam that was left exposed. The pre-fabricated system allowed the frame to be designed accurately to combine the basement, designed and developed prior to arrival on site. For the final ‘wow’ factor, Timber Innovations created a fully vaulted internal open space to maximise the first-floor ceiling height and create an attractive look for this modern dwelling. For the full project profile visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/projectprofiles/checkendon/
Morgan Sindall appointed B & K Structures to manufacture, design and install a hybrid structural frame for a new three storey education building and a single storey MBA lecture theatre at the University of Essex. Consisting of glulam columns, glulam floor beams, wall cassettes and CLT floor deck - a curved structure formed the main building. The lecture theatre is formed through a geodesic structure – comprising glulam, steel nodes, CLT and wall cassettes. The wall cassette panels were assembled between the raking glulam columns. The new carbon neutral build will showcase renewable technologies in action with the aim of achieving a BREEAM rating of Excellent.
It will also features a range of innovative sustainable elements, including a winter garden, green sedum roof, solar panels and sustainably sourced materials. The main challenge for B & K Structures during this project was achieving the curved wall cassettes for the main lecture theatre. In order to overcome this challenge the cassettes were carefully set out and assembled onsite. The highlight of the build for B & K Structures was being involved in the creation of the first zero carbon business school in the UK – creating a stimulating learning environment for students with a reflection of the university’s sustainability ethos. For the full project profile visit: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/projectprofiles/university-of-essex/
Keep up with our latest member projects - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/project-profiles
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INDUSTRY NEWS
More Designs Unveiled for FGR Stadium
A Lasting and Stable Alternative With more and more products coming onto the market and better information now available about performance, the modified wood sector has moved on considerably. Phil O’Leary Head of Timber Technology Investigations at Exova BM TRADA, discusses the developments in the sector and what it means for the wider construction industry.
Concept designs for Forest Green Rover’s new 5000-seater stadium at the proposed Eco Park near Junction 13 of the M5 have been released. Zaha Hadid Architects were chosen to design and build the proposed development near Eastington. As one of the world’s most famous architects practices it was a hugely significant triumph for the aspirational National League football club. Initial designs set out a vision for the world’s first all-timber football stadium, which would be totally unique and highly sustainable. To read the full article visit: www. structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk/ news/more-designs-unveiled-for-fgr-
The range of products available has dramatically increased in recent years, and more specifiers are using the product in new applications. Modified wood’s rise in popularity can be credited to improvements in key areas such as durability, stability, sustainability and cost – making them more attractive to the modern market. To give some background, modified wood is wood that has been heated at elevated temperatures or treated with a chemical, biological or physical agent to enhance its performance, without using a biocide.
stadium/
It is now also possible to supply this material in dimensions suitable for commercial applications. While improving durability, wood modification can also result in a number of other beneficial changes to wood properties, including improved dimensional stability, improved aesthetics and increased hardness. To read the full article visit: www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk/news/ a-durable-and-stable-alternative/
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Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
Inform, Educate and Inspire
The Time is Right… With 30+ years in the housebuilding industry, Alex Goodfellow, Chairman of the Structural Timber Association and Group Managing Director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, discusses the opportunity for offsite manufacture and the benefits of structural timber. Through discussion, debate and demonstration, the Government appears to have made the connection between construction and manufacturing and we are therefore poised to see the potential within the ‘Industrial Strategy’ for offsite construction to play a significant part in delivering infrastructure, schools, healthcare and housing.
highest level and this has had a substantial impact in recent months. The Government needs to remain consistent with this message, continue to support the offsite industry as we expand the use of offsite and demonstrate the tangible benefits to increase volume now and for the future. There is an old adage about ‘taking advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity!’ At the STA, we firmly believe that offsite timber construction is the only way to reach the specified target of one million homes by 2020. Cost savings, speed of build, faster return on capital outlay, reduction in waste, improved health and safety – are just some of the benefits of offsite timber construction. To read the full article visit
The most significant measure that Government has introduced is raising the profile of offsite construction – putting it on the agenda at the
http://www.structuraltimbermagazine. co.uk/news/the-time-is-right/
Structural Timber Magazine The Structural Timber Magazine is dedicated to covering the UK’s leading mainstream low-carbon construction material and its positive impact on the built environment. Every issue contains the latest news, industry comment, interviews together with feature articles and opinion pieces from leading timber and construction industry innovators. You can subscribe to receive Structural Timber Magazine FREE of charge by registering online. For more information visit www.structuraltimbermagazine.co.uk
Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
If you are interested in learning more about offsite construction in the timber sector and the associated manufacturing processes then choose from some of the timber specific events taking place in 2017: DATE EVENT
22 June
WEBSITE
Robertson Timber Engineering
Seaham, www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events/sta-events
STA Factory Tour
County Durham
Robertson will be hosting their factory tour at their facility in Seaham covering the process of timber frame production and construction from the material store through to the several mechanical cutting, nailing and finishing procedures to the finished product and delivery to the yard where they are stacked.
11 July
Explore Offsite Education
London www.exploreoffsite.co.uk
This one-day conference and exhibition will create a platform for clients and their professional advisers, contractors and project managers to network with industry experts and discuss the latest offsite construction solutions that will help to deliver the building requirements of the education sector.
13 September
Stewart Milne Timber Systems
STA Factory Tour
This factory tours takes place in the Stewart Milne Timber Systems facility and covers the process of timber frame production and construction from the material store through to the several mechanical cutting, nailing and finishing procedures to the finished product and delivery to the yard where they are stacked.
20 September
Explore Offsite Healthcare
This event will present case studies of projects that have used offsite technology to create a new healthcare facility, upgrade or extension in a seamless way, on-time and on-budget working in a sensitive, inclusive and collaborative fashion. Speakers will discuss how they have met the healthcare provider and/or the NHS Trust’s expectations in providing a sustainable, energy efficient and cost-effective contemporary building.
28 September
Offsite Structural Timber -
The Solution to the Housing Crisis
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VENUE
10 October
Whitney www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events/sta-events
Birmingham www.exploreoffsite.co.uk
Bristol www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events/sta-events
A host of speakers representing Timber Frame, SIPS and CLT will present the facts about structural timber, dispelling the myths, offering technical expertise and demonstrating the capabilities through a range of high calibre case studies followed by general association updates during the afternoon session.
2017 Structural Timber Awards
Birmingham www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk
More than 500 leaders and innovators from across the construction sector will gather at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham for the Structural Timber Awards. The prestigious award ceremony will reward outstanding projects, innovative products and dynamic people promoting excellence in structural timber across the UK.
10-12 October
Timber Expo
Part of UK Construction Week, Timber Expo covers a breadth of timber applications from timber frame through to sawmills, glulam to timber cladding. It is three days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the timber sector - not just from the UK but from an increasingly exciting and diverse international market.
Birmingham www.timber-expo.co.uk
Keep up with our latest events - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events