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
Winter 2020
12
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