Timber Construction Magazine Issue 9 Autumn 2019 by Timber Media

AUTUMN 2019 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)

EGGER EGGER Protect and EGGER Peel Clean Xtra – adding value to your structural flooring / 14 NEXT LEVEL

GLOBAL GROWTH

With rising demand putting pressure on timber resources, could modified wood be the answer to boosting supply? / 08

The global CLT market is growing but could changes to UK building regulations impact the way it is used in the UK? / 23

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CONTENTS 02 News

The latest news from the sector including calls for industry collaboration to agree tougher building regulations for offsite construction

06 Project Focus: Mjøstårnet Standing at 85.4 metres, the mixed-used tower in Brumunddal, Norway, is literally taking building with timber to new heights.

08 Building boost

With a rising demand for timber putting pressure on resources, could modified wood be the answer to boosting supply?

14 Cover story: EGGER Adding value to your structural flooring

16 Focus on: Florian Group The Florian Group has grown from humble beginnings to become a leader in the European hardwood industry

23 Global growth The UK is one of the top consumers of Cross Laminated Timber worldwide but could changes to Building Regulations stop growth in the market?

27 Perfect partner Photo © Jack Tillmans

Sustainability specialist Jason Page explains why timber makes a great passivhaus partner

29 Preview: Timber Expo

Why this year’s event is the smart solution for professionals in the timber industry

34 On the floor The Timber Trade Federation’s new Flooring Working Group aims to help prevent illegally logged material from entering the product manufacturing chain

Editor: Michelle Gordon

Sales Director: Terry Hanlon

Artwork: Pete Awad

 michelle.gordon@timbermedia.co.uk

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk  01925 270093

 artwork@timbermedia.co.uk Timber Media Limited. Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Company registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81.

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Autumn 2019

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NEWS Nigel Ostime of Hawkins\Brown speaking during the roundtable

Call for industry collaboration to agree tougher building regulations for offsite construction A roundtable discussing how offsite

that offsite construction could improve the

“designed intent” not left to multiple levels of

manufacturing can improve build standards

quality of housing and increase productivity but

interpretation by differing contractors. It was

has called for industry and government

identified barriers to this, including architects’ and

considered this approach would also de-risk the

collaboration to agree tougher building

designers’ lack of manufacturing and assembly

industry, allowing in-use testing of the building

regulations for offsite construction to

experience; lack of a supply chain/central database

“product” and continuous evaluation and

differentiate it from traditional build methods.

for producers of offsite construction products;

improvement of homes.

The idea was one of five recommendations

procurement practices discouraging MMC

Roundtable recommendations also included:

to come from the event, held at the House of

and issues with insurance/assurance of offsite

Commons, and organised by the Westminster

construction.

Sustainable Business Forum with support from the British Board of Agrément (BBA).

•

Government should support providers of Modern Methods of Construction through

The meeting debated how offsite

investment in early product innovation and

construction requires early engagement across the

development.

BBA technical excellence director Paul

build board, but current procurement practices

Valentine, said offsite construction represented

inhibit engagement with the supply chain and

on harmonising current digital models and

an “important opportunity” to drive up standards,

fabricators at critical early stages. Procuring for

formats of buildings, so they are fundamentally

improve the sustainability of buildings and make

value rather than lowest cost, particularly on public

interchangeable, or by creating a non-

it easier to meet quality assurance standards. The

projects, would allow for the whole life cost and

BBA now intends to consider how its certification

durability of an asset to be considered, rather than

process can work with the seven-category Modern

just the initial capital cost, leading to higher quality

on driving better performance labelling of

Methods of Construction (MMC) framework to

and lower running costs.

housing, including components like light,

better designate systems.

•

Government and industry should collaborate

proprietary central digital building model. •

Another idea discussed revolved around

Government and industry should collaborate

space, ventilation, and energy performance,

Nigel Ostime, product delivery director at

considering housing new-builds as “products”

empowering consumers to ask more of

award-winning Hawkins\Brown architects, believes

moving towards their mass customisation with

housebuilders and drive building performance.

James Donaldson & Sons group MD to step down Scott Cairns (pictured) will step down from his role as

and development of our group of companies over my tenure

group managing director at James Donaldson & Sons,

at JDS,” he said. “The business is in fantastic shape and will

effective July 2020.

continue to grow via organic and acquisitive means. During

As the first ever non-family member to lead

2020 it will be the next generation of the family that will

the group, his tenure has seen the 160-year-old

develop this special business and lead a truly talented

family business double in turnover to almost £200

workforce, one which individually and collectively puts

million, with several consecutive years of record

our customers at the core of everything we do.”

profitability up to the present day.

Andrew Donaldson, currently the group finance

Cairns has served as Group MD for the past

director, will succeed Scott as the new group MD,

eight years and prior to that he was MD for both

and will be the sixth generation Donaldson to lead the

James Donaldson Timber and MGM Timber and has

business. Cairns will continue in an advisory role on the

spent over 24 years with the group.

supervisory board as a non-executive director under the

“I am proud to have played a part in the guiding, growing

leadership of new chairman Michael Donaldson in 2020.

Autumn 2019

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NEWS

Södra sales director appointed to Structural Timber Association board Jeremy English, Great Britain and Ireland manufacturing sales director for Södra, has been appointed to the Structural Timber Association (STA) board. The country’s leading timber organisation represents a widespread membership of businesses and people involved in construction using engineered timber. It drives the industry on quality, health & safety, education, technical knowledge and customer service and activities include seminars, factory tours, research, provision of information, networking, advocacy and discussion. “I am delighted to be on the STA board and to be a part of an organisation who shares the same values and objectives as Södra,” said English. “We believe timber can help overcome many of the UK’s construction challenges, from meeting housing needs to fast and efficient delivery of buildings. We are committed to the UK timber industry and being active members of the STA helps us to live out that commitment.”

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

Discover more at www.pefc.co.uk

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PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

Photos: Oporkka/iStock, Fausto Franzosi/PEFC Italy

PEFC: Your assurance of responsibly sourced timber

NEWS

Minister focuses on increasing forestry cover during EGGER visit EGGER (UK) Limited welcomed David Rutley, Minister for Food and Animal Welfare, and the UK Government’s Tree Champion, Sir William Worsley to its manufacturing site in Hexham. Rutley, who also has responsibility for forestry policy in England, delivered a speech on increasing forestry cover across the nation, highlighting the new Environment Bill and forthcoming Tree Strategy as the UK Government’s latest commitment to bolstering tree planting in England. He said: “There is no doubt that forestry is a vital industry in Northumberland, and my visit to Egger’s impressive Hexham plant only confirmed this. “I believe passionately that tree planting must be at the heart of our plans as a government. I look forward to continuing discussions with Egger and other stakeholders in the

Left to right: Simon Hart – EGGER Forestry business development manager; John Paterson – director of EGGER Forestry; Guy Opperman MP for Hexham; Tobias Zimmermann, plant director, technical/ production, EGGER UK; David Rutley MP, Minister for Food and Animal Welfare; Alastair Kerr – director general, Wood Panel Industries Federation

forestry sector on how we can work together in partnership to achieve our ambitious goals.”

this and energy policy in order to secure the long-term future of this critical

Rutley is the second UK Government Minister to visit EGGER’s Hexham plant this year, following a visit by Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, Claire Perry in March.

domestic industry.” EGGER (UK) Limited has invested £250 million in UK operations and has over 800 direct employees, delivering the equivalent of 27,500 lorry trailers

The visits follow the publication of the APPG for the Wood Panel Industry’s Expert Working Group Report and Rutley’s visit provided a

of wood-based materials each year from its two manufacturing sites. John Paterson, director, EGGER Forestry said: “We were delighted

welcomed recognition of the wood panel industry’s role in supporting a

to have the Minister visit our plant where we were able to show him the

strong forestry policy post-Brexit.

manufacturing process and range of panel-based products produced in

Alastair Kerr, director general of the Wood Panel Industries Federation

Hexham. Northumberland is a fantastic location for afforestation and we

(WPIF) said: “We were pleased to continue the constructive conversation

look forward to further discussion on the future of large-scale planting

with the Minister on the challenges facing our industry as a whole. The

opportunities. EGGER makes a considerable contribution to both the local

principal issue facing the industry is wood security, and constraint upon

and national economy and as a company we are encouraged by the initial

long-term supply limits its growth potential. Future forestry policy needs to

steps taken recently in terms of woodland creation targets which will be a

detail key planting targets for the next 20 years, which will prove a crucial

key component for promoting confidence for this domestic industry in the

time for the wood panel industry. We look forward to further discussion on

years ahead.”

Scotframe creates role to increase market share in North of England Scotframe has appointed Danny

offsite timber frame construction. The importance of sustainability and

Johnson to the new role of business

energy efficiency is really striking a chord with people.”

development manager for the North of

Malcolm Thomson, sales director at Scotframe, added: “Danny’s

England in response to growing demand

experience in the timber frame sector and his strong background in

for timber frame homes across the UK.

customer service means he will be a great addition to our team.

Johnson has enjoyed a successful

“Currently Scotland leads the way in timber frame construction, with

15-year career spanning customer service and business development

83% of new-build homes in Scotland using timber frame, compared to

roles, most recently with a smaller timber frame operation.

just 23% in England. However, the market share for timber construction

From his Manchester base, he will focus on supporting Scotframe’s

in England is steadily rising and Danny will play an important role in

private and commercial self-build customers with planning and managing

developing Scotframe’s offering south of the border alongside Scotframe

the construction of their homes and premises and securing an even larger

colleagues in other parts of the country.

slice of the self-build housing market in the North of England. “Scotframe have a growing reputation for design and architectural

“Offsite construction will play a significant part in easing the UK-wide housing crisis because between 240,000 and 300,000 new homes are

excellence combined with superb customer service,” said Johnson. “I am

needed every year for the foreseeable future. Timber frame homes are

very much looking forward to supporting their ambitions to grow their

ultimately more cost-effective to build and can be built around eight

customer base as well as spreading the word about the many benefits of

weeks faster than more traditional methods.”

Autumn 2019

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NEWS

Forest field trip Crown Estate’s chief forester John Deakin and Ben Manterfield (Euroforest)

The Crown Estate forest in Windsor Great Park was the main location for PEFC UK’s annual field trip for the construction sector, designed to show the link between certified forests and sustainable construction. Participants learnt more about the importance of certification and how the construction sector can support responsible producers through their procurement choices and ultimately protect the world’s woodlands and forests.

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The field trip, part of PEFC’s global marketing campaign ‘Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber,’ aimed to demonstrate responsible forest management in practice. It also sought to explain why Chain of Custody certification is so important, and the value it adds to timber destined for construction use.

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PEFC’s ‘Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber’ campaign aims to raise awareness of and demand for PEFC-certified timber within the global construction sector. It is highlighting how PEFC’s members are promoting certified timber, especially via engineered wood products such as cross laminated timber (CLT) LVL and glulam. Participants were briefed by Crown Estate’s chief forester, John Deakin, on the steps taken to ensure that the South Forest section of the 6,000-hectare Windsor Estate, is sustainably managed. He explained how the forest met PEFC’s sustainable forest management criteria on land management, accessibility for recreational users, wildlife and bio-diversity promotion and its long-term tree replanting strategy. Euroforest’s Ben Manterfield and his team demonstrated timber harvesting as they carried out some pre-commercial thinning. The afternoon session, chaired by Steve Cook, Willmott Dixon’s sustainable development manager, included presentations by Soil Association auditor Robin Walters on forest management auditing and the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and Ewa Bazydlo, James Latham’s environmental manager, gave a merchant’s perspective on certified timber. Charlie Law, managing director of Sustainable Construction Solutions, described the steps being taken to drive growth in responsible sourcing along the construction supply chain. Architects, designers and those specifying building materials for construction projects are increasingly turning to timber to deliver energy efficient and sustainable buildings. As a result, more public and private sector procurement policies are seeking evidence of certified timber and specifying PEFC-certified materials enables contractors to provide such assurances. PEFC UK’s executive director Alun Watkins said: “As the majority of both domestic and imported timber goes to the construction sector, it is vitally important that specifiers can be sure that only responsibly sourced

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timber is used on their sites. Certified timber from a timber certification scheme such as PEFC’s, provides such assurances.”

Autumn 2019

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PROJECT FOCUS: MJØSTÅRNET

Photo © Jans Haugen, Anti

Photo © Moelven

The sky’s the limit Tall timber buildings have come a long way over the past decade, as we continue to push the limits of what is possible. Mjøstårnet, a new modern mixed-used tower in Norway is literally taking building with timber to new heights

tanding at 85.4 metres, Mjøstårnet, a mixed-used tower in Brumunddal, Norway, has been officially recognised as the world’s tallest timber building by the Council on Tall Buildings

Mjøstårnet has been officially recognised as the world’s tallest timber building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Pictured are Rune Abrahamsen CEO of Moelven Limitre, Steve Watts, chairman of CTBUH and owner Arthur Buchardt. Photo © Moelven

and Urban Habitat. Its combined floor area is around 11,300 square metres

and it houses rentable meeting rooms, five floors of office space, 72 hotel rooms and 33 apartments, overlooking Norway’s largest lake. Designed by Voll Arkitekter and constructed by Hent AS and

Moelven Limtre AS, groundwork on the 18-storey building started in April 2017 and construction in September of the same year and it was officially opened on 15 March 2019. The PEFC-certified glulam structure was assembled four storeys at a time, during five construction stages and without external scaffolding. It was first assembled on the ground next to the building, before being hoisted up. “The most interesting part in the building process was the assembling,” Rune Abrahamsen, CEO of Moelven Limtre, told Metsä. Before the project, large pieces of timber constructions were preassembled in the Moelven factory to make sure that everything fitted. They were then moved piece by piece to the building site and installed directly into the building.

Autumn 2019

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FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD

Taking wood to the next level by Michelle Gordon

Kebony was chosen to clad the exterior of the Atlantic View Lodges in Cornwall

With rising demand for timber putting pressure on resources, could modified wood be the answer to boosting supply?

odified wood is not new, it was developed in Europe in the 1960s, becoming a commercial reality in the 90s but its use

years depending on the product) against rot and decay. “In a global situation where you have got an increasing population

has taken off in recent years, driven by increasing demand for

and more people looking to wood as a sustainable answer to building, you

timber which is outstripping supplies of traditional resources.

can’t keep relying on wood that takes 200 plus years to grow, so if you take

Wood modification involves the application of chemical,

wood that takes 25, 30, 40 or 50 years to grow and do something clever to

thermal and impregnation technologies to affect the cell structure of

it and it behaves just as well, that makes a lot of sense for the future,” said

wood with the aim of improving the performance, increasing dimensional

Tom Barnes, managing director of Vastern Timber.

stability and resistance to decay.

The UK has always been one of the strongest markets for Kebony,

It is used to change fast-grown, non-durable wood into high-performing

which modifies sustainably sourced softwood by heating the wood with

products that can compete with traditional old-growth temperate and

furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s

tropical timber species and while the processes differ, what they all have in

cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical

common is that they are changing the nature of the wood itself.

hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability.

“There are a number of different processes out there,” explained

The process gives the wood a deep rich brown colour similar to that of a

Steve Rogers, commercial director at Lignia Wood Company. “Whether it is

tropical hardwood which over time develops a natural silver-grey patina.

thermally modified, acetylated, or in our case thermally impregnated, you

Kebony recorded significant growth in all key markets in 2018

are basically changing the properties of a usually low-cost, readily available,

including its strongest sales record in history in the US, increasing by 25%

sustainable FSC timber.”

compared to 2017.



Modified wood tends to be produced from plantation grown softwoods, such as Radiata pine, which are non-durable, fairly low cost, sustainable and abundantly available. “It is important that the product you are using is sustainable because the whole reason why modification exists is because people are trying to take a low-cost material that is sustainable and readily available to reduce the requirement or need to cut down or contribute towards deforestation of tropical rain forests,” said Rogers. “You are trying to mimic a product that has all of the benefits of a tropical hardwood without the issues in terms of contributing to the current situation around the world with tropical rain forest deforestation and global warming.” As well as standard Lignia, the company produces Lignia Fire, with enhanced fire retardancy built in, and Lignia Yacht which has been produced as a sustainable alternative to Burmese teak. Additional benefits of modified wood include consistency of weathering,

Lignia Yacht sample deck product, photo © Lignia

performance of coatings, thermal efficiency and long guarantees (30 – 50

Autumn 2019

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LIGNIA is used for decking, cladding, flooring and general joinery items such as window frames and doors. It’s a small movement timber and has been independently tested by leading bodies in the UK, Europe and North America for stability, hardness, termite resistance, density and slip resistance. It also comes with a 50-year warranty against fungal decay and rot in above-ground conditions. In addition to our regular LIGNIA product we also manufacture ‘LIGNIA Fire’ which is used for decking, cladding, doors and many other applications and features built-in improved fireretardant properties (so no need for additional impregnation with fire retardants). LIGNIA Fire is available in the USA from April (Class A - ASTM-E84) and will be on the market in the UK and Europe later in 2020. Please contact our exclusive UK & Ireland distributor Timber Connection for further details at lignia@timberconnection.co.uk

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Autumn 2019

The mark of responsible forestry FSC ® C007915

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FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD

The Rising Path, photo © Lignia

A key driver for the increasing demand in modified wood is people’s desire to make a positive difference to climate change, said Kebony’s CEO Norman Willemsen.

enable production to increase to 60,000m3 per year. Lignia only began commercial production at its plant in in Barry, South Wales, which took two years to build, this year, so there are no previous sales

“It’s encouraging all generations to seek sustainable alternatives to everyday items and processes, and we have seen that, as more and more

figures for comparison. However, it has over £100 million of orders lined up for the next five years

people look to sustainable alternatives across all industries the demand

and has an ambitious six-year plan which includes building a second plant on

for a versatile product which can be used in the most diverse projects and

the same site in Barry, to increase capacity to 60,000m3 by the years 2021-22.

climates has rapidly increased,” he said.

It has recently made three high-profile appointments to its leadership

It is not just in the UK where sales of Kebony are strong and it has

team, with a view to commercialising LIGNIA in the UK, USA and Europe,

continued to expand its global reach with recent projects in Washington

and has further expanded its global team with the addition of US sales

DC, Phoenix, Texas and Baltimore and further expansion planned into the

manager Lisa Ayala.

US and Asia.

Lignia is initially focusing on the decking and cladding market,

The company also recently opened a new production facility in Antwerp, Belgium, which will allow it to double its annual production capacity of Kebony Clear to 20,000m3 with the potential to quadruple

followed by flooring, furniture and garden furniture and later in the year will be moving into the joinery market for windows and doors. As sales continue to grow, research and development remain a

production to approximately 80,000m3 in the near future with only

focus for the modified wood sector, as companies continuously strive to

limited additional investment.

improve existing products and bring new products to market.

“The factory launch at Antwerp was a significant milestone for

“Kebony’s ethos has always been to prioritise innovation. Our

Kebony and the company’s history,” said Willemsen. “Following years of

product is continuously evolving and improving to suit the demands of

rising international sales, there was a clear need to increase capacity to

the construction industry and investing in research and development has

meet demand for our material.”

been vital to this,” said Willemsen.

Accoya is manufactured by the Accsys Group, using a process called

“From Kebony’s perspective, developing our current and new

acetylation. This converts natural molecules in the wood called hydroxyl

products so that they can be used in multiple applications is of great

groups – responsible for drawing moisture into the wood from the air –

importance, but we also want to ensure that the physical properties and

into another chemical group called an acetyl group, which already exists

aesthetic quality is maintained.

in the wood and doesn’t draw water in from the atmosphere. Sales of Accoya are continuing to grow with a volume of 49,500m3 reported at the end of March, compared to 42,673m3 the previous year. Windows and doors continue to be its biggest market in the UK, followed by cladding and decking but it is used in a range of applications including planters and pagodas.

“It is a competitive field and a company can’t survive without innovation. Research and development will continue to be a key focus for Kebony in the coming years to ensure that we continue to stay at the forefront of sustainable construction.” It recently provided students from Brunel University London and University of East London with an opportunity to examine and discover

“The modified wood market has continued to grow, especially for us, said Laura Keily, head of marketing for Accsys Technologies. “We are in the position where demand has exceeded supply and Accoya’s market

the inherent qualities of the wood, enabling them to develop their own proposition for a product. Lignia has its own research and development facility in Barry and

share has increased because it is now replacing plastics, aluminium and

has worked with leading wood modification scientists based at Bangor

traditional timber markets.”

University, enjoying a close relationship with the university’s bio

There has also been continued investment with the construction of an additional reactor to acetylate wood at its factory in Arnhem, in the Netherlands. The third reactor, which came on stream in late 2018, will

Autumn 2019

composite lab. A recent development to come out of Accsys Technologies’ research and development programme is the creation of Tricoya, a panel version

11 www.timbermedia.co.uk



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Transforming British Woods

FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD of the acetylated wood, produced using chips.

Accoya was selected for the replacement of the 400-metre long boardwalk situated in Noosa, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

MEDITE SMARTPLY currently manufactures MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME an MDF panel made using Tricoya technology and Accsys has recently announced that it has signed a Tricoya user licence agreement with MDF and chipboard manufacturers, Financiera Maderera S.A. (FINSA). The supply of acetylated material for the production of Tricoya panels by FINSA will initially be met from Accsys’ Accoya plant in Arnhem, but work is underway to build the world’s first Tricoya plant in Hull, which will take over the production of Tricoya chips. While modified wood clearly has many benefits and demand is high, it is not a silver bullet, said Barnes, and like any product has its limitations.

stand the test of time, said Barnes.

Cost is a significant factor, as modified wood is expensive to produce

With rising demand for timber and an increased, global focus on

and while there is the potential to use lower quality material to develop

climate change and deforestation there is no doubt that modified wood

a utility end of the market in the future, for the time being at least, it will

is here to stay, and it is only going to grow in popularity.

remain a high-end product.

“Demand is there and as more people understand modified timbers it

There are also limitations to its use, as the loss of structural

will continue to grow,” said Rogers. “Even countries like the US which are

properties during the modification process, (thermal modification can

quite traditional and have a huge natural resource of their own timbers

make wood brittle, for example) means that modified wood isn’t suitable

are starting to use more modified timber.”

for structural applications.

But there is a challenge for all wood modification companies, he said, in

This can be overcome by engineering solutions, such as using glulam methods, said Rogers, and with ongoing research and development products will continue to improve.

increasing capacity to meet continuing demand. “We will extend across the world but we are doing it step by step and taking a slow, cautious approach for our production volumes in the first

“New technologies will continue to appear, and current technologies

couple of years, so we can keep the companies that will be distributing

will be enhanced and improved. Technologies will be tweaked to reduce

happy and don’t fall into the trap of not being able to service or supply

disadvantages such as brittleness and new add-on technologies will be

that market,” added Rogers.

created to further enhance performance and aesthetics,” said Barnes.

“We intend to grow; we have three excellent products and there are

Modified wood has come a long way but there is still a lack of

two major driving forces in the world at the moment. One is sustainability

understanding around the product in the wider construction sector, as

and the issues that surround global warming and the other is fire and our

well as the general public, which must be addressed if it is to reach its

product covers both of those.”

true potential.

Lignia has been concentrating its efforts on the UK, European and North

“If you picked 100 people off the street, maybe 20 would be able to

American markets initially but it is looking to expand into India, Australia, New

say yes I know what modified timber is,” said Rogers. “Others wouldn’t

Zealand and Japan in the future and it has already had interest from countries

know, so there is still a lot of work to do but by working with trade

wanting to build plants over the next few years.

associations, architects and specifiers, and we do a lot of that, and I know our competitors do the same, then that will raise awareness.” Willemsen added: “The modified wood market is relatively young, so

Accsys also has plans to expand its offering in the future. It has the option to add a fourth reactor to its Arnhem plant; has been involved in progressive discussions over the construction of an Accoya plant in

we understand that gaining the trust of the public and professionals will

the USA and has entered into an agreement with PETRONAS Chemicals

take time.”

Group Berhad to evaluate the feasibility of jointly funding, designing,

There has been a consultation around the possible introduction of a third-party accredited testing regime, designed to give the necessary assurances about the efficacy of modified technologies and there is a general consensus within the industry that such a scheme could help to improve consumer confidence.

building and operating an integrated acetic anhydride and Tricoya wood elements production plant in Malaysia. While the modified wood market currently only accounts for a fraction of the wood consumed across the world, it will continue to grow, said Rogers. “We will undoubtedly have other companies and other processes

“We concur that their needs to be more rigour applied to the performance claims of modified wood brands, making it easier for end users to make their choice,” said Keily.

– adaptations on what is currently out there or completely new ones – coming out in the next 10 to 15 years,” he said. “There is no doubt about that, because one thing is for sure – tropical

While suppliers don’t need to “prove their point” when it comes to

hardwood is not sustainable and that is a fact. It is only going to go one

traditional timber materials such as cedar, when it comes to man-made

way and you have to look at how you will replace that with products that

products, consumers are looking for third party assurance that they will

perform in a similar manner.”

Autumn 2019

13 www.timbermedia.co.uk

COVER STORY: EGGER

EGGER Protect and EGGER Peel Clean Xtra. Adding value to your structural flooring.

uality of build is becoming an ever-increasing focus on

a clean floor that is ready for handover. Once removed, a polymer layer

construction sites around the UK, but with the pressure to

from the film remains on the surface of the chipboard, which acts as an

build more houses than ever before, builders are looking

additional moisture barrier.

for products that can offer more than face value. Chipboard manufacturer, EGGER offers two innovative structural

The film used on EGGER Peel Clean Xtra boards is developed and manufactured in-house at their Northumberland based plant. This allows

flooring boards, EGGER Protect and Peel Clean Xtra that surpasses the

them to constantly monitor and improve the quality of the film and boosts

expectation of structural flooring needs.

productivity, allowing them to meet the demands for the boards.

Dan Soulsby, National Construction Account Manager at EGGER UK

says “With the demand on UK housing supply a critical issue, it’s important that manufacturers and suppliers in the industry provide the best quality materials that allow builders to progress through the build with ease, and provide the end user with a high quality home that stands the test of time”. EGGER Protect and EGGER Peel Clean Xtra offer a variety of applications, levels of protection against the elements and board finishes to suit the need of the builder. Both boards are manufactured

EGGER Protect. Get more from your structural flooring. Made from EGGER P5, EGGER Protect is upgraded using techniques to produce a board that has proven to be indispensable to house builders. The board has a unique, dual-sided surface that is able to withstand exposure to the elements, for up to 60 days. With a melamine bonded surface on both sides, the board has proven

from EGGER P5, the backbone of EGGER’s Advanced Structural Flooring

anti-slip properties, even when wet, contributing to site safety. The

Range and are upgraded through various manufacturing techniques to

surface can be used as a rough working deck and any materials such

produce reliable boards that prove invaluable to builders.

as cement and plaster can easily be scraped off without causing any damage. Excess Joint and Joist Adhesive can also be easily scraped off

EGGER Peel Clean Xtra. Guarding against damage and dirt

when dry. The robust surface of the board is also able to endure the wear and tear of heavy site traffic.

EGGER Peel Clean Xtra is a robust, tongue and groove structural flooring

EGGER Protect is able withstand exposure to the elements for up to

board with an easy-to-peel film that protects against dirt and damage.

60 days and is guaranteed to remain structurally sound (when used as

The board is able to withstand exposure to the elements for up to 42

part of the Advanced Structural Flooring System). This provides builders

days, resulting in a reliable product when unforeseen circumstances delay

with peace of mind, especially when faced with site stoppages that are

the build. EGGER Peel Clean Xtra can be used in wet and dry conditions,

beyond their control. The unpredictable British weather, labour and

safeguarding against wet trades that can occur on site. It is also suitable for

material shortages will be a problem of the past for builders who use

renovations, refurbishments, new builds and modular constructions.

EGGER Protect, as they can have confidence that the boards will remain

The robust film of EGGER Peel Clean Xtra has been specially

structurally sound, whatever the weather. The dual-sided protection

designed to endure harsh conditions. With enhanced puncture and tear

of the boards means that they can be laid in light-rain conditions and

resistant qualities, the woven film can withstand heavy site traffic while

exposed to the elements, minimising weather related stoppages onsite.

other construction is carried out. The film has been also manufactured

EGGER Protect is the only board from EGGER that is recommended

with tight edges to prevent the film from lifting and curling while in

for use with underfloor heating systems. Burst pipes and leaking washing

storage or during transportation.

machines, a common problem with many households and proven to be

While guarding against dirt and damage during the construction,

costly if damage to the floor occurs. With EGGER Protect, you can have

upon completion, the film can be removed and recycled, leaving behind

confidence that the boards will remain intact if exposed to water. The

Autumn 2019

14 www.timbermedia.co.uk

COVER STORY: EGGER

board will protect against moisture ingress for the life of the build, a

With the UK Government introducing the BIM Mandate in 2016,

vital benefit to house builders, reducing the number of call backs upon

and the adoption of BIM ever increasing, EGGER have adapted their

completion of the build. It is also the only board from EGGER that they

products to fit in with our increasingly digitized world. Created with

recommend tiling directly onto using a flexible tiling adhesive.

architects, designers and specifiers in mind, both EGGER Protect and

Both boards feature tongue-and-groove profiling on all four sides; a feature that is created using a unique, diamond tipped tool. This method

EGGER Peel Clean Xtra are available to download as data rich BIM objects, direct from their website for use within digital specifications.

produces tight fitting, precise joints, minimising air gaps between the

Both EGGER Protect and EGGER Peel Clean Xtra are certified

boards and preventing water from seeping into the core of the board.

to the PEFC and FSC accreditation, providing house builders with

The tongue-and-groove profile reduces installation times and results in stronger floors when used in conjunction with EGGER Joint and Joist Adhesive,

the confidence that the boards they are using are made from responsibility sourced and sustainable raw materials.

a unique D4 based adhesive that foams out of the joints and when dry, secures the boards in place and further protects against moisture ingress.

A lifetime, guaranteed. EGGER is known as a market leader, for their innovative products and use of pioneering technology. Both EGGER Peel Clean Xtra and EGGER Protect are part of the EGGER Advanced Structural Flooring Range – a stronger system developed for stronger floors. When used with the EGGER Joint and Joist Adhesive and fitted in accordance with the EGGER Fitting Guide, the boards are covered by EGGER and are structurally guaranteed for a lifetime, providing peace of mind to the builder, saving

EGGER ADDED VALUE  Boards can be exposed to

 Boards can be used as a

valuable time, reducing the number of callbacks, money and manpower

the elements and fitted

rough working deck while

through all the additional benefits offered.

in light rain conditions,

other construction work is

“EGGER UK provide many of the UK house builders with their structural flooring boards, whether its EGGER Peel Clean Xtra or EGGER Protect, using our EGGER Advanced Structural Flooring System. When fixed using EGGER

minimizing weather related stoppages.  Four-sided tongue

carried out  Covered by the EGGER Advanced Lifetime

Joint & Joist Adhesive and as per our recommended fitting method, builders

and groove profile cut

Guarantee when used

not only benefit from a simple system that saves time but also create floors

with diamond tipped

as part of the EGGER

that are structurally guaranteed for a lifetime” says Dan Soulsby. “This is only

tooling for tighter, more

Advanced Structural

possible due to the quality of EGGER tongue and grooved structural flooring

consistent joints.

Flooring System

boards and adhesive, used in combination with our tried and tested system”.

For more information, contact the EGGER Building Products hotline on 0845 602 4444, email building.uk@egger.com or visit www.egger.com/building.

Autumn 2019

15 www.timbermedia.co.uk

FOCUS ON: FLORIAN GROUP

Growing the family tree The Florian Group has grown from humble beginnings to become a leader in the European hardwood industry. Timber Construction editor Michelle Gordon travelled to Italy and Croatia with UK distributor James Latham to find out more about its operation.

Left to right – Justin Hayward, technical timber sales development manager at James Latham, Elvio Florian, president of the Florian Group and James White, timber sales development manager at James Latham at Florian’s factory in Lipovljani, which specialises in the production of laminated panels and joinery sections.

ver the past 40 years, the Florian Group has evolved from

desire to create a quality product is obvious when you see him on the

a small woodworking company in Italy to a giant in the

factory floor.

European hardwood timber market.

The scale of Florian’s operation is huge and covers every aspect

With a turnover of £190 million, the group now

incorporates 17 companies – based in Italy, Croatia, France,

the Czech Republic and Hungary – and employs more than 1,000 people. It supplies 310,000m3 of Oak, Poplar, Ash, Linden, Walnut and Beech

to 2,900 customers across 78 countries worldwide and has a storage capacity of 850,000m2.

of the processing of square edge lumber from the forest to selection, classification, storage and final distribution. It also offers a range of value-added products from laminated panels, joinery components, stair components and engineered wood flooring to high-end oak dining tables. The group has grown significantly over the years through a series of acquisitions, moving into Croatia in 1994 and Hungary in 1998, but its

“We’ve always been driven by an innate passion for wood,” said Elvio Florian, president of the Florian Group.

drive to start buying out companies across Europe began in earnest in 2000, driven by Elvio’s desire to create a closed supply chain from the raw

“Experience taught us that through evolution and change, we

material to the finished product.

keep growing”, and that is exactly what the Florian Group has done under his leadership. Founded in 1974 in Riese Pio X in the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, the Florian Group is an evolution of a family-run woodworking firm established by Elvio’s father, Federico. Today it remains very much a family affair with Elvio and his brother Stefano at the helm, and a management team that includes Elvio’s son Enrico, daughters Nicole and Claudia, son-in-law Antonio Battaglia and future son-in-law Daniele Visentin. Timber graded and ready for distribution at the Iskralegno site in Italy which specialises in Beech production.

Leading from the top, Elvio is very much a hands-on CEO. His passion and

Autumn 2019

16 www.timbermedia.co.uk

FOCUS ON: FLORIAN GROUP Access to raw material and guaranteeing a sustainable supply of logs is vital to the business and in Croatia, where 81% of the country’s forests are state-owned, the Government restricts a company’s share of raw material, depending on the final product. Those that add value to the product, receive a higher percentage of raw material. “In Croatia, the Government will give you logs in comparison to the finished product that you are going to produce,” said Elvio. “If you are a simple sawmill you have a small quota of logs, if you produce flooring, panels or furniture, which add value, you will have a bigger quantity of logs.” Elvio has used this policy to his advantage, and while sawn timber will always remain the core business for Florian, it has continued to expand its remit, investing heavily in its Croatian operation. “It is about keeping your core but growing the different segments,” said Elvio. “If you don’t grow that segment, then somebody else will. “The intention is to add value to the raw material. Where we are today, it is clear that this new venture with the furniture is very big and I am certain that the state will want more of that.” Croatia is now home to five Florian companies, employing more than 700 people and covering everything from sawmilling, drying, trimming, steaming and testing to the manufacturing of semi-finished products, furniture manufacturing, solid wood floors and pellet production. Elvio has invested €25m in the Croatian operation in the last two years alone, creating a new facility that can handle around 10 truckloads of pellets per day and installing state-of-the-art technology in its production facilities. There is also vast storage space and a wood drying facility housing 32 dryers with 4,000m3 of drying space.

The UK market

Elvio Florian, president of the Florian Group, inspecting quality at the Elda Drvo site in Zagreb.

While Florian exports its products all over the world, the UK has always been and remains a key market. The Florian mentality, says Elvio, is that it will export no more than 20% of its products to any one country. The UK accounts for 15%

Not all sawn material is the same. There are subtle differences in the way that you process your wood, the logs that you select, the way you grade it, the way you kiln it, the way that you process it. If that attention to detail is good you produce a much better product.”

of sales, just behind Italy which accounts for 18.7%, with the European market, as a whole, accounting for 52.5%. Florian’s ongoing partnership with James Latham, a leading distributor of timber and panel products in the UK since 1757, is integral to its access to the UK market and the two companies have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship. “We are two sides of the same coin,” said Elvio. “This type of partnership is based on mutual respect and we have similar values as family companies with a similar core business.” Florian is selling around €18m into the UK per year, €8m of which is through Lathams, and the ambition is to grow UK sales to €25m. “It is a bit like a marriage, we work in harmony,” explained James White, timber sales development manager, at James Latham. “If we lost Florian, to enable us to carry on distributing to our customers we would have to make contact with and develop relationships with about 15 suppliers to get the different products and mix – the different thicknesses and specifications. “Some alternative mills cannot offer the consistency and range of Wood engineered flooring being produced at Florian’s Vazzola site.

products that Florian can, and it would devalue the whole of the product sector for our European hardwoods.”

Autumn 2019

17 www.timbermedia.co.uk

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FOCUS ON: FLORIAN GROUP

The automated log cutting process at Iskralegno.

we want more of this, we were going to Florian

It is easy to get money once for a low-quality product, but it is not easy to get one grading constantly and this is very important.”

to say we want more and since then it has just grown.” Quality is important to both companies, and while Florian’s products are not the cheapest, the quality is second to none thanks to the investment that Elvio has made in the business. For example, more than €12m has been invested in machinery at the Lipovljani factory in Zagreb where laminated panels and laminated joinery sections are produced, since its acquisition in 2016.

Ensuring quality

“The Florian product is a premium product,” said White. “Not all sawn

The relationship between the companies was cemented around 15 years ago when most of the timber coming into the UK was waney edged. “It was a perfect match because you had Florian who wanted to produce square edged lumber and you had an English market that was looking for a square edged product, so the timing worked well for both of us,” said White.

material is the same. There are subtle differences in the way that you process your wood, the logs that you select, the way you grade it, the way you kiln it, the way that you process it. If that attention to detail is good you produce a much better product. “When people talk about Florian in the UK market, that is the quality benchmark. It is the top level for engineered and solid, so if a

The supply of square edged oak from Florian changed the UK market, providing an alternative to square edged timber from North America.

manufacturer is assessing value – quality against price – Florian is the benchmark, it is expensive but worth the money.

“I would say it revolutionised it,” said White. “This is one of the

“If you think of it in car terms Florian is an Audi or a Mercedes. If

reasons that the businesses came together, that change in the market.

you are talking supermarkets, it is a Marks & Spencer or Waitrose. Good

A lot of UK manufacturers had got used to buying square edged North

volumes, good value, consistent quality and an explanation of where it

American timber and were saying, why do we have to buy big logs of

has come from with Chain of Custody, but certainly not the cheapest.”

European timber? As they were saying that, you had people in Italy, going okay we can do this and add value to it.

“Lathams trust in our products,” said Elvio “But it is not Lathams or Florian who decide that it is a premium product, it is the final customer

“We were market leaders. I guess there must have been other mills and distributors looking for a square edged product, but we were at the

who is using the material.” Hardwood lumber is expensive and Florian has millions of Euros

front of that and the two businesses blended very well quite early on. We

tied up in stock, with tens of thousands of metres of storage space

had the market for the products and Florian had the facilities to put the

throughout its facilities where logs can be stored for up to two years

product in so when we came together it took off. The market was saying

while they dry out.

Autumn 2019

19 www.timbermedia.co.uk



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Autumn 2019

Association of German Master Carpenters in the German Construction Confederation www.timbermedia.co.uk

FOCUS ON: FLORIAN GROUP

Timber being quality checked and graded at the production facility in Vazzola

Consistency is key, as customers want to know that if they buy lumber they can return to the same place and buy more of the same quality in six months or a year’s time.

The future There is one more potential acquisition in Croatia in the pipeline for Florian, alongside a final big investment in a core generation plant

“It is easy to get money once for a low-quality product,” said Elvio “but it is not easy to get one grading constantly and this is very important.”

but next year will see the end of the decade-long investment cycle in new facilities and state-of-the-art machinery. And while Elvio has no immediate plans to take a back seat from

White added: “Manufacturers are for the large part producing the same kind of products and they want to be buying the same stuff in six months’ time and 12 months’ time, so that consistency and quality is paramount.”

the company, he is turning his attention to preparing the groundwork for succession for when he retires. Whatever challenges the future brings, one thing is for sure, the next generation of the Florian family will be primed and ready to continue Elvio’s legacy when he does decide to hand over the reins.

Brexit While business is currently booming for both Florian and Lathams and the timber market is showing no signs of slowing down, there is, of course, the issue of Brexit on the horizon, although neither side is overly concerned. While agreeing that nobody really knows what the true economic impact of Brexit will be, White is of the opinion that material prices will stay the same. “It will be the currency that affects it, that will be the driver,” he said. “But I don’t think Brexit will really make any difference at all because if you look at the raw material that we are buying oak, larch etc – there is not enough volume by any stretch of the imagination in the UK to produce the product, so you have either got to import the raw material or the finished product, and we haven’t got the raw material to be self-sufficient. “We have got one quite large company in Florian and one quite large UK distributor in Lathams. Lathams have got something like 9,000 active accounts – all of those accounts are manufacturing, distributing, making, selling, they are all in business and they all have to remain in business. They are not suddenly, because we leave Europe, going to go away. We will have peaks and troughs but that supply line will still have to exist, it might take longer to get it in, it might be more expensive, it might be cheaper, but it will still have to exist.”

Autumn 2019

Left to right – Claudia Florian, Antonio Battaglia and Nicole Florian

21 www.timbermedia.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL: ROTHOBLAAS

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Autumn 2019

22 www.timbermedia.co.uk

More information and full programme on the official website: http://bit.ly/30JRIAy

FEATURE: CLT

The global growth of CLT by Michelle Gordon

The 514-bed Blackdale student residence at University of East Anglia. The project was installed over 15 weeks with up to four KLH UK site teams and cranes operating concurrently. Photo © Richard Osbourne

The UK is one of the top consumers of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in a growing, global market but could changes to Building Regulations impact on its use?

lthough Cross Laminated Timber

Australia have shown the potential to be just as big

weight of concrete – CLT requires less groundwork

(CLT) didn’t make its way from Central

in the next few years and there are already great

and piling on the ground which ultimately leads

Europe to the UK until around 20 years

examples of mass timber buildings in Australia.”

to fewer vehicle movements and, therefore

ago, the UK sits within the top five global consumers. The market is still

CLT is gaining prominence in North America

improved air quality and cycle safety, as well as

and Canada, said Sindhu Mahadevan, architect at

less disruption for the occupants of neighbouring

relatively young but CLT has experienced slow and

the Vancouver studio of international architecture

buildings and less congestion.

steady growth over the past two decades with

and design firm Perkins + Will.

volume sales predicted to be between 40,000m3 and 45,000m3 this year, up from 27,000m3 in 2011.

“Globally, there is a lot of growing interest in

“Because it is lighter, your foundations can be considerably less which means less muck

CLT, given the benefits of mass timber construction

away and less concrete, so you have got fewer

There are now around 500 CLT buildings in

in meeting rapidly growing housing demand

vehicle movements on and off site for your

the UK and while education and residential are the

around the world,” she said. “CLT is gaining a

foundations. When it comes to the structure

two biggest markets, its use within commercial and

lot of traction in the construction industry as

you’re shifting about 40-50 cubic metres of

office buildings is starting to grow.

stakeholders are realising its incredible potential

timber per delivery compared to six cubic

for offsite prefabrication with greater quality

metres per delivery of concrete,” said Nic Clark,

control and faster and quieter construction.”

managing director of KLH UK.

“CLT has been around for less than 30 years but it’s quickly gained popularity as a key feature of sustainable construction,” said Damian O’Neill,

Faster build times mean that CLT buildings

Its lightweight nature means that CLT

director at structural engineers Lyons O’Neill.

are occupied quicker and can enable investors to

can also be used in projects where traditional

“As every industry feels the urgent pressure to

pay loans back more quickly, therefore saving on

materials may not be suitable, including sites

respond to climate change it’s no wonder we’re

interest payments. Other benefits include accuracy

with infrastructure – such as Crossrail or TfL tube

seeing exponential growth in the CLT market.”

and quality of construction with very few of the

lines – running beneath them.

CLT’s many benefits and excellent environmental credentials are continuing to drive

issues that occur on a traditional building site. “Using the latest in BIM technology means

Minimal foundations also means less concrete, and in turn less CO2 emissions, adding another

sales, not just in the UK, but across the world. The

very little remedial work, accurate builds and very

environmental string to the bow of CLT, which, like

global CLT market was valued in 2018 at $664

high productivity on site,” said Mason. “The panels

all timber materials acts as a carbon store.

million and is set to reach $1.5 billion by 2024,

come in just on time and it is very rare on a mass

growing at an annual rate of over 13%.

timber building site to see labourers stood waiting

it’s vital we reduce the use of concrete as the

for something to turn up.

cement industry is responsible for 7% of man-

“Every market internationally is growing but particularly the USA and Australia which were

“Entire blocks of flats can be built with

“If we want to protect the environment

made carbon dioxide emissions, producing more

a bit later to start using CLT than the UK,” said

smaller, lower skilled workforces which is key

CO2 than any individual country, except the

Gareth Mason, business development manager

for Brexit where we may lose a high number of

United States and China,” said O’Neill

UK and Ireland at Stora Enso.

highly skilled workers.”

“Europe is quite far ahead but the USA and

As a lightweight material – about a fifth of the

Autumn 2019

23 www.timbermedia.co.uk

But while the many benefits of working with CLT make it an obvious solution to getting more



FEATURE: CLT have gone about it in the right way. I am not advocating anything other than complete building safety, but I don’t think banning combustibles is the way to achieve it. “There needs to be regulation in place that enables you to demonstrate that your product can perform, and it needs to be robust and prescriptive, allowing performance tested products to be used along with performance-based designs.” “The assumption that people make that timber is vulnerable in a fire is not true of CLT, quite the contrary,” said de Rijke. “The Fire Brigade are very happy to go into a mass timber building because they know exactly how it is going to behave, because it is very predictable. If it is designed properly, it will protect itself and even self-extinguish.” The change in Building Regulations is unlikely to have a huge impact on sales, as tall residential buildings only account for a small percentage of the Hastings Pier, architect – dRMM. Photo © J Robertshaw

market and the ban doesn’t apply to commercial buildings, however, it does tie the hands of UK architects at a time when other countries, are building ever taller in timber. For example, in the USA and Canada, building codes are

homes built, changes to Building Regulations following the Grenfell Tower

changing to support the construction of ever taller timber buildings.

tragedy, mean that CLT can no longer be used in the external wall build-up of residential buildings and student accommodation over 18 metres high. “You can say it is a limitation, but you can also say it is a challenge to

“With recent code changes in the US and Canada that allow taller mass timber construction to 18 and 12 storeys respectively, CLT’s market potential is rapidly growing,” said Derek Newby, associate principal at the Vancouver

architects to design excellent housing within those limits,” said Alex de

studio of Perkins + Will, which completed its first CLT project, the Earth

Rijke, founding director of dRMM, a London-based, international studio

Sciences Building at University of British Columbia, in 2012.

of architects and designers. “18 metres is about six storeys which is not a bad height for good, high-density apartment housing.”

“The demonstration project was the first to use CLT in a large-scale application in North America and set a precedent for innovative wood

Clark agrees that architects will have to rethink the way that they

construction in North America,” added Newby.

do things but said that the ban is restricting timber’s use as a solution to building on poor quality city centre sites.

But while the use of CLT is continuing to grow worldwide, it still only accounts for a small percentage of the buildings constructed in the UK

“We need more residential developments in cities and because space

every year.

is limited, people tend to build higher,” he said. “People are looking to

“The use of CLT has left niche and is wandering in the direction

build tall buildings on parcels of land that have been left over because

of mainstream as an option worth looking at, although that is not

they weren’t considered suitable as they have got poorer load bearing

necessarily reflected in the actual uptake of the material” said Christiane

substrate, or are above infrastructure, so you couldn’t put the required

Lellig, campaign director at Wood for Good.

weight on them. Timber offers such a great solution to building on

“There is probably still a challenge around technical understanding of

these pockets of land and yet we have run into some regulation that is

working with the material in the wider construction industry, in that many

restricting us doing that. The ban feels to me to be counter-intuitive to

want to work with it but few have the know-how and experience.”

what we should be trying to achieve now in our busy cities.” There is also widespread frustration within the industry about the blanket nature of the ban and lack of understanding around timber buildings.

Promoting the benefits of building with CLT to the wider sector and educating people on best practice is key to driving increased use of mass timber in construction projects.

“The ban is very much the baby out with the bath water,” said Clark. “I completely understand what they are trying to achieve but I don’t think they

“The overriding challenge of working with CLT remains the human perception of timber, compared to steel, concrete and masonry,” said Clark.

Case Study: Driffield Road From the front, Driffield Road appears to be a two-storey brick Victorian terraced house typical of those found within the Conservation Area in Tower Hamlets. To the rear, Gresford Architects has breathed new life into the property with an extension housing a kitchen and dining area on the ground floor and a third bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. When challenged with adding light and useable space to the property, while providing a high level of insulation and using sustainable materials, Gresford Architects opted for a CLT structure. The CLT ‘box’ structures which form the core already offered a high level of insulation and were then further ‘wrapped’ with wood fibre board insulation, to create a very high level of thermal efficiency. The CLT frame was left exposed for aesthetics in the kitchen area and around the new windows. On the first floor, a new pine-clad bedroom overlooks the garden below. Clad in Douglas Fir, the rear timber façade will weather over time to a shade of silver-grey providing a subtle, natural look which will blend the building into its surroundings. This case study appears on the TimberWorks page of the Timber Trade Federation’s website https://ttf.co.uk

Autumn 2019

24 www.timbermedia.co.uk

Photo: French + Tye



MASS TIMBER SEMINAR UK EDITION

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OCTOBER 2-3 2019

Keen on Timber Building? Cultivate your expertise and enrich your know-how taking part to the upcoming Mass Timber Seminar - UK edition. Master and refine skills for constructing with timber, especially CLT, and anticipate the most common issues during the construction planning.

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• Remarkable speeches by Research Institutes representatives

International speakers will share their knowledge about the latest trends and invite discussion for issues like fire resistance, durability and soundproofing. Join Rothoblaas at the Building Centre Fitzrovia for this unique training and networking hub. Forge your timber construction authority through awareness.

• World-renowned speakers • Prime teachings by University professors

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Supported by:

Autumn 2019

25 www.timbermedia.co.uk

FEATURE: CLT

Lyons O’Neill worked on a 1FE school expansion project for Smitham Primary School in Coulsdon, which involved creating a new-build classroom block, using a combination of CLT for the floors, roof and external and internal load bearing walls, supported by steel beams and columns. Photo © Lyons O’Neill

For Mason, part of his role is to give CPD

group of architecture studios which are calling

to architects and engineers and while there is a

for collective action to tackle the climate and

good level of understanding among the bigger

biodiversity emergencies. “But apart from the

companies, there is not enough understanding

environmental credentials of timber, which are

in general, and not enough of a focus on timber

second to none, it is a wonderful material to use

in universities, he said.

as an architect because it is beautiful, it is strong

“It is quite shocking that when I go to universities to give lectures that structural

Perkins + Will’s Earth Sciences building. Photo © Martin Tessler

The housing crisis will also play a part in

and its potential seems endless.”

driving growth, said Mason, as the Government

Lyons O’Neill have joined over 80 other

looks to build more high-quality homes, quickly

engineering students will probably spend five to

engineers in signing the UK Structural Engineers

six years studying steel and concrete but only do

Climate & Biodiversity Emergency Declaration.

and in a sustainable way.

one module, in one year, on timber,” he added.

“Our use of CLT is a major part in practically

industry and I think the CLT market will continue

“I am very positive about the mass timber

But as awareness of climate change increases

translating this,” said O’Neill. “CLT plays a crucial

to grow at the rate it already has been,” he said.

and attitudes towards waste and use of resources

role in helping the construction industry achieve

“But the key thing that is going to change is

continue to change, they will act as a driver for the

its environmental and sustainability goals. Whilst

modern methods of construction companies

use of CLT and lead to increased understanding

no single solution or material will be the industry’s

and modular builders who are building mass-

as people look to select more sustainable

magic bullet, every player in our sector needs to

produced, factory-built housing.

construction materials and methods.

be actively seeking sustainable ways of working.

“There is a downside to every other material

“There has been a huge focus on MMC from

Buildings and construction accounts for nearly

the Government because they want to build

in terms of carbon but there is no downside

40% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions

homes quicker and when you look at the number

to timber. It is the only naturally renewable

and the industry also impacts on natural habitats.

of houses they want to supply over the next few

carbon hoarding material,” said de Rijke, who

It’s clear that we can’t simply continue in our old

years, that will make another very big growth

is part of the Architects Declare movement, a

ways if we want a habitable planet in the future.”

spurt in CLT sales in the UK.”

Case Study: Old Sorting House An innovative internal hybrid CLT and steel

roof, and the slimmest possible structural build

frame solution was used to transform a

was needed to achieve the required quantity

derelict 1855 Post Office in Islington.

of accommodation. Everything above the

The Old Sorting House, by Ben Adams

removed to incorporate the extra storey and

achieved BREEAM Excellent.

using a hybrid CLT and steel frame structure

It is formed of three original buildings

existing basement and ground floor level was

Architects for Martin’s Properties, has

which have been refurbished to create a new

Photo: Stora Enso

enabled the reduction of floor depth by between 50 and 75%.

‘in-between’ building providing a large, airy

Structurally, the CLT, manufactured by

office floor plate over four floors. The roof

Stora Enso, slots into the sectional zone of

ground and first floors while allowing light

of the original post office has been raised

the steelwork which achieves this efficient

to achieve a new top floor which includes a

floor plate. The steel helps restrain the

has been treated with a spread of flame

mezzanine.

into the basement. Internally, the CLT is left exposed and

exterior walls, effectively enabling the floor

treatment which achieves a Class A fire rating

Working with an existing building in a

plates to be pulled inward. A triple height void

and gives it a white opaque appearance while

conservation area meant there were strict

has been created along each end of the major

still allowing the grain and quality of the

height limitations relating to the raising of the

floor plates visually connecting the basement,

wood to be clearly visible.

Autumn 2019

26 www.timbermedia.co.uk

FEATURE: PASSIVHAUS

Why timber makes a great passivhaus partner Sustainability specialist Jason Page gives an insider’s view on the role of timber in Passivhaus construction

e put some questions to Jason Page, sustainability specialist at Ingleton Wood, one of the

Does Passivhaus have an unfair reputation of being too expensive, high-risk and challenging? Do misconceptions need to be demystified? The principles of Passivhaus are not high risk or challenging. Each party in a Passivhaus build has specific areas to get right, but with a

largest property and construction consultancies covering Central

little knowledge and experience, achieving the standard should be no

England, East Anglia, London and the South East about the use of

more difficult than constructing a typical building.

timber in Passivhaus construction.

The misconception stems from the unknown which can be easily demystified with a bit of experience. Unless you are confident in going

What are the unique challenges of incorporating timber into Passivhaus designs? How are they overcome? Passivhaus designs rely on three simple principles to achieve a very low-energy demand: maintaining an airtight barrier; providing virtually thermal bridge-free insulation; and using well-designed mechanical systems. The former two present unique challenges for timber-based designs and construction: airtightness and insulation.

outside your comfort zone with a willing team, the advantages of the simplicity of the standards are lost.

Is there a growing trend towards adopting Passivhaus Standards in the timber-related building sector? If so, why, and could it enter mainstream soon? If not, please explain why not and if you’re concerned about this. If you asked me this 10 years ago, I would have said there is no way

Timber is a natural material that moves as the building dries

Passivhaus is not going to go mainstream. However, the appetite on a

and settles. The challenge with airtightness is not just achieving this

larger scale is still not there, and if you look at the regulation, this has

during construction but maintaining it as the building is used.

also barely changed in the last 10 years.

This can be controlled through a combination of materials and

This is due to a frequently changing political agenda, including a desire

careful use of taping. OSB3 (Oriented Strand Board) is commonly used

to cull regulation and, more recently, Brexit-based conversations that take

for sheathing the internal leaf of the frame. It is good at providing an

the time and emphasis away from upgrading domestic regulation.

airtight barrier, but you need to be careful of the quality of the material, as the air permeability can vary substantially in European products. For thermal-bridges, engineered timber products such as I-beams

There is a growing trend towards Passivhaus, but it’s often amongst smaller, self-interested parties: people who will live or work in their buildings, so large-scale houses and schools tend to be the biggest up-takers, with the

or SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are often used to reduce the bridge

odd progressive housing association looking to reduce tenants’ energy bills.

of timber through the insulation layer. However, in practice, all methods

For them, a sustainable choice such as building to Passivhaus often goes

of timber construction can be made to work with a continuous layer of

hand-in-hand with making the choice to build in a more sustainable material.

insulation in the cavity.

We’re expecting shortly an update to regulations, while the introduction

The tricky part, also present in masonry construction, can be maintaining the continuity across the roof and floor junctions but this

of embodied carbon is on the agenda – or at least on the horizon. So mainstream timber-based low-energy construction may not be far off.

can be resolved with good detailing.

How have Passivhaus standards (relating to timber) changed over the last 10 years – since the first UK Passivhaus property in August 2009? The use of any certain construction method has never been

How can Passivhaus (again, relating to timber) help with climate change, especially with climate change being so topical currently? I’ve maintained for years that the incorporation of Passivhaus principles into designs is a no-brainer. Even if you don’t go as far as getting it certified, the

a criteria in Passivhaus, leaving designers free to make local

reduction in the demand for energy will help to maintain low-energy bills for

construction methodologies work for them. On the continent where

occupiers now and in the future as energy supply may become more uncertain.

Passivhaus started, masonry walls with external insulation were a typical form of construction.

Timber is a great partner to Passivhaus, as whilst the standard reduces energy demand, its use as a sustainable material can help to

Nowadays, timber frame is one part of the accepted mix of construction forms because it uses traditional tradesmen and the

reduce the carbon intensity of the build. Embodied carbon and the providence of materials is becoming

same skills that have been used for centuries, especially when looking

more and more important to people. As we start to tackle the easier

at traditional timber-frame construction. The use of factory-finished

things (i.e. energy supply) the next challenge will be looking at the

timber systems is also now popular, helping to maintain the quality of

carbon content of our buildings and timber will definitely be in the

construction on site.

conversation as part of the solution.

Autumn 2019

27 www.timbermedia.co.uk

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Autumn 2019

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ADVERTORIAL: TIMBER EXPO

The smart solution for professionals in the timber industry Are you short of time for learning and networking? Here’s seven ways to sway a busy professional

e all know we need to get out more. How else will we meet

do business with people – and with 35,000 visitors set to attend UKCW, that

new people, learn new things, find new ideas and discover

is a lot of potential leads. Meeting face-to-face is the most engaging way

new products? Yet the pressure on our time is unrelenting.

to do business and UKCW can facilitate that. If you have spotted a business

It can be difficult to justify time out of the office with all

that you want to connect with contact them through the exhibitors’ portal

those deadlines looming and emails piling up.

and arrange the meeting in advance. 4,000 business meetings were booked

The internet provides part of the answer, of course. But the

by UKCW visitors prior to the show last year, and exhibitors reported that

smartest solution for busy professionals in the timber industry is also

they had generated 70,000 new business leads at the event. To help with

about choosing days out that can be crammed with as much value as

meetings, there’s a new business and networking lounge with free WiFi.

possible. By taking advantage of UK Construction Week (UKCW) you can

3. Genuine innovation, not another widget

tick off all the above at one event. Timber in its many forms will be taking centre stage at UKCW so if you’re

You could leave the future of the industry as a surprise. But where’s

not yet registered to attend the UK’s largest construction event, here are seven

the business sense in that? Disruptors are now present in many different

things that ought to convince you to pop over to the NEC on 8-10 October.

markets, so this year UKCW is shining a spotlight on the serious changemakers in construction. To aid the search, a new Innovation Zone has been

1. Products, products everywhere

established in partnership with the Construction Innovation Hub (the Hub).

New products are always being developed to meet different and

The timber industry is in a unique position to address the climate

emerging needs. Staying up to date with all the latest technology is essential to find the right product for the job. With over 10,000 products being showcased at the event, it makes it the ideal marketplace to source your new product. The timber section covers structural timber frame, sawmills, merchants, glulam, SIPs, CLT, fixings and fastenings, timber cladding, doors and windows, mouldings, skirtings and flooring products. Hosted in association with TRADA, there’s not a more comprehensive representation of the timber industry anywhere else in the UK. Martek Industries, the coding and labelling specialists, will be there showing how its products can be used in business to be better organised and more streamlined, while Hanson Plywood Ltd will be showing off its specialist plywood products.

2. That lucky encounter Year after year, visitors at UK Construction Week say they won new work as a result of a planned meeting or a chance encounter at the show. People

Autumn 2019

29 www.timbermedia.co.uk



MAJOR TRADE EVENT PROVIDES NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHPAD RCM are hoping to excel on their past successes at this year’s UK Construction Week. The exhibition is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham and runs from 8th – 10th October. Exhibiting together with their sister company SPSEnvirowall, the collaboration will see huge product offerings ranging from building boards, facades, insulated render systems and rainscreen cladding to complete through wall solutions. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, the extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects. The shared 50sqm exhibition stand will showcase 360degree interactive displays from both RCM and SPS, comprising a selection of their joint portfolio materials. A certified 120-minute fire-rated through wall solution

will also be on display. Visitors will be able to inspect these displays to get a better idea of how different products integrate with each other to form a solution. Dynamic Cladding, offered exclusively by SPS Facades and RCM’s popular Supertech Weatherboard cladding will also be featured, highlighting some of the great choice of façade options available. RCM have also recently celebrated their appointment as UK distributor to Allface Smart Fixing Systems and further information on this exciting venture will be available on the stand. “We are proud to be exhibiting at UK Construction Week again this year. The last two years were very successful for both RCM and SPSEnvirowall and we managed to welcome a great amount of visitors to our stand. This time we are using this occasion to also promote a product launch with a drinks reception on

About RCM

CPD Seminars

RCM are a market leader in providing innovative products and solutions designed and tested to meet the demanding needs of construction. Specified for use in external façades, fire protection, acoustic, airtightness and decorative applications, RCM’s extensive portfolio has been installed on many of the UK’s largest projects.

• • • •

Established in 2004, RCM is a major supplier of complete through wall solutions to the UK construction industry. Supplying specialist building boards, façades, breather membranes and airtightness solutions, RCM offers a fully integrated approach to the building envelope whilst delivering on time and budget.

day two of the show. At this stage I can reveal that it is in fact an A1 ‘scribe-and-snap’ external sheathing board, which will add another great product to our building boards portfolio.” (Ian Quinton, Managing Director, RCM)

For those interested in finding out more, RCM provides informative CPD sessions including a guide to materials, applications and specification considerations for building boards, internal and external linings and rainscreen façades, covering: What a specifier needs to consider Board materials and benefits Board applications Work on site

For more details call 0800 612 4662 or email info@rcmltd.biz

Come and see us on Stand B200

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+353 47 80500

combilift.com

Autumn 2019

30 www.timbermedia.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL: TIMBER EXPO

emergency and the ongoing housing crisis. We urgently need to create buildings that are safe, fast to build, use less energy to heat and have

5. A bit of myth busting on MMC Everyone knows that Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are

a positive effect on occupants’ wellbeing and timber is the material

back in vogue, but what is the reality this time? MMC is a strong theme at

of choice. See the latest innovations and ideas in the sector which will

this year’s UKCW. Full-scale builds will be erected onsite with live demos of

drive the need for timber.

MMC technology in action. Head to the MMC Hub for other digital demos

Another new addition for this year is the Innovation Station in

and simulations too. Examples of the pre-manufactured structures at the

partnership with On the Tools. This is a demonstration area specifically for

show range from a modular care annex for the healthcare sector and a SIPS

power tools, with all the latest biscuit jointers and heavy-duty bench grinders

panel residential building, to a factory-finished modular bathroom pod for

from top trade brands in action. Visitors can pick up tips from the experts on

the high-end hotel sector, and offsite solutions for the education sector.

how to get the most from their range, try out the latest products, and cut a

6. An experience not easily forgotten

deal with the manufacturers as show discounts will apply.

To really understand another person, as the saying goes, you need to

4. Your own personal industry MBA

walk a mile in their shoes. So, when did you last get to run a building site?

Condense your strategic business learning into one, two or three days

Make a beeline for the Coventry University stand and its site simulator.

of insights. UKCW brings together more than 300 expert speakers from all

It’s hailed as one of the most powerful experiences of any construction

sectors of construction.

show. If you’re feeling brave you can step into the site hut, take on the

The Timber Focus Theatre, supported by TRADA, will host talks on key topics such as: Building standards post-Brexit and post-Grenfell; Offsite

role of the site manager and get first-hand experience of what it’s like to work on a busy project. Not for the faint hearted!

timber construction; The best methods of teaching building design to the next generation of building designers; Procuring big timber projects; and Timber’s circular economy.

7. Celebrations and a beer festival Everyone enjoys a good awards night and UKCW is no exception. The

These talks will be brought to you by industry experts including: Hugh

show hosts the UKCW Role Model of the Year, the new Building Trades

Mansfield Williams, technical manager at BM TRADA; David Thompson, fire

Awards with Fix Radio and the new UKCW Construction Awards. Plus, to

consultant at Entuitive; Matthew Smith, fire consultant at Entuitive; Wojtek

encourage young people into construction the iBuiltThis competition is

Serwatka; Bruce Bell, founder of Facit Homes; Robert Hairstans, Professor

back and the winners will be announced at UKCW.

at Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures, Institute for

TRADA’s University Challenge is back for 2020 and will be launched at

Sustainable Construction and Edinburgh Napier University; Robin Lancashire,

UKCW. The challenge will see budding architects, architectural technologists,

timber structures at TRADA; Piers Taylor, architect at Invisible Studio; Maria

engineers, landscape architects and quantity surveying undergraduates

Vogiatzaki, Professor of Architecture at Anglia Ruskin University; Alex Abbey,

complete a design task, with the winners walking away with superb prizes.

partner at Cullinan Studio; Jonathan Roynon, technical director at Buro Happold.

And if you’re not involved in the celebrations, just unwind each day

Brush up on your knowledge with a packed three-day CPD programme.

with a beer, some street food and a spot of music. The Fischer bar is in

With more than 150 hours of CPD content available, this year’s programme will

Hall 11 and the Rawlplug bar is in Hall 12. Don’t forget the Beer Festival

take on a different theme for each day of the show, tackling fire safety, health

and of course the ‘Rockaoke’ on Wednesday night.

and wellbeing and sustainability. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses

UKCW is one event with many sections, including Build, Building

of different offsite timber solutions, and how digital technology is advancing

Tech, Civils, Energy and HVAC, Surface and Materials, and Timber. It also

offsite construction.

features Concrete Expo (8-9 October only) and Grand Designs Live (9-10

If you prefer a more interactive experience, then why not try your hand at

October only).

wood-bending with trained architect and eco-friendly artist Charlie Whinney – see what wonders you can create with a strip of ash and a simple steam

Single registration gives access to all areas of the show. For further

machine.

information follow @UK_CW or search for the hashtag #UKCW2019.

Autumn 2019

31 www.timbermedia.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL: MCVANTAGE

Respectful outreach is good for business The positive impact of community outreach and corporate social responsibility is well known, but it is not often you hear business owners talk with genuine passion about being a “good citizen, wherever you find yourself in the world”.

orking hand in hand with the

socially responsible for the local communities living

of the logs being pulled across the whole 25

Iwokrama International Centre

and working in the area.”

tonne machine, a rotating seat in the cab allowing

for Rainforest Conservation and

Iwokrama manages a remotely located

the skidder to move forward in both directions

Development - an international

1,000,000-acre forest in central Guyana to

to eliminate turning around in the forest, and in

conservatory tasked to develop

demonstrate how tropical forests can be

our case high floatation tires to minimize sinking

economically viable, environmentally sustainable,

conserved while also being sustainably and

and rutting. These features significantly reduce

multi-use forest resources from tropical forests -

commercially used. The Iwokrama forest was

damage to underbrush and the forest floor when

McVantage of Guyana is bringing generations of

certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

skidding. In addition, we build our logging roads

timber expertise to the 100% FSC certified tropical

in 2016, and McVantage of Guyana controls all

with low impact bulldozers and excavators that

timber products and rough green lumber coming

aspects of the logging, milling, and finishing

utilize wide tracks to better distribute weight and

to Europe and the UK from Guyana.

processes on their concession. From the rough

minimize sinking, and therefore cutting, into the

timber to finished products, all timber harvested

forest floor.”

Executive Vice President Chet McKinney comes from a long line of timber business owners in northwest Alabama in the US and, along with managing director Joe McKinney, is part of the team at McVantage of Guyana. In the handful of years it has been working in Guyana, the company has made a priority of finding common ground and sharing ideas, technologies and information with their local counterparts in the country. Chet said, “We are dedicated to helping strengthen the

We are dedicated to helping strengthen the local communities that depend on the forest. We aren’t trying to force change; we focus on being respectful and leading by example.” Chet McKinney, Executive Vice President

local communities that depend on the forest. We aren’t trying to force change; we focus on being respectful and leading by example. There are great

by McVantage of Guyana is FSC® Chain of Custody

benefits to be had in working together, benefits

certified. So not only can public procurement,

saws what customers demand, but in a way which

When it comes to processing, McVantage

that have both a positive commercial impact and

timber traders and architects specify the timber

maximises log yield. This helps reduce waste by

are the right thing to do. When you do it in a way

they need with confidence that it will do its

capturing more of the log in a processed product.

that helps the locals first, even running a business,

job for a generation or more, but with the FSC

“We not only promote usage as of much of the

it means that your presence is a positive influence.”

certification, they are also reassured that they are

log as possible, but we also market our waste

making a responsible choice.

products to other industries to help minimize the

Sharing viewpoints, ideas, technologies & information

of Guyana goes much deeper than just an FSC

“Volume production creates new opportunities

“The story of FSC certified timber from

certificate. Chet explains, “For harvesting, we

and the chance to look at things differently with

Guyana is very simple, and that makes it

worked very hard to ensure the benefits of using

new ideas.”

compelling,” says Joe McKinney. “Guyana has some

a grapple skidder were clearly understood by

of the most extensive forest management in the

both the forest management authorities in the

McVantage of Guyana’s local outreach initiatives

world. The rules and agreements we adhere to

region and those working in the forest so we could

include employing a majority Amerindian labor

ensure that the tree harvesting we undertake in

receive a waiver to use the machine. There are a

force from the local villages for their logging

Guyana is not just environmentally sustainable, but

number of benefits including shifting the weight

and sawmilling operations within Iwokrama.

Environmental responsibility for McVantage

Autumn 2019

32 www.timbermedia.co.uk

impact of unnecessary waste disposal.” Chet said,

Over and above environmental responsibility,



FOR TIMBER THAT KEEPS OUR FORESTS STRONG, ® CHOOSE FSC Our forests give us many things, including a huge variety of timber and timber products. FSC helps look after forests and the people and wildlife who call them home. So you can use timber, panels and other forest products while keeping our forests full of life. www.fsc-uk.org

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Autumn 2019

33 www.timbermedia.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL: MCVANTAGE well regulated. Even today, with the positive benefits of certified legal, sustainable, and responsibly sourced tropical timber, there can be a resistance. Yes, we supply FSC certified lumber and timber, but look beyond that. Come and take another look at what Guyana has to offer, be it Demerera Greenheart or another fantastic, totally fit-for-purpose species you have yet to learn about. Trust and embrace this country – we do.” McVantage’s pedigree and expertise is setting new standards with the selective logging, processing, shipping and supply of reliably high quality, FSC certified product, to specification, This boosts wages going back to these villages,

for all employees, including training their felling

helping improve the local economies. Chet

crews in directional felling techniques and basic

continued, “Not only do we donate money, wood,

safety training to US standards. They donated

are viewed negatively, and your behaviour in

and school supplies to the local Amerindian

supplies for the construction of a community

someone else’s country colours local perception

villages in the forest, but the social side is

center in Fairview and the construction of

of you as a nation. In accordance with our culture,

important too. In Fairview, the Amerindian village

pavilions near schools in Coverden to keep

we do our best to help out where we can and

located roughly 4 miles from our millsite, the

children dry and out of the rain while waiting to

where we are needed; assisting in education,

activity grounds were so overgrown they needed

be picked up from school. They have also donated

training, and infrastructure; these initiatives

to be reclaimed. We cleared nearly 5 acres of

supplies and helped fund church restorations

better equip the local population and help us to

brush and undergrowth, and the area is now used

in and around Coverden. McVantage of Guyana

be a successful member in their community. Put

regularly for events, gatherings, and nearly every

even takes good corporate citizenship to the

simply, respectful outreach is not just good for

kind of sport.”

administrative level by working with officials and

business, but it’s the right thing to do.”

From basic needs to education, McVantage

every time. Chet said, “You won’t get anywhere if you

local agencies to try to reduce bureaucracy and

listens to its workers and the local villagers and

help implement on-the-ground efficiencies to

For details on available 100% FSC certified

helps where they can. At Fairview, they installed a

benefit their industry as a whole.

timber products from McVantage of Guyana,

well-pump to provide a fresh water source in the

Chet said, “Guyana is so abundant and

village. The company provides training programs

positive. Tropical timber from this country is so

the complete package Scotframe manufacture Val-U-Therm PLUS the unique factory insulated PU closed panel wall, roof and floor system. • Meets & beats building regulations • Reduces build time, waste and labour costs • Full range of thermal options • Acheives extremely low U values • Wall, roof & floor panels AIRTIGHTNESS

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Autumn 2019

34 www.timbermedia.co.uk

contact Finn Knudsen on +41 79 414 36 81 or email FKnudsen@mcvantage.com.

FEATURE: FLOORING Solid Wood Floor Company – natural French oak flooring

Taking competition to the floor The Timber Trade Federation’s new Flooring Working Group aims to help prevent illegally logged material from entering the product manufacturing chain

t is testament to the truly global nature of

One of the first tasks instigated by the TTF’s

products during manufacture includes field

the timber sector that around one third of all

Flooring Working Group has been to initiate

visits abroad and even using new technologies,

wood-based flooring products available today

research into the physical make-up of a wide

such as DNA species testing, to identify

in Britain are made in China. Raw materials in

range of engineered flooring products currently

the origins of timber used in their flooring

the form of logs make their way from forests

available. The TTF’s previous experience in

products. By instigating specific research into

across Europe and, more pointedly, from the

testing a different product category – plywood

Chinese flooring products we can benchmark

rest of the world into the Chinese production

products from China – revealed that a high

our members’ efforts. We can also help in

supply chain. This fact, amongst others, has

proportion of products had inaccurately

promoting their responsible sourcing practices,

stimulated the formation of a market-facing

declared both core and face species. With

as well as their products in a highly competitive

Flooring Working Group at the Timber Trade

Chinese engineered wood flooring manufacture

marketplace for flooring.”

Federation, as part of its wider reorganisation

gathering in materials from across the world,

prioritising members’ reputations, products and

TTF wants to ensure that the traceability

Working Group will be eventually to produce

markets.

of wood species entering the product

a ‘buyers’ guide’ to timber flooring, including

manufacturing chain excludes any illegally

engineered products, which will underline the

logged material.

high standards to which TTF members adhere

Engineered flooring comprises a top layer of natural wood veneer applied over a substrate, again normally wood-based in origin. This type of

“With our Responsible Purchasing Policy

Another focus point for the TTF Flooring

under the RPP and the Federation’s Code of

wood flooring is perceived to have advantages:

(RPP) celebrating its 10th birthday this year,

it is frequently recommended by specifiers for

we are promoting the fact that TTF members

“It’s important to all our members that

use in conjunction with under-floor heating, for

are the source of ‘Timber you can Trust’. Their

specifiers and buyers of timber flooring receive

example, as it moves less than traditional solid

due diligence actions, audited annually under

the correct advice on choosing products for

timber flooring. Depending on the product type

the RPP and scrutinised by independent third-

their situation, and on installation and upkeep.

and depth of veneer, it can also offer options for

party observers, extends across their timber

Combined with proof of responsible sourcing

various finishing coatings suitable for different

product portfolios, including flooring,” said TTF’s

and product quality, members’ reputations will

levels of human ‘traffic’ within the building, or

managing director David Hopkins.

be enhanced by the activities of the Working

for receiving paints and stains.

Arnold Laver – Unilin flooring

“Members’ own actions to trace and track

Solid Wood Floor Company – white lacquered oak flooring

Autumn 2019

35 www.timbermedia.co.uk

Conduct.

Group,” Hopkins concludes.

Brooks Bros – Balmoral flooring

Fireshield® - Awarded BBA Certification The A. Proctor Group, renowned for providing high-quality membrane solutions for controlling the heat, air, moisture movement in buildings (HAMM), is delighted to announce that it’s Fireshield® vapour permeable membrane has been awarded a British Board of Agrément Certificate.

Wraptite® membrane installed on high rise student accommodation in Newcastle

Applications include both commercial and residential buildings including apartments and student accommodation, as well as rainscreen cladding and applications over 18m high.

Wraptite® airtightness membrane has been successfully installed on an impressive new luxury high-rise student accommodation project in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The project consists of a total of 207 studio apartments for students situated on City Road overlooking the River Tyne and Quayside, and within 15 minutes’ walk of the Newcastle and Northumbria universities. The new apartments are part of an initiative by developer Opto Property Group, KDP Architects and City Road Student Hall Company. Main contractor Opto Property Group and sub-contractor Halcyon Cladding & Roofing required a Class B fire rated air tightness membrane, which was able to comply with the requirements for buildings over 18m as specified within Approved Document B: Fire Safety November 2018 and as stipulated by the NHBC. The A. Proctor Group, recognised experts in technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane products for the construction industry, were approached to advise the main contractor and cladding contractor on a high-performance solution to comply with the requirements outlined by NHBC and the very latest building regulations. After in-depth consultation and technical briefings, the Wraptite air barrier system was chosen. Wraptite offers a safer and simplified membrane system, conforms with the required Class B rating, and it provides a fully self-adhered vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. The membrane bonds back to the substrate, ensuring a simplified design to achieve airtightness and easy installation method. Unlike internal air barriers, which can be complex and costly to install due to the need to accommodate building services such as electrical, lighting, heating and drainage systems, Wraptite was applied externally, quickly and easily to the substrate. The membrane will fully bond to virtually any substrate, requiring no mechanical attachment, seals or tapes to suppress air leakage around junctions or penetrations. Both the sub-contractor and the main contractor were impressed by the ease, speed and quality of the application and installation. Commenting on behalf of Halcyon Cladding & Roofing, Austin Ford stated, “The self-adhesive nature of the Wraptite membrane ensured a much faster installation process, removing the need for traditional mechanical fixing. Wraptite also provided effective added protection to the frame of the building during the construction. Given the nature of the exposed location of the building close to the River Tyne the use of mechanical fixing would more than likely have been compromised by the wind factor”.

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

Fireshield

Fireshield is the culmination of leading research to produce a vapour permeable membrane with a fire proof surface, which is designed specifically to improve the fire protection behind cladding. The BBA Certificate confirms that Fireshield has enhanced performance in relation to reaction to fire classification, will reduce the risk of interstitial condensation, and will have a life equal to that of the building in which it is installed. The endorsement by the UK’s leading CERTIFICATE 19/5653 construction certification body will provide architects, contractors and specifiers with full assurance that the product has been tested to meet the highest industry standards. Fireshield has a unique intumescent composition that actively reacts to prevent fire taking hold. This unique coating extinguishes fire rather than just resisting it, and significantly reduces the formation of droplets and smoke. Fireshield complies with BS5250, BS4016 and NHBC requirements for vapour permeable walling underlays. It is installed and fixed to the substrate in the same manner as standard breather membranes using mechanical fixings.

Benefits of using CaberShieldPlus in the build process

Please send all your Product PR to terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

CaberShieldPlus is a chipboard flooring panel, available in 18mm or 22mm, with a permanent waterproof, protective layer on the top and bottom of the panel. It has been specifically designed for construction when the roof still hasn’t been placed, or before the building is watertight. With a permanent, waterproof coating on both sides, the flooring is BBA-certified for exposure to construction work and the elements for up to 60 days when fixed with Caberfix D4 adhesive. After work is complete, the floor can be wiped clean so that it is ready for finishings such as carpet and laminate. Because of its waterproof coating on the top and bottom surfaces - BBA certified exposure for up to 60 days - can allow contractors to start the floor deck before the roof has been placed, helping to keep construction work progressing. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk

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    www.timbermedia.co.uk

Autumn 2019

36 www.timbermedia.co.uk

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