AUTUMN 2022 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT) 21 SUPPLY & DELIVER 20 International Timber’s Paul Martin on keeping the timber sector moving smoothly TIMBER EXPO 2022 24 The UK’s leading timber event returns alongside the rest of UK Construction Week VASTERN TIMBER 18 Tom Barnes on how Brimstone is transforming British timber options
Images are for visual purposes only and aren’t representative of the final prizes. Terms and conditions apply. Visit WestFraserRewards.co.uk for full terms and conditions. The Promotion is made available by West Fraser group (the promoter being Norbord Europe Ltd. with Company Number 07886600 and registered address Station Road, Cowie FK7 7BQ, United Kingdom). Entries to the registered address will NOT be accepted. AMAZING PRIZES JUST BY BUYING THE MORE YOU BUY, THE MORE CHANCES TO WIN 2 Visit WestFraserRewards.co.uk to enter 3 Upload a picture of your merchant receipt 1 Purchase any West Fraser sheet products REGISTER TODAY WestFraserRewards.co.ukAT
As a proud supporter of CITB SkillBuild, SR Timber trading director Shaun Revill considers the importance of engaging the next generation of talent and the role quality plays. Sustainable Expansion for Bluestone
The first timber frames for 80 new lodges have arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort as the latest figures show Welsh tourism businesses seeing an increase in visitor levels.
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The latest market statement from TDUK predicts a difficult Q3 and Q4 for construction, as CEO David Hopkins explains. Supporting the Best of the Best
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Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 01 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media 02 News The latest news and views from across the industry 12 Statistics Paint a Challenging 2022 Picture
18 Cover Story: Vastern Timber Tom Barnes, managing director of Vastern Timber, tells us about some of the latest developments with Brimstone, the British grown, thermally-modified wood. Supply & Deliver International Timber’s managing director, Paul Martin, spoke to us about one of the UK’s largest importers and wholesalers of sustainably sourced timber and panels.
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24 Timber Expo & UKCW Birmingham Return UKCW Birmingham, the UK’s largest event for the built environment, is back with the popular three-day show returning to Birmingham’s NEC from 4-6 October 2022. Breaking Down Barriers to Timber Frame Thanks to advances in fire retardant technology, timber now presents exciting opportunities in sustainable construction, says Ian King, chief operating officer at Zeroignition. UKCA Marking: know your responsibilities With significant confusion among fire door manufacturers regarding UKCA marking, Peter Barker, technical manager at Warringtonfire, explains the current regulatory and legislative landscape.
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17 18 141202 32 36 20 24 Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk 01925 872371 Artwork: Pete Awad artwork@timbermedia.co.uk Follow Timber Media: @Timber_Media Registered address: 9 Viaduct Street, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9PL Company registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. TIMBER CONSTRUCTION ISSUE 21 CONTENTS The Perfect Partner for the combilift.comIndustryTimber Timber construction UK 185 x 62 Liz aug2022.indd 1 16/08/2022 12:36:10
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It is widely recognised that there is a ‘knowledge gap’ for specification of timber products among trainee architects, engineers and related studies. To close this gap, TDUK and Edinburgh Napier University are working together to create a knowledge library consisting, from launch, of 150 reports authored by leading wood science and timber specialists. The library will cover information about timber supply, design considerations and building techniques with the goal of providing architects, specifiers and engineers with all the information they need to put timber at the heart of projects.
This will be a rolling contract which will see the library expand and develop each year with the aim to create the largest, most comprehensive technical timber information resource in the UK – if not the world. In addition, the Knowledge Database will be used to underpin and inform a set of short practical courses being developed by NMITE’s Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (CATT) in partnership with TDUK.
TDUK chief executive, Dave Hopkins explained: “With ESG pressures mounting in boardrooms, it is clear that increasing the use of timber in architecture and construction can provide a very positive contribution towards achieving our net zero goals. It is also my belief that the specifiers of the future will need a better understanding of timber if they have any chance of hitting the ever more demanding carbon targets for construction. Our partnerships with Napier and NMITE will help set the timber skills agenda going forward and will provide the underpinning specification knowledge needed to achieve this.”
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has signed a strategic partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to improve knowledge and skills in timber design and construction. The partnership will see Edinburgh Napier University produce a written library of technical documents which will be made free to all TDUK members.
NMITE chief academic officer, Professor Beverley Gibbs added: “NMITE champions student-centred learning and a curriculum fuelled by real-world challenges, and our approach is distinctive in higher education and attracts a wide range of learners. Consistent with NMITE’s core principles, these courses have been conceived and will be delivered in partnership with external stakeholders. Partnering with TDUK and Edinburgh Napier will create the enabling conditions to stimulate collaboration across the industry vertically (seed to end product) and horizontally (architecture, construction, digitalisation) whilst showing an upcoming generation of professionals how rewarding a career in timber can be.”
Commenting on the Knowledge Library, Kirsty Connell-Skinner, sustainable construction partnerships manager at Edinburgh Napier University said: “This partnership demonstrates Edinburgh Napier’s commitment to timber engineering education. With increasing momentum to tackle the climate crisis, ensuring our future workforce is skilled in the benefits of using timber solutions is vital. This knowledge library further enhances earlier investment by HCI Skills Gateway in a national timber competency framework and will give students access to information about supply, design and techniques to encourage more use of timber in construction projects.”
More at www.timberdevelopment.uk www.napier.ac.uk
New strategic partnership to set timber skills agenda
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
The first phase of the Knowledge library is due to go live in the autumn of 2022. The TED short courses – aimed at engineers, architects and technical design and sales operatives within timber manufacturing firms – will start in September 2022.
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Construction
The ‘Timber TED’ (Technical Engineering & Design) courses will create comprehensive and flexible upskilling and reskilling training for modern methods of timber construction. Learners will gain specialist timber construction knowledge and skills for the built environment, focusing on “better, faster and greener” delivery.
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The latest quarterly State of the Roofing Industry survey from National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and Glenigan has revealed 71% of roofing and cladding contractors feel that the survival of their business is being threatened by price inflation and soaring costs. This comes as businesses are forced to spend more on materials, labour and energy, and clients are tightening their purse strings. NFRC is therefore calling on government to work with industry to ease the burden.
The survey indicated that contractors are therefore raising the price of their work—81% had put their prices up since the same time last year. This follows reports from firms that they can only offer fixed prices to clients for a short period of time, as if they wait too long to get started, the roofer’s costs will already have risen significantly.
The cost of labour is also on the up. More than two thirds (68%) of firms said they were spending more on their workforce than a year ago. Many firms can no longer absorb these costs, and contractors risk making a loss if they don’t put prices up. 69% had raised the price of their work just in the last quarter (between the beginning of April and the end of June 2022). NFRC is advising clients and businesses alike to have an open conversation about prices and these challenges. A roofing contractor may not be able to give you the same price as a month ago, because supply chain costs have swallowed up the original profit. The trade body is urging government to offer support to businesses on energy costs.
Roofing and cladding contractors under pressure TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS Introducing the new TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK Your source for all things Timber, with more news, features and resources. We’ve redesigned our website to give you a better experience – whether you’re a reader, advertiser, marketeer or work in the timber sector, Timber Media is for you. SECTORINDUSTRYNEWS FEATURESIN-DEPTH UPCOMINGEVENTS PRODUCTS & SERVICES WEB & ADVERTISINGPRINT VISIT THE NEW SITE
James Talman, NFRC CEO, said: “Whilst workloads grew in Q2, we may see this begin to level out in the second half of 2022, as client purse strings tighten. Businesses are facing inflationary pressures that force them to raise costs, and roofing and cladding firms are dealing with rising material prices, skills shortages, and expensive fuel, in an industry where cashflow is already a notorious problem for many businesses. All this comes before the impact of the major uplift of gas prices in the autumn. The construction industry showed real collaboration during the pandemic—the industry needs to continue to display that in overcoming this challenge, especially for those who can least afford it.’ More at www.nfrc.co.uk
Construction businesses have been major victims of inflation: the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have reported that construction product prices in May 2022 were on average 27.2% higher than in May 2021. A range of factors have contributed: manufacturers have suffered, with raw material costs up, and the energy they use to make their products is now much more expensive. HGV driver shortages, and an increase in the cost of international shipping, have added to the cost of getting materials delivered.
Timber equipment manufacturing specialist Tweddle Engineering has been appointed the UK agent for one of Europe’s leading sawmill equipment brands. Almab, who are based in Sweden, use advanced 3D technology to design and manufacture specialist products for customers around the world.
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David Hopkins, Chief Executive of Timber Development UK said: “We need a highly trained construction workforce with a better understanding of wood and timber to achieve net zero and hit the ever more demanding carbon targets for construction. Fortunately, it is evident from each and every student who has taken part in the Timber Development UK University Design Challenge that there is incredible built environment talent emerging from UK universities.
Congratulations to the winners Alice Senior (University of Portsmouth), Malwina Bartoszewicz (Edinburgh Napier University), Johanna Schwarting (Swansea University), Kyle Henderson (Robert Gordon University), Daniela Lopez (University of Gloucestershire), Ali Uddin (University of Edinburgh), and Deepak Sadhwani (Cardiff University).
Student teams had to produce designs that sites the community centre within the local context and landscape, integrating the clients’ and community’s interests. Through a series of webinars based on the Housing, Construction & Infrastructure Skills Gateway’s Timber TED competency framework, soon to be launched as a short course at NMITE, the students all gained knowledge and skills direct from timber construction experts.
“Thanks to Timber Development UK’s partnerships with Passivhaus Trust, Edinburgh Napier and NMITE and our efforts to set the timber skills agenda going forward, we can build better, faster, and cleaner with timber. A huge congratulations to all our winners and to all the participants – I know the skills and knowledge you have gained and demonstrated in low-carbon construction will be greatly in demand. We all look forward to seeing what you do next.” www.ttf.co.uk
As UK agents, Tweddle Engineering will market, sell and distribute Almab’s full product range, including sorting lines, planing and processing lines, and sawmill conveying systems. Operating from its facility in Cumbria, Tweddle Engineering has over 30 years’ experience designing and manufacturing and installing equipment for the timber processing industry, including material handling conveyors and automated timber treatment systems.
Joe Watson, Tweddle Engineering managing director, said: “Almab has a reputation for producing excellent, well-engineered equipment for almost 100 years, and we are delighted to be chosen to promote and distribute its extensive range in the UK. With 30 years’ experience supporting the sawmill and timber processing sector ourselves, we believe we have the knowledge, expertise and customer contacts in the sector to deliver added value benefits. The Almab range fits perfectly alongside our other market-leading engineering, manufacturing and timber treatment solutions being used by customers across the UK and Europe.”
More at www.tweddle-engineering.co.uk
More at
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Built environment students and 2021 graduates from UK universities were invited to take part in the challenge to design Southside Hereford, a detached single-storey building to accommodate three diverse partners with net zero aspirations. Providing a vibrant, inspiring, and inclusive sports, food, and skills community focal point for the people of South Wye. Southside is a collaboration between two highly energised established community organisations Growing Local CIC and Belmont Wanderers CIC, and NMITE, all of whom share a common goal to improve the future health, wellbeing, life chances and employment skillset of the people of South Wye and Hereford.
Tweddle Engineering now Almab UK agent Winners of #TDchallenge22 announced
Across more than 150 students from 57 universities, the winning team were selected at a live two-day event at the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE). Students presented their designs to a panel of expert judges representing both local clients and leading figures in UK sustainable construction.
The winners of the Hereford Southside University Design Challenge (#TDchallenge22) have been announced following an incredibly competitive nine-month process. The University Design Challenge is a student competition based on a live project to design a net zero community centre, showcasing timber construction and meeting the Passivhaus standard.
Each of the detailed designs for Southside is ‘net zero’, creatively employing energy and resource efficient building materials and construction methods, focusing on the health and wellbeing of people, the community, and the planet. The designs were judged for longevity, desirability, adaptability, circularity, and a warming climate, as well as producing more energy from renewable sources than required.
With the main material focus and specification for Southside to be timber and timber hybrid systems, each team’s detailed design was to meet the Passivhaus Standard and exceed both the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets and the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide metrics.
The winning team brought together an interdisciplinary group of students from universities the length and breadth of the UK – from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen to the University of Portsmouth – to produce a design the judging panel declared: “A strong response and a great integration of uses, with simple elements including a good use of structural timber used effectively and meeting the Passivhaus standard”.
external walls TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock® Rainscreen 032 and Frame Slab 032, the first in a series of products that use NyRock technology, a patented production process that delivers the lowest lambda stone wool insulation available in the UK.
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ROCKWOOL® for
More at www.rockwool.com/uk/nyrock
launches new insulation option
NyRock Rainscreen 032 is specifically developed for ventilated cladding systems and sealed structures such as curtain walling. It combines a low thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/mK and a noncombustible Euroclass A1 rating along with independently tested acoustic performance and the potential for thinner wall constructions. Manufactured using patented technology, NyRock Rainscreen 032 has a more efficient fibre structure than traditional stone wool products, resulting in improved thermal properties. For optimum thermal performance in framed structures, NyRock Rainscreen Slab 032 should be combined with NyRock Frame Slab 032, a further new addition to the NyRock range, that is purpose designed for fitting between the studwork of external timber or light gauge steel frame walls.
Paul Barrett, head of product management at ROCKWOOL explains: “When working to a U-value of 0.18 W/m2K, specifiers can typically save around 15mm on the wall thickness compared to traditional stone wool products. Applying that saving over a 22m x 22m building of nine storeys, for example, it can yield an extra 99 square feet of usable or profitable floor space. The balance between building performance, sustainability and commerciality is a constant challenge for specifiers and building owners. Our NyRock range has been created understanding those pressures, hence deliver lower lambda for thinner walls, while also providing the additional benefits of stone wool including non-combustibility.” As well as suited to ventilated façade systems, NyRock Frame Slab 032 can be used in a variety of external timber or steel frame applications, including with a brick outer and with or without a service void. NyRock Frame Slab 032 is available in 570mm widths for timber or 600mm for steel ensuring quick, easy friction fitting into frame walls. Its strong dimensional stability when fitted under compression also accommodates building movement, without slumping and sagging, or a loss in thermal performance.
Comprising 16 buildings by eight pioneering architects, the district provides affordable spaces, comprehensive facilities and flexible leases. With D2, Mole Architects has taken the principles of sustainable timber architecture and created a head-turning statement building. Housing five workspaces over three storeys, D2 may be the smallest building of the 16 in the Design District masterplan but, with its iridescent metal exterior, it is impossible to overlook.
D2 is built from one of Mole Architects’ signature materials – cross laminated timber (CLT). As well as being practical and robust, CLT buildings demand approximately half the energy of concrete structures to build, and act as carbon stores, locking CO2 into the fabric of the building. The structural timbers are left exposed on interior walls and stairs, which not only gives the space character, it also eliminates the need for additional finishing materials and enables a quicker build programme. The use of timber also has a wellbeing advantage for the building’s users – there is an inherent comfort to be found in natural materials such as wood, that improves quality of life for the building’s occupants, and contributes to the building being an inspiring place to work – as does the colourful play of light created by specially glazed fins by the windows that reflect light in different wavelengths.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 06 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
On Greenwich Peninsula, Design District’s evolution continues with the opening of Mole Architects’ second building, a striking and sustainable 580m2 rhomboid structure that seems to change colour as you move around it. Designated D2, the new building’s five workspaces are all now occupied, home to a brilliantly eclectic collection of creative businesses, spanning fashion, photography, cycling accessories and more – a reflection of the extraordinary disciplinary variety of Design District as a whole. Following the official launch in September 2021, Design District is now well on the way to fulfilling its aim to serve as London’s permanent home for the creative industries, and to support around 1,800 of the capital’s creative-sector workers, at every stage in their careers.
“Making timber buildings is a gift to those that live or work in them,” says Meredith Bowles, from Mole Architects. “It seems that humans have a natural affinity with timber and the warmth that it conveys. We’ve left quite a lot of timber exposed, as well as each space having fantastic large openings to the best views. The reflected light from the dichroic fins into the interiors was actually an unintended surprise, but we love it.’’ More at www.molearchitects.co.uk
Design District benefits from new timber building THE BEST DEFENCE? IT' S PASSIVE! IT'S NOT TACTICS, IT'S PREVENTION. Play in advance and handle fire problems with passive protection solutions: design your building by incorporating Rothoblaas tapes, sealants and membranes. Ask your trusted agent for information or download the product catalogue on our website www.rothoblaas.com EN 13501-1 / EN 13501-2 / NF P92-501 / AS1530.2 / ASTM E84
The Timber Decking & Cladding Association is an independent, not-for-profit technical and advisory trade body. Recognised as the authoritative source of expert opinion in the UK. DeckMark and CladMark schemes require a full business audit and assessment followed by annual surveillance audits. info@tdca.org.uk | 01977 558147
Rod Allan, managing director, Donaldson Timber Systems said: “BOPAS plus is a fantastic achievement for the business, and will help to ensure that we have a clear differentiator when promoting our Sigma® II build system to the market.
“An increased use of our Sigma® II system will reduce the energy required by customers to run their homes, as well as very low embodied carbon from the construction of the home. BOPAS plus will help to provide our clients and the industry with the confidence that our system has been thoroughly assessed and is highly durable.”
Get in touch and arrange your audit www.tdca.org.uktoday Are you a timber decking or cladding supplier or installer? Do you do things the ‘right way’? Get the recognition you deserve.
Get accredited, get noticed get the Mark
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PlusachievesTimberDonaldsonSystemsBOPAS
quality schemes are industry
Such validation
Lee & Micklethwait ©Image: Hufton+CrowLondon Decking Company
More at www.donaldsontimbersystems.com
Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has become one of the first manufacturers to achieve Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme Plus (BOPAS plus), a durability assessment for advanced, offsite build systems.
BOPAS is recognised by the principal mortgage lenders as providing the necessary assurance underpinned by a warranty provision, that the property will be readily mortgageable for at least 60 years.
DeckMark CladMark recognised, third-party accreditations. provide independent verification of high standards and best practice. is vital go
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Building on the original BOPAS scheme, BOPAS plus has been developed to introduce a greater focus on the preparedness of the offsite sector to drive digitisation and collaboration in the construction industry. Donaldson Timber Systems is one of only three businesses in the UK to hold the new accreditation. The DTS Sigma® II system, was one of the first offsite build systems originally to be accredited by BOPAS in 2013.
BOPAS is the industry benchmark to demonstrate quality and durability to funders, lenders, valuers and purchasers, giving them the confidence that homes built using offsite construction will have a life of at least 60 years. The accreditation process involves a rigorous assessment, including a two-stage review; a detailed interview with Lloyds Register and a full day audit, where the business is required to provide tangible evidence on the plans in place to deliver on its five-year plan.
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to specifiers looking to ensure their projects
smoothly.
An online network has been launched to allow women working in the woodworking trades – carpentry, joinery, cabinet making – to connect and support each other. The network is called Women in Woodwork and it has been established by the Women and Manual Trades (WaMT) programme, which is part of not-for-profit company Procure Plus, in partnership with the Institute of Carpenters. Women who are working or training in woodworking trades are eligible to join the network, which takes the form of a private Facebook Group.
Under the Affiliation Agreement, TDUK and WPA will continue to operate as independent membership organisations, but WPA will act as the TDUK’s centre of expertise on flame-retardant treatments, wood modification and preservation – providing the essential technical, quality assurance and support services under a united strategy to grow demand for added value treated timber products that can be trusted.
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WPA chief executive Gordon Ewbank added: “Wood treatments are an integral part of the timber supply chain, so it makes good commercial and technical sense for WPA and TDUK to share our respective capabilities and speak with one voice on treatment related matters. Our agreement to become a TDUK affiliated trade association is a further step in what has been a growing and fruitful partnership in recent years, providing mutual benefits to both associations, our customers and, most importantly, our members.”
Women in Woodwork follows the success of the Open Circuit Group for women in electrics, which was also set up by the WaMT programme in 2018 and has connected over 300 female members who use the network to discuss topics such as workwear, technical problems and tips, and to share work opportunities.
The TDUK Affiliation Agreement with WPA is part of a bigger mission to align all wood and timber technical specification information under one roof. In so doing, TDUK aims to empower architects, designers, specifiers and engineers with the knowledge and confidence they need to use wood in their projects.
women in woodworking
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TDUK CEO, Dave Hopkins commented: “This affiliation agreement formalises what is already a very good working relationship. WPA provides TDUK with the opportunity to access unrivalled specialist experience, information, data, technical expertise and team resources from another vital part of the timber supply chain. It is another clear example of TDUK’s mission to create the most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK, so we can act as an agent of change toward more sustainable, low-carbon forms of construction. WPA and TDUK’s missions are already closely aligned. So, it makes perfect sense to work together to achieve greater impact as timber takes centre stage for the race to net-zero construction.”
TDUK will be officially launched later in the year and will have a strong presence at UK Construction Week at the Birmingham NEC in October.
The organisations involved in setting up Women in Woodwork recognise that women are hugely under-represented in these trades, and indeed all the building trades, and believe that a dedicated forum for women to ‘meet’ will alleviate the isolation that women can experience, and which can prevent women from having a sustainable career.
Women are invited to join Women in Woodwork at www.facebook.com/groups/womeninwoodwork
A new Affiliation Agreement between Timber Development UK (TDUK) and the Wood Protection Association (WPA) has set the template for further consolidation of the timber industry, helping to drive the mass adoption of timber as a sustainable construction solution.
TDUK now spans more than 1500 member businesses representing everything from sawmill to specifier. The WPA is the UK authority on wood protection and plays a lead role in influencing, developing and promoting technologies that enhance the performance and value of wood as a building material.
More at www.ttf.co.uk www.thewpa.org.uk
Timber
Fiona Sharp, social value director at Procure Plus which runs the Women and Manual Trades programme, says: “The Women in Woodworking Group has been set up to allow women working in these trades to be connected and to come together. Peer support is so important to women, especially those who are training or just starting out, and can have a huge impact on whether or not they decide to continue on their career path. Better retention of women in construction and the building trades is something we want to address. We invite carpentry, joinery and other woodworking contractors to promote the network to their female employees.”
TDUK has been formed from a merger between the Timber Trade Federation (TFF) and The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), creating the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK.
More at www.walkersingleton.co.uk
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Countryside Timber Frame facility for sale FRAMESRAILS,FORMANUFACTURERYOURSOLIDWOODPROFILES,ETC. www.facebook.com/ljTopWoodExport/www.linkedin.com/in/lj-topwood/www.instagram.com/ljtopwoodexport/ Polígono Industrial Romíca Calle 4, Parcela 44 02080 Albacete (Spain) Phone: 0034 688283349 Mail: contact@ljtopwood.com VAT-ID: ESB02572220www.ljtopwood.comDIYMoldingsPictureFrames Door Frames Stair ElementsSlatsaccessoriesParquet
Stephen Jones, director in the Machinery & Business Assets Department said: “The production assets of the business are state-ofthe-art, with only one other comparable line in operation within Europe. The line has been designed to produce an advanced closed panel product supporting the move to MMC. It is an exciting opportunity for any company wishing to place themselves at the forefront of the timber frame construction industry. The equipment is geared to a volume output and has the capacity to produce 3,000 units per annum. High regard has been placed on maintenance and upkeep of all equipment with all assets being of industry recognised manufacture.” Interest is invited for the whole manufacturing line to be removed from site. Should a suitable party not be found the line will be included in a planned online auction of the wider assets of the facility.
Established four years ago, Countryside Timber Frame Limited (CTFL) is a group company of Countryside Partnership, the UKs leading mixedtenure developer. One of the earliest adopters of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the company have invested heavily in research and development, and commitment to sustainable construction. This led to the development of three modular panel factories. After a recent strategic review CTFL have taken the decision to close their manufacturing facility in Bardon, Leicestershire. The 384,000 square foot facility houses a state-of-the-art timber frame manufacturing line that was designed and installed in a bespoke package offering streamlined and efficient production capabilities. Additionally, the site benefits from new ‘floor line’ along with modern and high-quality site support assets. Chartered Surveyors, Walker Singleton, have been appointed to market and sell assets of the business.
More at www.kirkwoodtimberframe.co.uk
More at www.kerridgecs.com
Aberdeenshire-based timber manufacturer, Kirkwood Timber Frame, has secured £12 million worth of new business prior to its first anniversary on 11 August 2022. Having only launched to the external market in August 2021, the company, which designs and delivers high quality timber frame kits across Scotland, has attained projects ranging from social and private housing developments to one-off self-build homes and commercial projects. To accommodate the high volume of project wins, Kirkwood Timber Frame has more than doubled its headcount. Starting out with 14 employees in August 2021, the timber manufacturer now has a total headcount of 35, which includes a mix of factory operatives, estimators, technical managers, designers, business development roles and more. Initially launched after a £2 million investment from its sister company Kirkwood Homes to meet the growing demand of timber kits in the region, the manufacturer operates as a standalone entity and has primarily focused on expanding its factory in Sauchen, Aberdeenshire. Doubling in size, the 52,118ft2 facility boasts state-ofthe-art production machinery for the manufacture of timber frame wall panels, cassette floors, staircases and doorsets.
“This improves the safety of our growing team, increases quality for our customers and ultimately drives down lead times to increase the volume of projects we can support across the North-east and throughout the country. Our growth is a testament to not only our products but our people. It’s been rewarding to bring together a group of like-minded, passionate and talented local people to enable them to thrive in an innovative, growing company. I can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm and commitment.”
Kirkwood Timber Frame
Kirkwood Timber Frame partners with builders, developers, selfbuilders and architects across Scotland. So far, it has enabled 270 new, energy-efficient homes to be built across Scotland with sustainably sourced timber, helping reduce waste and carbon emissions. Kirkwood Timber Frame is the sister company of Kirkwood Homes. With more than 30 years’ experience combined between the organisations, Kirkwood Timber Frame strives to improve the timber frame industry as a whole, as well as its role in achieving net-zero in Scotland by 2045.
MAMrebrandsRNHheadcountincreaseSolutionstoSoftware
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Malcolm Thomson, business development director at Kirkwood Timber Frame said: “The new business we have secured is incredible and emphasises the demand for high quality timber frame products aligned to a great service. Thanks to the £2 million invested into the business, which allowed us to revamp and extend our factory, we have transformed the process of manufacturing our timber frame kits.
The new brand identity brings RNH in line with the distinctive style of the wider KCS group. MAM’s logo includes KCS’ magenta diamond design: the four lines at the centre represent the cornerstones of the Kerridge Commercial Systems brand – sourcing, stocking, selling and servicing –these cornerstones are what it strives to do to assist its customer base to be excellent in, ensuring it gives them competitive advantage. “This is an exciting time for our business in Ireland, and with continued investment in the company we aim to capitalise on our successes and build a platform for future growth. The new identity for RNH will act as a catalyst for further progress towards our strategic vision,” said James Mitchell, Managing Director UK & Ireland. “Unifying under a common brand reaffirms how integral the automotive team and product portfolio are to the future of a business we are proud to be part of.” KCS acquired RNH Solutions in November 2021.
Following its recent acquisition by Kerridge Commercial Systems, RNH Solutions will rebrand to MAM Software. The move brings its automotive operations in the UK and Ireland under one unified brand to reflect its position more accurately as the leading provider of business management software solutions for the automotive aftermarket. MAM Software provides dedicated product groups for the UK and Ireland automotive aftermarkets. It focuses on improving the efficiency and profitability of companies with complex supply chains via the use of specialised software and services.
WE ARE INNOVATORSTHE FIND OUT www.rockwool.com/uk/NyRockMORE NyRock® technology has arrived
The volume of timber imported by the UK during Q1 2022 was 2.5 million m3, nearly half a million m3 behind the record imports of Q1 2021. However, this was still a higher volume than that seen in either 2018 or 2019. In fact, January, February and March 2022 all saw volumes increase over the previous month, reflecting the strong construction demand we still enjoyed in Q1. By April, import figures began to decline as demand slowed again. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, inflation, downgrades to consumer confidence, and political instability in the UK are all beginning to have an impact on the market – which will likely begin to be strongly reflected in the overall supply picture in Q3 and Q4 2022.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 12 www.timbermedia.co.uk
Hardwoods Import volumes increased by 29.9% in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021 to reach 162,000m3. Latvia has overtaken the US as the largest single supplying country of hardwoods, accounting for 24.6% of imports. This was largely due to their use in the pallet supply chain, where it has substituted for more expensive softwoods. France also overtook the USA in volume to account for 13.8% of the market, with USA falling to 8% by volume. However, the USA continues to lead all other countries by value – at £15m for 13,000m3 – with the lack of available supply imposing upwards price pressure on the smaller volume of available material. Plywoods Imports increased by 11.9% in Q1 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching 477,000m3. Hardwood ply volumes were driven mostly by China, which continues to be the dominant source of hardwood ply products. Russia’s prominence as a source of hardwood plywood has quickly fallen away since trade sanctions were introduced. Brazil, China and Finland continued to be the main sources of softwood plywood, while supplies of particle board, OSB, and MDF remained relatively stable in Q1 2022.
he timber industry experienced an interesting start to 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, and Timber Development UK’s latest market statement shows three clear economic impacts of the ongoing conflict. The supply of raw materials has become more challenging, while the rising price of energy and its resulting impact on consumer confidence and spending is beginning to be reflected in industry forecasts for the year ahead. An immediate consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022 was the widespread call to reduce and ultimately end Russian timber imports, and the industry responded quickly with most contracts now ended or approaching the end. We expect indirect Russian imports to be close to zero in mid- to end-Q3 as the remaining material is flushed out of the European supply chain. Timber supplies
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More at www.ttf.co.uk a 2022ChallengingPicture
Construction output reached a record high in Q1 2022, but this is unlikely to continue through the rest of the year due to several pressures, the most significant of which is inflation, which at 9.1% is at its highest rate for 40 years. This, the cost-of-living crisis and a drop in consumer and business confidence is all likely to reduce demand for construction projects and, therefore, materials. The Spring 2022 Construction Products Association (CPA) Forecast, released in May 2022, revised its construction output growth predictions down to 2.8% from the 4.3% predicted just a few months ago. Impacts on construction demand from inflation are most likely to be in the consumerfacing sectors of private housing and private housing RM&I – both of which are key for timber demand – and heavily influenced by consumer confidence. Despite this negative economic picture, the timber industry remains strong. One key competitive advantage of timber products is that they are relatively lowenergy to produce in comparison to carbonintensive and high-energy products such as cement or steel, which are likely to face significant price inflation going forward.
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The latest market statement from Timber Development UK (TDUK) predicts a difficult Q3 and Q4 for construction, as CEO David Hopkins explains.
Softwoods Import volumes decreased by 24.8%, when comparing Q1 2022 to Q1 2021. Imports came primarily from Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Germany, and Ireland. The dominance of the softwood sector on the overall import picture is clear as, despite volume increases for both hardwoods and plywood, the loss of softwood volume remains the headline news.
As a proud supporter for this year’s CITB SkillBuild, SR Timber trading director Shaun Revill considers the importance of engaging the next generation of talent and the role quality plays.
Supporting the competition Through the partnership with National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), SR Timber has provided the signature gold batten for use in the competition. Manufacturers should take these opportunities as they represent not only a commitment to apprentices and colleges but are a chance to help apprentices understand the value of quality products from an early stage.
More at www.sr-timber.co.uk
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ach year we’re faced with the challenge of an aging workforce and the dire need to bring more apprentices into the fold. Colleges do amazing work to engage and train the next wave of tradespeople and manufacturers are encouraged to support however possible. As someone who grew up in the industry, I really understand how having the support of experts and manufacturers early on helped me gain an appreciation for the trades and the materials we all work with. SkillBuild 2022 challenges the best up-and-coming apprentices from colleges across the country to put their knowledge and abilities to the test. For the roofing apprentices, the six-hour competition requires they install 5U underlay and battens, then fix plain tiles and bedded ridges according to instructions set. Judges monitor to ensure they are installing correctly during and at the end, evaluate competitors’ accuracy and ability to follow instructions.
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I recommend simple checks such as measuring if the thickness is 25mm can identify if a batten is fit for purpose. If under 25mm, the batten will fail to pass the British Standard allowed tolerances and isn’t a true graded batten. For apprentices, Simon Dixon agrees on the importance instilling quality has on safety: “With roofing work being in high demand, its important contractors are aware of British Standards for timber. Some less informed roofers or building contractors might not be fully up-to-date on standards and wouldn’t spot the signs of substandard batten. Experienced roofers have a good understanding of what it takes to meet BS 5534 and we’re working hard with apprentices to make sure they understand both what makes a graded batten and the difference in quality when it’s used on site.”
It’s my hope that by working with apprentices at the start of their exciting career, we’re able to guide them in recognising the benefits of quality products. For now, their focus may be on the competition and beating the best of the rest but soon they’ll be entering a profession where they’re responsible for their own safety on site. By working with proper British Standard products and learning to recognise when a product isn’t up to scratch, apprentices are far safer on site.
Supporting the Best of the Best
Simon Dixon, Training Manager at NFRC agrees on the impact the right product has for the competition, saying: “It makes an enormous difference for the apprentices: having top quality battens gives them the best shot at doing well in the competition. When you are working with quality materials, you can train the apprentices better and they understand the value it brings. This results in better work when they are out in the trade, so the benefit continues all the way through to being on site.” Why quality is more important than ever When it comes to quality, it represents more than a way to guarantee a high-quality finish. Using the best, most appropriate products provide safety on site for roofers and homeowners alike. Putting this into context, the UK market is currently experiencing a rise of roofing batten which isn’t up to standard. The difficulties manifest themselves in blue batten that doesn’t meet British Standard despite having the appropriate colour and markings. This magnifies the need for roofers, new and old, to understand what it takes for a batten to be recognised as meeting British Standard. Purely relying on the product markings puts roofers at risk of accidentally using a misleading and dangerous product.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 15 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media Elisabeth PIVETEAU : +44 (0) 7821 807 788 | elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com Adrian HOWDEN : +44 (0) 7743 004 578 | adrian.howden@piveteau.com PIVETEAUBOIS.COMA WIDE RANGE OF TIMBER PRODUCTS: Glulam, CLT, C24, cladding, decking, fencing and landscaping timbers, UC4 15/20-year warranted timbers, wood composite cladding, decking and fencing and wood pellets. LOCALLY SOURCED AND CERTIFIED TIMBER SPECIES: Pine, Douglas Fir, Spruce. LET’S BUILD A DURABLE SUSTAINABLEANDFUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME BY MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY TREE.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 16 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
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Bluestone reported a ‘surge’ in bookings for holidays in August in late June as uncertainty continued over flight cancellations and delays.
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Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 17 www.timbermedia.co.uk
The new lodges will have their own private entrance with virtual checkin and will offer the most luxurious facilities to date at Bluestone.
Sustainable Expansion for Bluestone National Park Resort
More at www.bluestonewales.com
he delivery of the first timber frame is part of a £23 million expansion development. Like many tourism businesses in Wales, Bluestone is witnessing a significant increase in bookings from pre-pandemic levels with the new development plans catering for a growing demand for luxury lodge accommodation for short breaks in areas of natural beauty.
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At least 250 jobs will be sustained during the construction phase and 100 operational jobs will be created once completed. Bluestone already employs more than 800 people and 65% of its £6 million annual expenditure is retained in Pembrokeshire through employment and using a local supply chain. “This is another significant milestone for Bluestone, creating even more opportunities for visitors coming to Pembrokeshire. Not only will they enjoy high quality accommodation, but lodges that will have been constructed as sustainably as possible,” said Liz Weedon, head of projects at Bluestone. “We have worked closely with our contractors to ensure there is limited disruption to the local community or guests staying on resort during work. The location of the site combined with a phased approach will support this. The additional lodges will provide an economic boost to the local area and economy through additional jobs, more visitors and additional local supply chain demands during and after construction.” The lodges will officially open in the summer of 2023.
Bluestone National Park Resort is situated in 500 acres of rolling countryside in the heart of Pembrokeshire. The resort comprises 344 cabin-style woodland lodges, colourful terraced cottages and studio apartments built around a purpose-built but traditionally-designed village featuring shops, a pub, six restaurants and an award-winning exclusive holistic spa, The Well Spa Retreat.
The Wales Tourism Business Barometer shows visitor numbers were up 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels. In further research from the Visit Britain Domestic Sentiment Tracker, 39% of respondents said they are more likely to choose a UK trip than an overseas trip compared to prepandemic.
The top reasons for this preference being that UK holidays are easier to plan, and long queues at airports or cancelled flights
The new lodges are the fourth phase of expansion plans for the resort near Narberth in Pembrokeshire, which currently has 344 existing lodges, cottages and studio apartments across 500 acres of rolling Pembrokeshire countryside. Timber and other sustainable materials have been used in the design and construction of the ‘Platinum’ lodges which will be heated by air source heat pumps. All of the timber used is PEFC certified with a full chain of custody.
The first timber frames for 80 new lodges have arrived at Bluestone National Park Resort as the latest figures show Welsh tourism businesses seeing an increase in visitor levels.
Welshpool-based SJ Roberts Construction will be the main contractors during the project, while the timber frames will be manufactured by Lowfield Timber Frames. Mike Sambrook, Managing Director of SJ Roberts, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the build contract for this fantastic development at Bluestone. There has been a huge amount of collaborative working between all members of the design team in preparation ahead of site commencement and we cannot wait to get started. The timber frames will be manufactured by our sister company, Lowfield Timber Frames, at our HQ in Mid-Wales with the remainder of the supply chain being carefully selected to ensure a quality build is guaranteed and that programme and budget targets are met.”
“We know there’s growing demand for a sustainable luxury tourism product in Wales and we’re confident we can meet the need for an ecologically sound product in natural surroundings,” said Marten Lewis, head of sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort. “Sustainability is a key aspect across all the decisions on the design and build. Along with the promotion of health and wellbeing, sustainability has always formed an integral part of Bluestone’s business operations and will continue to do so as we move forward.”
Q: Can you give a quick introduction to Brimstone? “To put it simply, we call Brimstone better wood, for better woodlands. It’s an attractive range of thermally-modified British grown wood for exterior applications. It’s ideal for cladding, decking and joinery, and sales have grown strongly since we launched Brimstone in 2016. We currently offer three products: Brimstone Ash, Poplar and Sycamore. Each one has its own look and characteristics.”
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Q: What’s the story behind Brimstone – why did you decide to create a wood of this type? “How long have you got? The story goes back to 2014, at a meeting hosted by Grown in Britain where Vastern Timber, BRE, Timber Strategies and others came together to discuss potential solutions to the poor state of native broadleaf woodlands. The demise of the UK furniture trade had left most native hardwood species, including Sycamore, Ash, Beech and Poplar out of fashion and out of demand.
“We used to, but not today. Since 2021, the UK’s first thermal modification plant is now sitting in our very own timber yard in Wootton Bassett. We’re really proud of that.”
Q: Do you send the wood to a thermal modification plant?
“It’s a natural, toxin-free heating process that changes the cell structure of wood. We don’t use any chemicals. We heat the wood to over 200 degrees, which alters the cell structure, so it can no longer absorb water. The process also releases natural chemicals that darken the colour of the wood, giving it a really beautiful, consistent finish.”
As a result, there was little incentive for landowners to manage these woodlands. The consensus was that the best way to get woodlands back into management was to stimulate demand for the wood growing within them. “We know it makes sense to use British wood rather than transporting timber from the other side of the world. It means less pollution, less road miles and more investment in our woodlands. So, the big question for us, was how to make cladding and decking that would appeal to modern-day tastes using the timber from our woodlands? We found our answer in thermal modification. This genius Scandinavian process gave us the basis for creating Brimstone. We realised we could transform British-grown Ash, Poplar and Sycamore into a durable, stable, beautiful wood ideal for outdoor use – and Brimstone was born.”
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 18 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
om Barnes is managing director of Vastern Timber, the family-owned business based in Wiltshire that has worked with British wood since 1904. Here, he tells us about some of the latest developments with Brimstone, the British grown, thermally-modified wood.
Q: Once wood has been thermally modified what qualities does it have?
“It has pretty much everything you’d want for cladding and decking. It’s durable, stable and consistent, with much less risk of bending, warping or decay. We have Ash, Poplar and Sycamore wood, which have slightly different properties and looks. Ash has a distinctive grain and is a great all-rounder for decking, joinery and cladding. While our poplar is silkier and more lightweight, unsuited to decking but ideal for cladding.”
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Q: What exactly is thermal modification?
“As you say, it’s a replacement for some of the wood which is imported from thousands of miles away. This means less road miles, less pollution and CO2 emissions, which is great. Using local wood also means we’re supporting British woodland, helping it to thrive again.”
Q: Finally, tell us about your side project as a filmmaker?
“Brimstone works brilliantly for a whole host of projects, particularly decking, cladding and joinery. It’s proving a big hit with builders and architects who are looking for natural, low impact products.
Q: What plans do you have for Brimstone going forward?
Q: Using local wood cuts down on road miles. What are the other benefits?
To date, Brimstone has been used on an entire social housing development built to Passivhaus standards. It’s been used as well as for exterior cladding and decking on stunning house builds and awardwinning eco homes as well as for extensions, conversions and joinery projects. You’ll also see Brimstone cladding on the Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation at Stansfield Park. It’s an impressive space for science and technology start-ups, surrounded by trees and ponds. The architects were looking for a locally sourced cladding that would blend
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 19 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
Q: How do people use Brimstone? Can you give us some examples?
Q: You’re chopping down local trees, so how does that help in the long run?
Find out more about Brimstone at www.brimstonewood.co.uk
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You can visit the Vastern Timber sawmill in Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire and see where Brimstone is made, as well as our range of cladding, flooring and beams made from locally grown timbers. More at www.vastern.co.uk
“Our focus is on continuing to provide an excellent product, while lowering impact even further. Vastern Timber has joined Business Declares, the growing network of businesses that recognise the climate crisis, and we’re working to reduce waste and emissions urgently. We’re pushing our suppliers to manage their woodlands for the long term, we’re attempting to sell, buy and manufacture all of Brimstone within a 100-mile radius of our factory. And we’re moving over to renewables as quickly as we can. We aim to have our modification plant running on 100% renewable energy by the end of 2022. It’s an ongoing journey, and it’s certainly not easy. But we absolutely believe we can, and will, make a difference to our amazing local woodlands.”
in with the natural surroundings, while also being as low impact as possible. Brimstone ticked all the boxes, so it works very well.”
‘Wood for the Trees’ is a series of short films about the future of UK forests that I am making with a filmmaker from a permaculture background. Working together we set out to discuss forest management, agroforestry, rewilding and the climate crisis with experts from a wide range of different fields and perspectives. It’s generating some interesting conversations on social media.”
“It’s a question we get asked a lot. It sounds counter-intuitive doesn’t it? But using local wood is one of the best ways to help woodland flourish. When landowners make money from selling their wood, they have funds to invest in the longer-term management and preservation of that woodland. They’re also more likely to take care of the woodland and plant more trees for the future. It’s a win, win situation. By using British-grown timber, we’re supporting the local economy. We’re also reducing our impact on the environment and helping our local woodland ecosystems to thrive as well.”
Watch the ‘Wood for the Trees’ series at woodforthetrees.uk
“Other issues being contended with are lack of labour, geographical issues, weather and even forest fires. Any one of these can affect timescales or even stop supply routes in their tracks. But the good news is that we’re finding an overall healthy ebb and flow of timber supply. We are still receiving shipments from across the world, and in the rare case that we can’t supply a species then we can locate a viable alternative.”
“We work hard to ensure that we keep our customers safe through the work we do in sustainable sourcing, says Paul. “Our aim is to be more than just a supplier of timber, but to offer a full-service approach, working with our customers to really understand their needs and develop a solution to fit. Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult time for the timber industry as a whole. The challenging mix of high demand and disrupted logistics which began with the pandemic have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine. But this isn’t a regional problem – every corner of world supply has been affected, from Asia to West Africa and from North America to Europe.
Accoya® IT is a key importer and distributor of Accoya® and the benefits of this modified wood as an alternative to tropical timbers, has seen it become a far more popular choice for architects. “Accoya® is among the very most sustainable and environmentally friendly timbers on the market,” says Paul. “With each cubic metre of Accoya® containing nearly one tonne of CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere, the timber will keep carbon safely stored for decades. Engineered via a process called acetylation, it produces a versatile, strong and aesthetically pleasing alternative product that is quickly rising in popularity. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Accoya installed in some fantastic projects, from the award-winning The Built: East S
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 20 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media at within the Saint-Gobain OffSite Solutions division, as part of a group of companies that aim to provide a solutions-based focus to our customers. International Timber (IT) prides itself on having years of expertise in the timber industry and are ideally placed to help its customers navigate the oftencomplex world of timber. The timber material supply chain has been under pressure for some time and the Ukrainian conflict has added to this – is it stabilising and where have the pressure points been?
FEATURE THE BIG INTERVIEW
Supply & Deliver
We caught up with International Timber’s Managing Director, Paul Martin, to find out more about one of the UK’s largest importers and wholesalers of sustainably sourced timber and panels.
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Pavilion in Belfast to fenders for the banks of the Thames in London as part of a biodiversity and flood management trial.”
IT has invested heavily in its manufacturing sites and providing industry apprenticeships and will be developing these aspects over the next 18 months. How will the timber sector develop generally in the coming months? “We will always continue to invest in our sites to ensure that we keep up with changes in technologies and processes. The skills gap that the overall construction sector faces also poses issues for our industry. Recruiting mill machinists and operators is a real challenge, but we will continue to promote International Timber as a great place to work with an inclusive and diverse culture, attracting young and fresh talent into the sector. The sector needs these new recruits if it is to be the material of choice for the future of construction.”
FEATURE THE BIG INTERVIEW
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Timber Magazine Autumn 2022 21 www.timbermedia.co.uk
More at www.internationaltimber.com and you can try the visualiser tool out for yourself at https://designer.internationaltimber.com/
Visualiser tool IT’s ‘visualiser tool’ is designed to help customers to select, view and explore products in-situ to see how they might work for their projects and has recently been upgraded with several new features. “The latest update to the tool has added different house and building types to the visualiser,” says Paul. “This means users can now pick the build closest to their current project and can now add items currently in place such as walls, doors, sills, or roofs so that they can get as close as possible to the actual project. The visualisation tool also allows the user to view cladding in various positions, both horizontal or vertical, next to a window or around a doorway. In addition to these new features, more cladding types have been added to the visualiser including coated cladding.”
IT has built a successful ‘sector-focused business’ and offers a ‘vast array of species and finished products’ – what are the market leading products for the trade and construction sector and how do you keep track of industry innovation? “Our team lives and breathes timber, all day every day,” adds Paul. “We pride ourselves on honing that expertise, whether it’s working with partners across the world to procure specific timber species, investing and implementing new timber technologies, or creating processes to ensure all the stock that passes through our books is sustainably sourced.
“Ultimately, we want to make sure we’re supplying products that address the needs of our customers. For example, we’re seeing an increasing demand for engineered timber, which we see as a correlation to the labour shortages across most sectors and the reduced availability of sawn timbers. Engineered components can help to reduce demand for onsite labour, preventing delays and runaway costs. We are also seeing an increased demand for modified timbers – these are timbers which following a process of modification – offer the benefits of durability and stability for applications such as external joinery, cladding and decking. Coatings and protection Timber coatings – including fire retardants – are hugely important and IT are helping customers in several ways when talk turns to wood protection and coatings by explaining to those unfamiliar with timber specification that wood is a safe construction product. Paul says: “When it comes to coatings, we have a dedicated plant where we provide a variety of options to enhance the beauty and prolong the appearance of the timber we supply. This might include coatings that enhance the weathered appearance of the timber or a more traditional painted finish. We are factory coaters for all leading paint manufacturers, which gives customers a lot of confidence that we can deliver any desired finish.
“Meanwhile, with the correct use of modern pressure fire-retardant treatments, timber can be considered among the safest of construction materials. Such coatings help timber to maintain strength and integrity in the event of a fire, and can achieve compliance with Building
Regulations where Euroclass B or C. We take our role in treating timber to protect it against fire very seriously, supplying customers with Sentrin FRX, a proven fire-retardant impregnation treatment which is suitable for a wide range of construction projects. We help customers to specify the correct and most reliable fire protection, considering factors such as exterior applications or severe damp situations. Industrially applied fire-retardant treatments provide end users with the peace of mind that in the unlikely event of a fire, the treated timber will be able to withstand fire for a longer period of time.”
A new inquiry launched by the Environmental Audit Committee will look at the links between the sustainability of the UK’s timber industry, imports of key commodities and global deforestation.
Go Local Go Sustainable FEATURE HOMEGROWN TIMBER
It is estimated that fuelwood imports account for 32% of the UK’s total timber imports and these have doubled since 2015. Proposals for bioenergy generation in the Net Zero Strategy will likely require an increase in the supply of sustainable biomass feedstocks by 2050.
In 2019, Global Forest Watch estimated that 10 football pitches of primary tropical forest around the world were lost per minute. The loss of tropical primary forest in 2021 resulted in carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the annual fossil fuel emissions of India. It is estimated that agriculture is responsible for around 90% of global deforestation, with half of the food consumed in the UK imported from overseas. Just seven ‘forest risk’ commodities - soy, cocoa, palm oil, beef and leather, paper, rubber, and timber - account for a land footprint equivalent to 88% of the UK in size every year.
Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: “Forests around the world are the lungs of the planet, locking in damaging carbon and breathing out oxygen. Global deforestation is threatening this: it destroys precious biodiversity and is one of the greatest threats to warding off runaway climate change. Yet here in the UK we continue to import over 80% of timber, some of which is from nations that have damaging track records of deforestation.
In this context, the EAC will explore how best to scale up a sustainable and resilient domestic timber sector to reduce reliance on imports, whilst also achieving its wider nature recovery and biodiversity goals through woodland creation. This new inquiry will explore the degree to which UK supply chains contribute to deforestation overseas, the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts to curb this, and how the UK works with international partners to tackle deforestation.
“We must make sure the domestic timber industry is fit for the future and can support our net zero ambitions, while better understanding the impact any imports have on the wider world. This follows up our earlier report on the UK’s footprint on global biodiversity, where we called on the Government to assess accurately the environmental impact of the UK’s consumption of key commodities.”
The Committee will be focusing its inquiry on three detailed areasGrowing the UK timber industry (including: does the UK government, working with the devolved administrations, have an effective, joined-up plan with appropriate incentives to increase the production and use of sustainable, domestically grown timber in the UK to reduce its reliance on imports?), The effectiveness of UK efforts to reduce global deforestation (including: what role can sustainable certification and Government Buying Standards (GBS), have in tackling deforestation? How can the UK Government support the private sector to reduce its contribution to furthering deforestation?) and Working with international partners to tackle deforestation.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 22 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
Speaking about the inquiry, Stuart Goodall, CEO of Confor, said: “We have constantly stressed the need to develop a sustainable productive forestry and timber industry in the UK, to grow more of the wood we consume, rather than relying on ever-increasing imports against a backdrop of surging global demand for wood. As this inquiry announcement highlights, global timber demand is set to quadruple by 2050 and the UK is the second largest importer of timber in the world after China. With few countries producing more supplies of wood, I just cannot understand why the UK Government is not doing more to increase the amount of domestic timber being produced.”
More at environmental-audit-committeehttps://committees.parliament.uk/committee/62/
ith global timber demand set to quadruple by 2050 and given the commitment to promote timber use in construction as part of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, domestic demand is also likely to increase. However, the UK is the second highest importer of wood in the world, importing 82% of all its timber in 2020, of which almost a fifth was in the form of wood pellets. It is estimated that around one fifth of the UK’s imported timber footprint is from countries considered to have high social and/or environmental risks associated with their forestry practices. There are also questions around the ability of domestic supplies to meet future demand.
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Call us +44 (0)1793 853281 sales@vastern.co.ukEmail brimstonewood.co.ukWebsite @brimstonewoodInstagram
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 23 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
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Thermally modified wood made from British-grown timber use intense heat to reconfigure locally grown wood into a more durable, stable and consistent material. And by using British species we’re investing in local Brimstonewoodlands.ismadein Wiltshire by the team at Vastern Timber. is a beautiful range of thermally modified British wood for cladding, decking and joinery.
Attended by architects, local authorities, merchants, developers, housebuilders and contractors, Timber Expo is designed for people who use, specify, design and build with timber, and offers the opportunity to join hundreds of other brands showcasing their latest innovation, products and services.Timber Expo which is backed by and held in collaboration with Timber Development UK (TDUK), BM TRADA, Timber Construction and Timber Trader will have a programme of industry leaders, including architects, developers, housebuilders and merchants to name a few. They will debate and discuss the sector as we tackle post pandemic supply issues, post Brexit challenges, the impact of the Ukraine conflict on timber supply chain and the drive to net zero as we strive to meet COP26 targets.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 24 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
Officially opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW Birmingham will also feature sessions and seminars in the Sustainability Hub forming the conference programme at the heart of Timber Expo. The hub programme will tackle the issues, layout strategies and present exemplar case studies to help the sector reach its net zero targets.
As well as Timber, visitors will also be able to find sections dedicated to Building Materials, Digitalisation, Infrastructure, Energy, HVAC, Surface & Materials, Offsite Construction and Skills & Careers.
UK Construction Week Birmingham will celebrate culture change in construction with three days of debate and discussion from top speakers on how the industry can move forward to tackle its biggest issues, including quality, fire safety, sustainability, offsite manufacturing, mental health, and improving diversity and inclusion.
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“Although the construction sector makes up a significant proportion of the UK’s working population, we’re all aware of the huge skills shortages in the industry, and with the impact of the global pandemic and current climate, the importance and the appetite to raise awareness of the fantastic opportunities in this sector has only increased. As one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in Europe, Birmingham is the ultimate setting for this show, and we can’t wait to be back.”
o-located events at UKCW Birmingham include Timber Expo, the UK’s only dedicated timber exhibition, which has been running for 10 years.
“This will be the seventh edition of our Birmingham show bringing together the whole industry. Following the hugely successful launch of the first-ever London show earlier this year, the standard has now been set for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
Nathan Garnett, UKCW show director, commented: “UK Construction Week has always put timber at the heart of our event, and this year it will be all the more important that we use our platform in Birmingham to promote timber in construction. The drive to net-zero and the increasing need to improve quality in construction mean we need to enable a culture change in the way we build.
Confirmed exhibitors at Timber Expo include Rokamat, Engineered Timber Solutions Ltd, Woodolex Ltd, the Ghana Forestry Commission and Hanson Plywood Ltd who specialise in the import, storage and distribution of wood-based panel products throughout the UK.
Timber Expo & UKCW Birmingham Return
FEATURE TIMBER EXPO 2022
The exhibitor profile includes structural timber frame, sawmills, merchants, glulam, SIPs, CLT, fixings and fastenings, timber cladding, doors and windows, mouldings, skirtings and flooring products.
Visitor registration for UK Construction Week Birmingham (UKCW Birmingham), the UK’s largest event for the built environment, is now live, with the popular three-day show returning to Birmingham’s NEC from 4th to 6th October 2022.
www.timbermedia.co.uk The show for those who design & build with timber, and those who manufacture & distribute timber products www.timberexpo.co.uk REGISTER FREE #timberexpo CO-LOCATED WITH
#UKCW2022
Levers for success; key points for government and business to work together 11:20-12:05: Best practice: exemplars of national and international collaboration we can learn from 12:10-12:55: Meridian Water - works 13:00-13:45: City Trees - Timber for the city 13:50-14:35: The World’s tallest timber building 14:40 – 15:25: Building with waste 6th 10:30-11:15:October
To register for UKCW Birmingham for FREE go to Followukcw-birmingham-2022.reg.buzz/prusonsocialmedia
• Economic Outlook: What does the economic outlook for the sector look like? Top economists Professor Noble Francis, Economic Director at the Construction Products Association, and Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI, will offer crucial information for those planning the months ahead.
• UKCW Role Model Awards: UKCW Birmingham will also host the UKCW Role Model Awards, celebrating the pioneers of construction. The award ceremony will be taking place on the main stage on 5th October • Seminar Programme: a comprehensive seminar programme and CPD opportunities
• Innovation Zone: a dedicated showcase of innovative products
• Business, Innovation and Regulation: Including the new Building Safety Act, the ongoing digital revolution, and the challenges facing the supply chain brought about by the pandemic and war in Ukraine.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 26 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media 4th 10:45-11:30:October
Creating a workforce to support a low-carbon future 11:20-12:05: A new model for upskilling professionals 12:10-12:55: Circular economy, circular city 13:00-13:50: Housing; what is the biggest issue among all the big issues 13:50-14:40: Innovation in Timberchanging the world with wood 14:40-15:30: The Cork House
The 2022 show has an even stronger emphasis on future development in the industry and this year’s theme is Celebrating Culture Change in Construction that will be present throughout the show, which is backed by all the industry’s leading organisations, including AICO, Bosch, Hanson, Northgate and Quadrant Building.
• Skills: UKCW Birmingham will look at the skills agenda, and on the solutions that have been found by industry leaders, such as Rick Lee OBE, Chief People Person at Willmott Dixon, who was instrumental in securing the RICS Inclusive Employer Quality Mark for the Tier One Contractor.
Day Three:
• Major projects, procurement and housing: bringing together the solutions from the conference programme to the biggest challenges of the day. These include retrofitting the majority of UK housing stock, creating net infrastructure, and a look into the regional opportunities in the West Midlands region enabled by HS2 and its satellite projects.
FEATURE TIMBER EXPO 2022 In addition to the Sustainability Hub and main stages, the Careers Centre will provide a series of talks aimed at those interested in a career in construction, whether that be graduates, students in further education, or those looking at a career change. UKCW Birmingham will see over 6,000 products on display from over 300 exciting exhibitors including Bosch, Schneider Electric, Google, Graco Distribution, Wavin, Cemex, Hanson Plywood and many more. This year, the multi award-winning show has also attracted an abundance of overseas exhibitors, including brands from as far afield as Australia, India, Norway, Turkey and the UAE. With more than 75% of exhibitor slots already taken, UKCW Birmingham is on track to be the biggest and best yet. Designed to connect the whole supply chain and be a catalyst for growth, UKCW Birmingham is the must-attend construction event this Autumn and is expecting around 25,000 attendees.
Furthermore, the Careers Centre will offer visitors an array of informative talks aimed at those interested in a career in construction, whether that be graduates, students in further education, or those looking at a career change.
A packed seminar programme at UKCW will focus on a myriad of topics including skills, social value, business, innovation and regulation, major projects, procurement and housingcomplemented by 20 dedicated CPD sessions across the three days, covering everything from Supply Chain Resilience to the Building Safety Act. Seminar highlights include: Day One:
Sustainability seminars: Key show features include:
• Social Value: Ann Bentley, Global Board Director at Rider Levett Bucknall, and board member of the Construction Leadership Council, has led the way on bringing about behaviour change and unlocking social value through changes in the construction process. She will give her reflections on the launch of the value toolkit and what it can do for the sector.
@uk_cw
• UKCW Careers Fair: launched at the show in London and coming to Birmingham, get free face-face career advice and meet and network with top employers at the UKCW Careers Fair
Day Two:
Whole Life Carbon: The commercial reality of carbon in construction 11:35-12:20: ESG Finance, construction and the climate challenge 12:25-13:10: Energy policy: where do we go from here 13:15-14:00: Social sustainability is another way of saying ‘social value’ 14:05-14:50: Re-designing an industry for all-round health 5th 10:30-11:15:October
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Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF Fire Door Alliance, said: “Our findings clearly show that while the new legislation appears to have had a positive initial impact, there is still some work to be done in disseminating the detail, and building an understanding of how compliance with the law can be met. This must be made an urgent priority for all those responsible for fire safety.”
The BWF Fire Door Alliance is the leading authority on fire door safety. The BWF Fire Door Alliance Scheme (formerly the BWFCERTIFIRE Scheme) was established in 1997 by leading fire door manufacturers to bring the membership management, lobbying and promotion skills of the British Woodworking Federation to support the promotion of third-party certification of fire doors and fire doorsets. The Fire Door Alliance is operated and managed by the BWF, and its vision is that every fire door/fire doorset sold in the UK meets required standards through its service life. BWF Fire Door Alliance
he British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Fire Door Alliance’s survey of 1,000 people with responsibility for fire door specification, installation, and maintenance across the UK identified a lack of understanding of fire safety-related responsibilities under the new legislation. Almost one in ten (8%) was unaware how new laws will affect how fire doors are specified.
Certification delivers all-important traceability
Growing awareness of fire door certification, but still work to do
More about the Be Certain, Be Certified campaign at firedoors.bwf.org.uk/be-certain-be-certified
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 28 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
The research, published in a new report as part of the BWF Fire Door Alliance’s Be Certain, Be Certified campaign explored understanding and attitudes towards third-party certification of fire doors, which can assist those responsible for a building’s fire safety to fulfil their legal obligations and offer robust proof of a fire door’s performance.
While end clients typically don’t insist on certification, the overwhelming majority (88%) of respondents agree that the traceability of a complete fire door assembly is important to the organisations they’re working on behalf of. However, less than a third (28%) said they will go as far as to specify third-party certified fire doors to meet their obligations.
Among those who do specify or use third-party certified fire doors, the primary reason for doing so is to meet and comply with fire safety legislation (47%). 40% said that the reason was to provide traceability of fire door components, manufacture and journey through the supply chain – highlighting a strong awareness of the benefits of third-party certification. However, the research also highlighted major barriers to the adoption of third-party certified fire doors. Over a third (35%) cite cost as the primary reason, while 33% reported a lack of end client demand.
While, encouragingly, more than half (55%) of fire doors that respondents had responsibility for are third-party certified, 80% said that end clients, such as building owners and managers, do not require third-party certification.
The
However, in signs of an early positive effect of new legislation, more than half of respondents said they would now ask for more information on product traceability and seek more proof of performance.
Performance & Compliance FEATURE FIRE PROTECTION
“Our latest report, which we’re proud to launch as part of our Be Certain, Be Certified campaign,” said Helen. “Calls for those ultimately responsible for building fire safety to specify third-party certified fire doors as a requirement throughout all UK buildings. Not only will this raise the standard of fire door safety but crucially, it will help protect lives.”
30% of those responsible for fire door safety say they do not fully understand their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act, one of the UK’s leading authorities on fire door safety and third-party certification has revealed.
T
Helen Hewitt added: “Third-party certification provides robust proof of performance and traceability of a fire door’s components, its manufacture and journey through the supply chain. Despite this, there is still no mandatory requirement under Building Regulations for the use of third-party certified fire doors, despite the essential role fire doors play in protecting building occupants from the spread of smoke and fire.”
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 29 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media ADOPT AXIL 3000 P+ WOOD TREATMENT TO ENSURE YOUR TIMBERCONSTRUCTIONALLONGEVITY adkalis.com +33 (0)5 64 31 06 adkalis-export@berkem.com95adkalis is a subsidiary of Groupe Berkem Use biocides safely. Always read the labels and product information before use. Preserve wood natural state Bio-Based wood preservative solution Up to class 3.2 autoclave treatment BPR WideApprovalrangecolours available
Nordtreat, a Finland-based fine chemicals producer has focused totally on the manufacturing of ecological flame retardants for the wood industry.
Flame retardant solution with standard conformity for exterior durability
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The wood cladding panels of the community hall Place Laherrère in Pau, France, were fire protected with translucent NT DECO flame retardant.
Director at Nordtreat. “Using NT DECO as a flame retardant, is an easy and economical way to improve the safety and the appearance of the planned building.”
As a young company, Nordtreat had to put a lot of effort in getting the necessary classification and certificates. But from the early moments, the strategy of Nordtreat has been to provide excellent, proven and safe customer solutions for fire protection of wood. So, the resources were allocated to obtain the relevant certificates requested by the different local authorities. “There are still a lot of different approaches, when it comes to building regulations and fire safety in Europe,” says Klaus Goecke. “We need to be flexible and agile.”
“B
NT DECO improves the reaction to fire class of the treated wood products to B-s1, d0 according to EN 13501 – the general European fire classification standard for materials. In addition to that, Nordtreat holds a variety of different national certificates, attesting the performance and quality of the product in the wood fire protection sector.
NT DECO comes in a large variety of different translucent tones. The increasing use of wood in public buildings, like schools and kindergartens, also expands the use of NT DECO in interior applications and adds to the growth in market for Nordtreat. “We offer to the architects and planners the possibility of designing and realising buildings that include visible wood surfaces that contribute provenly to the well-being of the users and at the same time offer the maximum security in terms of fire protection,” says Mikko Tuominen, R&D
The Keravanjoki community centre in Southern Finland has a beautiful wood facade. The cladding and their support structures were fire protected with NT DECO.
For more information contact Nordtreat www.nordtreat.com or email sales@nordtreat.com
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 30 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
y using our solutions in wood construction, you can help make buildings safer and better places to live,” say Klaus Goecke, business development director of Nordtreat.
Nordtreat’s NT DECO is one of the rare flame retardants that is tested against the standard EN 16755 for exterior durability. “By passing the tests determined in this standard successfully, we can guarantee that the use of NT DECO is also safe on the outside of buildings. Hence, many of Nordtreat’s European customers come from the sector in the wood industry that is dealing with façade panelling. “It is an attractive, unique product, one-pot solution, easy to use and decorative.”
Nordtreat employs over 30 people in different European countries and is constantly growing. Nordtreat pursues being the leader of the environmentally friendly flame-retardant treatments in Europe.
Already today several hundred projects in many different countries have been treated for improved safety and with the beautiful tones of Nordtreat products.
“Our products do not contain any harmful chemicals such as halogens, phosphates, boric acids or other, as you can find in many of the often-used flame retardant impregnates. We work with simple, proven and clean chemistry to provide the best possible products safe to handle and making wood products safe to use.”
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 31 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_MediaCall 08000 886 032, email info@ptgtreatments.co.uk or visit www.ptgtreatments.co.uk Your partner in timber protection If you care about something, you have to protect it Preservation & fire retardant treatments for timber Protection from the elements
he construction industry uses approximately half of all non-renewable resources mankind consumes, making it one of the least sustainable industries in the world. In the UK alone the built environment is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, which are emitted at every stage of the construction and use cycle.
As the climate crisis accelerates, there is an urgent need for the industry to be exploring ways to reduce its detrimental impact on the planet. Buildings and the cities they’re located in are a non-negotiable for modern civilisation and they have long lifespans, often spanning multiple generations. So how can the construction industry adapt its building processes to ensure that the structures we build today will benefit both communities and the planet in years to come?
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 32 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
In my mind, there are undeniable benefits to bringing timber frame construction back to the fore in the UK. This is a building method that remains popular in North America particularly where according to the National Association of Home Builders around 90% of homes built in 2019 were wood-framed. Time magazine summed this up well reporting the US is ‘stubbornly attached to timber’ and it’s one of the few places in the world where wood is the dominant material used in new-home construction. Here in the UK, the use of timber is on the rise. MTW research found that timber construction is set to grow rapidly throughout 2022 as demand from housebuilders and commercial timber frame construction projects increases. The report estimates the timber frame market will rise by more than £150 million by 2026, demonstrating industry professionals increasing confidence to consider specifying timber.
Zero-carbon construction is a hot topic that continues to dominate the industry. There’s a huge amount of discussion around the benefits of using timber products in the place of concrete and steel when embarking on a building project thanks to timbers carbon locking properties both in its time as a living tree, and when it’s used as a building material. At Zeroignition we’re huge advocates for timber frame construction, yet we know there are barriers preventing the industry from using it. Why? For starters, there’s a definite lack of education surrounding getting hold of the right timber materials in construction and using these products in the correct way. Ensuring a robust supply chain takes a huge amount of forward-planning to guarantee the needs of the UK’s construction industry. For me, however, the psychological barrier that “wood burns so it must be dangerous” is the real blocker. This isn’t a perception that’s usually applied to materials like steel and concrete commonly favoured by the UK. While there’s no denying fire is a devastating force, and unprotected timber does burn, steel does melt, and concrete does degrade in a fire. Ultimately, these long-standing misconceptions around fire performance have limited the use of timber in construction in the UK. It’s time these were addressed head-on.
Breaking Down Barriers to Timber Frame
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Scoping out the barriers
Timber, the environmental saviour The benefits of building with timber are myriad. It accelerates construct timeframes and is structurally sound: it regulates internal temperatures and reduces waste during its lifetime; but most importantly, it provides the required fire protection. When the correct legislation is
FEATURE FIRE PROTECTION
Thanks to advances in fire retardant technology, timber now presents exciting opportunities in sustainable construction, says Ian King, chief operating officer (COO) at Zeroignition.
Natural fire protection for wood construction
Nordtreat promotes sustainable wood construction by developing and producing translucent, environmentally friendly flame retardants for wood products. More information at www.nordtreat.com.
Sustainable wood inspires modern, creative building designs. You can protect wood buildings with ecological flame retardants NT DECO and NORFLAM. Translucent flame retardants enable fire protection with the natural look and feel of wood.
The Zeroignition solution, crucial to making the material fire retardant, is applied to the wood-based panels during manufacture, ensuring the timber is protected throughout the entire depth of the panel, not just the surface layer. Under the European standard EN13501-1, the resilient panels have an impressive reaction to fire classification of B-s2, d0 and bfl-s1 (flooring). Thus, they not only have a very limited contribution to fire, but contractors and architects can also easily specify the materials for projects.
More at www.zeroignition.com Fire safety meets style in new Liverpool materials lab
Furthermore, a core feature of Zeroignition’s fire retardant solution is its non-toxic property, making it perfect for commercial and retail settings. The panels used for the ATS site have been produced using FSC-certified timber with no added formaldehyde and are fully CARB2 compliant. In addition to being fire safe, these materials are more environmentally friendly and risk fewer health hazards. Ian King, Zeroignition’s COO said: “It is promising to see fire safety prioritised within new regeneration projects such as the ATS site. We are pleased to see timber is, once again, becoming a more popular choice of material in the construction industry too, particularly in commercial and retail applications. We are huge advocates for timber construction, and it is time to address the barriers surrounding fire safety. The journey to creating a fire retardant product as robust as this has taken years of research, development and extensive testing, but it’s a small price to pay for safety.”
@Timber_Media
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 34 www.timbermedia.co.uk followed, good design, and a hefty helping of common sense, there is no reason why timber cannot be as safe in a fire as other materials. Wood even has the potential to be safer than other methods of construction with the optimum choice of fire treatment, profiles and species. Non-toxic fire retardants are available, and awareness of their abilities needs to be increased, so that specifiers can build safer and more sustainably, particularly regarding the use of timber. As research into specialist chemical technology for fire-safe building materials continues, its crucial leaders within the construction industry maintain the drive for safer solutions.
FEATURE FIRE PROTECTION
Sustainability-focused retail company, All the Shapes Tile & Co (ATS), is focusing on fire-safe timber construction at a new site in the heart of Liverpool. To achieve this goal, the impressive 9000sq ft ‘Materials Lab’, which serves as ATS’s main showroom, will feature attractive and safe display areas, built using MEDITE SMARTPLY’s innovative SMARTPLY MAX FR B panels, powered by Zeroignition. Not only will these fire-resistant wooden structures protect the hard work of company director James Lambert, but they’ll also protect the many customers and workers on site whilst delivering the style and sophistication synonymous with ATS. This ambitious project will see the entire interior clad with SMARTPLY MAX FR B, integrated with Zeroignition non-toxic flameretardant solution, as well as a new partition wall using the same material, to separate the warehouse storage space and the showroom. Importantly, this will help to provide an attractive aesthetic while delivering effective protection against fire damage. Almost two hundred 18mm boards of SMARTPLY MAX FR B were specified on the project, covering a sizeable area of 540m2, providing essential strength, moisture-resistance and fireretardant properties.
Looking forward Significant investment is being pumped into R&D. We’ve witnessed this first hand, and it’s playing a major role in making buildings more fire safe and sustainable. It’s only right that the sector is seeking eco-friendly building materials. What’s needed is a more robust understanding of how these work when incorporated into a build, to ensure all vulnerabilities are designed out. More at www.zeroignition.com
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 35 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media Use With Confidence Tanalith® E is suitable for Use Classes 1-4. It can be used in internal and external building applications and outdoors, both in ground contact and above ground. Tanalith® E 8000/9000 is a BPR authorised product. Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Cladding photos courtesy of Foreco. Tanalith® E is an established wood preservative brand and is where the term ‘Tanalised® Timber’ originates from. Providing long-term protection against wood decay and insect a ack, Tanalith® E extends the service life of wood. To find out more visit .tanalisedtimbersmart.co.uk Project Partner PerfectYour
Photo © BM TRADA
If the door is not supplied with all components and it is necessary to source components from another manufacturer to complete the construction, it is termed a ‘door assembly’ and this falls outside the scope of the designated standards and cannot be UKCA marked.
UKCA Marking: know your responsibilities
KCA marking was introduced as a consequence of the UK leaving the EU and replaces CE marking when placing construction products on the market within Great Britain.
Currently, it is only necessary to UKCA mark fire-resisting and smoke control doorsets that separate the internal climate from the external climate of a construction, where the doorset is intended to be used in fire and/or smoke compartmentation and/or escape routes, and when it is supplied complete with all essential parts and from a single manufacturer. It is not currently possible to UKCA mark internal doorsets, as the standard EN 14351-2 5 was not cited in the Official Journal of the European Union at the time the UK officially exited the EU, and the standard has not yet been designated by the UK Government.
U
Fire-resisting and smoke control doorsets Reading the scope of the designated standard to see what products are listed and what products are specifically excluded is key to understanding whether a particular door needs to be UKCA marked.
FEATURE DOORS & WINDOWS
The relevant legislation that makes amendments to the regime for construction products in Great Britain is the Construction Products (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and 2020 and the Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations 2022 which, broadly speaking, is a copy of the Construction Products Regulation that continues to be used within the EU27 (the 27 member countries within the EU). In Northern Ireland, CE marking will continue to be accepted, as it will across the EU27: alternatively, a CE UKNI mark can be used for construction products that will be sold for use only within Northern Ireland.Itis important to note that manufacturers of products covered by the scope of a designated standard, or manufacturers of products that conform to a UK Technical Assessment which has been issued for it, must draw up a declaration of performance (DOP) and affix the UKCA marking to the product, by the 1 January 2023 to place the product on the market in Great Britain.
Fire-resisting doors are unusual as EN 14351-1 has to be used with EN 16034, so only a fire-resisting door that falls within the scope of both standards is required to be UKCA marked.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 36 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
With significant confusion among fire door manufacturers regarding UKCA marking, Peter Barker, technical manager at Warringtonfire, explains the current regulatory and legislative landscape.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO KEEPING CONFIDENCE IN THE INDUSTRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS
Ask anyone connected with the construction industry at large what they see as the sector’s biggest challenges in the next 12 months, and the answer is likely to be very similar: supply issues and price increases. The timber sector has certainly felt the pinch in this area as well, with many predicting these issues will get worse before they improve.
And if your customers are used to hearing from you when times are good, it will be considerably less jarring if you need to share less positive news – such as limited availability of supplies or increased prices. Having a regular flow of information between company and customer provides a solid bedrock on which to build a trusted partnership. Open, honest communication really is the best policy, especially when we know there may be rockier times ahead for timber.
HARRIS CREATIVE hello@harris-creative.co.ukwww.harris-creative.co.uk
As anyone who operated throughout the 2008 recession knows, in tougher economic conditions people naturally crave stability. Companies that can project an air of capability and calm through their communication channels –whether that’s on social media, e-marketing or thought leadership articles, taking positive steps to reach out and keep your customers informed in a measured and calm manner will reassure them that they are in safe hands.
Advertiseterry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.ukwithTimberMedia’s Products & Services
The timber industry is facing unprecedented challenges that are set to continue into 2023: for many, the instinct may be to keep heads down and pull back from external comms – but as Kirsty Scott, joint managing director of construction marketing agency Harris Creative, points out, keeping customers informed is more important than ever.
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 37 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
From delays at Britain’s ports to timber exports from Europe and especially Russia being hugely impacted by the war in Ukraine, materials are at a premium – and that’s without factoring in the increased cost of fuel! For many in the timber sector, this is driving a need to look at the bottom line, and it can seem like the best things to do is keep your head down and carry on. In fact, silence is not the answer and when times get tougher, your customers need more communication than ever.
For more information call Terry Hanlon on 01925 270093 or email
These set the requirements for the performance of buildings and construction works, and therefore the performance of construction products. There are different statutory guidance documents used within the UK that provide practical guidance about how to meet the functional requirements of the various parts of the Building Regulations. For example, Approved Document B provides guidance for meeting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, and Approved Document 7 gives guidance on how to establish the fitness of materials and adequacy of workmanship for building work.
National certification schemes for construction products (Type 5 product schemes as defined in ISO 17067), such as BM TRADA Q-Mark and Warringtonfire Certifire, go beyond the requirements given in designated product standards and their associated Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance level. For example, the Q-Mark and Certifire schemes for fire-resisting doors include additional labelling and traceability requirements in addition to a centralised listing for certified manufacturers, as well as technical updates to maintain the state of the art regarding product scope or scheme requirements, as necessary. The Q-Mark and Certifire schemes also incorporate ongoing audit testing, which is a higher requirement than that specified for doorsets covered by EN 14351-1 and EN 16034. Audit testing provides feedback loops on system and product performance. It is particularly important, as materials and processes often change over time, which can lead to an unexpected fall in product performance compared with that demonstrated by the initial type testing. While national certification schemes can offer increased added assurance in terms of product compliance with the relevant performance standards, they do not negate the need to comply with the Construction Products Regulation and associated designated product standards. National certification schemes can be used in addition to UKCA marking where they offer enhanced assurance but must not conflict with the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation. Third-party certification continues to demonstrate to the consumer a higher level of added assurance for product compliance.
Third-party certification schemes
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 38 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media
Photo © BM TRADA
The building design, occupancy and location of a doorset within a building is likely to lead to several different performance requirements covering health and safety, welfare and convenience, access and conservation of fuel and power – this is what shapes the specification of a doorset for a particular location within a building.
Building regulations
UKCA marking is currently a continuation of CE marking but for application in Great Britain only, however, it is likely that the Building Safety Act will lead to a strengthened regulatory regime for construction products, with other regulatory requirements called for when placing safety critical construction products on the UK market. For further information on the construction products regulatory framework, it is worth referring to the guidance that has been produced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC).
Given the announcement by Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government (MHCLG) in August 2021 extending the deadline for acceptance of CE marking within the GB market to the end of 2022, there is little time remaining for the industry to understand UKCA marking and comply with the Construction Products Regulation.
Construction Products Regulation
In the case of external fire-rated pedestrian doorsets a manufacturer must meet the requirements of the Construction Products Regulation to place the product on the market, as well as satisfy the performance requirements of the Building Regulations. The designated standards call up European Norm (EN) test and classification standards and BS test evidence cannot therefore be used.
It is entirely possible that a project involving fire resisting pedestrian doorsets that are both internal and external will have to meet the same national Building Regulation requirements in terms of the level of fire resistance performance, but with the fire-resisting external doorsets also requiring UKCA marking before they can be placed on the market and installed within the building.
Get ready for 2023
FEATURE DOORS & WINDOWS
CE marking within the EU was intended to remove technical barriers by introducing a common technical language to facilitate the single market. At the moment, UKCA marking essentially follows the same legal framework and requirements. The Building Safety Act and the raft of secondary legislation that is to follow has the intention of enhancing the existing regulatory regime for construction products on the UK market, and it is therefore reasonable to assume that we are likely to see an increase in specific conformity assessment and market regulatory requirements for safety critical construction products, such as fire-resisting doorsets.
More about Warringtonfire’s certification schemes at www.warringtonfire.com To purchase copies of the Wood Information Sheets ‘Performance of fire-resisting timber-based doorsets’, ‘Upgrading timber joinery doors for fire resistance’ and Timber external doors go to bookshop.bmtrada.com
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 39 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media THE KING COMPOSITEOF Don’t be fooled by a lesser product; since 1996, Trex has invented, defined, and perfected composite decking with a lineup of low-maintenance, high-performance products that fundamentally change the way we live outdoors. The Trex Transcend and Trex Enhance ranges are distributed exclusively by Arbor Forest Products, the UK’s leading independent timber importer and processor. by Only The World’s Number One decking brand can claim all that. Claim your free sample www.arbordeck.co.uk/samplespack: Find out more. Call 01469 535 415, email trex@arborforestproducts.co.ukorvisitwww.arbordeck.co.uk One of 11 colourscontemporaryavailable. Tiki Torch
Timber Construction Magazine Autumn 2022 40 www.timbermedia.co.uk @Timber_Media Endless possibilities for decking and cladding Choose life, Choose wood
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