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.

Devised by land artist Mark Merer, Cubis Bruton is striking and architecturally innovative. Combining sustainability and environmentally aware technology with compelling design, the properties offer flexible, future-proof living. Timber frame was specified because of its ability to achieve the complex design, meet the stringent thermoperformance criteria and speed of construction. “Where possible, Acorn strive to use timber frame across all our developments,” says Robin Squire, regional managing director of Acorn’s Bristol Region. “We are aware of the environmental impact our industry has and try to design and build our schemes with sustainability very much at the forefront of our minds in order to limit this impact. We take a fabric-first approach to our developments meaning we 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.” The Taylor Lane 140mm pre-insulated timber frame plus a continuous layer of 50mm insulation on the inside face achieves an exceptional U-value of 0.15W/m2K. The added continuous layer prevents cold bridging and improves the U-value enormously. This level of thermal performance could not be achieved with masonry construction without a negative impact on room size and build costs.

Design Challenges

Cubis Bruton is unique, requiring complex design and product engineering. Large, open plan internal spaces with modern lines combine with a distinctive roofscape of geometric shapes, cantilevers and green roofs. The number of variations (up to three) per house type (x11), added to the timber frame design challenge. While 80%

“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

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