14
WINTER 2020 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)
LONZA WOOD PROTECTION 24 Designing new construction timber preservative treatments with the future in mind GET BREXIT READY 27
FABRIC FIRST CONSTRUCTION 34
Make sure you are prepared for the 1 January 2021 changes as the Brexit transition period ends
Beattie Passive on driving low carbon and Passivhaus design across the UK residential market
We make it better At Norbord we’ve been certified negative. But in a good way – we are net carbon negative. We remove more carbon than we emit. Our products help UK construction comply with net zero targets. Carbon negative. Positive future.
Norbord.co.uk/carbon-negative
The UK’s No 1 producer of engineered wood panels
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION ISSUE 14 CONTENTS
02
12
14
News........................................................................................02
18
21
The latest news and views from across the industry.
Artistic & Thermally Efficient .......................................12 Taylor Lane Timber Frame supplied and erected its 140mm preinsulated timber frame kits for the first phase of Acorn Property Group’s landmark development, Cubis Bruton in Somerset.
No. 2 Maidenhead Office Park.......................................14 A new two-storey CLT and glulam office extension at No. 2 Maidenhead Office Park is providing its client a competitive advantage in a difficult commercial lettings market.
24
27
30
34
Unique Homes for Bristol................................................18 The Bristol Housing Festival is featuring ZED PODS with its energy efficient and timber-based approach to building design as an important way to deliver sustainable living.
Showcasing Timber at its Finest..................................21 The winners of the annual Wood Awards were recently announced with the judges selecting six structures as the best of British architecture and design using timber for 2020.
Cover Story: Lonza Wood Protection .........................24 Low pressure preservative treatments have always been the preferred choice for protection of our construction timbers against the threat of decay or insect attack. A new construction timber preservative treatment from Lonza has been designed with the future in mind.
Get Brexit Rule Ready........................................................27 With the Brexit transition period soon to end, businesses trading timber are being urged to prepare for the many changes ahead of 1 January 2021.
Timber – a way to pass the airtightness test ..........30
Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon
Registered address:
Robin Lancashire, timber frame consultant at BM TRADA, explains how timber frame can help to pass the airtightness test, while also cutting costs and carbon emissions.
terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk
73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows,
01925 270093
Merseyside WA12 9QA
Focusing on the Future ....................................................34
artwork@timbermedia.co.uk
Company registered in England and
We speak with Beattie Passive about Passivhaus design and how important the standard is to sustainable homes and the UK’s net zero emissions targets.
Follow Timber Media:
Wales. Company Number 10839173.
@Timber_Media
VAT registration number 271 5498 81.
Artwork: Pete Awad
The Perfect Partner for the Timber Industry Manage your timber materials more safely, using less space and in less time with Combilift’s materials handling solutions.
combilift.com Timber Trader UK magazine 185 x 62 Liz.indd 1
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
15% market drop for panelised modular building systems New figures from AMA Research are
work carried out on a production line, activity
intentions to substantially increase their use
forecasting that contractors’ output is
can be planned and monitored to ensure that
of offsite systems to build new homes.
expected to be down by 20% in 2020. As a
social distancing is adhered to.
“Timber frame systems is the largest
result of this downward turn, the panelised
“More importantly there is now a
sector, with a share estimated to be 70%,
modular building systems market will also
strong likelihood of an increase in the use
due to a larger supply base and extensive
experience a decline in 2020 as the two are
of volumetric and other types of offsite
usage in the Scottish housebuilding market
not mutually exclusive. This will result in a
construction method to help meet the
and self-build sector. Timber frame houses
drop of 15% decreasing the market value
chronic housing shortage, cope with the
can be built on average eight weeks faster
to £636 million. The panelised modular
lack of traditional construction skills within
when compared with traditional construction
building systems market in the UK was
the construction industry and help meet the
methods. A close eye will need to be kept
worth £753 million in 2019.
government’s pledge to be carbon neutral by
on how quickly the economy, and the
2050.
construction industry in particular recovers,
“Offsite manufacturing, including panelised modular building systems may
“Offsite construction, with open panel
however; there is now a glimmer of hope
recover faster as it is more conducive to
timber frame systems the most widely used
with the announcement from Pfizer of their
Covid-19 safety measures such as social
type, could very well be the solution to
successful initial vaccine trial. Over the next
distancing. The adaptation of the working
delivering much needed affordable homes
few years, the growth of this market will be
environment has been an easier transition
and to deliver them quickly. It is anticipated
greatly affected by how long the Covid-19
than a traditional construction setting, due
there will be a significant increase in offsite
pandemic lasts.”
to it being less labour intensive and requiring
production capacity with many leading
fewer personnel on-site. With all construction
housebuilders and RPRs declaring their
Timber Construction Magazine
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
New Joinery Network resource live As the growth of The Joinery Network continues, a new website has been launched to support UK joinery manufacturers looking to manufacture PAS 24:2016 Document Q ready timber windows and doors. The new website has information on The Joinery Network’s range of fully tested, accredited timber windows and doors, Lignum. Owen Dare of O T Dare Joinery Consultants, and one of the founder directors of The Joinery Network, says: “We launched the new website to make it easy for joinery manufacturers to see the range of fully tested timber windows and doors that are available, exclusively, for them. “There is also lots of information on which tests our product range has passed. With this information, joinery manufacturers can choose the products they need, get licences for each product against each test result, and cascade the data to use as their own. This transparency means that both big and small joiners, offering a full or selective range, can fully comply with regulations without worrying about falling foul of the law. “Lignum is the exciting new window system for the timber window and door industry. Fully accredited and designed for UK homes, Lignum
selected our founder partners and affiliates to offer expertise through every step of the supply chain.”
is perfect for joiners as a low-cost entry system through The Joinery
The new website comes after the launch of the exclusive Lignum
Network licences. They also don’t have the expense of spending
range from The Joinery Network. Lignum is the first complete UK
upwards of £60,000 on testing products themselves as The Joinery
timber window & door system with full PAS 24:2016, Document Q, BS
Network has already made that investment. It’s an easy way for joiners
6375: 1. Document L1B, and Document M certification, available to
to show that their products comply with Building Regulations and win
joinery manufacturers.
more sales. Joinery manufacturers can also find information on each of More at www.thejoinerynetwork.co.uk
The Joinery Network’s founder partners and affiliates. We’ve carefully
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Time for Timber campaign highlights net zero With the threat of missing critical
for Timber campaign has been founded with
environmental targets a very real danger
the express intention of challenging these
in the post Covid-19 economy, the Time
misconceptions within the financial and
Timber campaign commented: “We are at a
for Timber campaign has launched a new
insurance sectors. The campaign launched
crossroads in the UK and on a global basis:
drive that directly targets the financial
with a major advertising campaign at Bank
we need to act now if we are going to meet
and insurance sectors – one of the biggest
underground station, in the heart of London’s
our environmental obligations and timber
stumbling blocks in the path of sustainable
financial district. The bold move will see the
is the primary building material that will
development.
hard-hitting campaign message dominating
help us do this. As well as being sustainable,
the advertising space within the station,
replenishable and easily recycled, the
reach net zero by 2050, combined with an
in a bid to kick-start engagement with this
adoption of timber within offsite construction
increasingly urbanised population, there is
important issue. A programme of webinars
and MMC techniques would have a profound
an urgent need to change how we build high
with financial sector media partners and a new
effect on the wider construction market
density and single-family housing. The obvious
whitepaper will follow, to begin strengthening
and a demonstrable reduction in the carbon
solution is using renewable, sustainable and
the dialogue between the timber construction
footprint of projects.
environmentally positive materials such as
industry, insurers and investors.
With ambitious targets set for the UK to
and Finance Association, Simon Howard. Andrew Orriss from the Time for
“This is in harmony with the Government’s
timber but, historically, the insurance industry
Underpinning the communication
has been unwilling to support such initiatives.
campaign is a groundswell of support that
emphasis on green initiatives, which clearly
Misconceptions around timber’s suitability as
is building throughout the industry, which
recognises that there is a need to create jobs
a major project construction material have
is showcased in a new Time for Timber
to avoid a financial downturn. But we should
meant that this versatile solution is considered
documentary. The film features compelling
be creating those jobs to ensure the green
a risk by many insurers and finance houses.
interviews with figures such as: British Green
transition happens as quickly as possible,
This basic misunderstanding of the facts could
Party economist, Molly Scott Cato, architect
to propel us towards net zero carbon – as
be jeopardising the future of the economy
and Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, Lynne
well as protecting communities from future
and the environment.
Sullivan, Technical and Innovation Director at
environmental and economic hazards.”
Bringing together leading voices from around the construction industry, the Time
Timber Construction Magazine
agenda of Building Back Better, with its
Barratt Homes, Oliver Novakovic and Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment Winter 2020
04
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If you care about something, you have to protect it Preservation & ďŹ re retardant treatments for timber
Protection from the elements
Your partner in timber protection Call 08000 886 032, email info@ptgtreatments.co.uk or visit www.ptgtreatments.co.uk Timber Construction Magazine Winter 2020 www.timbermedia.co.uk ď‚™ @Timber_Media 05
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
BoKlok gets NHBC Accepts approval BoKlok UK, the sustainable, quality, and low-cost home provider
NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes
jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, has received an official welcome
in the UK. NHBC’s ten-year Buildmark warranty covers c. 75-80 per cent of
to NHBC Accepts.
new homes built in the UK, currently protecting around 1.5 million homes.
Launched this summer, the NHBC warranty and insurance provider
NHBC is a non-profit distributing organisation with no shareholders.
for new homes in the UK, granted approval for BoKlok to ‘NHBC
NHBC’s, innovation manager, Richard Lankshear said: “Following a
Accepts’ — an all-inclusive, end-to-end service that helps to build
thorough review process we are delighted to welcome BoKlok to NHBC
confidence in innovative construction and also enables MMC systems
Accepts. An NHBC Accepts certificate is a way of demonstrating that
to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.
innovative products or systems have already been reviewed by NHBC
BoKlok is jointly owned by Skanska and IKEA, originated in the
thus reducing the risk of delays on site. NHBC Accepts will play a critical
Nordics and has now built more than 12,000 homes throughout
role in ensuring developers, manufacturers, lenders and consumers
Sweden, Finland and Norway. It launched its UK business early last year
have faith and confidence in MMC quality as the industry delivers more
and is on course to build over 400 homes throughout the South West of
innovative new homes for the country.”
England.
Helen Robinson also recently has joined BoKlok UK as new
BoKlok homes are completed offsite in a safe and dry environment
general counsel. Helen was formerly a partner at Pinsent Masons LLP
using a smart and industrialised process. This enables high quality,
specialising in housing-led regeneration schemes and has worked for
low and predictable costs, and minimum waste. The homes are then
both public and private sector clients throughout her career. In her new
transported to the construction site for assembly with high quality IKEA
role as general counsel, Helen will continue to guide BoKlok UK through
products fitted throughout.
the highs and lows of the public sector regulatory framework, oversee
The completed homes are manufactured using BoKlok’s Flex
all legal transactions and provide legal and commercial support to the
UK volumetric timber frame system. As BoKlok uses wood as its
team. She will also be responsible for governance and compliance and
primary source material, carbon emissions are lower in comparison
managing BoKlok’s legal panel.
to the average amount of a newly built apartment or house. Other
Helen said: “I am really excited to join BoKlok and have the
environmentally friendly measures are included throughout all housing
opportunity to help shape such an innovative and progressive
developments, such as community air source heat pumps and water
organisation. BoKlok is at the forefront of the modular manufacturing
saving methods.
revolution and is forging great partnerships and building a really strong
Noel Sheehan, BoKlok housing delivery director said, “We are very
brand. They are rightly focused on delivering high quality homes at
pleased to have been given a seal of approval for NHBC Accepts. BoKlok
affordable levels and most importantly, building long term, sustainable
use quality materials and build with well-proven methods to ensure
communities. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the BoKlok team when
sustainable homes. We hope that this additional accreditation will
they were a client and am delighted to become part of the company.”
provide further confidence in our home development to our customers More at www.boklok.co.uk
and the wider industry.”
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Big ‘thanks’ for Robertson Construction The Robertson Construction team behind the new Merkinch Primary School received a socially distanced ‘thank you’ from around 350 pupils and staff following the handover of the building. The new primary school, which was procured through Major Works – Scotland, part of the Scape National Construction framework for Highland Council, is the first primary school in the Highlands, and the largest school in Scotland, to be built using a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame. The extension to the original Merkinch Primary School building includes 14 new classrooms, ancillary teaching area, threeroom nursery, nurture rooms, a four court games hall and an external multi-use games area. All of the works were carried out whilst the school remained operational from
during these challenging times.” The school has been designed with the
thank you today from some of the pupils and staff and we look forward to continuing our
modular accommodation that occupied the
well-being of pupils and staff at its core. The
work in phase 2 as we refurbish the existing
former playing fields.
original school has served the local community
facility into new dining and community
in Inverness for over a century and the new
facilities.”
Jillian Kean, head teacher of Merkinch Primary School, said: “We wanted to take this
state-of-the art facilities are a welcome
opportunity, ahead of the October holidays,
addition to the community.
to come together and thank each individual
Councillor John Finlayson, chair of Education Committee, Highland Council,
Frank Reid, regional managing director,
added: “It is very exciting to see the fantastic
who has been involved in the extension of our
Robertson Construction, said: “We are proud
new school building. This will open up
primary school. The coronavirus pandemic
to have completed the largest CLT frame
opportunities for the school, its staff and its
has meant our young people, and the rest of
school in Scotland, much of the timber has
young people, who it is great to see, come
our school community, have had to adjust to
been left exposed and this has been proven
out yesterday to show their appreciation
changes within our school when we returned
to positively impact the learning environment.
for the hard work which has gone into its
from lockdown. The extension will not only
Merkinch is setting a benchmark for
construction.”
provide us with extra space and facilities but
sustainable education facilities. It was an
will help us to focus on our school’s future
honour for the team to receive this personal
More at www.robertson.co.uk
TTF & TRADA moving towards merger The Governing Boards of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and the
forward for timber in the UK. Bringing the two oldest, biggest names
Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) have announced
in timber together like this can only be good news. It will combine the
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to align the
lobbying and communications power of the TTF with the technical
strategies and activities of each organisation with a view toward a
know-how, insight and design guidance from TRADA to make timber
merger of the two organisations. The MOU was signed on 6 October
the first-choice product for designers across the country. I’m looking
2020 and work has begun to conduct due diligence on both parties and
forward to working with Dave and other colleagues to make this a
propose a new operating structure for the merged organisations.
success from day one.”
Commenting on the signing, David Hopkins, chief executive of the
The two organisations will continue to run operations in parallel
Timber Trade Federation, said: “This is a strong positive step for both
under a common management plan for at least the first year before
our organisations and for the timber market in the UK. It has been
starting to merge activities, ensuring that no aspect of current member
fragmented for far too long. This will allow us to build a single supply
services is neglected or lost from either. BM TRADA, which has run
chain organisation representing all points from sawmill to importer
TRADA’s operations under a contract arrangement for the last 25 years,
to manufacturers through to designer, specifier and contractor. It will
is in discussions with the two organisations regarding the role that it
give timber a much more powerful voice in the market and at a political
will perform under the new arrangement proposed. Further progress
level, while enhancing services for members. The past year has been
towards these common goals will be announced in due course.
tough for everyone in our sector, but this announcement makes the All enquiries on this merger should be directed to David Hopkins at
future look far more positive.”
the TTF email dhopkins@ttf.co.uk
Nick Milestone, chair of TRADA, added: “This is an historic step
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Look but Don’t Touch: The SICK SPEETEC® Speed and Length Sensor
BSW expands further into forestry sector
With the SPEETEC® non-contact sensor for speed and length measurement, SICK has added a compact, affordable, eye-safe laser surface motion sensor to its portfolio. The innovative SPEETEC® combines unprecedented affordability with precision surface measurement for production control and quality inspection tasks in timber processing down to a resolution of 4 µm. The SPEETEC® uses the Laser Doppler principle to work at speeds between 0.1 and 10 m/s to measure directly on the material with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a repeatability of 0.05%. The Class 1 eye-safe infra-red laser light eliminates the need for special guarding or safety measures required by many conventional velocimeters.
The BSW Group has acquired Dick Brothers Forestry Ltd, the UK’s
Typically, Return on Investment can be achieved in under 12 months, and the increased precision promises to improve yields by reducing giveaway on cut-to-length products, says Darren Pratt, SICK’s UK product manager for motion control sensors:
largest timber harvesting company. Established over 25 years ago and headquartered in the Scottish Borders, the business boasts state-of-the-art forestry equipment and market leading capabilities
“The performance and affordability of the SICK SPEETEC® will come as a surprise to many machinebuilders and manufacturers,” he said. “It therefore promises to automate in-line measurement processes for process control, quality checking, or cutting at levels of speed and accuracy that would not have previously been possible.
to harvest some of the largest and most complex forests in the UK. Dick Brothers represents a cornerstone acquisition for the BSW Group, strengthening its vertical integration of the timber supply chain and securing in-house harvesting capabilities for its forestry
“The SPEETEC®’s non-contact measurement principle means there is no danger of marking or damaging the substrate. There is no need for any marks or scales on the material itself. What’s more, unlike a measuring wheel which can deform over time due to abrasion with the material surface, the SPEETEC®’s measurement function cannot be impaired by wear, so maintenance and downtime is reduced.”
and harvesting management division Tilhill. Davy Dick, managing director of Dick Brothers, said: “We are delighted to be joining the BSW family. Whilst it is very much business as usual, we are excited to be working with the BSW team to continue the growth of the business and enhance the services we can bring our
Product testing has already shown the SPEETEC® to be reliable even when measuring materials with challenging, highly reflective, darkblack or uneven surfaces. SICK also expects to see it being installed to increase process speeds where rotary encoders or measuring wheels would be prone inaccuracy due to slippage of the material.
customers. We would also like to thank our previous owners, Faro Capital, for their support and investment in the business over recent years.” Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW, commented: “This is fantastic news for BSW. Dick Brothers is a business with strong heritage and fantastic
The SPEETEC® is easy to mount with generous mounting tolerances and a compact design. The rugged aluminium housing, measures just 140mm x 95mm x 32.5 mm. The SICK SPEETEC® can be set up in a matter of minutes and does not require any supplementary electronics to process the signal output. The Laser Doppler measurement is automatically converted onboard the sensor into TTL/HTL signals identical to those of an incremental encoder, so that they can be easily integrated into the machine control system.
prospects, and one that we believe will bring huge value to BSW. The acquisition enables BSW to become a streamlined stump to sawmill operation, utilising the experience of Dick Brothers to develop smart solutions to timber breakout from the forest and match to sawmill and ultimately customer demands. This places us in a unique position within the UK domestic wood supply sector.
Darren Pratt is offering 30-minute one-to-one online presentations and demonstrations to anyone who would like to discuss whether the SPEETEC® is right for their application.
“Whilst operations at Dick Brothers and BSW will remain largely the same, there will be a number of areas for our businesses to support each other. We look forward to working with the Dick family to grow the business as part of the wider BSW Group.” Tony added that it was important that the new acquisition also maintained and grew business
SICK (UK) LTD Waldkirch House 39 Hedley Road St Albans, Herts AL1 5BN Tel: +44 (0) 1727 831121 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 856767 info@sick.co.uk
with other players: “The sector is very interdependent and what might be one of our division’s customers might be another division’s supplier, so it is critical that Dick Brothers will retain the flexibility to trade across the industry.” More at www.bsw.co.uk
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Radical home looks to timber and brick
A sinuous timber and brick ‘wall house’ by
Curvilinear double-height entertaining and
The external circulation strategy involved
Richard Parr Associates has won planning
living spaces merge in a flow at the elbow of
repositioning the entrance of the site further
permission on a green belt site bordering
the house, with accommodation transitioning
south and creating a service route bulwark at
open countryside and woodland, located
south and eastwards to progressively more
the boundary of the property.
two miles from the historic village of
private uses. The heart zone of family living
Knowle in the West Midlands.
space is hinged to the separate wing of
car parking will replace an environmentally
The 1,400m2 (15,000sq ft) house responds
The two-storey house with basement
entertaining space via an expressive cylindrical
inefficient structure with a passively oriented
to its site in contextually and environmentally
tower of top-lit vertical circulation. This
highly insulated building that harnesses the
derived forms that create a buffer from a
creates an arrival sequence heralded by a
thermal mass of its brick spine to absorb and
nearby road junction to embrace a sheltered
sculptural staircase and opening up to views
store heat through south- and east-facing
garden landscape. The project is rooted in
across the garden landscape.
glazing. Proposed renewable energy systems
a protective arm of brick wall that slopes
Internally, exposed timber structural
include air and ground source heat pumps,
upwards from the ground plane to form the
elements and vertical timber brise soleil to
mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and
north-west enclosure of the house, opening
glazed elevations will create a layered and
photovoltaic panels. Alongside the family zone
up to the south and east in an undulating
warm sequence of spaces to be further
the design includes an entertaining wing of
elevation of canted double-height glazing set
articulated with bespoke furnishings and
three guest suites and dedicated facilities for
within a structure of timber fins. The textured
cabinetry and modelled vertical circulation.
its social space; a service annexe integrating
buff-brick boundary is echoed in an organically
Richard Parr Associates’ design approach
utility spaces with staff quarters; spa and gym
rising and dipping roof landscape, which will be
has centred on making intelligent use of a
areas; and office space in a two-storey satellite
clad in red-toned zinc – traditionally articulated
large plot by integrating a house that creates
building.
with standing seams – to reflect the red brick
its own sense of boundary and enclosure while
vernacular of the locality.
maximising south and east facing grounds.
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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
Wood panels industry calls for clearer thinking on Renewable Heat Incentive An “astonishing £3.34 billion” of
made by administrations across the UK.”
taxpayers’ money has been paid by the
The report states: “In the longer term,
UK Government in Renewable Heat
the answer might lie in planting more
Incentive (RHI) payments over the past
trees. However, (this) offers no prospect
decade, a scheme which subsidises
of early relief — the benefits of planting
wood-burning while a potential shortage
over the next few years will not be realised
of wood is threatening the UK’s
until 2040-60. Forestry planting has been in
construction sector.
decline in the UK since the 1970s and that
These are key points raised in a
is the legacy the industry is now living with.
report commissioned by the All-Party
Inevitably, therefore, the biomass sector
Parliamentary Group on the wood panel
is currently — and for the next 20 years —
industry which represents the UK’s six
relying on planting which took place with
industrial plants producing wood-based
other purposes in mind, long before the
materials for the construction industry. The
RHI existed.”
report calls for an end to the RHI and warns
Selaine Saxby MP, who chairs the
that any future subsidy regime for biomass
All-Party Parliamentary Group and whose
“must be predicated on completion of a
North Devon constituency includes a large
comprehensive and robust assessment of
wood panel manufacturing plant at South
subsidy impact upon wood supply.”
Molton, said: “Wood is too important
The cost of RHI last year alone stood at
a resource to burn. That is the basic
more than £800 million. While the scheme
contention of those of us who are calling
closes to new non-domestic entrants in
on the UK Government to reconsider
2021 and domestic the following year, the UK Government is currently
support for the Renewable Heat Incentive before a crisis is created for
considering future subsidy arrangements following consultation. The
other users of our finite forestry supply.”
report points out that it takes 30 years to replace every tree that is
Alastair Kerr, director general of the Wood Panel Industries
chopped up into biomass pellets for burning and warns: “The UK wood
Federation and Secretary of the Expert Working Group for the Wood
supply is finite – and if wood is being burned for subsidy, it cannot be
Panel Industry, commented: “We have a successful industry providing
used in the construction industry as was the intention when these trees
high quality employment and with ambitions to invest and expand,
were planted.”
particularly in response to increased demand for housing. Increased
The six UK wood processing plants are located close to the forestry
use of wood in construction is also consistent with the Government’s
plantations from which their raw material comes. The report warns:
environmental agenda. All we are asking is for recognition from
“If the industry becomes dependent on imported timber (as is already
Government that wood is a finite resource and there is a conflict
happening), that rationale disappears.” Collectively, the six plants
between burning it as fuel with taxpayer subsidy and using it for the
directly provide more than 2000 well-paid jobs as well as many more
purposes intended when trees were planted. Security of wood supply is
indirectly and “are directly dependent on this issue being addressed by
now a major concern in determining our members’ investment plans.”
the Government.” It also asserts that “open-ended subsidy to burn a More at www.wpif.org.uk
scarce natural resource is inconsistent with the Net Zero commitments
High quality media dedicated to the timber sector
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
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FEATURE TIMBER FRAME
Artistic & Thermally Efficient Image © Pete Helme Photography
Taylor Lane Timber Frame has supplied and erected its 140mm pre-insulated timber frame kits for the first phase of Acorn Property Group’s landmark development, Cubis Bruton in Somerset, comprising three and four-bedroom houses and two-storey apartment blocks.
D
evised by land artist Mark Merer, Cubis Bruton is
The Taylor Lane 140mm pre-insulated timber frame plus a
striking and architecturally innovative. Combining
continuous layer of 50mm insulation on the inside face achieves
sustainability and environmentally aware technology
an exceptional U-value of 0.15W/m2K. The added continuous layer
with compelling design, the properties offer flexible,
prevents cold bridging and improves the U-value enormously. This
future-proof living. Timber frame was specified because of its
level of thermal performance could not be achieved with masonry
ability to achieve the complex design, meet the stringent thermo-
construction without a negative impact on room size and build costs.
performance criteria and speed of construction. “Where possible, Acorn strive to use timber frame across all our
Design Challenges
developments,” says Robin Squire, regional managing director of
Cubis Bruton is unique, requiring complex design and product
Acorn’s Bristol Region. “We are aware of the environmental impact our
engineering. Large, open plan internal spaces with modern lines
industry has and try to design and build our schemes with sustainability
combine with a distinctive roofscape of geometric shapes, cantilevers
very much at the forefront of our minds in order to limit this impact.
and green roofs. The number of variations (up to three) per house
We take a fabric-first approach to our developments meaning we
type (x11), added to the timber frame design challenge. While 80%
look to ensure the envelope of the building is as energy efficient as possible by opting for methods like timber frame construction.” Due to the demands and design complexity of Cubis Bruton, it is highly unlikely that this scheme could be achieved using traditional masonry construction. The Hereford-based timber frame specialist also supplied and installed Posi-Joists, roof trusses, and structural and architectural steel. The complete package was designed and manufactured in-house.
Thermo-Efficient New Housing “Green features are employed throughout the development to ensure high-performing thermo-efficient new housing within a setting where enhanced biodiversity has been encouraged,” continues Robin Squire. “Timber frame construction has contributed to the environmentally sensitive nature of the scheme.”
Timber Construction Magazine
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FEATURE TIMBER FRAME
“Cubis Bruton arose from the community’s decision that while new housing was needed, it wanted housing that would respond to the subtle variety of an English medieval town, rather than generic cookie-cutter repetitions. The project started with extensive research, meticulously recording the fabric and ecology of the place, so that the finished development of 68 houses would sit lightly on the townscape and have its own identity.” Mark Merer, Land Artist of the properties featured flat roofs, several had sedum roofs. The weight of these affected the centre and size of the joists required. Taylor Lane utilised Posi-Joists as the engineered metal web joists can span further and bear additional load over standard timber joists whilst accommodating services. The contract also included a penalty clause if a room size was reduced. When a steel post encroached into the room on one unit where the first floor stepped back, Taylor Lane designed the steel post squarer so it would retreat into the wall structure. Additional strength was then designed in elsewhere in the building e.g. sheathing walls etc. More at www.taylor-lane.co.uk
Grow your business with Timber Media Timber Media Ltd, publisher of Timber Construction magazine, is delighted to announce the launch of our brand new e-marketing service for advertisers. With over 4,500 timber industry business professional contacts, we can send your bespoke, solus e-newsletter to top decision makers in our industry... but be quick, the service is limited to one e-newsletter per week which will be mailed on a Monday to our mailing list. A second e-newsletter will be sent the following Thursday to engage contacts who opened but did not click the hyperlinks. You’ll then receive a statistics report for the two e-newsletters the following Monday.
All for a set price of only £500 (+vat) Our e-marketing service began at the beginning of February. To book your slot today email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk
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FEATURE ENGINEERED TIMBER
No. 2 Maidenhead Office Park Hutchison Kivotos Architect’s new two-storey CLT and glulam office extension at No. 2 Maidenhead Office Park has been designed to provide their client with a competitive advantage in a difficult commercial lettings market. Eve Dennehy explains more.
T
he new two-storey structure, which is formed of PEFC-
on sustainability and how they communicate with their workforce,
certified HEXAPLI CLT with glulam columns and beams
customers and the wider world. Growing consumer awareness
from French manufacturer Piveteaubois, was designed,
and strength of feeling about issues such as climate change and
supplied and installed by mass timber and hybrid
sustainability is also making its influence felt in the business world
specialist G-frame Structures. The extension connects the two wings
and having a timber office building is a way for companies to make
of the original 38,000sq ft office building by creating a welcoming, contemporary ‘heart space’ opening onto a generous landscaped courtyard that provides external work and social space. Internally, the CLT and glulam have been left exposed providing a complement to the original office space and resulting in a light-filled, calm atmosphere that is conducive to a sense of wellness. Working closely with structural engineer Michael Hadi Associates, the architect has designed both the fully
“It was important to create a building that would provide a differentiating factor for our client in the highly competitive commercial lettings market.”
refurbished existing building and the new extension to be highly adaptable spaces in order to meet the needs of incoming tenants. “It was important to create a building
James Johnson, Director at Hutchison Kivotos
that would provide a differentiating factor for our client in the highly competitive commercial lettings market,” says James Johnson, Director at Hutchison Kivotos. “Prior to Covid-19 there was a strong market at Maidenhead Office Park and
a positive statement and align with this agenda. It was a major
creating a unique, contemporary and flexible office space was vital to
consideration therefore that the extension should have a unique quality
meet the growing demand – particularly from young, tech and start-up
that would attract young start-up and well established companies
companies, for office space that reflects their company culture, ethos
alike – a place that could be showcased as part of a company’s external
and branding. We felt that a contemporary timber structure would
branding, as well as offering a comfortable and inviting workplace that
achieve this, as well as providing a space that would address the softer
fosters a sense of wellbeing.
needs of workers by creating a sense of wellness.”
Sustainability was a key driver for the architect and for their client
Businesses increasingly view their office workspace or HQ as an extension of their brand and ethical position, reflecting their view
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
who manage a large portfolio of commercial assets, and this played a significant role in the specification of CLT and glulam as the main
14
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ENGINEERED TIMBER
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FEATURE ENGINEERED TIMBER
structural materials. Using CLT reduced construction time and material
CLT is a fast, efficient and clean method of construction and
waste and, due to the lightweight nature of the structure, reduced
the G-frame team installed the superstructure within three weeks,
foundation loads which in turn has resulted in less concrete used. It
enabling first fix to commence as soon as the first floor had been
was also a key consideration to provide a high quality, low energy office
installed. This speed of construction was a significant benefit to
space and CLT’s airtightness properties ensure that the building will be
the overall programme, and minimised impact on the surrounding
energy efficient in occupation.
business community. No. 2 Maidenhead Office Park is currently
Crucially, CLT’s relative light weight was key to overcoming issues of
untenanted, but Post Covid-19 the flexibility and sense of wellbeing
access to the site which is via an old railway bridge that has strict weight
this office space provides will be increasingly important factors for
restrictions in place. The use of mass timber also helped to overcome
commercial tenants, giving opportunity for flexible working and social
the constraints of building within an internal courtyard, allowing
distancing.
prefabricated elements to be lifted in using a mobile crane placed at More at www.g-frame.co.uk www.piveteaubois.com/en
the front of the building.
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Let´s build CO2 neutral Europes first CO2 neutral factory for flame retardant treatments of wood CO2 neutrally manufactured flame retardant wood products from Woodsafe Timber Protection. Investment in a new roofmounted solarplant at the Woodsafe factory ensures a peak power of 500 kilowatts and becomes Europes first CO2 neutral factory for flame retardant treatments. Woodsafe can now offer construction companies sustainable produced materials so they can build according to enviromental certification systems such as Breeam, Greenbuilding and Leed. ”We will achieve our sustainability strategy goals that Woodsafe will be self-sufficient for electricity. It is important for us to contribute for the UN:s sustainability goals in Agenda 2030, says Thomas Bentsson CEO of Woodsafe.”
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Flame retardant treated wood cladding and panels by Woodsafe Timber Protection, Sweden. Fire safety is more than just a fire class. Woodsafe is a certified manufacturer which holds typeapproval certificate, Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CE) according to EN14915, EN13986, WPA Benchmark approved treater, ISO 9001,14001. Our factory is carbon dioxide neutral (CO2) and developed for optimality, efficiency and development of new products in close cooperation with the best partners on the market. This is what we call ALL-IN-ONE by Woodsafe. Timber Construction www.woodsafe.com | +46 10 206 72Magazine 30
Winter 2020
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FEATURE ZED PODS
Unique Homes for Bristol The Bristol Housing Festival is investigating several innovative building types over a five year period. One of these features ZED PODS with its energy efficient and timber-based approach to building design.
T
he Bristol Housing Festival is running over five years and
rethink existing land use in central Bristol demonstrating new thinking
is being supported by Bristol City Council, Bristol and Bath
to help solve the housing crisis, whilst at the same time providing
Regional Capital, WECA and The Shaftesbury Partnership.
beautiful, low carbon housing.
It is acting as an incubator to road-test, in a real-world
scenario, both existing concepts and innovative solutions designed to
Drop In Units
accelerate the delivery of quality, affordable housing. These will include
September 2020 saw a ‘UK first’ take place as the 11 ZED PODS
exploring smart technology and offsite manufacturing. The Festival will
apartments were finally craned into place. The development will see
also highlight the ambition and work that is already underway in the city
the one and two-bedroom apartments built on a podium above the car
through partnerships, innovators, community groups and pioneers.
park in Chalks Road, St George. The development is being delivered in
A key housing project nearing completion is Hope Rise. This has been designed to be the first 100% affordable and zero-carbon housing
partnership with Bristol City Council, Bristol Housing Festival, YMCA and Bristol and Bath Regional Capital.
development aimed at creating a mixed tenure affordable housing scheme
The factory-built modular units can be erected within days and are
over the Chalks Road car park, adjacent to St. George Park, Bristol. It is a
designed to be zero carbon, energy neutral and have the lowest possible
pioneering environmental and socially focused development which will
running costs. Each unit is precision-made in a factory environment to
deliver much needed social housing in St George for young people in need
high environmental standards and comes with full BOPAS (Build Off-site
of affordable housing.
Property Assurance Scheme) accreditation. These ZED PODS are unique in
The project is being delivered by ZED PODs – the multi-award winning,
their approach to developments, by separating housing provision from land
eco-friendly and timber modular homes designer and builder. The modules
costs using air rights over car parks, thus making the development extremely
have been designed and detailed to be both highly energy efficient and
affordable. This removal of the ‘cost of land’ from the ‘price of housing’ could
Net Zero-Carbon in operation, to secure residents the lowest possible
see the use of the UK’s 200,000 city centre car parking spaces. This is also the
running costs. It comprises of nine one-bedroom homes constructed
first 100% socially-rented development of its kind in the country.
of cross laminated timber (CLT), book-ended by two two-bedroom
“We wanted to address key worker and affordable housing issues
homes constructed of light-gauge steel. This modular solution can be
without compromising on our values of sustainability and quality,” says ZED
demountable or permanent and delivers affordable living spaces above
PODS Operations Director Dr Rehan Khodabuccus. “We are very pleased
existing ‘carparks, garages, infills and hard-standing areas’.
that Bristol City Council has had the foresight to partner with us direct and
Providing affordable housing remains a fundamental issue for local
are so enthusiastic about the potential for more developments like this. We
authorities. The Hope Rise development will ensure that the support
have very much enjoyed working hand in hand with them to create what we
networks are in place for the tenants and is designed to increase tenant
hope will be a significant solution to the housing crisis and welcome their
interaction and neighbourliness. This innovative development will
open mindedness about innovations such as these.”
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FEATURE ZED PODS
From left to right: Julian Higson, Director, Housing and Landlord Services, Bristol City Council; Cllr Paul Smith, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, Bristol City Council; Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor (Communities, Equalities & Public Health), St George West Ward, Bristol City Council; Dr. Rehan Khodabuccus, operations director ZED PODS; Ben Silvey, Director, YMCA Bristol and The Kitchen; Mayor Marvin Rees, Bristol City Council; Jessie Wilde, Deputy Project Director, Bristol Housing Festival.
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FEATURE ZED PODS
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, added: “I am really pleased to see this
ZED PODS are fabricated by Impact Modular in their factory in
development come to fruition. It’s an exciting and yet practical approach to
Peterborough. The units come with the latest low-carbon technologies
addressing some of the housing challenges we have in the city and I hope we
ensuring ultra-low energy consumption and cheaper running costs. ZED
can see more of these sort of projects delivered in the near future. We have
PODS offer full turnkey service from design to completion and has a strong
to be thinking creatively about how we best use the space we have in the
pipeline of over 200 residential units from both public and private sector
city and not keep pushing people further and further out because they can’t
clients. ZED PODS have recently completed a keyworker accommodation
afford city house prices.”
scheme within 12 weeks (from contract to completion) during the lockdown
Jez Sweetland, Bristol Housing Festival Project Director, also added:
for a healthcare client. Following on from Chalks Road, ZED PODs are
“This was one of the projects that came about as a result of our five year
building homes for Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on a Flood Zone 3 land and
Bristol Housing Festival that started in 2018 which is all about trying out
Bromley Council above one of their car parks.
new ideas and re-imagining better ways to live in our cities. Our aim has More at www.zedpods.com
always been to deliver tangible projects and so I am thrilled that the ZED PODS project is now actually a reality and that there are other projects in the pipeline.” This environmental and socially focused development will deliver necessary council housing in St George for young people in need of affordable housing and those at risk of housing crisis, including NHS workers. Bristol City Council, who purchased the ZED PODS development is now working with YMCA Bristol to seek tenants. “This development provides much needed affordable housing in St George for young people and we want to make sure we create a community here,” said the YMCA’s Ben Silvey. “That’s why we are now taking applications for four ‘community builders’ to move in when the site is ready in November. These will effectively be super tenants who are being asked to unite residents and encouraging them to get involved in their community.”
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FEATURE WOOD AWARDS WINNERS 2020
Showcasing Timber at its Finest The winners of the annual Wood Awards were recently announced with the judges selecting six structures as the best of British architecture and design using timber for 2020.
E
stablished in 1971, the Wood
timber design, craftsmanship and installation.
in person, making this a uniquely rigorous
Awards has long been the
This year’s Wood Awards has been one of
competition. This year, the usual judging
UK’s premier competition for
the few design competitions to go ahead
process had to be adapted, but the competition
excellence in wood design and
despite Covid-19. The independent panel of
persevered with the judges still managing to
judges always visits all the shortlisted projects
see each project.
aims to encourage and promote outstanding
Gold Award & Private Winner
THE RYE APARTMENTS
This development of ten sustainable apartments sits on a prominent corner site. A mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units are set in two blocks that respond independently to the changing scale across the site. The user’s quality of life is at the heart of the design. The project was driven by two key considerations: how to resist standardised or default positions within housing design, and how to minimise the materials, embodied carbon and cost. Cross laminated timber (CLT) was used for the superstructure and all the internal walls and staircases. The CLT is exposed throughout, creating large, light-filled spaces and a comforting atmosphere. These volumes are detailed with white-washed ash floors. Delicate spruce strips form dropped ceilings in the hallways and bathrooms. The Gold Award is given to the winner of winners with Judge Jim Greaves saying: “Tikari Works have taken a gamble and done something very unusual and it’s paid off, the apartments are very popular.”
Location: London Architect: Tikari Works Structural engineer: Webb Yates Timber supplier: Stora Enso CLT subcontractor: Eurban 3-layer board: Binderholz Species: Austrian spruce
Commercial & Leisure
FRINDSBURY MANOR BARN
The Barn is Grade 1 listed medieval barn, originally built in 1403, was damaged by fire in 2003. At 210 feet long it is the longest barn in the UK. A third of the barn was re-built in locally sourced green oak. Large quantities of curved timber were selected for braces and tie beams. In total, 1400 f3 of oak was used. Extensive stone repairs were also needed. 95,000 Kent peg tiles were used to re-tile the old and new sections of the barn. The project was based on the fundamental principles of conservation: ‘maintain as much of the historic fabric as possible whist ensuring the building has a viable future use’. The barn and its surrounding areas are steeped in history and it remains fundamental to the local community. The judges admired the attention to detail and scale of the conservation project.
Location: Rochester Architect & client: The Heritage Design & Development Team Ltd Structural engineer: The Morton Partnership Main contractor, joinery & timber supplier: Dolmen Conservation Ltd Species: British oak
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FEATURE WOOD AWARDS WINNERS 2020
SWIMMING POOL HALL AT KING’S COLLEGE WIMBLEDON
Education & Public Sector
The Swimming Pool Hall is one of three linked pavilions comprising a new sports centre for the school. The building’s design has strong visual connections between indoors and outdoors to encourage physical activity among students whilst seamlessly connecting the old facilities. The form of the roof evokes a dynamic sense of movement in water. From outside, it sweeps down to respect the boundary with a Grade 2* listed building. Internally, it sweeps up to accommodate a viewing gallery. Curved glulam beams support cross laminated timber (CLT) roof panels with integral timber acoustic linings. The roof’s geometry and pale stained finish reflect natural top-light and artificial uplighters, eliminating the need for any light fittings above the pool. The flush pool edge and glazing on three sides allow views to the outside. Judge Kirsten Haggart said: “The different timber elements all have the same white-washed tone and co-ordinate perfectly with the reinforced concrete columns, creating a beautiful place which has an intimacy that most pools lack.”
BROCKERIDGE STAIR
Location: Wimbledon Architect: David Morley Architects Client: King’s College Wimbledon Structural engineer: Price & Myers Main contractor: Knight Harwood Timber contractor: B&K Structures Joinery: Suffolk and Essex Joinery Ltd Timber supplier: Metsa Group Ltd Species: spruce, pine, fir, larch (European)
Interiors This prototype staircase is part of a UK government funded R&D project to enable digital fabrication directly from BIM modelling environments. The stair rises three floors and is cantilevered from flush mounted stringers. The parts were CNC machined and assembled onsite using standard tools. The new platform developed during research allows designs to be defined parametrically, enabling the user to configure bespoke objects to specific requirements. Parameters such as height, width, depth and material thickness can be user controlled. Digital manufacturing is enabled directly from CAD or BIM software via the platform which enables faster fabrication, better pricing information and reduces errors and waste. Items can be locally fabricated through a distributed manufacturing network model open to any CNC enabled workshop. The process greatly improves construction efficiency, supports COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, increases the type and complexity of work undertaken by smaller site-based joiners and keeps the labour pool local.
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Location: Bristol Staircase & joinery design: Future Joinery Systems Ltd Architect: CaSA Architects Structural engineer: Mann Williams Joinery: Silverthorne Joinery & Carpentry Digital fabrication: FabLab Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Art & Design Timber supplier: Hanson Plywood Limited Species: ash, birch
@Timber_Media
FEATURE WOOD AWARDS WINNERS 2020
Structural Award
NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION CENTRE
The National Automotive Innovation Centre is the largest research and development centre of its kind in Europe. It can hold 1,000 staff and students working across design, engineering and research. Timber was chosen for its warm, natural feel within the industrial setting and its wellness and low carbon properties. The walls were assembled using a pioneering system of prefabricated, self-spanning timber and cross laminated timber (CLT) mega-panels that could be erected quickly. As one of the largest timber roofs in the world, the glulam CLT lattice structure unifies the many activities housed beneath a single umbrella. Primary and secondary joists are arranged on a diagrid, spanning onto supporting beams on a 15m grid. Each bay is slightly pitched above to create a nominal fall for the roof, tapered internally within each bay. The undulating soffit profile draws users through the space. Judge Nathan Wheatley said: “We are looking for a scheme that has challenged the engineer, where the concept has been delivered in spite of that challenge and where the resultant structure is in some way integral to the success (and architecture) of the building.”
WOODEN ROOF
Location: Coventry Architect: Cullinan Studio Client: University of Warwick Structural engineer: ARUP Main contractor: Balfour Beatty Joinery: B&K Structures Quantity surveyor, cost consultant & project manager: Rider Levitt Bucknall Timber engineer: engenuiti Timber supplier: Rubner Holzbau Gmbh, Ober-Grafendorf, Binderholz GmbH Species: CLT, spruce glulam (European)
Small Project This conservatory, built for an existing Grade 2 listed house, sits in a north-facing garden. The roof profile had to be pitched shallow to ensure that it sits below the existing adjacent boundary wall shared with the neighbour. The roof also needed to be well-drained. One solid piece of wood, enclosed by four seasons glazing units, forms the entire structure and acts the building’s envelope, structure, insulation and cladding. The diagrid frame is a combination of falls that are either short and steep or long and shallow. The pieces were all CNC fabricated and were light enough to be assembled manually onsite. The beam cross junctions were fixed without any glue or mechanical fixings. Each wood section is wide and deep which helps to emphasise natural light and cast shadows throughout the space. The judges were impressed by the light and airy garden room and were particularly interested in the process of design through to construction.
Location: London Architect: Tsuruta Architects Structural engineer: Webb Yates Main contractor: JK London Construction Joinery: Pracownia Wystroju Wnetrz Art Deco -R Timber supplier: Arnold Laver Species: Accoya (New Zealand), ash (Canada)
You can find more information on the Awards and full list of shortlisted projects and winners at: www.woodawards.com
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COVER STORY LONZA WOOD PROTECTION
Protecting the Future of Construction
Low pressure preservative treatments have always been the preferred choice for protection of our construction timbers against the threat of decay or insect attack. A new construction timber preservative treatment from Lonza has been designed with the future in mind.
I
ndustrially applied preservatives provide an effective
“VACSOL 6118 is a BPR authorised formulation. This brings big
‘envelope’ of protection around general building timbers
environmental advantages to our treatment customers and to the
including trussed rafter and timber frame material
treated timbers they produce. We are supplying the new product in
as well joinery components. The Biocidal Products
a concentrate form that is easily diluted on-site ready for treatment,
Regulation (BPR) determines the active ingredients allowed in our wood
reducing our delivery CO2 footprint. Our BPR authorisation also means
preservative products. Designing, developing and manufacturing BPR
VACSOL 6118 is safe to humans, animals and our environment.
approved products requires a depth of internal knowledge and expertise
John Abbott, Lonza’s Sales Director, added, “We have developed
coupled with skilled resources to ensure that there is a long term pipeline
VACSOL 6118 for the future with novel and extremely powerful new
of products providing continuity of supply. Lonza Wood Protection enjoys
actives as well as an innovative and effective ‘booster’ technology to
that internal knowledge and its skilled resources are always committed
the VAC-VAC treatment process. The new product will bring wider
to developing next generation wood protection products.
solution strength options to suit specific components to be treated,
The future of construction timbers requires a low pressure
giving focused treatment uptakes that can help reduce treatment costs.
preservative that will not only meet BPR requirements but would bring
VACSOL 6118 is supplied as a clear product but we can also offer a range
an innovative and future-proofed system, environmentally advanced
a simple to use colour additives for identification purposes.
credentials, a new level of preservative performance and an operational
“This new generation BPR authorised VACSOL will be a step change
ease of use. That product is called VACSOL 6118 and it is now available to
in preservative protection for construction timbers ensuring that our
treatment companies in the UK and other European markets.
customers will face the future of wood preserving with ease and face an
Andy Hodge, Marketing Director of Lonza explains: “With the
ever-developing industry with a modern, competitive and safe solution.
continued change to our climates, the preservative protection of
We promised our customers a timely, future-proofed continuation for their
construction timbers from decay organisms is more important than ever
business. VACSOL 6118 delivers an exciting, innovative, real world result.”
and we are committed to developing real world and future proofed More at www.lonzawoodprotection.com/eu
options for our customers. New VACSOL 6118 is a proprietary technology to Lonza, designed, developed and manufactured by our own teams. It offers a simple conversion process and individual customer set up managed by our engineering and field technical teams. Promotional assistance is also available through our marketing team.
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FEATURE BREXIT ADVICE
Get Brexit Rule Ready With the Brexit transition period soon to end, businesses trading timber are being urged to prepare for the many changes ahead of 1 January 2021.
F
rom 1 January 2021, all UK businesses importing timber
beyond just paperwork. As UK companies prepare for conducting due
from the EU/EEA and outside will be classified as
diligence for timber products imported from the EU mainland, this toolkit
Operators and are required to carry out due diligence
is aimed to also help new Operators to get on board and ensure that they
under the UK’s timber legislation, and vice versa under
have the minimum tools to deliver the requirements.”
the EU Timber Regulation.
As we went to press, the TTF updated and republished advice to help
The latest advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development
firms prepare for the end of the transition period. The ‘TTF Brexit Guide:
Office (FCDO) is when importing legally harvested timber, you’ll need to
preparing for 1 January 2021’ aims to support the UK timber supply chain
carry out due diligence and use a due diligence checklist to make sure
to prepare for new processes and challenges and includes:
you gather information on the timber – its species, quantity, supplier, country of harvest and how it complies with relevant laws, assess the
•
The introduction of Custom Checks on goods coming from EU countries
risk of timber being illegal by applying the legal criteria and mitigate any
•
The UK Global Tariff replacing the EU Common External Tariff
identified risk, by getting more information or taking further actions to
•
The need for most timber firms to complete Due Diligence
confirm the timber is legal.
•
The introduction of UK Conformity Assessed (UK CA) marking.
To help its members and industry as a whole, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has launched a due diligence toolkit to help companies
These are significant changes, as the EU is the primary source of timber
importing and exporting timber and timber products better understand,
imports into the UK, and the introduction of new requirements such as
conduct and report due diligence under the EU/UK Timber Regulation.
Custom Checks will mean greater administrative burden for firms when
“With this free, interactive tool, timber firms in the UK are gaining a
importing from the EU. While most timber products will remain duty
fantastic new resource to undertake and report due diligence,” said David
free under the UK Global Tariff, firms should still check and familiarise
Hopkins, TTF CEO. “This is particularly important for those firms which
themselves with the Commodity Codes relevant to their products.
may find themselves facing an expanded set of obligations as we shift from EU Timber Regulation to UK Timber Regulation.
UK CA marking commences from 1 January 2021, and while manufacturers can continue to supply CE marked goods to the UK during
“As the UK exits the EU Single Market, businesses importing into the
2021, where they are using an EU Notified Body, they must prepare for
UK from the European Economic Area will need to carry out due diligence
the UK CA mark to become the sole UK requirement from January 2022.
confirming that the timber product placed on the UK market has been
European harmonised standards and UK designated standards will be
legally harvested to meet the UK Timber Regulations. This will be a
identical to begin with, however firms should also plan for a future where
change for many members, with Europe still supplying the majority of all
these may diverge over time.
UK timber imports. It will be important all our members ensure they have
“Regardless of whether a deal is signed the UK will see a fundamental
a due diligence system in place to identify areas of potential risk where
shift in the relationship with our biggest trading partner,” says David
illegal timber may enter the supply chain.
Hopkins. “When the UK exits the EU single market and customs union, it is
“There is a misconception that due diligence equates to paperwork
essential every business in the UK timber supply chain is prepared. Using
such as permits,” says TTF sustainability manager Xiao Ma. “While it is
this guidance, which is tailored to meet the needs of the timber supply
true, compared with non-tangible information, such as industry insight
chain, firms will be able to build a working knowledge of these changes,
and supplier engagement activities, paperwork is the most presentable
as well as be directed to where they can find detailed information. Make
type of input and output, but it is not the full package of due diligence.
sure you take the time to analyse how the end of the transition period
“The toolkit serves as a guidance for conducting due diligence and aims
may affect your business, use the TTF tools to get yourself on the right
to encourage companies examine their own existing procedure to ensure
path, and clearly communicate any potential issues with both your
key criteria, risk factors, stakeholder information, and mitigation actions are
customers and your suppliers to minimise disruptions.”
not being missed during their process. It also aspires to encourage better reporting of companies on the full range of their input and actions taken,
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
The guidance is focused on providing information on Contract Documents, Logistics, Customs Entry, Finance, CE Marking, Plant Health,
27
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FEATURE BREXIT ADVICE
EUTR vs UKTR, Duty Rates, Commodity Codes,
•
Who they bought the timber from
businesses moving goods under the Northern
Trade Preferences, and linking to where firms
•
Who they sold it to (regardless of species,
Ireland Protocol. Businesses who sign up to the
product or country of origin), through
Trader Support Service will be guided through
evidence such as an invoice
the new processes under the Northern Ireland
Both traders and operators (importers) will
Protocol and can also use it to complete digital
be required to keep records for five years.
declarations.
can find more.
Northern Ireland Protocol Businesses trading timber between Great
•
Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) are also being urged by the UK Government to take
In the same way as they do now, operators
More information on Brexit from the TTF
action to ensure they are prepared for the end
are required to exercise due diligence to
is at www.ttf.co.uk/brexit-and-the-
of the transition period on 31 December 2020.
ensure that timber and timber products have
timber-industry
The Government has confirmed:
not been illegally harvested. The changes will be relevant to a range of businesses who use
• •
Due diligence checks will take place on timber
timber, including importers and operators,
flowing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
exporters, those working in the construction
Due diligence checks will take place on
industry, furniture manufacturers, paper and
timber flowing from the European Union
pulp manufactures, and the forestry industry.
(EU) to GB and GB to EU • •
There will be no change to the way timber due
No new due diligence checks will take place
diligence requirements are enforced. However,
on timber flowing from NI to GB
failure to comply with the timber regulations and
No new due diligence checks will take place
enforcement ranges from warning letters, through
on timber flowing from the EU to NI.
to court cases, to an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison. Importers of timber from third
There will be no changes to the current
countries already have to carry out due diligence,
process for businesses importing from outside
except if they are importing from a country
of the EU and UK producers first placing timber
which has an operational Voluntary Partnership
on the internal market - they will still need to
Agreement (VPA) in place and that import is
carry out due diligence as before. To comply
covered by a forest law enforcement, governance
with their obligations, timber traders will be
and trade (FLEGT) licence.
required to tell the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS):
Timber Construction Magazine
The new free-to-use Trader Support Service will provide support and guidance to
Winter 2020
28
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FEATURE TIMBER DECKING & CLADDING ASSOCIATION
IRO timber decking in driftwood white from BSW Timber
Timber’s Popularity Soars The huge increase in demand for timber decking and timber cladding has resulted in many retailers reporting record year turnovers, re-enforcing the fact that the nation is back in love with wood.
F
No one could have predicted 2020 or the way events
project. In a typical year demand for decking tails off after August and
have impacted each and every one of us. With severe
manufacturers use autumn to build stock for the following year. “Our
restrictions on travel and socialising, people have
members tell us that this has not happened this year and they have
turned their attention to improving their homes and
been kept very busy right into November,” says Janet.
outdoor spaces. Such spaces have become our havens – increasingly important for mental health and wellbeing.
According to Adam Pulfer, Sales and Marketing Director of Hoppings Softwood Products, decking is more popular than ever.
In the late 1990’s we discovered timber decking. Spurred on by
“We’ve been working 24/7 to fulfil orders from the stockists of our
celebrity gardeners and major retailers like B&Q helping to drive new
Q-deck products.” And according to BSW Timber’s sales and marketing
trends, demand for timber decking went from zero to a multi-million-
director Dave Chapman: “We’ve seen huge demand for all our decking
pound industry in just a few short years. Consumers had caught the
and cladding products this year, and this goes for our relatively new IRO
home improvement bug but for a short period, timber decking fell out
Timber range too… the indications are that the strong sales of timber
of favour, a casualty of its own popularity.
decking and cladding will continue in 2021 and beyond.” Can some of
Fast forward to 2020 and Janet Sycamore, director of The Timber
this popularity be put down to timber’s environmental credentials?
Decking & Cladding Association (TDCA) confirms that many of its
There are several industry campaigns promoting wood’s credentials
members have been working round the clock to meet demand with
as a sustainable, cost effective, low carbon product. Hopefully these
some retailers selling out within hours. So why now? Janet says that
messages are having an effect.
demand in the first half of the year benefited from the great spring More at www.tdca.org.uk
weather and the decision to build a deck or add cladding as a lockdown
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
29
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@Timber_Media
FEATURE AIRTIGHTNESS & MOISTURE CONTROL
Timber – a way to pass the airtightness test Robin Lancashire, timber frame consultant at BM TRADA, explains how timber frame can help to pass the airtightness test, while also cutting costs and carbon emissions.
H
eating air and allowing it to escape from buildings uses
As architectural details progress, the location of ducts, sockets
fossil fuels, produces carbon dioxide and costs money.
and pipes should be considered. These have the potential to act as
In winter, the air warmed by our heating systems flows
chimneys, often from rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, linking
up and out of cracks all around the house. It takes with
through floor cavities and drawing warm damp air into the roof space
it moisture, which can deposit in the fabric of the building, reducing
or through external walls. Reducing the number of such services that
the effectiveness of insulation and ultimately risking damage. We
penetrate the structure reduces potential air leakage routes.
don’t feel the warm air moving away from us, but we do feel the cold
Services and openings in the external wall envelope require a
air coming in to replace it. This cold air needs heating, and so the
particular attention. Duplex plasterboard with an integrated vapour
cycle goes on.
control layer eliminates the need to install the more popular choice of
Timber frame has a strong and successful airtightness history. We
a large roll of polythene as a separate air barrier/vapour control layer
can learn much from current practice in Canada and Scandinavia. These
but creates many junctions and penetrations which may be difficult
countries suffer extreme winter conditions and their choice of building
to seal. Beads of mastic applied into junctions improves airtightness,
systems must keep a gale of -30 degrees outside, while maintaining
but proprietary products may also be needed for sealing service
a comfortable environment inside – without using vast quantities of
penetrations. A separate service void on the inside of the external
carbon-based fuel. Countries that have championed the benefits of
wall allows an imperforate air barrier to be installed prior to service
airtight buildings for years are also those which favour timber frame.
installation.
This is not a coincidence.
Up the junction
Areas to consider
The junction where internal walls meet external walls typically sees the
Consideration should be given to airtightness when a building is
vapour control polythene installed to the external wall after all the timber
at concept stage. A complicated building shape with multiple levels,
frame has been erected. By installing a vertical strip of polythene into this
many corners, lots of external wall and awkward junctions will require
junction when the internal walls are erected, it is possible to lap polythene
greater care than a rectangular one with few openings. Integral
to polythene, creating a continuous air barrier to the external wall.
garages or rooms in roofs create a suspended floor at high level, again complicating and increasing junctions with potential for gaps.
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
Junctions between floor joists and external walls are a well-known route for air leakage and it is extremely difficult to access these areas
30
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The only thing we put pressure on... is your timber. When it comes to protecting your timber products in the low pressure market, Koppers PROTIM offers continued supply for the long-term. • Take advantage of a long-term, trustworthy supply of PROTIM products • For use on Use Class 1, 2 and 3 Coated timbers • Get in touch today
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www.kopperspc.eu | kpc.uk.sales@koppers.eu |+44 (0)1628 486644 ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that eect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated Timber are Construction Magazine WinterPerformance 2020 Chemicals, Protim Solignum www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media wood processing facilities. All other trademarks trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2020.
31
FEATURE AIRTIGHTNESS & MOISTURE CONTROL
timber frame is erected and are a quick, easy way of improving floor zone airtightness. These wrap around the edges of floors at external wall junctions and lap with external wall air barriers both above and below the floor. Careless workmanship when installing services can mean that large or multiple holes are made through air barriers behind built in units, such as bath panels or kitchen cabinets. These are easy to hide from sight in a finished building, but they can contribute to enormous amounts of air leakage if not adequately sealed. These areas alone can cause failures in airtightness tests, so should be inspected for gaps prior to being closed in. Constructing a building to meet or exceed airtightness test requirements does not need expensive materials. It does however need good planning and details which allow airtightness to be practically achieved. With all trades from the erectors to dry liners and services installers understanding their role in maintaining an airtight envelope too, after a test failure. Whether floor cassettes are made in a factory, or the
it is possible to deliver a better quality, more energy efficient and
joists and deck are assembled on-site, care must be taken that joists and
comfortable building for the future.
blocking are assembled tightly and gaps between components closed. More at www.bmtrada.com
Alternatively, breathable floor zone air barriers can be installed as the
STEM HUB SHORTLISTED Opened in February 2020, the Eco Room at the Hawick Campus of Borders College has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology – small to medium category’ of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) 2020 Awards. The Eco Room is part of the STEM Hub, utilising a Passivhaus approach to ensure high-energy efficiency, making best use of new materials, super insulation, triple glazing and solar gain. Its Passivhaus design ensures airtightness and creates a space that is selfventilating. Using footage recorded from all stages of the build, virtual reality enables learners to immerse themselves in each aspect of the build and lets them see how different materials are used to maximise efficiency. Environmental monitoring and thermal imaging help to
“The building had to be testable at all times and this was
demonstrate how the methods used to build the Eco Room differ
factored in from the design stage with blower door testing
from more traditional structures. The principles of airtightness can
locations designed in, additional doors formed to allow testing
be exhibited using an airtightness testing kit, and training can be
of separate elements of the structure, removable sections of
provided on this to students and local businesses alike.
internal finishes such as un-screwable skirtings, and exposed wall/
“The shortlisting of the project for the CIAT awards is a great
roof junctions to inspect the performance of airtight membranes
recognition for the client’s focus and commitment to creating a
between differing materials and structural items. The building,
sustainable teaching facility,” said architect Stuart Davidson, who
though not ideally located for solar gains, was designed to
worked on the project. “Our aim from the outset was to create a
accommodate for this, with a simplistic mono-pitch roof with
structure that was cutting edge, asked questions on buildability and
parapet wall and additional high performance rooflights providing
renewable techniques. It fuses a number of specialist construction
solar gains partnered with automatic thermostatic controls to
techniques such as ‘passive slab’ floor, natural insulation and
ensure no overheating.”
breathable membranes to create a building which will be able to be More at www.stuartdavidsonarchitecture.co.uk
monitored and educate for the long term.
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
32
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ADVERTORIAL EGGER
EPL179 Natural Soria Oak
EPC035 Natural Vidoria Oak
Flooring for the future An international collection that you can make your own, EGGER announces the arrival of the new EGGER PRO Flooring Collection 2021+.
L
aunching early 2021, the collection builds on the
opportunity to match flooring and furniture, with selected decors from
success of EGGER’s current offering, with upgraded
the EGGER Decorative Collection 2020 – 22.
products, on-trend decors, realistic textures and a new flexible CLIC it! installation system.
The PRO Flooring Collection 2021+ will use EGGER’s new flexible installation system CLIC it!. Featuring a multifunctional profile, the
For the first time, distribution customers will have access to an
flooring can be installed in three ways: plank-by-plank, row-by-row or
international pool of decors, offering freedom to
tapping. As well as easy installation, the new
create a personalised product offering tailored to
CLIC it! profile will offer enhanced protection
their needs. The collection combines state-of-the-art
from moisture ingress for up to 72 hours on
technology with trends from across the world, to
PRO Design GreenTec and PRO Laminate Aqua+
bring a market leading range of flooring to the UK.
products, which has been independently verified
Designed to meet the demands of both
using the NALFA Surface Swell Test.
private and commercial interiors, the wood-based
Sustainability has been at the heart of EGGER
collection comprises Laminate, Comfort and
since it was founded in 1961. All floorboards are
Design GreenTec flooring. Each have bespoke
manufactured using sustainably sourced, PEFC
benefits that contribute towards a safe, long-
certified wood fibres, from timber harvested
lasting, comfortable, yet functional floor.
from sustainable forests, and are 100% PVC-free
•
with no softeners or toxic dyes.
PRO Laminate is an all-rounder: easy care, hygienic and durable. Available with Aqua+
Craig James, UK National Sales Manager,
technology for areas that require water resistance. •
•
PRO Comfort is warm, soft and quiet. It uses
EGGER Flooring said, “Quality and style are EPL184 Cognac Brown Sherman Oak
perfectly matched in the new EGGER PRO Flooring Collection 2021+. With access to over
specialist cork layers to maintain heat and
170 international decors in a variety of board
absorb sound.
types and formats, our customers will have the
PRO Design Flooring GreenTec is robust, water
freedom to create a bespoke product portfolio
resistant and eco-friendly. It has a class 33 and
to suit their needs.”
R10 slip rating so it is suitable for commercial
Craig continues, “Our extensive product
interiors that require a hardwearing floor.
range uses the latest trends and top quality
Hand-selected by EGGER’s team of experts,
textures to ensure the design aspirations of the
the new collection will offer the very best decors
end-customer can easily be achieved. We can’t
and textures, with a focus on the latest design
wait to share the full collection with the flooring
trends. This will include new woodgrains marble
market at the beginning of next year.”
and terrazzo decors. New for 2021 is the Interior Match decor package, which will provide the
Timber Construction Magazine
GreeTec EPD006 White Preston Oak
Winter 2020
33
More at www.egger.com/pro-collection
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FEATURE PASSIVHAUS DESIGN
Low Carbon Living With Beattie Passive having long been an exponent of Passivhaus design in the UK, we asked them a few questions about the importance of the standard to the future of sustainable homes in the UK.
P
assivhaus is a fabric first approach to construction. By combining a highly insulated structure with limited to no thermal bridges, triple-glazed, gas filled Passivhaus
What has driven the recent Beattie Passive Norwich factory expansion and investment into Haus4?
windows and heat recovery ventilation, a very
“Our Haus4 range was initially designed as a high-quality, highly
thermally efficient and high-performance home is delivered. With
flexible solution to the UK’s homelessness problem. The worsening
a fabric first approach it is very simple and achievable to reach net
situation of UK homelessness combined with the greater impetus to
zero emissions with the addition of 2.5kw PVs and air source heat
get homeless people off the street in the wake of the Coronavirus
pumps for hot water.
pandemic, we have seen demand for our Haus4 range skyrocket. In order to facilitate this demand, we have expanded into significantly
The Passivhaus standard is still considered an expensive route to an energy efficient building – what can be changed to alter that perception? “Whilst it used to be the case that building Passivhaus required a higher initial investment than traditional build, a recent report by Derek Gough Associates concluded that in some cases it is actually cheaper to build Passivhaus than it is to build a traditional build. It is
larger premises and taken on an additional 70+ staff and have immediately begun work on 150 modular pods for clients across the UK.
The Haus4 range delivers both the exceptional performance of Passivhaus and the quality of a Beattie Passive build. How is Haus4 different from a standard Beattie Passive house build?
critical to look at the long term benefits and the lifetime cost analysis
None. Both the Haus4 product and a more ‘traditional’ Beattie
to really compare the costs and benefits of building Passivhaus, not
Passive build are built to the same high standard using the same
just considering energy savings but also the costs of maintenance and
patented timber frame build system, and are tested just as stringently
any future upgrade requirements of traditional build to achieve zero
upon completion, so in that sense there is no difference in quality
carbon.”
and performance. The difference comes in their purpose. The Haus4
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
34
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@Timber_Media
FEATURE PASSIVHAUS DESIGN Outside Air
Exhaust Air
Extract Air
Supply Air
til
io n
Pa
ss
can be connected and be
iv e
able to be easily scaled up, scaled
re w it h h e a t
down, relocated or mothballed to align with a client’s needs, and no
ws
fast, flexible, high quality and easily relocatable units. Services
The Flying Factory is highly flexible,
co
at
associations and developers for
Factory on or close to their own site.
ver
Ve n
the demand from councils, housing
y
range was developed in response to
H o u s e win
do
A irti g t n e s s h
specialist equipment is required
ready for occupation within
making it a very affordable
an afternoon. We are now
option. By being able to set up
expanding our modular range
a Flying Factory like this close
to apartments and houses.
to site means Beattie clients a l in s ula
5
can deliver studs and panels
ns al
sig
m
ti o
n
erm
r
Th
The
Passivhaus design typically involves very high levels of insulation and an airtight building envelope. How is the Haus4 range delivering Passivhaus performance?
b ri d g e fr e e d
e
straight from manufacture to site, reducing or avoiding logistical challenges and transport costs. It
The five basic principles of Passivhaus
also provides an ideal base to support local supply chains and the training of local people in the skills of carpentry and construction.
“The Beattie Passive build system was designed from the ground up to be a system that could deliver to the Passivhaus standard by default. Our patented construction method provides a continuous insulation layer around the
The Haus4 units are designed to be fully demountable. What does that mean and how can that respond to future changing housing needs?
core of a timber framed structure, delivering a complete build system
“When the Haus4 home is needed elsewhere, it is a very simple
from foundation beams, ground floor, walls and roof. The Beattie
matter to disconnect the services, load them up onto a lorry via crane,
Passive build system is deliberately simple so that it can apply to any
and then move them to where they are needed next, where they can
size or shape of property, so that whether we are building a traditional
once again be connected to services and made ready for habitation
home on-site, or a modular built Haus4 unit inside a factory, the
within hours. These units are highly relocatable – our partner Creating
Beattie Passive system delivers every time. The modular manufacturing
Enterprise has moved theirs more than 10 times so far with no
process is exactly the same as our ‘traditional’ build process but has
structural damage – and relocatable housing like this is the perfect way
the advantage of being in a covered factory where efficiencies and
to respond to changing housing needs, as these units can either be
processes can be maximised. The performance delivered is no different
placed down as permanent homes in an area or can be placed down as
– we build to Passivhaus standard every time.”
temporary accommodation while other arrangements are made, and then moved on to where they are needed next. Our modular units can
Can Passivhaus housing be delivered at scale to improve the UK’s built environment generally? “Beattie Passive was founded on the basis that we wanted to lift the standard of building across the building industry, and we believe
be completely re-purposed. So for example our apartments blocks have been designed with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom flats, but if the need arises these properties can easily be taken down, moved and repurposed into a 2 bedroom bungalows or house.
that partnering with organisations and enabling them to build our
Beattie Passive are currently supporting Cardiff Council to increase the supply of new, high-quality temporary accommodation to cater for homeless families in the city. How is the scheme progressing?
Passivhaus build system is the best way to truly deliver at scale. We are always on the lookout for partners from around the country to collaborate with and provide them with the skills and abilities to build their own Passivhaus standard homes. Through our Flying Factory partnership offering, we already have nine partners with their own Beattie Passive factories
“We are so far on track to deliver 58 new
delivering Passivhaus homes. We believe
modular homes ranging from studios to 1, 2
that partnering with more organisations
and 3-bedroom flats to provide temporary
who share our vision and values will
homes while a more permanent housing
increase awareness of and raise the profile
solution for these families is found. All these
of Passivhaus.”
units will meet the Passivhaus standard
The Flying Factory is essentially a mini
and are built for a 60+ year lifespan. Our
Passivhaus factory that allows Beattie’s
first scheme recently left the factory and
partners to become self-sufficient in
the next batch of these units is under
delivering their own Passivhaus-standard
construction in our factory and will be ready
homes. After training on how the system
to be shipped out in February 2021.
works and how to build it, Beattie helps More at www.beattiepassive.com
their partners set up their own Flying
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
35
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Now is the Time For Timber
Wraptite® airtightness solution provides huge benefits for Anglesey modular homes
With the threat of missing critical environmental targets a very real danger in the post COVID-19 economy, the Time for Timber campaign started 21 September, launching a new drive that directly targets the financial and insurance sectors – one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the path of sustainable development. With ambitious targets set for the UK to reach net zero by 2050, combined with an increasingly urbanised population, there is an urgent need to change how we build high density and single-family housing. The obvious solution is using renewable, sustainable and environmentally positive materials such as timber but, historically, the insurance industry has been unwilling to support such initiatives.
The superior airtightness performance of the Wraptite membrane from the A. Proctor Group is delivering huge benefits to both the in-factory and on-site construction of a series of new modular social housing for Anglesey Council. Wraptite is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. Applied externally on the outside of the structural frame, Wraptite simplifies the process of maintaining the envelope’s integrity, as there are less building services and structural penetrations to be sealed. The high vapour permeability of Wraptite allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape, and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion. The self-adhesive nature of Wraptite means that it is easy to apply together with Wraptite Corners and the fact there is no requirement for mechanical fixings. Specialist contractor Kenton Jones was commissioned by the Isle of Anglesey County Council to construct the new homes using a high-performance timber frame system. Managing Director, Kenton Jones explains how Wraptite was key to achieving a quality airtightness solution which was suited to modular build. “After 10 years of building an open panel high-performance timber frame system, we moved to a factory insulated closed panel system which had the airtightness and VCL applied in the factory and simply taped on-site. This worked well when the airtightness layer was fully accessible before services were installed on site.
Misconceptions around timber’s suitability as a major project construction material have meant that this versatile solution is considered a risk by many insurers and finance houses. This basic misunderstanding of the facts could be jeopardising the future of the economy and the environment. Bringing together leading voices from around the construction industry, the Time for Timber campaign has been founded with the express intention of challenging these misconceptions within the financial and insurance sectors. The campaign launches today with a major advertising campaign at Bank underground station, in the heart of London’s financial district.
“In 2019 we built a new module factory and delivered our first set of modules early 2020, it was then we realised internal airtightness was going to be a difficult detail. When building modules that are fully factory finished internally but need to be craned together on-site to form the same dwelling both in a vertical and horizontal joint, we identified that there would be areas of the building which would remain inaccessible after installation on site. “
The bold move will see the hard-hitting campaign message dominating the advertising space within the station, in a bid to kick-start engagement with this important issue. A programme of webinars with financial sector media partners and a new whitepaper will follow, to begin strengthening the dialogue between the timber construction industry, insurers and investors. Underpinning the communication campaign is a groundswell of support that is building throughout the industry, which is showcased in a new Time for Timber documentary. The film features compelling interviews with figures such as: British Green Party economist, Molly Scott Cato; architect and Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, Lynne Sullivan; Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Homes, Oliver Novakovic and Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, Simon Howard – among several other prominent names.
For more information contact www.proctorgroup.com
To find out more and to watch the Time for Timber film, visit www.timefortimber.org
Soprema Urges Specifiers to Upgrade from Greener to Greenest With Green Homes Grant Insulation and waterproofing specialist, Soprema, is urging specifiers to consider the sustainability of the materials they select for housing upgrade projects carried out under the Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme. The scheme allows home owners and landlords to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 per property to cover up to two thirds of the cost of home improvements that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Those on certain benefits can claim up to £10,000 to cover the entire cost of improvements. The scheme, which applies to home improvements completed by the end of March 2021, is expected to lead to a significant surge in uptake of internal wall insulation (IWI), roof insulation and external wall insulation (EWI) for solid wall properties. However, Soprema has raised concerns about the possibility that less green solutions will reduce the benefits of the initiative and result in additional environmental issues in the long term.
Shed loads of help from Norbord The Inverness branch of Men’s Shed has been busy restoring a former 1930’s pavilion in the grounds of Millburn Academy into a new home for the group.
Roland Jackson, commercial director of Soprema explains: “Any insulation installation will provide environmental benefits by improving thermal performance but the reality is that some of the materials commonly used are made from non-renewable and non-recyclable materials that continue a cycle of CO2 emissions and waste. While these products are acceptable for use under the scheme, both specifiers and home owners need to consider the goals of the Green Homes Grant and choose renewable, recycled and recyclable insulation materials. These solutions provide all the environmental benefits of improved thermal performance, without any of the negative environmental side-effects.”
Fundraising for the £115,000 renovation project had been hampered by the pandemic, but a donation of SterlingOSB Zero by Norbord from the nearby plant in Inverness enabled the group to re-open and get back to work! The renovation task on the derelict pavilion was so big that the local group could work on different parts of the building while still observing social distancing.
Soprema advises that a woodfibre insulation system, such as the company’s Pavatex range, provides the ideal solution for IWI and roof void insulation upgrades. Manufactured from renewable timber and completely recyclable, Pavatex provides excellent thermal performance, with options for plasterboarding or rendering, and is also naturally breathable for a comfortable indoor environment all year round. For EWI insulation upgrades, Soprema recommends the company’s XPS 500 insulation, which is a BRE Green Guide A-rated system, thanks to its use of recycled materials and 100% recyclability benefits.
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association and the UK Men’s Sheds Association create resources to look after the wellbeing, health and education of members and never has this been more vital than during the pandemic as part of the battle against social isolation. Norbord’s portfolio of OSB products is a development of the most popular brand in the building and interior design industries and comprises SterlingOSB Zero 3, SterlingOSB Zero Tongue and Groove, SterlingOSB Zero Fire Solutions and SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix. They are variants of the popular precision-engineered OSB3 board; BBA approved and designed for humid conditions, it contains zero added formaldehyde.
There is just a short window of opportunity for home owners and landlords to take advantage of the Green Homes Grant but the impact of the scheme could last for generations. That’s why Soprema is urging specifiers to choose wisely by using insulation systems that will truly make properties greener.
To find out more about Norbord’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email daniel.clarke@norbord.net or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the Norbord website: www.norbord.co.uk/housebuilders
For further information visit www.soprema.co.uk/en
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
36
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