TIMBER
CONNECT MAY 2018 ISSUE 3
News, Views and Information from the STA Welcome to ‘Timber Connect’ – the STA’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 leading organisation representing the structural timber sector. STA Assure - Defining the Standards for Structural Timber As the largest UK trade association within the structural timber sector, there are a host of reasons why construction professionals and self builders should choose one of our members.
inside this issue... 2
Word from the Chair
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Latest Industry News
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The STA’s mission is to enhance quality and drive product innovation through technical guidance and research, underpinned by a members’ quality standard assessment – the STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme. Why use an STA member? The STA Assure scheme offers reassurances to the construction community that our members meet or even exceed current legislation, regulatory requirements and quality standards together with operating mandatory Site Safe procedures. Offering complete transparency to new and existing clients, the accreditation highlights the diffsering levels of in-house quality procedures, management systems and product performance standards, together with external accreditations held by STA members. The independently audited STA Assure scheme has received formal recognition from six of the industry’s leading structural warranty and building control bodies - LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee, Protek Warranty, Build-Zone Warranty, Self-Build Zone Warranty and CRL. The STA represents well over 500 businesses in the timber industry from manufacturers, suppliers, erectors and installers, to designers and consultants. There is a wealth of information on the STA’s website, including a ‘find a member’ search function – which can locate companies by ‘business type’ and/or ‘technology type’ or location.
Project Gallery Capstone Green
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Project Gallery Blackdale Student Residences
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For more information go to: www.structuraltimber.co.uk/members
Andrew Carpenter Chief Executive
New Quality Initiatives
Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk
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Dates For Your Diary
WORD FROM THE CHAIR
Structural timber systems are moving towards a greater factoryproduction focus, with increased levels of prefabrication; this provides the assurance of more stringent control over quality, productivity and predictability. STA Chair, Alex Goodfellow, MD of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, discusses the benefits of taking the build process offsite. Built-in benefits Integrated panalised systems such as closed panel timber frame, structural insulated panel systems, solid wood solutions such as CLT and modular options are driving innovation in the timber industry. These advanced systems offer greater manufacturing capacity, at the same time as which they are delivering more opportunities to increase build with a wider choice of systems than ever before. With impressive environmental credentials, along with cost and time efficiencies, factory-manufactured timber systems are delivered as part of a controlled offsite process rather than relying on site-based methods. Demand for greater efficiency is increasing and this presents the construction industry with the very real challenge in delivering buildings that achieve the actual energy performance as specified in the design brief. The accuracy and control involved in using timber-based offsite technology overcomes this issue. Investing in an advanced prefabricated and well insulated structural timber system, will offer vast savings down the line with on site labour costs and enhanced energy efficiency. We are now truly realising the full capabilities of strong, sustainable and technically advanced structural timber solutions. With a vast amount of experience, combined with a range of high performance panelised systems, our members have the capability and the capacity to meet the exacting demands of the construction industry across all sectors.
Alex Goodfellow
The Benefits of Offsite Manufactured Timber Systems Speed of Construction The high degree of factory prefabrication enables a rapid build process, which will not be adversely influenced by inclement weather. Cost and Programme Certainty Offsite construction for onsite installation makes scheduling and costing more predictable than with traditional building methods. Quality Assurance Stringent factory quality control enhances the manufacture of buildings, ensuring a modern, high performance structural envelope for your scheme. Energy usage Thermally efficient, highly airtight structures vastly reduce energy consumption across the life of the building. Design flexibility With a wide range of innovative products and cladding solutions, timber systems can meet the aspirations of both architects and developers. Sustainability All Structural Timber Association members use timber from PEFC or FSC certified sources, ensuring responsible management of the world’s forests.
Chair
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Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
Build with confidence INDUSTRY NEWS
RLB lauches first independent construction cost comparision report for timber and masonry for affordable housing. Leading independent construction, property and management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK), has launched the industry’s first construction cost comparison report between timber frame and masonry in affordable housing. Author of the report RLB Partner, Ian Dacre - a specialist in the residential sector who has delivered over 1,100 homes, said: “We were very pleased to be able to carry out this independent study. With the recent government announcement of the presumption in favour of offsite manufacture for all publicly funded projects from 2019, and the current drive for increased housing development, we wanted to evaluate what is the most economical build solution for affordable housing. The adoption of offsite manufacturing will only increase throughout the construction industry and we will be undertaking further, similar, independent studies in the future. I would like to convey my thanks to those who supported the project including the four contractors who helped price the models as well as the consultant architects and engineers and others who also added their expertise. We hope the research will be of interest to many within the built environment industry.” The report, with the support from other industry professionals, has answered the question and concludes: • Timber frame construction is more economical • The overall project costs are more economical • The build programme is shorter
To access the full report please go to: http://bit.ly/RLBreport
STA’s AGM and Annual Conference Hailed a Great Success STA Chairman Alex Goodfellow welcomed almost 150 members to the STA’s AGM and Annual Conference held at the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club in Edinburgh last week. Offsite continues to be high on the agenda - keynote speaker Kevin Stewart, MSP - Minister for Local Government and Housing, reinforced the message, highlighting the significant role offsite manufacturing processes play in achieving the housing targets set by Government. He was followed by David Birkbeck from Design for Homes and Wood for Good Chair who discussed the market opportunities for structural timber. STA committee members highlighted the great work being carried out by the association and our members to raise the profile of structural timber, with key steps being taken to address wider construction issues surrounding Capacity, Quality, Health & Safety, Technical Skills and Training. Our breakout sessions on Warranties, BIM and R & D Tax Credits generated some interesting discussions with our experts from A J Gallagher, Space Group and Leyton. Guest speaker - David Sole, former Scotland rugby captain and founder of the School for CEO’s, closed proceedings and the conference was followed by a gala dinner.
Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
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PROJECT GALLERY
2018 WINNER
Best Use of Timber Technology BROOKE HOMES CAPSTONE GREEN
SIP Technology Used to Develop Affordable Housing by Adopting Volumetric Techniques With a passion for driving housing delivery in the UK through the optimisation of offsite construction methods using structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) STA Member Brooke Homes, recently picked up the Offsite Award for the Best Use of Timber Technology. Developing affordable, energy efficient, sustainable homes, fit for the 21st century and beyond - is Brooke Home’s core objective. They believe offsite timber panel construction is the future of the housing industry. Brooke Homes is at the forefront of this technology, pioneering innovative and cost-efficient SIP technology by adopting volumetric modular techniques using sustainable timber sources with full Chain of Custody. Brooke Homes achieved BOPAS accreditation, which is based on SIP technology, laminated veneer lumber beams and engineered timber joists to form a monocoque structure that is both structurally and thermally efficient. The company is focused on taking offsite timber panel technology to the next level by using innovative construction methods, which are both cost and time effective. Currently their offsite facility can manufacture 15 three-storey homes at any one time and can complete three homes a week on their award-winning project for L&Q Housing Association. With a target of building 82 houses and 28 apartments on the site, the benefits of this method on this scheme are clear. SIP technology used to develop affordable housing by adopting volumetric modular techniques - delivers huge benefits to homeowners, offering more internal floor space, habitable roof space
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and excellent thermal performance. The structural insulated panel systems include the complete requirements of a finished fitted-out house, including wall finish, M&E and bathroom and kitchen fit-out, with the desired goal being a fully turn-key delivered product solution. Brooke Homes’ goal for the future is to achieve carbon neutral houses at an affordable price. They are already making significant advancements in energy efficiency by improving airtightness and energy waste management to successfully achieve lower running costs.
Keep up with our latest member projects - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/project-profiles
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
Defining the Standards for Structural Timber
2017 WINNER
PROJECT GALLERY
Project of the Year KLH UK BLACKDALE STUDENT RESIDENCES
Photo by Richard Osbourne
Providing expertise in cross laminated timber construction from design concept to onsite completion – STA Member KLH UK picked up the Structural Timber Award for Project of the Year for Blackdale Student Residences. Designed by LSI Architects, the new Blackdale Student Residences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), will act as a significant catalyst for economic activity in the area providing hundreds of jobs and a very welcome new income stream for the UEA that will help to further support ground-breaking research and teaching facilities at the University. The advantages of cross laminated timber (CLT) made it the obvious choice for the superstructure. Installed over a period of only 17 weeks - the timber superstructure was delivered to the site in 95 lorry loads, with the total sequestered/stored carbon in the KLH manufactured CLT panels weighing 935.3 tonnes. The development consists of two new CLT blocks, ranging from three to seven storeys, providing 514 residential units. Building Information
Modelling (BIM) Level 2 and Logistics 3D Modelling were key technical innovations used to optimise the design and construction, which were installed using a four-crane, four-crew site operation. To further facilitate and expedite the process, KLH UK also installed 512 pre-manufactured bathroom pods. Trevor Price, Partner at LSI Architects said “The Blackdale Student Residences development will join one of a number of our buildings that have been constructed using cross laminated timber, not just because of its ability to greatly accelerate the construction process but also because of its credentials as a more sustainable method of construction. The timber panels capture and store carbon which helps the building achieve high standards of sustainability and offset carbon emissions.” Collaboration between the project team members was a key factor for the success of the job that has been designed and delivered to building information modelling (BIM) level 2. The development, rated “Excellent” by BREEAM, was completed in time for the start of the academic year.
Keep up with our latest member projects - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/project-profiles
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BUILDING BETTER PLACES
The health and wellbeing of occupants is becoming an increasingly important factor when it comes to building design and specification - with the World Green Building Council’s global campaign, ‘Better Places for People’ further heightening awareness. Kevin Riley, Board Member of the Structural Timber Association and Sales Director, LVL, for Stora Enso – discusses why this is becoming an increasingly important consideration. The commercial impact of building in structural timber has been much discussed, from the speed of installation to the addressing of the skills shortage by incorporating offsite manufacture of elements; this is now very much en vogue and almost taken for granted. And whilst much has been written about the impact construction has on the environment what has not been highlighted is the positive impact that building in timber can have on occupants. While there are still many details that need more research, studies conducted so far indicate that structural timber creates pleasant surroundings in terms of humidity and acoustics, as well as contributing to reduced stress levels, amongst other benefits. According to a study carried out by Riina Muilu-Mäkelä, Maarit Haavisto and Jori Uusitalo, researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland - school children in timber buildings experience less stress, have fewer conflicts and concentrate better. These are the findings from a study where two classes, one located in a wooden classroom and the other in different surroundings, were compared. The International WELL Building Institute claims that ‘wellness’ is the next trillion-dollar industry which can help businesses play an integral role in improving the health and wellbeing of employees and reap the benefits from a greater return on investment from a healthier and happier workforce. This concept has yet to gain traction in the UK, however ‘the wellbeing of occupants’ is now a significant consideration at the early stages of the design and build process. The usage of timber in construction has been rising in many markets recently. As a renewable and sustainable material, it brings interesting opportunities for the construction industry. Add health and wellbeing into the equation – this is yet another even more compelling reason for the specification of timber.
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Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
Contact info@structuraltimber.co.uk
Collaborate, Inform & Inspire NEW QUALITY INITIATIVES
Timber Frame Designers and Manufacturers The Structural Timber Association in partnership with CITB and Edinburgh Napier University, has developed a Competency Programme for Timber Frame Designers and Manufacturers to enhance quality within the industry and provide evidence that timber frame professionals understand their responsibilities and reach acceptable standards. The programme will assist self-development and contribute to identifying career paths to support new entrants to the timber frame industry. The structured training programme is completed in the workplace via a series of online workbooks which are divided into modules and individually scored. The completed workbooks must be retained as they form part of the STA Assure membership and quality standards scheme audit.
Installer Training Programme To set an industry wide standard– the STA has developed a training scheme for erectors and installers of structural timber frame. STA members must ensure that a minimum of 66% of their erector/installer workforce are accredited through this scheme by January 2019 and moving forward, all new contractors should undertake this scheme as part of their training. The training programme, which can be completed in-house - can also be used to support the achievement of gaining an SVQ or NVQ in Timber Frame Erection - allowing companies to access sites requiring CSCS cards.
Site Check: Timber Frame Pocket Guide TRADA and the STA have combined their expert knowledge to update and merge individual timber frame publications to produce a single-source timber frame advice guide. Written as an illustrated guide that can be easily referenced by on-site management, this spiral-bound pocket book gives construction professionals the competitive edge by helping them to ensure sub-contract work is carried out to the highest standard. Quality management should be an end-to end process from the sourcing of raw timber and offsite manufacture in well managed factories to the final onsite installation. The Site Check pocket book will be a valuable asset to site managers and although concise, the information will play an important role in refining onsite quality controls.
A discount of 35% is available to both TRADA and Structural Timber Association members. A ‘taster’ copy can be downloaded free at https://bookshop.trada.co.uk/
Keep up with our latest news - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/news/structural-timber-news
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Again, this year the Structural Timber Association will be sponsoring three major events in the construction calendar – Solid Wood Solutions, Structural Timber Awards and the Timber Trade Journal Awards.
Submission deadline date: 08 June 2018 10.10.2018
Being shortlisted for a Structural Timber Award presents an excellent opportunity to significantly enhance the profile of your business and demonstrate a market-leading position. With just over two weeks to go until the submission deadline - if you have an outstanding project, innovative product application and/or dynamic people promoting excellence in structural timber across the UK - then you should be entering the Structural Timber Awards to receive industry acclaim and recognition.
To enter the awards please visit www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk/enter/awards
05 July 2018 Six years on since the first Solid Wood Solutions event, it is back by popular demand. Forming a magnificent backdrop, The Oculus building at the University of Warwick – will play host to Solid Wood Solutions. Through informative case studies presented by those who designed, engineered and developed celebrated solid wood structures – the conference and exhibition will shine a spotlight on pioneering projects, that are gaining global attention. These presenters will be joined by specialists, academics and industry pioneers from Edinburgh University, TRADA, Buro Happold, Ramboll and Ecological Building Systems – leading offsite expert, Darren Richards, Managing Director for Cogent Consulting will chair the event.
Tickets are just £125 +VAT which includes refreshments and lunch – to book your place go to: www.solidwoodsolutions.co.uk/book
21 September 2018 Now in its 22nd year, the annual TTJ Awards will showcase the timber sector as a major, modern and forward-looking industry and recognise its achievements in areas that are vital to business success. The Awards feature categories that are voted for by the timber sector, as well as categories that are judged by independent panels. The nominees and winners will be announced at a lunch-time ceremony held at the InterContinental Park Lane, London. This prestigious event has become an established networking date within the timber industry’s calendar, not least because of the high-profile host and guest speakers who have entertained guests throughout the history of the TTJ Awards.
Full details of the 2018 awards categories, nominations, and the day’s proceedings go to: www.ttjonline.com/event/ttj-awards-2018/ 8
Keep up with our latest events - www.structuraltimber.co.uk/events