Timber Construction Magazine Issue 4 Summer 2018

04 SUMMER 2018 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)

WINNING WITH WOOD Piveteaubois honoured at the 2018 Wood Protection Awards / 18 GETTING THE JOB DONE

HOMEGROWN

Offsite construction must change the way it recruits to build a strong workforce for the future / 13

Demand for British timber has never been higher but can supply keep up? / 20

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SUMMER 2018

01582 592707

CONTENTS SUMMER 2018 02

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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 2 NEWS

The latest news from the timber and wider construction sector including Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety

10 TIMBER BRIDGES

13

15

Timber has been used as a construction material for bridges since ancient times, but the techniques for designing and building the structures have come a long way in recent years

13 RECRUITMENT & SKILLS

Offsite construction is changing the way that we build in the UK, but it needs a strong workforce for the future if it is to reach its true potential

15 REVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018

Ecobuild returned to the London ExCel this year with a fresh new format and under new ownership and it wasn’t afraid to tackle the big issues affecting the construction sector

18 COVER STORY: PIVETEAUBOIS 20

27

The leading timber supplier took the title of Best Wood Protection Project at the 2018 Wood Protection Awards

20 BRITISH TIMBER

Grown in Britain’s chief executive Dougal Driver talks about improving productivity in the UK timber sector and adding value through research and development

27 AIRTIGHTNESS 31

34

Airtightness is essential to ensuring an energy efficient, healthy building envelope but what does it mean in practice and how can it be achieved?

31 DECKING

As the summer season gets underway Timber Construction focuses on some high-profile decking projects that showcase the versatility of timber

33 TIMBER PROTECTION

EDITOR Michelle Gordon  timbereditorial@gmail.com

A closer look at some timber protection projects including the conversion of a 100-year-old cheese warehouse and rescuing neglected decking

SALES DIRECTOR Terry Hanlon  terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk  01925 270093

DESIGN Pete Awad  welcome@designedbyfaust.com

Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81

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SUMMER 2018

NEWS

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS mechanism for blowing the whistle on landlords who do not maintain safe buildings; changing the law to achieve meaningful and lasting reform of the building regulatory system, with strong sanctions for those who fail to comply and inviting views to inform how it could implement major reform of the regulatory system.

This is in addition to the £400 million recently announced by the Prime Minister to fully fund local authorities and housing associations with the removal and replacement of aluminium composite material cladding, the type used on Grenfell Tower, on social housing buildings above 18 metres.

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire said: “The cladding believed to be on Grenfell Tower was unlawful under existing building regulations. It should not have been used.

I will ensure there is no room for doubt over what materials can be used safely. Having listened carefully to concerns, The Government has pledged to restructure building regulations fire safety guidance to ensure it is clear following Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations and fire safety.

I will consult on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings. We must ensure the tragedy at Grenfell brings change and I call on the industry to work with me

It will consult on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding

to achieve the urgent reform needed.”

Dame Judith’s review, which was commissioned in the wake of the

systems on high-rise residential buildings. It has also committed to banning desktop studies as a way of assessing the fire performance of external cladding systems if a consultation which closed recently does not

Grenfell Tower tragedy, recommends a new regulatory system.

It found that regulations and guidance are misunderstood, and oversight and enforcement are inadequate, concluding that significant systemic reform

demonstrate that they can be safely used.

is needed spanning every aspect of the ‘life’ of a high-rise building.

It has also committed to ensuring that residents have a better

LICENCE AGREEMENT SIGNED Accsys has signed a Tricoya user licence

exclusive rights for manufacturing high-

agreement with one of Europe’s longest

performance wood-based panels from Tricoya

established MDF and chipboard manufacturers,

wood elements in Spain and Portugal, with non-

production of Tricoya panels by FINSA will

Financiera Maderera S.A.

exclusive distribution rights in other territories.

initially be met from Accsys’ Accoya plant in

FINSA will sell the panels under the Tricoya

FINSA (www.finsa.com) has been a pioneer in the field of sustainable and renewable woodbased solutions since its foundation in 1931.

Under the agreement, FINSA is granted

of the licence fee payable immediately.

The supply of acetylated material for the

Arnhem, in the Netherlands, and then in the

brand and pay a combination of royalty and

form of Tricoya chips from the world’s first

licence fees to Accsys’ subsidiary Tricoya

Tricoya plant in Hull, which is under construction

Technologies Ltd (TTL), with the first installment

and expected to be operational in 2019.

GUYANA SUBMITS RAINFOREST TO QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH CANOPY An area of forest 4.1 times the size of London has been submitted to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy by Guyana.

The 648,567.2 hectares of undisturbed rainforest is the second largest land submission to the flagship programme in the Queen’s name, which brings together the 53 countries of the Commonwealth and aims to raise awareness and save the world’s forests.

Guyana’s Kanashen Amerindian Protected area is situated in the south of the small South American country and is home to the Indigenous Wai Wai people. One of the largest Protected Areas in Guyana, it is part of the High Biodiversity Wilderness Area of Amazonia and a key part of the Guiana Shield Corridor.

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SPRING 2018

NEWS

TIMBER INDUSTRY COULD FACE £1BN BREXIT BILL IF UK LEAVES EU CUSTOMS UNION The timber industry could face a £1 billion Brexit bill if

paid up-front. This will cause considerable problems for

the UK leaves the EU Customs Union, the Timber

the SMEs who make up the majority of our sector”.

Trade Federation (TTF) has warned.

Additional problems highlighted, not just

It has launched an infographic for

for the timber sector but for construction

legislators, Parliamentarians and the

supply chains in general, include potential

public, explaining what it calls ‘The

delays, and greater costs for storing

Timber Tax Bombshell’.

timber at ports and in administering

“Some 90% of timber used in

customs checks and documentation.

construction is imported from Europe,

“Builders’ merchants, and their

which British timber supplies are

builder customers, responsible for

insufficient to replace,” said TTF

fulfilling government housing targets,

managing director David Hopkins.

rely on Just-In-Time deliveries of timber

“Under the proposed Taxation Bill,

to premises and sites. Currently timber

once the UK leaves the EU and its VAT

entering the UK from the EU clears ports

area, VAT on EU imports will have to be

immediately with no need for customs checks,” said Hopkins. “Over 60% of the timber used in the UK comes from Europe.”

NORBORD PARTNERS WITH COLLEGE ON MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

The Timber Trade Federation is asking Government to ensure timber imports are able to clear customs in the same manner as present, with no delays or upfront costs likely to penalise SMEs, or to impact Britain’s housing supply chains. “The Government must also preserve the existing VAT payments system for imports from the EU or put in place a new system which maintains the same benefits,” said Hopkins.

Photo © Sandy McCook

PEFC: Your assurance of responsibly sourced timber

A new modern apprenticeship programme has been created at Norbord, Inverness, to develop skills that are focused on the technical and manufacturing aspects of the process at the mill.

The 18 to 24-month Technical Manufacturing (TM) Modern Apprenticeship programme combines theoretical learning and practical hands-on experience within the production process, and results in an SVQ2 qualification.

Emma Eadie, HR assistant at Norbord, said: “We have always

“However, we’ve also been keen to support the production side of our operations and we looked at putting a training package together that both met our operational needs and for it to also qualify for a modern apprenticeship status.”

Emma worked with production manager, Mark Reilly and quality assurance technician Jennifer MacDonald, alongside Inverness College to develop a suitable programme.

WAF AWARDS 2018 Best Use of Certified Timber Prize Sponsored by PEFC

Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber Ask your suppliers for PEFC-certified wood products

“The college is very familiar with our operations from our past work with them with our existing apprenticeships and they were very helpful in looking at our production roles and developing an educational

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PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

two years to be trained in either mechanical or electrical engineering to help support our maintenance teams.

Photos: Oporkka/iStock, Fausto Franzosi/PEFC Italy

supported modern apprenticeships and take on two apprentices every

package that would support a new apprenticeship programme,” she said.

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SPRING 2018

NEWS

HACKITT REVIEW WELCOMED BUT FOCUS ON FIRE DOORS NEEDED A new regulatory framework is needed to improve safety in higher-risk residential buildings, an independent review led by Dame Judith Hackitt has found.

Dame Judith was appointed by Government to lead the review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and her findings outline the need for fundamental reform to improve building safety and to rebuild trust among residents of high-rise buildings.

At the heart of the new system will be a requirement for the construction industry to take responsibility for the delivery of safe buildings, rather than looking to others to tell them what is or is not acceptable.

Dame Judith’s report sets out a vision for a new framework which will

Photo © Guido van Nispen (Creative Commons) – http://bit.ly/2wRfccv

improve standards for new and existing buildings. It makes recommendations relating to:  a less prescriptive, outcomes-based approach to the regulatory framework to be overseen by a new regulator that can drive the right behaviours  clearer roles and responsibilities throughout the design and construction process and during occupation, to ensure real accountability for building

the full scale of the problem.

While he acknowledges that the cladding was “a major reason the Grenfell fire turned from a potentially minor incident into a tragedy” the external envelope is only part of the story, says McIlwee, with the condition and performance of the fire doors highlighted as a major concern and more

safety  residents to be consulted and involved in decisions affecting the safety of

detailed advice issued.

“For years, weak and fragmented legislation, combined with poor skills

their home and listened to if they have concerns  a more rigorous and transparent product testing regime and a more

and control in construction and maintenance have undermined installation and failed to address inadequacies in inspection and maintenance regimes,”

responsible marketing regime  industry to lead on strengthening competence of all those involved in

he said. “We believe that there is a very deep-rooted problem and that many fire doors would struggle to halt the spread of major fire. It is now vitally

building work and to establish an oversight body

important that we reset the clock.

She is calling on the government to set out a clear plan for implementation

“We believe that, alongside a greater focus on fire safety and fire doors, a new financial mechanism is needed to enable local authorities,

and for industry and regulators to start ‘living’ the changes now.

The report’s recommendations have been welcomed by the British

housing associations and others to access the funds required to upgrade

Woodworking Federation, whose members manufacture around three million

safety recommendations that will emanate from the Risk Assessments that

fire doors in the UK each year, and its CEO Iain McIlwee is urging Government to

are being demanded. It is essential that we see the Treasury making an

crack on with embracing them as soon as practicable.

allocation for this too.”

“The report is not the end, it is the beginning and we need the dots to be joined up,” said McIlwee, who believes that there seems to be little recognition of

BWF is campaigning for the creation of a Building Safety Fund to support housing associations and local authorities with the associated costs.

NEW DIRECTOR WILL HEAD UP UK OPERATIONS Robertson Timber Engineering has appointed

projects in the UK that require the planning,

a new director to head up its UK operations,

manufacturing and erecting of precision-

leading its 70-strong team across a wide range

engineered timber framed buildings.

of current and future projects.

Neil Stevens, who has over 30 years’

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Mike Turner, managing director at Robertson Timber Engineering, said: “Neil brings a wealth

industry experience, will be based out of the

of experience to the role and Robertson

Seaham, County Durham facility. His day-to-day

is delighted to welcome him to the team.

role will involve coordinating the Robertson

Robertson Timber Engineering is going through

Timber Engineering operations team, which

an exciting period of growth, and I’m sure Neil

is currently working across several major

will help grow the business further.”

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SPRING 2018

NEWS

£100,000 FOR INNOVATIVE TIMBER COMPANIES Seven Scottish companies have been awarded a share of £100,000 from Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) and The Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) to design and develop innovative wood-based products and systems for the construction sector.

Robertson Timber Engineering, Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Sylvan Stuart Ltd, MAKAR Ltd, JML Contracts, Dualchas Architects and Neat Living successfully applied to the Advanced Timber Products Innovation Challenge, which aimed to encourage innovation in the Scottish timber technologies sector.

They will share 120 days of free access to CSIC’s £3 million state-of-the-art Innovation Factory at Hamilton International Technology Park, along with technical support. Each company will also receive a membership to the Innovation Factory, allowing them future access to the facilities at a preferential rate.

The Innovation Factory, the only facility of its kind in the UK, comprises 35,000 sq. ft. of workshop space filled with production and

and an industrial robot. It also provides collaboration and training facilities

prototyping equipment and technology including an off site manufacturing

to allow organisations in the private, public and academic sectors to share

cell, digital router, CLT vacuum press and glue adaptor, pilot insulation line

knowledge and information.

SURVEY REVEALS RISING TIMBER PRICES

STEPPING UP The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Stair Scheme has launched an improved Staircase Installation Guide to help fill the skills gap and focus on safe, quality installations for both domestic and general access staircases.

BWF technical director Kevin Underwood said: “A shortage in skills

INSTALLATIO N GUIDE

Timber Stair s

A Guide to Sa fe Stair Instal lation from the BW F Stair Scheme

© British Woo

dworking Fede

ration 2018

on site is now a real The cost of timber has increased by 8% over the last 12 months, according

problem in the industry.

to research from the Federation of Master Builders.

Manufacturers are no

Small and medium-sized building firms were asked by what percentage

longer able to assume that the necessary fitting

different materials have increased over the past 12 months.

Insulation topped the list with a reported price hike of 16% and brick was

skills and knowledge will

in second place with 9% while roof tiles and slate joined timber at 8%. The

be available at the point of installation and so are having to take

survey also reported a 7% rise in windows, blocks, plasterboard and boilers,

more of a role in guiding the fitting process, which is where the BWF Stair

with porcelain products increasing by 6%.

Scheme Installation Guide comes in.”

The firms were also asked which materials are in shortest supply and have

Builders and contractors have a duty to correctly install staircases that are fit for purpose. While members of the BWF Stair Scheme produce

the longest wait times.

Timber was listed in ninth place out of 10 with the longest reported wait

stairs that will support the necessary loads in both the flights and the

time being up to two months while the longest reported wait time for bricks

balustrades, poor installation practices can cause the stability of the stair

was more than a year.

to be reduced, potentially leading to premature failure of components and

According to the research 56% of small building firms say that rising

ultimately the collapse of the stair. The guide is designed to bridge the gap

material prices are squeezing their margins and 17% reported making losses on

between manufacturers and installers to ensure that industry standards are

building projects due to material price increases, while 49% have been forced

met and best practice is followed to safely install timber staircases.

to pass material price increases onto clients and 30% have recommended that clients use alternative materials or products to those originally specified.

05

For more information visit www.bwfstairscheme.org.uk/stair-installation

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SPRING 2018

NEWS

SCOTFRAME EXPANDS INTO ENGLAND WITH LAUNCH OF SWINDON SHOWROOM

Photos © Calyx Picture Agency NSBRC Show

Scotframe, one of Scotland’s largest offsite timber frame specialists, is expanding south of the border with the launch of a new showroom in Swindon.

The company, which supplies full kit packages for housing and commercial

Bringing you FSC® 100%

Tropical Hardwood

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projects in the UK, has manufacturing facilities in Inverurie and Cumbernauld, as well as sales offices and showrooms in Inverness and Dundee.

It has now launched a permanent showroom and sales office at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon, as it targets a larger share of the English self-build housing market.

Scotframe was acquired by Saint-Gobain in November last year, a move

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which it believes will help accelerate its expansion into English markets and triple its annual turnover in England over the next three years.

The NSBRC is the UK’s only permanent venue for independent advice and support on self-build, renovation and home improvements and the show home was launched during its National Self Build and Renovation Show. Scotframe is currently recruiting a new member of staff who will be based at the centre.

Malcolm Thomson, sales director at Scotframe said: “Scotland leads the way in timber frame construction, with 83% of new-build homes in Scotland using timber frame, compared to just 23% in England. However, the market share for timber construction in England is steadily rising and I believe this trend will continue.

“Timber frame is a particularly attractive option for self-build, which is growing in popularity south of the border, thanks to the recent Right to Build legislation. We hope having a presence at the NSBRC will help us tap into this burgeoning self-build market in England, especially as we have over 28 years of experience and expertise, during which time we have supplied over 30,000 houses.”

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SUMMER 2018

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SUMMER 2018

NORBORD INVESTS £95 MILLION AT PLANT Norbord managing director Karl Morris and Nicola Sturgeon unveiling the new manufacturing line at Norbord’s Inverness plant. Photo © Trevor Martin

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled a new

and job creation opportunities for the area as well

manufacturing line at Norbord’s Inverness plant

as boost the Scottish forestry sector.

following a £95 million investment.

The expansion and modernisation of the mill,

“The positive impact of this development will be felt well beyond Inverness and the Inner

members of staff instrumental in bringing the project to life over the past four years, which comprised two years of planning and two of execution.

Sturgeon said: “Norbord’s £95 million expansion

which benefitted from a £12 million development

Moray Firth. Norbord is not only a significant local

of its Dalcross plant is one of the largest single inward

grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

employer in its own right; it also plays an important

investments made into Scotland. It will significantly

(HIE), included an upgrade to continuous press

strategic role in the region’s forestry sector and

increase capacity and demonstrates the vibrancy of

technology. This will significantly increase the

is a major user of haulage companies and port

the Scottish forestry sector.

capacity of oriented strand board (OSB) production

infrastructure. It’s great to be here today to see the

at the site from 350,000 to 640,000 cubic metres

unveiling of the new site.”

to help meet growing demand from the UK and Europe.

Charlotte Wright, chief executive of HIE, said: “We have worked closely with Norbord and we are delighted to support the company to invest in its Highland base. The expansion will bring economic

The investment has nearly doubled the size of

“This is a welcome investment for the Highlands that will secure a long-term future for the factory.

It has received more than £12 million support from

Norbord’s site in Dalcross, Inverness, which opened

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is expected

more than 30 years ago and was the first OSB mill

to generate £37 million gross value added of new economic activity for the Scottish economy each

in Europe.

The First Minister attended the official opening of the new line and had the opportunity to meet

year, of which £22 million would be retained within the HIE area.”

MARKET DYNAMICS AND MATERIAL SHORTAGES AFFECT OAK WOOD AVAILABILITY IN EUROPE Market dynamics and material shortages are

affected by log bans in place in supplying

set to affect Oak wood availability in Europe,

countries due to the impact of pests (Croatia) or

delegates at the European Oak Conference in

governmental measures to improve domestic

London were told.

Major European suppliers from countries

industry (Ukraine). This shortage of raw materials is causing several sawmills to keep production

such as Croatia, France, Poland and Ukraine

low, preventing the sector from achieving its full

presented overviews of the European Oak industry

potential.

at the event organised by the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) in conjunction with the European

Melegari said that “the concerns of the hardwood sawmill sectors have been voiced on

“For its aesthetic and technical qualities,

several occasions” and “both the EU Parliament

Oak remains a prime product for UK timber

and the European Economic and Social Committee

importers and traders,” said TTF managing director

increased demand and market restrictions have

have invited Member States to ensure that wood

David Hopkins. “However, material shortage and

been affecting Oak wood prices over the past few

supply from the region’s forests is sufficient to

international trade dynamics are likely to drive

years. As highlighted by the EOS Secretary General

satisfy, on a sustainable basis, local industries’ needs

prices higher in the near future. This may open the

Silvia Melegari, exports of logs from the EU to

and society’s needs”.

market for alternative hardwood species.

Organization of the Sawmill Industry (EOS).

The speakers agreed that a combination of

China have soared by 181% in the last 10 years and

The conference also addressed key issues

“The TTF – in collaboration with European partner organisations – will be monitoring market

the growing demand is having a major impact on

including trade post-Brexit; Oak wood price and

European Oak producers, particularly France.

availability; transport bans; pests control and

trends as well as providing assistance and guidance

international co-operation in the sector.

to members and stakeholders.”

The availability of European Oak is also

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SUMMER 2018

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: TIMBER BRIDGES

CROSSING OVER TO TIMBER

Timber has been used as a construction material for bridges since ancient times, but the techniques for designing and building the structures have come a long way in recent years

T

IMBER is one of the oldest construction materials

take much heavier loads while structural timber composites

known to man and its use for building bridges can

and glulam mean that bridges can be built to longer spans.

be dated back as far as 600BC. Of course, techniques have moved on

considerably since then and timber bridges can now

Timber Construction takes a closer look at a selection of projects which are showcasing wood as a building material.

The Neckartenzlingen bridge, Germany.

Photo © Walther

NIITTYSILTA BRIDGE, FINLAND The bridge is

The Niittysilta bridge was

approximately 25 metres long

constructed by the Helsinki city technical department in

and 5 metres wide. The main

2002 to enable the public

structure of the bridge is made

to easily cross over a small

from Accoya but the deck

creek. It was designed with

is made from impregnated

a larch decorative outer

(treated) local wood.

“Thanks to Accoya’s

layer by the famous Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa but after 14 years the Larch had decayed and

stability and durability benefits it posed as the ideal material to restore the bridge,” said Sarah Harding, head of corporate marketing

had to be replaced.

In need of a virtually rot free, durable and stable wood, Accoya was

& communications, Accsys Group. “Having had to replace the original

selected to replace the Larch for the pedestrian bridge which links a

bridge after only 15 years the authorities understand the need to pay a

residential area in the town of Viikki near Helsinki in Finland to a nature park.

bit more for a timber that will last much longer.”

BLOCK GLULAM BRIDGE, GMÜND, GERMANY The glulam bridge over a

for the hand rails because

small river in the centre of the

it is much more durable

town of Schwäbisch Gmünd,

than softwoods for such

Germany, was constructed in

an exposed application, yet

2012 for Landesgartenschau

its light colour is a better

Schwäbisch Gmünd

match for the spruce than

2014 GmbH by

the generally dark colour of tropical hardwoods,”

Schaffitzel+Miebach.

The main structure of the bridge, which has a span of 28 metres and is 2.5 metres wide is made from glulam spruce and the handrails are made from Accoya. It was the first bridge that Miebach supplied using

Accsys Group.

“Accoya is also easier to machine than tropical hardwoods, as they often rebate lighting into the underside of the handrails, remains smooth

80mm thick granite slabs as the walkway surface.

“Accoya was selected by Schaffitzel+Miebach as the ideal material

10

said Sarah Harding, head of corporate marketing & communications,

and tactile over time and doesn’t crack as much as tropical hardwoods.”

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: TIMBER BRIDGES

NECKARTENZLINGEN BLOCK LAMINATED BRIDGE, GERMANY The three-span timber block-laminated girder bridge

span Gerber beam and it comprises curved block glued

was built in 2017 for the Neckartenzlingen local

glulam supports. The railings are horizontal stainless-

authority and took seven months to construct.

steel cables with handrails made from acetylated glulam.

Waterproof coated precast concrete parts have

The bridge was designed by Ingenieurburo

been placed on the timber structure to form the bridge

Miebach, an engineering firm based in North RhineWestphalia, Germany, which focuses primarily on the

deck, with ventilation from below and water channels

design and planning of timber bridges and timber

underneath in the joint areas, to protect against exposure to the weather. The staggered blocking is

supporting structures.

tapered along a 30° line and the protruding covering

Ingenieurburo Miebach was also responsible for

protects it from driving rain on all sides.

engineering and site supervision while the structure was

Protected wooden structures can have an

manufactured and installed by Schaffitzel Holzindustrie.

estimated theoretical lifespan of 60 years according

The main aim was to optimise the line of the Neckar valley cycle paths with a car-free bridge, as the

to the BMVI (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital

existing cycleway over the river was too narrow and ran

Infrastructure), and up to 80 years according to a study

immediately parallel to the road.

Photo © Walther

Timber was chosen for the structure as integration

by the German Society for Wood Research, meaning that the bridge at Neckartenzlingen has the same

into the unspoilt surroundings was one of the most important criteria for the

projected lifespan as steel reinforced concrete bridges and structures made

project. The construction of the bridge, which is over 96 metres long and

from other materials.

three metres wide, broke new ground as it was the first time that large-scale block-laminated girders of over two metres in height had been made from

“The concept of the new cycle bridge over the Neckar offers an ecologically valuable and economically efficient construction,” said Frank Miebach of Ingenieurburo Miebach. “It fits perfectly into the natural

glued laminated timber.

The basis for the construction is defined by a simple continuous three-

environment and enhances the individual and aesthetic shape of the area.”



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Contact Quest today for sales and further information about Knapp timber construction connectors.

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telephone

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knapp@qs-sales.com 01280 822062

SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: TIMBER BRIDGES

ACCOYA VENETIAN & MARINA BRIDGE, SOUTHPORT The pedestrian bridge over the artificial Marine Lake in Southport was originally built around 1930 and has stood the test of time.

Dresser Mouldings won a contract to supply bespoke spindle and curved hand rail sections in the original design, to replace the old spindles and curves on the marina and Accoya wood was chosen for the project.

The finished size for the 650 spindles was specified at an overall 144×144 bonded in two halves, glued using a special modified two-part glue for external water front use. Once the material had been prepared, bonded and turned it then received its final coating before installation.

One of the more complex parts of the project was to produce curved radius handrails, supplied horizontally and vertically, which required a great deal of planned detail and accurate geometry to ensure the correct rise over the walk way. Sections were built and bonded to produce both hand and base-rails to a section size of 290×117 for the curved radius the section bonded needed to be much wider to obtain the curves required. Machining of the sections was manufactured using a Maka 5 axis CNC machine.

“Originally the build was to be offered up in either Cedar or FSC Iroko and although both these timbers were good timbers to use, they also were not without issues,” said said Sarah Harding, head of corporate marketing and communications, Accsys Group. “Cedar was one of the timbers of choice, however the spindles and handrails requiring bonding along with the time scale moisture in the material made this process of using cedar a bit risky.

“Having reviewed the complexity relating to moisture remaining in the timber and the location, Dresser Mouldings decided the only suitable timber they could offer would be Accoya wood.”

BRIDGING THE GAP Shropshire-based Beaver Bridges Ltd specialises in the design, manufacture

are many advantages to using it. All sourced timber is FSC certified. Well-

and installation of a wide range of all-timber and steel and timber bridges.

managed forests in today’s world make timber a resource which is highly

Its clients range from private individuals to local authorities, major

sustainable, environmentally friendly and recyclable,” said Henry Beaver managing director. “Timbers can be used for beam, arch, truss and with cable

contractors and multi-national corporations across Europe.

“Timber as a structural material dates back many centuries and there

stayed bridges and for design we are guided by Eurocodes and regulations.”

Client: Brooks and Wood Project Title: New livestock bridge for Wicken Fen Nature Reserve Value: £54,000 Beaver Bridges (BB) was engaged by Brooks and Wood to design, supply and install an 18m x 4m bridge on a nature reserve in Cambridgeshire. The structure, which linked two areas of the reserve at Wicken Fen – a biological Site of Special Interest – was commissioned by National Trust (Norfolk).

Beaver Bridges provided a full turnkey package, from design phase, through to integrating health and safety and welfare into the planning and management of this construction project.

The structure was designed in line with CDM Regulations – constructed from curved steel beams to provide the arch and designed as two modules for bolting together on site. The two modules were delivered to site with timber clad parapets pre-fitted in the factory. Following the placement and connection of the two modules the wooden decking boards were added, thereby completing the installation.

The new bridge spans an existing bridle path and a vehicle track and gives access for livestock such as cattle, roe deer and the Konik ponies – a European breed introduced to the area in 2001 – and allows them to roam freely between grazing pastures.

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: RECRUITMENT

GETTING THE JOB DONE Offsite construction is changing the way that we build in the UK, but it needs a strong workforce for the future if it is to reach its true potential

A

ccording to the latest annual survey from the CITB, 150,000 jobs

become a BIM modeller in some places, your production manager now

will be created in construction over the next five years but with an

needs to work with production engineers and manufacturing engineers

ageing workforce and the UK’s impending exit from the European

in a more automated, more process driven, more lean manufacturing

Union, the sector will struggle to recruit the numbers that it needs

environment, your project managers and site managers are very much installation managers rather than managing a building project, so the roles

to keep pace with demand.

Offsite construction is changing the way that we build in the UK and

are changing, and we see a need and a great potential to change the sorts

has the potential to boost productivity by constructing buildings faster

of people doing those roles and a need to attract them from, dare I say it,

and more efficiently, but it too is facing a shortage of skills.

more advanced manufacturing industries to help them achieve that.”

“There is an incredible shortage of skilled candidates across the board

Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction,

now in offsite and we have more vacancies to work on than we have

a research report conducted by the CITB last year, assesses how

ever had. Candidates are being snapped up within a week and are getting

the adoption of offsite is changing the skills and training landscape

multiple offers and counter offers” said Jim Roach managing director and

for construction. It identifies the functions required for successful

owner of specialist recruitment agency ARV Solutions.

implementation of offsite, what skills are needed, the gaps in training

“At the same time a lot of people are very nervous about moving jobs because they feel that there is an uncertainty in the economy with Brexit.

provision and what industry and CITB can do to address these challenges.

It says that in the future new roles will be required, such as

We are seeing a lot less international candidates coming through because

automation technicians or DFM process managers with digital design

they feel less welcome and more nervous. The exchange rate has changed

skills, together with hybrid manufacturing roles such as digital construction

and it is less beneficial to be here. It is tighter than ever at a time when

managers, who will take ownership of the product end-to-end.

The report looked at six core functions across the offsite process –

you think we could be going great guns.”

The lack of suitable candidates for new roles is holding the offsite construction sector back and could stall its growth. If the sector is to stand any chance of keeping up with demand companies must start

digital design, estimating, logistics, offsite manufacture, onsite assembly and site management.

It recognises the need for “more manufacturing type” skills and a

looking further afield when recruiting and find new candidates with the

knowledge of manufacturing processes said Ben Lever, future skills and

appropriate skillset from other manufacturing-based industries.

innovation lead at the CITB.

“We have been talking about the skills shortage forever and a lot of

“Within each of those functions there are existing roles that are going

people have been asking us for the same skills – a timber frame designer

to need updating,” he explained. For example, designers and quantity

from a timber frame background, which is fine and seems to be common

surveyors will need to have knowledge of what design for manufacture

sense but actually what is beginning to be needed is new skills to come in

is and what it means working with BIM and digital technologies. They

for these roles, potentially from other industries,” said Roach.

will need to integrate that into their fundamental design principles and

“The roles are changing. Your timber frame designer is beginning to

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quantity surveying principles, so from the start they are aware and

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SUMMER 2018



FEATURE: RECRUITMENT construction and BIM, told how the company is finding new

Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction, a research report conducted by the CITB last year, assesses how the adoption of offsite is changing the skills and training landscape for construction.

It identifies the functions required for successful implementation of offsite, what skills are needed, the gaps in training provision and what industry and CITB can do to address these challenges.

recruits from the aerospace and automotive industries.

“Several people in that room were ex-aerospace and automotive and they said the great difference about construction is that you get to see what you have designed,” said Roach. “In terms of aerospace you will have a 10-year design and development programme and in construction that is far faster, and you see what you have designed and made, and that is a massive attractor, I think, to get people to move into the industry.”

The general consensus was that there needs to be more confidence and maturity in the market before automation completely

thinking about the options and opportunities that

takes off, and that this needs to be supported by government investment,

offsite has.

“Offsite can only really be done well and achieve benefits if it is thought of right at the start rather than bolted on,” said Lever. “There is some element of fundamental changes in how things are done and in other areas it is more augmentation and adaptation to how those things

as well as by clients working with offsite manufacturers on more of a longterm basis.

Attracting more young people into the sector is also key and it was agreed that there is a general lack of training for the multi-discipline skill

are done but it is clear from the research that across the board there are

sets relevant to volumetric modern methods of construction within the

skills and training needs as a result of moving to offsite.”

current college curriculum.

Some offsite manufacturers are already starting to change the way in

Provision is “patchy” said Lever, who explained that the CITB

which they recruit and more people from other manufacturing sectors are

has updated some occupational standards to deliver new vocational

moving into offsite construction. A prime example is Rosie Toogood, CEO

qualifications in offsite, which will be available later this year.

of Legal & General’s (L&G) modular housing business. She joined L&G last

“That has been developed with employers, so it reflects their needs

year from Rolls-Royce where she was business development director for

and it will provide a clear structure for workers to become qualified,” he

its civil aerospace business.

explained. “But for training more widely. I think it comes down to do

“It is easy to say they are not the right skills and they won’t understand timber and there is some truth in that but if we can teach aerospace

colleges want to put the courses on? Do they think there will be enough demand for them? And that comes back to that clear dialogue with

and automotive engineers about timber and about the peculiarities

employees and to be able to get a clear picture of what they want and if

of construction then you get huge gains,” said Roach “One of the best

there is going to be demand for these types of skills.”

production managers that I have ever met moved from aero structures to

Construction is an environment which hasn’t traditionally attracted

modular buildings and when I asked him why he moved from that industry

skilled people said Roach, with parents actively discouraging their children

to construction he said he saw it as the last bastion for manufacturing.

from following careers in the industry and teachers and careers officers

“It is the one major sector that hadn’t become a manufacturing,

often not realising how advanced some parts of the sector are.

But perceptions are changing and, through engagement with schools,

industrialised sector and hadn’t moved forward at all.”

The CITB report was discussed at a roundtable on Building Skills for Offsite Construction, hosted by ARV Solutions at Dudley College.

young people are starting to understand that it is very much more a digital engineering environment now.

Attendees, including Lever and Roach, focused on how to keep pace with

The Government also seems to have woken up to the potential of

forecasted growth, key roles that are likely to change, factors holding back

offsite and in the last Budget made a commitment to considering it for all

skills development and how the industry can attract new talent to meet

Government projects.

“There is a huge push from Government recognising that construction

future requirements.

“We wanted to get that message out there that you can’t keep asking

as it is can’t solve the issues that the Government wants solving – the

for a square peg for a square hole because you can’t move forward on that

housing crisis, productivity improvement etc – and it recognises that

basis, you will just do what you currently do,” said Roach.

offsite can help solve the housing crisis and can give overall productivity

During the roundtable Dan Leech, managing director of the TDS Group explained how after dropping the word ‘construction’ from all

improvements, so it suits Government now – they have got it,” said Roach.

“We are seeing changes coming through, we are seeing Government

of the company’s marketing materials three years ago and changing to

being more supportive, we are seeing a lot more long-term investment

‘engineering’ it started to attract a different calibre of applicants.

coming in. If that direction of travel keeps going offsite will grow.”

Ben Towe, managing director of the Hadley Group, who said that there is crossover between the gaming industry and the digital side of

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But that growth will only happen with a strong, stable, skilled workforce to drive it forward.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

REVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018

BUILDING ON THE BIG ISSUES Ecobuild returned to the London ExCel this year with a fresh new format and under new ownership and it wasn’t afraid to tackle the big issues affecting the construction sector

T

ens of thousands of construction

James Lidgate, CEO of Legal & General Homes,

across industry which need to be dealt with. One

professionals flocked to the ExCel in London

asking for urgent action to tackle the “unsustainable

of the key outcomes of the session was a call for

for Ecobuild 2018 to explore the freshest

intergenerational inequality” that we see today.

government to take on real responsibility, alongside

thinking and latest innovations in the built environment.

Futurebuild Events Ltd, ecobuild’s new

Beyond the arena, there was standing room only at many seminar sessions, with the Offsite, Energy & HVAC and Timber districts proving particularly

owners, designed the 2018 programme around

popular with show attendees wanting to find out

comprehensive feedback from the sector and it

more about new ideas and emerging technologies.

pulled no punches – tackling some of the biggest

The sustainability showcases were a huge

global issues.

The central conference programme opened with a session focusing on delivering the UN’s Sustainable

attraction for visitors on day one, with people queueing out of the door to explore the space standard compliant ZEDpod, a Zero Carbon home

Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda

which was just one of a series of full-scale builds at

and the Paris Agreement.

the event. Meanwhile, many visitors took time to

Speaker Paula Caballero, global director of the climate programme at the World Resources Institute, talked frankly about the challenges that lie ahead and stressed the need for an alignment of

industry, for implementing change to ensure that better regulations are in place in the future.

relax in The Hive Pocket Park, a diverse green space created by The Edible Bus Stop Studio.

Day one of the event was also packed full of launches including the Structural Timber

The RIBA used day two to launch its

Association’s Site Check pocket guide and the guide

consultation for the Building in Quality initiative,

to Multifunctional Solar Carparks from the BRE

in the RIBA Bookshop and Meeting Space. The

National Solar Centre and FlexiSolar. Many exhibitors

initiative aims to encourage better collaboration,

took the opportunity to demonstrate their latest

improved procurement and to introduce new

products, including Bauder which launched its brand

methods to improve the quality of the built

new sustainable drainage solution for flat roofs,

environment for the benefit of all society.

BauderBLUE. New top-of-the-range doors were also displayed for the first time at the Smart Architectural Aluminium Stand.

The BREEAM UK New Construction scheme was also officially launched. This revision of the world-leading sustainability method for real estate follows the organisation’s most comprehensive

DAY TWO Driving real change across the built environment

industry consultation to date.

It was another busy and well-attended day

currently disparate agendas around climate action

was a key theme throughout day two of the event

for the seminars with highlights including a session

and development. Lord McConnell, co-chair of the

and the conference programme included a session

on health and wellbeing in offices, which drew a

All Party Parliamentary Group on the SDGs, called

focusing on “Construction quality in a post-Grenfell

huge crowd in the Building Performance district.

for everyone in ecobuild’s Canary Wharf Conference

world.”

Architectural and interior design expert, Oliver

Arena to take responsibility for delivering the goals.

Housebuilding and placemaking were also a big focus of the first day of the conference with

15

Lynne Sullivan, chair of the Good Homes

Heath discussed the benefits of “micro-recuperative

Alliance, described the fire as a “huge wake-up call”

spaces” and biophilia in not only offices, but also

and as being “symptomatic of systemic failures”

across education, hospitality and healthcare

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SUMMER 2018



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REVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018

BACK TO THE FUTURE Following the success of ecobuild 2018,

which will host cutting-edge exhibitors

Futurebuild Events has revealed its bold

and deliver comprehensive content

new vision for next year.

and educational programmes, including

Under the new banner of Futurebuild 2019, the event will continue to be the

evidence-based seminars, onsite products, and in-practice demonstrations.

industry platform for the fresh thinking, new

environments and called for a human-centred approach.

Seminars in the WasteZone, in association with the University of Brighton Responsible Futures, continued to be popular with visitors.

innovations and leading partnerships and

The Hubs are:

exhibitors that have made ecobuild so well-

 Buildings: Covering all aspects of

respected for over 14 years but will have

building – including new-build,

even more focus, impetus and purpose.

retrofit and refurbishment. The

“From the very start we set out with a

building technology, procurement, legislation, facilities management and

All the individual sets of light-up headphones were

for the event, as well as how we worked

taken for “Realising the value of circular economy”. Raimund

alongside our audiences across the built

Bleischwitz from UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources

environment,” said Martin Hurn, managing

highlighted that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals have

director of Futurebuild Events Ltd.

a direct impact on the circular economy through the demand

“Futurebuild 2019 represents

for resources; in that more are needed to meet energy and

everything we set out to achieve. It will be

water management goals and for cities to be developed.

an event for the industry, by the industry, and 100% committed to championing

DAY THREE ecobuild 2018 came to a close with a resounding call for

new approaches, such as district energy, autonomous buildings and renewables  Offsite: Showcasing and championing the latest thinking and innovations including all aspects of design and

the future is sustainable, and unless we think beyond the status quo, we won’t

government was developed across all 12 conference sessions,

have a future at all.”

Day three also involved in-depth discussions around how

of the sector, including emerging

of the built environment. After all, unless

Goals. A list of key themes for both the built environment and

collaboratively as possible.

maintenance  Energy: Bringing together all areas

innovation and sustainability for the future

action to help deliver on the UN’s Sustainable Development

which centres around taking action now and working as

place to explore and debate

bold vision to take an entirely new approach

delivery  Materials: Combining the latest innovations, research and

Central to Futurebuild 2019 will be

understanding in mainstream

a new, dedicated ‘ecobuild’ conference,

materials, including concrete,

bringing together industry experts,

timber, steel and masonry, as well as emerging new materials

well the UK’s property and construction sector is performing

academics, community leaders and

when it comes to sustainability and how it can go further.

politicians to debate and explore cutting-

Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building

edge thinking around the most critical

dedicated to all aspects of the city,

Council, said there is an “inconsistent approach to measuring

social and environmental issues. A series of

apart from the buildings themselves.

 Urban Infrastructure: A space

success” and warned that industry has a long way to go until

curated exhibits will immediately surround

Discuss and discover all things

it is truly sustainable. Louise Clarke, head of sustainable places

the ecobuild arena, acting as a discussion

around infrastructure, water, urban

at Berkeley Group, called for “sustainability superheroes” who

point for key sustainability topics.

greening, the public realm, well-being

consider all factors together.

“Over the years, the ecobuild name

inclusivity and anti-terrorism  Interiors: Dedicated to all aspects of

The drive for visitors and exhibitors to help deliver

has become synonymous with the event’s

the SDGs, which started on day one, continued with more

industry-leading conference programme.

domestic and commercial interiors.

and more pledges being added to Bioregional’s stand.

So ecobuild will be an ideas forum which

Championing ‘design with purpose’

The Institution of Civil Engineers, working with the World

acts as a centre point of the event and

and placing a focus on crucial design

Federation of Engineering Organisations, announced that it is

which is dedicated to shaping the agenda

elements such as colour, sound and

bringing together the world’s civil engineering organisations

and making recommendations across all

materials

for the first time in a generation. The Global Engineering

aspects of sustainability,” explained Hurn.

Congress, which will take place in London in October, will determine how to make the delivery of the SDGs a reality.

Positioning ecobuild at the heart of

“Our experience in developing the

Futurebuild will allow the conference and

2018 event has demonstrated the value

neighbouring showcases to firmly focus

of partnerships and working in close

of Futurebuild Events Ltd, said: “To be able to end ecobuild

on sustainability and help drive real change

collaboration. We’re hugely excited

2018 with such a sense of purpose and a drive towards a

in this field. It will also give the rest of

to be able to announce our plans for

more sustainable future is fantastic. The post-show mandate

Futurebuild the flexibility to focus on wider

Futurebuild 2019, however, it is still

that we are creating will be one that we hope will inspire

construction issues as defined by industry

early stages and we are keen to work as

real change. The vision for this year was to make ecobuild a

feedback and input, including the skills gap,

closely as possible with representatives

collaborative event and to see so many exhibitors already

digital adoption and procurement.

from across the built environment to

Summing up day three, Martin Hurn, managing director

excited for next year is brilliant.”

This will take place through six

ensure it truly is the most stimulating,

Looking ahead to next year there are set to be some

‘Futurebuild Hubs’ each dedicated to a

memorable and ‘must-attend’ event

big changes under the new banner of Futurebuild 2019.

crucial aspect of the built environment,

possible,” said Hurn.

(see box out)

17

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SUMMER 2018

COVER STORY: PIVETEAUBOIS

TIMELESS TIMBER Leading timber supplier Piveteaubois recently scooped the award for Best Wood Protection Project at the 2018 Wood Protection Awards. The winning project displayed the highest levels of timber protection and highlighted the many benefits of its DURAPIN product.

O

rganised by the Wood Protection

but as the interest in bull fighting has declined, the

potential mould growth or distortion during the

Association and now in their fourth year,

structure was left to deteriorate.

transportation to South America. The timbers were

the WPA Awards for Wood Protection

Now a new commercial project with

treated and processed at Piveteaubois’s factory in

Excellence provide a showcase for the

preservative-treated wood at its centre, it has been

Sainte Florence in France and transported in 16

timber treatment industry and the vital role

designed to regenerate the city with a building that

containers over to Columbia. Plaza Serrezuela is

wood protection has to play in helping to make the

recalls the bullring of the past but with an entirely

due to open in September 2018.

most of wood.

fresh and contemporary aesthetic. With a project

“This is an amazing and complicated project

value of around 300 billion Pesos the development

that benefited from the use of our DURAPIN

Award is given for projects that demonstrate the

will include a wide range of features and outlets

product,” said Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Export

use of preservative pre-treated wood or modified

including theatres, museums, galleries, restaurants,

Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland. “The team at

wood to deliver the durability essential to the long

shops as well as open areas for concerts and events.

The Wood Protection Project of the Year

term performance of a particular structure. The

Piveteaubois supplied over 570m3 of Tanatone

clear winner this year was an international project in

treated glulam, which involved intricate and

Columbia that was a showcase for Piveteaubois.

careful treatment specifications. Each layer of

Plaza Serrezuela in Cartagena is an impressive

Pine destined to make up the laminated columns

new cultural and commercial development due

had to be moisture controlled before an initial

to open in September 2018. The central design

high pressure TANALITH treatment to Use Class

of the development helps to recreate visions of

4 requirements. The layers were then kiln-dried

the old abandoned bullring with a circular central

in preparation for the glue lamination process to

area created with preservative treated glulam Pine

create the finished columns.

columns.

For many years the La Serrezuela bullring was

Once laminated, the glulam columns were given a specifically adjusted pressure treatment

the central attraction in the town of Cartagena

(to avoid potential de-lamination issues) with

in accommodating around 3500 spectators. The

TANATONE to provide the required brown

main columns of the impressive original structure,

colouration. Finally the columns were carefully

built in 1930, were constructed from Canadian oak

air-dried over a few weeks to help avoid any

18

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Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley receiving the Award from Lonza’s Tony Kelly

SUMMER 2018

COVER STORY: PIVETEAUBOIS

Piveteaubois were thrilled to win the award. We have a wealth of experience in treating timber and glulam in particular.

“In France, we have 10 treatment plants and have been treating timber for over 40 years. We currently treat about 130,000m3 annually of which 100,000m3 is to UC4 under our DURAPIN brand, which is recognised for the highest standards in

Plaza Serrezuela in Cartagena is an impressive new cultural and commercial development due to open in September 2018. The central design of the development helps to recreate visions of the old abandoned bullring with a circular central area created with preservative treated glulam Pine columns.

UC4 treated timber. All our UC4 impregnated timber is audited and certified CTB-B+ by FCBA, (a French independent certification body) and we look forward to supplying more high-quality UC4 timber into the UK soon. Looking forward to our new cross laminated timber product (CLT) – we will be treating HEXAPLI to UC2 as a standard, which is a legal requirement for all structural components in France, and we will also offer panels treated up to UC4, with the individual lamellas treated before pressing. This will give everyone huge confidence that the timber will be operating at optimum performance.”

Durapin. Timber that withstands the challenges of time.

For over 30 years DURAPIN UC4 autoclave impregnated Pine has been offering the best guarantee on the market. It has proven to give the best combination of durability and aesthetics for your exterior structural and landscaping projects.

For more information on DURAPIN and UC4 treated timber contact Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Export Sales Manager - UK & Ireland, email: elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com M. +44 7821 807 788 or visit: www.piveteaubois.com/en

19

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER

HOMEGROWN IS WHERE THE HEART IS Grown in Britain’s chief executive Dougal Driver talks to Michelle Gordon about improving productivity in the UK timber sector and adding value through research and development

I

n 2011 Government invited an independent

connecting with society, Grown in Britain aims to

“Local ticks so many boxes. There are

panel, chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool, to

stimulate supply and increase management of the

massive benefits to the planet in buying local

advise on the future direction of forestry and

UK’s woods.

from supporting local jobs and improving

woodland policy in England, after a public

outcry over a perceived threat to the public

forest estate.

The panel’s report released in July 2012

urged Government, woodland owners and businesses to work together to unlock the

Demand for British timber has never been higher and the number of companies signing up to Grown in Britain’s licensing scheme is doubling

economies to increasing management of our woods.

“There is an element of disconnect that

year-on-year and includes businesses such as

people have in terms of where the product

Arnold Laver and Vastern Timber.

comes from with timber, so that is why we do this

There has been an increased Government

social connection. There is also an assumption

benefits of British timber in their supply chains

focus on homegrown timber, as well as a rising

that most timber comes from this country, people

and saw an opportunity to improve supply and

public interest with Grown in Britain amassing

don’t realise that we import Oak from Canada or

demand through developing an industry-led,

an impressive Twitter following of 18,500 people

Romania.”

Government-backed ‘Wood Industry Action Plan’

and its Grown in Britain Week capturing the

to drive lasting change in the sector.

attention of the public.

One of the main issues is the fact that the UK doesn’t have the capacity to be self-sufficient

The concept of Grown in Britain was

But the job is not yet done. Despite the

when it comes to timber, with just 13% of its land

born out of the ensuing social movement and

rising interest in British timber, the UK continues

covered by woodland, so even if large developers

the independent, not-for-profit organisation

to import significant amounts of the material.

committed to only using homegrown timber for

launched in 2014 to support UK woods and

Yet buying British is not only better for the

their projects, there wouldn’t be enough to go

forests and assure timber products through its

environment, it supports local jobs and the local

around.

licensing scheme.

economy, said Driver.

“Our core business is to assure the

“We never really question whether it is better

“We import a lot of timber and we need to, we could never be self-sufficient, particularly

homegrown supply chain for lots of forest

to get milk from the farm in Dorset or whether

on softwood – we don’t have limitless supplies

products a bit like the Red Tractor on food,

local cheese is perhaps a little more sustainable

– so there is always this dilemma for the big

but we have still maintained this movement/

than buying cheese from New Zealand and yet

purchasers such as construction companies. They

campaign social connection with society along

we import timber from all over the world without

have to balance highlighting, supporting and

the way,” explained Driver.

really questioning its carbon footprint, which

wanting British with the fact that they have got

is ironic given that it is made from carbon,” he

to buy or use imported timber,” said Driver.

As well as working to increase demand for and visibility of homegrown timber and

20

“For companies like Kier, Willmott Dixon or

added.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER Skanska it is difficult to say ‘we are going to build

are laminated or glued together, or thermally

we could make a lot more GDP, jobs, growth,

all of our projects out of British timber’ because

modified timber, chemically modified timber or

skills out of what we have by doing it better and

they simply can’t get the material.”

veneer, which leads to an added value product in

differently and adding value here in the UK.”

Grown in Britain is working on the issue with things like preference statements, but it is

the end, and the vast majority is done abroad.”

Research and development is vital to growing

The UK’s impending exit from the European Union presents some massive opportunities

a question of being much more explicit around

the industry, he said, and is a key theme for

for the British timber industry said Driver with

branding the supplies that are British, said Driver.

Grown in Britain, which was behind the research

Defra looking at a new way of incentivising

“There is a huge amount of timber that goes through that isn’t licensed as Grown in Britain,” he said “It is homegrown but it hasn’t got the assurance behind it, which is vital. So that is really our target to try and get the trademark and assurance across the whole of British supply.

“One of the things to overcome some

We need to have more procurement policies that are British timber first, not British timber at any cost, just that there is a process by which it is considered first

of those barriers is we need to have more procurement policies that are British timber first, not British timber at any cost, just that there is a

that led to the development of Brimstone, a

land management and a real appetite from

process by which it is considered first.”

thermally modified British hardwood from

Government to push homegrown timber.

Improving infrastructure and investing in manufacturing and processing is also vital to the UK timber industry. There is a tendency to import

Vastern Timber, which is sourced exclusively from assured Grown in Britain sources.

“We have set up a research and development

Last year’s Clean Growth Strategy focused on UK timber and this was backed up in the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan which

value added and engineered products rather than

programme because we recognise that this is

stated that it would work with Grown in Britain

developing them here from British woods.

where the opportunity really lies,” said Driver.

to use more homegrown timber in construction.

“You can’t simply plant another 3% of our country

“We have got a very supportive political

building products and both softwood and

overnight and have it ready for production, so we

position for supporting homegrown trees, woods

hardwood – and that is a link to the general

need to make much more use of what we have

and forests,” said Driver. “We now need to work

malaise in British manufacturing,” said Driver.

got available now and that is about adding value.

on the manufacturing side and talk about grown

“We do import added value products –

“Take higher engineered products where things

“We tend to import the added value, but



and made in Britain, not just grown.”

Cladding. deCking.

Joinery.

Discover the first range of thermally modified British grown hardwoods at: brimstonewood.co.uk For product advice and sales, contact Vastern Timber: 01793 853 281 sales@vastern.co.uk

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: BRITISH TIMBER

FOREST FACTS

BRANCHING OUT

 The UK has 13% woodland cover and England has 10%

Various schemes have been announced recently to increase

woodland cover.

woodland cover in the UK:

 Increased woodland cover brings many benefits, particularly for the environment. Trees provide a haven for wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve water quality.

 The Government has committed to planting 11 million trees and a further one million in towns and cities. The Forestry

 764,000 hectares of woodland in England is regarded as actively

Commission will work with local authorities, farmers, foresters, and landowners to meet this ambition. It is encouraging large-

managed.  The timber supply chain is a key part of the manufacturing and

scale planting through its Woodland Carbon Fund and has made

construction industries in the UK adding an annual value of over

it easier to apply for the Countryside Stewardship Woodland

£10 billion to the UK economy.

Creation Grant Scheme.

 Processing an additional 1.5 million tonnes of wood each year could create around 4,000 jobs and add £0.2 billion GVA to the economy.

 A new Northern Forest is planned along the M62 corridor, as part of the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan  Over the next 25 years the Woodland Trust and Community

 The UK exports around 3.9 million cubic metres of wood and

Forest Trust are aiming to plant more than 50 million trees across the cities of Bradford, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool – with

wood products worth around £1.4 billion.

Government providing almost £6 million to launch the project.

Source: Forestry Commission

 Funding has been provided through the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant and the Woodland Carbon Fund to plant more than 600,000 trees at Doddington North Moor, Northumberland, in England’s largest woodland creation scheme in 30 years and more than 200,000 at Lowther Park in the Lake District Source: Forestry Commission

PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE

Wraptite improves airtightness of student accommodation AIRTIGHTNESS The superior performance benefits of the Wraptite external air barrier system from A. Proctor Group have been highlighted in a brand new flagship project to deliver student accommodation in the centre of Portsmouth.

ECE Westworks, the Bristol office of ECE Architecture were appointed to design a new 23 storey, 576 bed, purpose built student accommodation scheme, Portsmouth One on behalf of Crown Student Living.The main contractor on the project is Osborne.

Facades contractor Fabrite engaged Facade Materials Specialist, InOpera Facades to provide guidance and design the support structure behind the Rainscreen Cladding. Providing detailed assessments in accordance with BS EN 10211 and BRE 443 Conventions for U-values, InOpera were able to model the performance benefits offered by the total through wall cladding system incorporating the Wraptite air barrier.

The Wraptite System was installed as an external air barrier and alternative to a traditional standard breather membrane. Wraptite is the only self adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA.This approach saves on both the labour and material costs associated with achieving the demands of energy efficiency in buildings.

Stephen Hull, Director of InOpera Facades, commented: “Modelling the intended construction with the use of Wraptite, highlighted the ability to improve airtightness whilst reducing the depth of rainscreen support system and insulation.The use of a standard membrane would have required a greater emphasis on this, therefore increasing the overall component cost of the project. Minor cladding zone increases on a project of this height can have a huge effect.

The Wraptite self-adhesive membrane was applied externally, quickly and easily ensuring a higher quality installation, and a more robust through wall rainscreen cladding system.”

View more Case Studies on our website... www.proctorgroup.com  @proctorgroup

 contact@proctorgroup.com  +44 (0) 1250 872261

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SUMMER 2018

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SUMMER 2018

Andrzej Manka, Sales Manager at Timber Expo (9-11 October, NEC), shares his views on all things timber. Why it is a leading material in the construction industry and what he believes to be the “four wonders”.

When we think of innovative sectors, the timber industry probably isn’t the first that springs to mind. Many believe this industry is very traditional, conservative and reluctant to change.

Alex de Rijke, of dRMM described wood to be the new concrete: “Concrete is a 20th-century material. Steel is a 19th-century material.

Wood is a 21st-century material.”

In a word - die-hard! This is especially true when you compare it with other industries: new tech or finance for example, not to mention AI. In our ultra-modern world, we appreciate constant growth, astonishing productivity and impressive innovation above all else.

Timber is becoming the leading material in construction industry in the UK and is nearly 30% of the whole construction projects. The value of the timber industry to the British economy is £7 billion.

But this stereotype doesn’t match with the reality; the timber industry is now up there at the top of UK and international innovation lists.

Admittedly, these represent only a small minority of timber companies, but their success gives the industry dynamics and makes it the leading power in the whole construction business.

So let’s have a look at the four wonders of the timber industry. They are not really “wonders” in a literal sense; they are actually the result of creative, courageous and hardworking timber specialists. This is, of course, a very subjective (dare I say even controversial?) list of “Four wonders.” It’s more like an invitation for us to discuss certain achievements in the timber industry.

TRANSPARENT WOOD

ENGINEERED WOOD

TIMBER SKYSCRAPERS

MUSEUM GLOBE OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

Invented first in 1992 by German researcher Siegfried Fink and then, independently developed by Professor Lars Berglund.

On the image you can see an example Cross-laminatedtimber housing in east London; “a 10-storey carbon-neutral apartment complex in London’s Dalston, the “world’s largest crosslaminated timber building”.

At the moment, the world’s tallest timber building is a 14-storey apartment block in Bergen, Norway. However, we are expecting a lot of new timber skyscrapers in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia in future. One of the advanced projects that should be started very soon is an 80-storey, 300m high wooden building integrated within the Barbican (on the image above). Around 1,000 new flats will be build in this impressive 93,000-square-metre timber skyscraper project.

Are you familiar with the history of the Internet? If so, you’ll know that Tim Berners Lee invented the World Wide Web when he worked in The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Timber skyscrapers are not only stunning examples of strong “timber trends” in contemporary architecture, but they also bring sustainable development to big cities, as well as reducing carbon emissions.

It creates a very special atmosphere for those who want to stop for a moment and contemplate the nature of technological innovation.has already started and it looks very exciting!

This Swedish KTH research group, led by Professor Liangbing Hu from The University of Maryland, have elaborated a method to remove the colour and some chemicals from wood.

Thanks to that, the wood becomes 90% transparent. Potential application of this invention is very far-reaching and the wood could be used in construction, interior design and even the car industry.

Engineered wood technologies are what makes the timber & construction industry so dynamically developing and profitable. The most used in the construction industry are plywood, fibreboard, cross-laminated timber (CLT), laminated strand lumber, and many more. Because of the use of these timber products, it’s been predicted many times during the last decade that timber will be the main building material in XXI century.

There are so many more impressive wooden wonders of the world!

You can find literally hundreds of great examples. One of my favourites is The Splinter, a wooden sports car with a twin-supercharged 4.6 litre

The same organisation has built the Globe of Science and Innovation, a fine example of outstanding construction. The museum of modern technology, made of wood, is a perfect concept.

V8. There is still many ways in which the timber industry can evolve, but there is no doubt that the timber revolution has already started and it looks very exciting!

Andrzej Manka graduated from Jagiellonian University in Cracow where he studied film and media communication. Specialising in marketing, media and B2B sales, Andrzej is the current sales manager for Timber Expo, the UK’s only timber trade show (9-11 October 2018, NEC, Birmingham).

For stand enquiries and exhibition details please visit www.timber-expo.co.uk 24

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SUMMER 2018

THE UK’S ONLY TIMBER SHOW COVERING: › Engineered timber products

› Doors & windows

› Timber frame

› Fixings & fastenings

› Decking

› Coatings

› Flooring

› Mouldings

› Cladding

timber-expo.co.uk ENQUIRE TO EXHIBIT NOW

PART OF UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK 2018 SUPPORTED BY

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SUMMER 2018

Protective casing

Wraptite

®

Wraptite, a strong robust external air barrier designed to keep buildings airtight and dry. Easy to install, it combines the best properties of a vapour permeable membrane and an airtight membrane in one affordable, self-adhering product.

Ladybird - Their bright colouring is used as a defence mechanism and their antennae and eyes can be drawn back into the pronotum: a protective casing.

Get in touch to find out more about Wraptite  01250 872 261  contact@proctorgroup.com

www.proctorgroup.com 26

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: AIRTIGHTNESS

GO WITH THE FLOW Airtightness is essential to ensuring an energy efficient, healthy building envelope but what does it mean in practice and how can it be achieved?

Timber Construction asks the experts

A

s we as a society have become more

Under Building Regulations new properties,

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AIRTIGHT BUILDINGS?

aware of environmental issues, there

both domestic and commercial, in England and

has been an increased focus on the

Wales, must achieve an air tightness level of 10m3/

energy efficiency of the buildings that

m2/hr, while in Scotland buildings are required to

carbon emissions in buildings by decreasing

we live, work and play in, which account

achieve 7m3/m2/hr.

uncontrolled air movement – that is the escape of

for at least 40% of UK carbon emissions.

“Some people say it is heat leaking from the

The overall aim of airtightness is to reduce

heated air or cold air coming in.

Airtightness has a huge role to play in a

building, but it is normally cold air coming into the

“The buildings we live, work, play and learn

building’s eco credentials with the potential for

building,” said John O’Brien, associate director for

in are responsible for at least 40% of our carbon

a massive amount of energy to be wasted in

construction innovation at BRE Group. “If you

emissions so those are the buildings that we have

both domestic and commercial properties that

ever speak to people living in an old house they

to get right if we are to ever achieve our 2050

don’t perform in this area.

will say they have to put the thermostat two or

target emissions,” explained O’Brien.

So, why is it important and how can it be achieved?

“Balancing the elements of heat, air and

three degrees higher than they want the heat to be

A lot of the work that BRE does is geared

because it is just replacing the heat continuously. We

around providing standards. specification and

have learnt over the years, that if you make buildings

consultancy advice on how to take a building or

moisture movement are essential in ensuring

airtight it gives you a better chance of hanging on to

environment and improve its airtightness, while

any building is an energy efficient, healthy,

the heat and not having to replace it constantly.”

maintaining good indoor air quality.

moisture free building envelope,” said, Iain

It is important to distinguish airtightness

“The key benefits are moisture control,

Fairnington, technical director, of the A. Proctor

from ventilation explained O’Brien as they are

insulating effects, controlled internal environment and the potential to reduce insulation measures,

Group, which provides condensation control

two different things. Air tightness is removing the

and barrier solutions for all areas of the building

uncontrolled air that is coming in or escaping from

as less insulation may be required if there is a

envelope, for varying projects.

the building, whereas ventilation is about controlling

lower level of air tightness in the building,” said

the indoor air quality to reduce condensation and

Fairnington.

“With increasing emphasis on the airtightness of the building envelope across

manage air quality.

the industry, the successful management of moisture vapour and air movement within all types of structure is more critical than it has ever been.”

WHAT IS AN AIRTIGHT BUILDING? Tightening the envelope of a building

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON AIR LEAKAGE PATHS? The most common paths for air leakage are

HOW CAN AIR TIGHTNESS IN BUILDINGS BE ACHIEVED? Primarily airtightness is achieved by the use of membranes either internally or externally, such

junctions such as party walls, floor to wall, wall to

as A. Proctor Group’s Wraptite external air barrier,

ceiling, poorly fitted insulation, pipe penetrations and

an airtight, vapour permeable, self-adhesive

sockets. Poorly fitted doors and windows without

externally applied membrane.

It is build quality, rather than method

prevents hot air from escaping and cold air from

appropriate seals and draught proofing will also allow

coming in, maintaining a consistent temperature

air heated air to escape from a building and cool air

of construction, that will dictate the levels

inside.

to come in.

of airtightness achieved in a building, said

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SUMMER 2018

ADVERTORIAL

SCOTFRAME VAL-U-THERM PLUS® FOR PASSIVHAUS PROBABLY THE BEST U-VALUE WALL IN THE WORLD From the first PassivHaus in UK for rent (Green Apple Award winner) to examples that exceed the PassivHaus standard, Scotframe Timber Engineering have been in the vanguard of building to PassivHaus standards for many years.

The environmental and sustainability credentials of building materials are of increasing interest in the client community.

The Val-U-Therm PLUS® building system uses FSC & PEFC chain of custody timber and its insulation has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP); is CFC-free, HFC-free & HCFC-free and has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 5. This means it has a BRE Green Guide A/A+ Rating (as straw bales/sheep’s wool) and is recyclable.

Building to PassivHaus standards is not necessarily more expensive or time consuming if an integrated building system like Scotframe Val-U-Therm PLUS® is used.

Scotframe timber frame kit used by Cairnrowan Custom Homes - Denwell Cottage

Well known as a UK market leader in full timber

(compared to a PassivHaus requirement of

superstructure using 10 different building

frame packages for new housing and commercial

120 kWh/m2a) using the Fabric First thermal

systems for 27 homes. Scotframe Val-U-

projects, Scotframe now exclusively offers the

detailing offered by Scotframe.

Val-U-Therm PLUS® building system. Val-U-

This approach is suitable for commercial

Therm cost £1092 when built to PassivHaus standards whilst the other 9 systems ranged

as well as domestic buildings. The Scotframe

from £711 to £ 1138 when built only to

0.08 W/m2K are probably the best in the world.

approach achieved an air tightness of 0.475

existing Building Regulations. Similarly,

A key factor in achieving this remarkable

ACH when constructing the Rocking Horse

the Scotframe approach took 65 days to

performance is that the insulation is injected in

Nursery at the University of Aberdeen which

PassivHaus standards whereas the other 26

off-site factory quality-controlled conditions.

caters for 78 pre-school children.

homes ranged from 49 to 126 days, again

Therm PLUS® state-of-the-art wall U-values of

The foam expands into every “nook & cranny”

This Fabric First approach is transported to

only being built to Building Regulations.

The Scotframe Val-U-Therm® building

providing a best-in-class BR443 U-value

site in flat-pack configuration and provides a “fit &

correction factor of zero.

forget”, low maintenance thermal solution unlike

system was originally launched in 2011 and

many other low energy consumption technologies.

is well proven being involved in building

One of the more important aspects of

But where the expertise of Scotframe

PassivHaus is that it requires that the whole building envelope works in unison to provide

over 8,000 homes. The approach has been

really scores is that it can offer buildings of

independently accredited by the British Board of Agrément - this includes verification of

optimum performance. This is where an

beautiful design whilst matching these technical

integrated building system like Scotframe

requirements. Not just boring rectangular boxes,

structural performance, behaviour in relation to

Val-U-Therm PLUS® comes into its own. It

but homes and buildings to match you and your

fire, thermal performance, condensation risk,

offers wall, floor and roof panels that have been

clients’ requirements, lifestyle and aspirations.

sound insulation and durability. The Systems

thermally engineered to perform as an optimum

This provides homes and buildings that are

Certificate notes that the panels will have a 60-

warm and draught-proof in winter; cool and

year minimum service life – twice the mortgage

insulation performance, details are available to

well ventilated in summer; healthy for all the

cycle. It is accepted by financial institutions,

minimise thermal bridging and give excellent

family; and with remarkably low energy bills.

NHBC, Premier Guarantee, etc. Scotframe Val-

airtight fabric levels.

Independent research has shown that Scotframe

U-Therm PLUS® has its own BBA Certificate

combination. As well as excellent thermal

Val-U-Therm PLUS® allows the construction of

17/5421. Scotframe Timber Engineering and

and the Trossachs National Park delivered a

typical family homes that cost less than £95 a

Val-U-Therm are proud to be part of the Saint

total primary energy demand of 69 kWh/m2a

year to heat.

Gobain Group of Companies.

The Maryville PassivHaus in Loch Lomond

28

One study by Edinburgh Napier University compared the cost per square metre of

Inverurie 01467 624440

Cumbernauld 01236 861200

Dundee 01382 561772

Inverness 01463 717328

Swindon swindon@scotframe.co.uk

www.scotframe.co.uk

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: AIRTIGHTNESS Fairnington, but “where timber frame has an advantage is in its offsite construction quality, which theoretically should lead to potentially lower levels of airtightness.”

Wraptite’s external air barrier – an airtight, vapour permeable, self-adhesive externally applied membrane

Timber frame structures typically have a vapour control layer inside which stops any moisture from the living room, kitchen, bathroom etc from getting through the wall into the woodwork and causing damp. On the outside there will be a rainscreen and under that a breathable membrane, which, during driven rain forces the moisture into the property then allows it to dry out.

“You have these two clearly defined, different types of membranes – vapour control layer in the inside and breathable membrane on the outside – and between them, if they are installed correctly and the builder understands the logic of airtightness, with those two layers they should be able to create a very airtight building,” explained O’Brien.

Success is very much dependent on all parties involved in the design and build process understanding the concepts of air tightness and this is an area where BRE Group offers training.

“Don’t just say ‘make it airtight’ actually explain all of the nuances and what airtightness does to the building,” explained O’Brien. “If they understand it, they have got more ownership around it, whereas, if you just say put some membrane up there and tape it down, they won’t understand that they have

Regulations and homes that are unable to show their airtightness credentials or

to overlap the joints to make sure that there are no gaps or not to penetrate

don’t pass the test won’t be signed of by the building control officer.

that layer.”

If the homes that have been put forward for airtightness testing fail the

It is imperative to get buy-in from everyone onsite to ensure that airtightness is achieved in buildings, as all too often, the effectiveness of membranes is compromised when they are damaged during the build process.

“It is no good if you put up a membrane and then two days later the

test, then all homes on the development will be tested.

“Failed tests could result in expensive remedial measures and delays on site and then have potential implications regarding the handover period,” said Fairnington. “Longer term not meeting airtightness requirements could lead to

plumber or electrician comes along and knocks a hole in it. The problem is,

excessive heat loss, air infiltration leading to condensation risks and not least

you close it up and then people don’t know about it,” explained O’Brien. “It

the comfort of the occupants being affected.”

is good to make sure that every trade across the site understands it because everyone has the potential for either making it a good project or causing

PRESS RELEASE

problems.”

Cork housing development balances airtightness with variable vapour control

One of the main benefits of Wraptite is the continuity of the membrane without obstruction from construction junctions etc. “Used externally it also

PROCHECK ADAPT

reduces the risk of damage and disruption from potential follow-on trades such as services, plumbing electrics etc,” said Fairnington.

Adaptations carried out during the life of a building, such as extensions or adding a door, can impact on air tightness but BIM is providing some solutions to this issue with technology that can allow housing associations, for example, to view 3D plans of properties which will show how the wall was put together and allow future works to be carried out without affecting the airtightness of the building.

HOW IS AIR TIGHTNESS COMPLIANCE TESTED? Air tightness is normally tested using a basic blower door method, which involves using a large calibrated fan placed at the front door of a property to blow air into a building and a pressure measurement device to either positively or negatively pressure the building.

Airtightness testing is one of the core services offered by the BRE Group.

“We get a big fan and put it on the front door of the house, we make sure

A brand new housing development in County Cork Ireland is to maximise airtightness and energy efficiency of the homes whilst ensuring the protection of the building fabric with the introduction of a highperformance variable-permeability vapour control layer from the A. Proctor Group.

Designed by architects Doyle McDonagh Nash, the Fionn Laoi development at Ballincollig, Co. Cork will comprise of 80 homes for one of Ireland’s longest established developers, O’Callaghan Properties.

Leading timber frame specialists Cygnum Timber Frame required a highquality membrane that combines effective air tightness and vapour control.

Karl Maloney from Cygnums explains: “Having worked extensively with the A. Proctor Group on previous developments we were looking for a high-performance membrane which would give us the best in terms of airtightness and yet not compromise the vapour control. Procheck Adapt is the ideal choice as it effectively manages both.”

Procheck Adapt has been specifically designed to protect the building fabric from the potential risks of condensation, whilst serving as a highly effective airtight barrier. Thanks to its unique design the membrane offers variable permeability which adapts to changes in humidity levels and allows the structure to dry out in the summer and while protecting it from moisture overload in the winter. This is possible because the membrane adapts its vapour resistance to the environment i.e. vapour tight in the winter and vapour open in the summer.

windows are closed tight and we tape off extract ventilation because it is not part of the test,” explained O’Brien. “We then push air into the building and calculate what the air loss is and then we reverse it and pull the air out and take a balance between the two and you end up with this figure of how many cubic metres of air is pushed out through the gaps as it were.”

View our website...

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO MEET AIRTIGHTNESS REQUIREMENTS? A percentage of all new homes on a development – the figure varies

www.proctorgroup.com contact@proctorgroup.com | +44 (0) 1250 872261

depending on the scheme’s size – must be tested for airtightness under Building

29

Group

Issued April 2018

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TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN RELY ON FROM A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

SUMMER 2018

Industry news | Features | Design | Certification Construction | Interviews | Analysis | Sustainability Merchant news | Cladding | Decking | Offsite Timber protection | Markets | Health & safety Events | Case studies | & much more...

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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: DECKING

FULL DECK As the summer season gets into full swing Timber Construction focuses on some high-profile decking projects that showcase the versatility of timber

DECKING HELPS TO AVOID SLIP UPS AT LAKESIDE RETAIL PARK Project: Rushden Lakes Location: Nene Valley, Northamptonshire Architect: HPW Architecture Materials: Marley Eternit’s Antislip Plus Smooth deck boards Photography: Jason Insley one which would also seamlessly fit in with the wider natural surroundings,” he added.

“Having used Antislip Plus Smooth previously, we were already reassured that the product could meet our bespoke needs but furthermore, meet the wider objective of the development project to ensure we used the highest quality specialised materials throughout.”

The timber decking boards are specifically designed to provide a durable and effective external anti-slip surface to minimise any risk More than 500,000 sq.ft of Marley Eternit’s

Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to create the

of slipping, even in adverse weather conditions.

Antislip Plus Smooth decking was used at the

Nene Wetlands, a one-mile square natural space

Antislip Plus uses a unique formula of resin-

£140 million Rushden Lakes development at the

for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.

based aggregate inserts, which are injected into

Nene Valley in Northamptonshire.

Gary Wilburn, director of design and

the deck board grooves. In addition, the smooth

sustainability at HPW Architecture, which

profile of Antislip Plus means no debris will get

of around 40km, was chosen for the next

led the design and development of the site’s

caught in the castellation.

generation retail park to provide a durable and

masterplan said Antislip Plus Smooth, was the

effective external anti-slip surface for visitors.

obvious choice for the project.

The decking, which creates a linear length

Rushden Lakes comprises retail and

“The unique nature of the Rushden Lakes

Antislip Plus Smooth decking is an ideal solution for projects which attract large numbers of visitors, delivering anti-slip

restaurant accommodation and leisure facilities

development is setting an entirely new standard

properties which exceed HSL guidelines while

set against the backdrop of a lake and the

for the retail and leisure experience, and as such,

blending seamlessly with the surrounding

unique 30-acre development also links up four

we required a decking solution which would not

environment, said Emily Dix, marketing

existing nature reserves, identified as Sites of

only deliver enduring anti-slip properties, but

executive at Marley Eternit.



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SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: DECKING

RAISING THE ROOF

ON THE PIER

All photos © Sean O’Rourke Photography

Washington DC’s Apollo Apartments are located on the

Kebony was selected for The Wharf, a recreational pier beside

historical site of the early 20th century Apollo Theatre. The

the Potomac River in Washington DC, due to its hard-wearing

multi-faceted Kebony rooftop deck sits above 350 apartments

qualities and ability to withstand intense foot traffic.

Local developer Hoffman-Madison Waterfront created a mix

and amenities near the epicentre of H Street.

Selected by Insight Property Group for its natural aesthetic

of public spaces to connect people to the waterfront as part of a $2billion development project.

and impressive durability, Kebony was recommended by

Contributing to the largest mixed-use development in

Landscape Architecture Bureau who appreciated the cool temperature of the pool decking compared to the adjacent

Washington’s history, the pier has been designed with a rolling

concrete pavers.

surface to create a sense of movement and flow, reminiscent of

“One of the reasons we went with Kebony for the rooftop deck was we liked the silver patina it develops over time,” said Insight Property Group development manager Brendan Whitsitt.

“We were looking for a natural decking product that wouldn’t

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All photos © Sean O’Rourke Photography

waves along the waterfront.

Sustainability and durability were key requirements for the build making Kebony an ideal choice.

“The Wharf team carefully selected beautiful and durable

require any maintenance or regular refinishing. With Kebony,

materials that enhance the built environment,” said Monty

normal cleaning is enough and no additional treatment is

Hoffman, founder and CEO of PN Hoffman. “This unique

required, as it is with many other wood decking options.”

development is transforming D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront.”

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

FEATURE: TIMBER PROTECTION

RESCUE A NEGLECTED DECK WITH OWATROL Sadly, it’s all too common to see what was once a beautiful wooden deck looking dirty, faded and grey due to an inferior product being used to finish it but that needn’t be the case

W

hen Roger at R&A Pressure Washing Services came across this balau decking it was looking rather worse for wear but he was

soon able to restore it to its former glory.

Roger used Prepdeck, Owatrol’s wood stripper –

especially designed for the removal of old finishes and stains

from wood – to remove the previous coating.

Due to this being a tight grooved deck, he had to scrub it thoroughly

to ensure that nothing would be left behind in between the grooves which would prevent the finish from penetrating.

After the wood was thoroughly stripped and the previous coatings removed, he then neutralised it using Net-Trol, Owatrol’s powerful wood cleaner and brightener, which thoroughly cleans and restores greyed and weathered wood to its natural colour in as little as 15 minutes without damaging the fibres.

In this case Owatrol’s Textrol was chosen as the finish as it’s a penetrating wood oil which enhances the natural beauty of the wood

Textrol is available in seven shades and the customer opted for ‘clear’ so they could fully appreciate the beautiful natural colour of the Balau wood. It is

whilst protecting it from within against the damaging effects of moisture,

applied “wet-on-wet” until the wood is fully saturated, providing exceptional

UV rays and the weather.

and long-lasting protection from the elements and a superb finish.

VAC-VAC VAC-VAC

VAC-VAC BACK!

Vac-Vac

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TREATED TIMBER

The very latest VAC-VAC wood preservative is designed to help you make the most of your construction timbers.

Using tried and tested low pressure treatments, next generation VAC-VAC will give you and your customers a cost effective long term protection against the threat of decay.

REAL WORLD THINKING. REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE.

Providing complete peace of mind protection and future proofing for any new timber building.

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www.lonzawoodprotection.com/eu VAC-VAC is a registered trademark of Arch Timber Protection Ltd, a Lonza company.

Use wood preservatives safely. Aways read the label and instructions before use.

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SPRING 2018

FEATURE: TIMBER PROTECTION

FROM CHEESE SHELVING TO FIRE RETARDANT CLADDING

A

100-year old Gouda cheese warehouse has been converted into

52 new apartments with the help of Safewood from Foreco.

Many original products from the old warehouse were used in

This provided a real link to the building’s history as a cheese factory, as well as bringing a characteristic look to the interior.

For the requirements of fire safety, SafeWood, which uses Dricon fire retardant treatment helped the boards to meet Euroclass B fire retardant

its redevelopment to keep the building’s unique identity.

To form the interior cladding of the galleries, the architect

classification of the Construction Products Regulation - EN 13501-1.

decided to reuse the original timber cheese shelves where the imprints of the circular cheeses still remained.

To see more of the project visit: https://vimeo.com/246420406

Protection from the elements Timber preservation • Fire retardants • Decorative and protective coatings

The new Sentrin range of timber protection technologies, only from PTG

www.ptgtreatments.co.uk YOUR PARTNER IN TIMBER PROTECTION

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t: 01777 709855 e: info@ptgtreatments.co.uk

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

SUPERIOR WOOD PROTECTION

Our most versatile woodstain Perfect for decking, cladding and fencing Deep penetrating protection

Email: info@sadolin.co.uk

Tel: 0330 0240 298

www.sadolin.co.uk

NATURAL WOOD FINISHES YOU CAN RELY ON

01296 481220 | osmouk.com

To advertise in the Timber Protection section, please call Terry Hanlon on  01925 270093 or email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

 www.timbermedia.co.uk

35

DECKING-OIL: Highest quality colour and protection for wood

ü

|

ü

|

ü

|

ü

|

ü

MICROPOROUS DURABLE UV-RESISANT OIL-BASED HIGH COVERAGE

WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

Stour Homes chooses Isover’s new smart airtightness and moisture management solution Stour Homes, a family-run housebuilding company based in Dorset, has specified Vario® XtraSafe – Isover’s new ‘smart’ airtightness and moisture management system – for an ambitious residential project in Wiltshire.

SterlingOSB and Social Bite help homeless with unique accommodation

The 1,200m2 premium timber frame property is located in the picturesque area of Limpers Hill and will have five bathrooms and bedrooms.

Norbord has supplied 11 packs of its market-leading SterlingOSB to help a pioneering Scottish charity build accommodation for the homeless in Edinburgh. The material – eight packs of 11mm OSB3 sheathing and three packs of 18mm OSB3 tongue-andLeft to right – Matt Stevenson, Managing Director of Carbon groove flooring – has been used by Invergordon-based off-site Dynamics; Maurice Fitzgibbon, Commercial Director, Norbord construction specialist, Carbon Dynamics, to build 11 twoEurope; Josh Littlejohn, founder of Social Bite; and Tony bedroom NestHouses for the charity Social Bite. The custom-built, Hackney, Chief Executive of BSW Timber Limited. relocatable NestHouses will each comprise two sleeping compartments with central bathroom, kitchen and dining rooms. Designed by Jonathan Avery of Tiny House, Scotland, and built by Carbon Dynamics, the 11 NestHouses are made from natural sustainable, healthy materials including the SterlingOSB3 supplied free of charge from Norbord’s Inverness plant which is a short hop from Carbon Dynamics’ Invergordon factory.

An intelligent alternative to traditional vapour control layers

For further information on Norbord, please call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk or www.sterlingosb.com.

To confront issues around moisture, airtightness and energy efficiency, Stour Homes chose to use a range of high-performance solutions created by Isover – a leading UK insulation manufacturer.

At the Limpers Hill project, the Vario® XtraSafe system, with its ground-breaking smartmembrane, was specified instead of the more traditionally used polythene vapour control layers (VCLs). This meant the structure was able to benefit from an airtight finish whilst minimising the chances of the adverse effects of moisture build up.

Vario® XtraSafe is made from a breathable nylon layer with variable resistivity properties. The solution is considered to be three times stronger than polythene and has an Sd value ranging from 0.3m - 25m. This means it can actively adapt to the moisture conditions within the building fabric, providing the best possible protection for the building structure throughout the year.

MDF SHOPFRONTS FOR NEW CENTRAL LONDON DESIGN AND RETAIL HUB Yes, you read that correctly MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) now adorns the shopfronts of over 30 high-end retail and design spaces at the new Eccleston Place hub near Victoria station, central London.

However, it’s far from an ordinary MDF...

In winter, when it’s cold and damp outside, and warm and moist inside, the relative humidity in a wall is low, so Vario’s® pores will close to keep water vapour away. Conversely, in summer when it’s warmer outside, the membrane will open its pores to allow any accumulated water vapour to flow out to the building’s interior, so the structure can dry.

When thinking ‘high-end’, opting for an engineered wood panel over a hardwood alternative may not seem like an obvious choice, but MTX’s exceptional finishing qualities match like-for-like with its hardwood peers. What’s the difference then? To name but one, MTX’s 50-year external usage guarantee will protect the shopfront from the London weather for years to come. It’s the customised shapes and designs embellishing the doorways of Eccleston Place that play an essential part in the feel of the development. In order to create that look, the designers had to be sure that the timber solution they opted for was up to scratch, that’s why K & D Joinery chose MTX.

For more information about Isover’s Vario® XtraSafe airtightness and moisture management system, please visit www.isover.co.uk/vario

For more information on K & D Joinery visit: www.kandd.org/projects • For more information on MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME visit: mdfosb.com/en/medite-tricoya-extreme/products

For all Timber Construction magazine and online advertising enquiries contact Terry Hanlon on  01925 270093

At last – Chinese plywood you CAN trust – Diamond Mark Certified Plywood arrives in the UK

IT’S FAIR to say that Chinese plywood hasn’t always had a very good reputation – until now. It has sometimes been known for being cheap, but the word “nasty” has often not been far behind, however, all that is about to change.

In the latest development in the quest to improve the quality of EN 314 -2 and -3 plywood from China, the first shipment of Diamond Mark plywood is due to reach these shores as Timber Trader goes to press. The result of a collaboration between Glasgowbased Caledonian Plywood Company Ltd, and Third-Party Certifiers TFT Woodexperts Ltd, it has been produced by the first Mill in China to carry the Diamond Mark to both EN 314 -2 and -3, and is the result of the importer, agent and mill working together in an exclusive partnership.

Stuart McKelvie, of CPC said “we asked Jim Coulson, Woodexperts’ director, to visit the Mill in South West China in December last year, to personally check out the

manufacturing and quality control procedures at the Plywood Mill in Nanning.” Jim Coulson reported, “what I saw there convinced me that it really is possible to make good plywood in China, if the right attitude is shown”. He went on to say: “Here, each worker is encouraged to think about quality at every stage, avoiding the need for re-work or rejection of the panels. I found Quality Inspectors continually overseeing and checking the production, even conducting spot-checks at every stage, including the glue bond, the main component that usually lets Chinese-made plywood down.”

Mr McKelvie further commented “as part of the process, TFT Woodexperts Ltd undertake random sampling of the Jinlung production as delivered into our warehouses in the UK, and conduct their own rigorous quality checks on it - looking at every aspect of its manufacture. We at Caledonian Plywood are confident that it meets the exacting standards that carrying the Diamond Mark demands, and that it will continue to do so”.

For more information contact TFT Woodexperts Ltd | +44(0)1765 640 445 | info@woodexperts.com | www.woodexperts.com

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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK

SUMMER 2018

Latham

Live, work and play...

We offer one of the largest and most varied ranges of joinery quality hardwoods and softwoods available in the UK.

With eight nationwide timber depots, we carry more than 20 species of certified and legally verified timber from Europe, Africa, South America, North America, the Far East and Scandinavia as well as modified wood and our own engineered product, WoodExd, all available directly from stock.

Whatever your budget or project requirements, why not allow our extensive range of timber to provide the inspiration.

Find out more‌.

TM

Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk