Timber Construction Magazine Issue 20 Summer 2022

20

SUMMER 2022 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)

PIVETEAUBOIS  18 The new Forest Houses development showcases small but perfectly formed CLT homes MAGDALENE COLLEGE  17

TRUSSED RAFTER ASSOCIATION  28

A literary timber milestone unfolds using WoodEx® Florian European Oak

Nick Boulton on this key structural timber element and boosting industry skills

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  ISSUE 20 CONTENTS

02

12

14

02 News

17

18

The latest news and views from across the industry.

12 Timber Chain in Action Anna Roberts, head of business development at iov42, reflects on how this game-changing, technology has been transforming the global timber supply chain.

14 Ukraine War & Supply Pressures David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, offers insight into what may lie ahead for the timber supply chain during the second half of 2022.

20

22

28

32

17 Timber Turns Over a New Leaf The University of Cambridge has achieved a literary timber milestone with WoodEx® Florian European Oak for its award-winning new library at Magdalene College.

18 Cover Story: Piveteaubois A new development in London will see the transformation of a former builder’s yard into a sustainable housing scheme using CLT and offsite manufacture.

20 Milestone Modules Housebuilder House by Urban Splash has created the 1000th module at its MMC factory – a milestone pod which is now on route to Port Loop in Birmingham to be craned into place as a completed home.

22 New Face for Beach House Accoya cladding has provided the finishing touch to a new waterfront development in Cornwall and adds a stylish, sustainable feel to a longterm collaboration.

28 Trust in Trussed Rafters We spoke to Nick Boulton, chief executive of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) about how this key structural element fits into the timber sector.

Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon

Registered address:

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

9 Viaduct Street, Newton-le-Willows,



01925 872371

Merseyside WA12 9PL

Artwork: Pete Awad  artwork@timbermedia.co.uk

32 Reducing Construction Risk According to a new report from AIMCH, panelised timber methods can improve new homes and reduce health and safety hazard exposure on construction sites by 20%.

Follow Timber Media:

Company registered in England and

 @Timber_Media

Wales. Company Number 10839173.

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Timber Construction Magazine

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Summer 2022

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Clifford Tower Restored

Photo ©Dirk Lindnor/Ramboll

York’s famous Clifford’s Tower has been a given a new timber

monument, resulting in the respectful restoration and rejuvenation of

staircase and engineered timber viewing area to breathe new life

this significant landmark for society to enjoy for years to come.

into this ancient monument.

Using timber supplied by Buckland Timber the viewing platform is

Standing on a tall earthen mound, is the largest surviving structure

made up of four large glulam columns (550ml square x 9m high each)

from the medieval royal castle of York. The stone tower was built in the

reaching right up into the heart of the tower. There are fourteen

mid-13th century but has stood as a roofless ruin since a fire in 1684.

timber sections and over a 100 connecting timber hoisted into position

The Tower sits next to three Grade 1 listed buildings grouped around

using a 200ft crane. With primary steel flitch beams and secondary

the Eye of York. One of English Heritage’s most visited buildings, the

glulam joists creating the structure of the platform, the platform itself

tower offers superb views over the city.

was then covered in Douglas fir decking.

It has now re-opened, following the interior transformation for

English Heritage also appointed Ramboll to deliver a lifecycle

English Heritage, with ‘imaginative interventions and an innovative new

assessment of the works, assessing and benchmarking the project’s

structure’ allowing visitors access to previously unseen features and a

carbon emissions as part of English Heritage’s commitment to sustainable

viewing platform, providing magnificent views over York.

development. Kate Mavor, English Heritage’s chief executive, said: “At

It now incorporates a free-standing timber solution that protects

Clifford’s Tower, new architecture is transforming a centuries-old landmark,

the ruin and carries the timber viewing deck. The timber solution

opening it up and unlocking its secrets. We’re protecting Clifford’s Tower

enables the suspension of walkways and new stairs that give access to

for future generations and inspiring more people to discover its stories.”

features unseen by the public in over 350 years. Structural engineers

Fay Newham, conservation and structural associate at Ramboll

Ramboll undertook a key assessment of the tower to understand its

added: “It has been an absolute privilege to work on this Ancient

structural, geotechnical and archaeological restrictions and enabled

Monument. We’ve worked meticulously, and respectfully to conserve

English Heritage to understand the feasibility of interventions possible

and re-imagine Clifford’s Tower so that it can be fully enjoyed as an

without destabilising the steep motte.

important historical asset for the people of York and beyond”.

Working with Hugh Broughton Architects and conservation

The design was developed in consultation with multiple

architect, Martin Ashley Architects on the detailed design, Ramboll

stakeholders both within English Heritage and Historic England and in

provided the engineering design solution for the sustainable timber

the wider city community including the Museums Heritage Trust, York

structure. The new structure supports slender steel walkways enabling

Civic Trust, City Council and the Conservation Area Advisory Panel. The

visitors to explore the tower, enroute to its stunning new timber

Tower reopened on 2 April 2022.

roof deck. The careful structural interventions guided by the early More at  uk.ramboll.com

assessments recognised the significance of each element of this historic Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

UK construction minister visits low-carbon timber project construction sector. The site’s construction is an excellent example of the benefits timber buildings can bring and I look forward to seeing it when it is complete and in operation.”

Andrew Waugh, founder and director at Waugh Thistleton Architects, commented: “It’s great to see the Government taking an interest in engineered timber construction. We need Government leadership and systemic support for the use of regenerative, low carbon construction materials if we are to have any chance of reducing the impact of our industry on the planet.”

Charlie Green, co-Founder and co-CEO of TOG said: “The Black and White Building is set to be Central London’s tallest mass timber office building. Alongside Waugh Thistleton, we have worked to reduce embodied carbon as much as possible,

Left to right: Andrew Carpenter – director CTI, Lee Rowley – minister for construction, Andrew Waugh – director of Waugh Thistleton Architects.

delivering a building that represents what future workspaces should be. It has never been more important to develop

As the Government works to ‘build back greener’, the Confederation of

techniques and approaches that deliver buildings for a better

Timber Industries (CTI) in partnership with Waugh Thistleton Architects

world. Innovative construction processes and sustainable materials, like

hosted the UK construction minister Lee Rowley, on a site visit to the

those employed here, will form a central part of the sector’s journey to net

Black and White building.

zero over the coming years.”

The minister was taken for a tour of the fully engineered timber More at  www.cti-timber.org

building, which is owned by The Office Group (TOG), the premium flexible workspace provider with a platform of more than 50 buildings across the UK and Germany and will be the tallest timber office structure in London when complete later this year.

The hybrid structure comprises beech laminated veneer lumbar (LVL) frame with cross laminated timber (CLT) has resulted in 37% less

DO WE LIKE TIMBER?

embodied carbon than an equivalent structure built using steel or concrete, demonstrating how a shift towards the use of biogenic materials in construction could help the industry to significantly reduce its impact on the environment.

Following its release of the Build Back Greener Strategy Document, the Government has signalled a clear intent to increase the use of sustainable materials, such as timber, within construction as it seeks to meet its net zero obligations. Key to the success of this endeavour, is increasing the awareness and knowledge of structural timber. As such, the CTI is actively engaging with the Government and other stakeholders via the Timber in Construction working group, set up to develop a policy roadmap to help the Government deliver on its environmental ambitions.

Andrew Carpenter, director at the CTI said: “Independent bodies such as the Climate Change Committee have already said that increasing the use

Yes we do, in fact that’s all we do! So, when you’re

of timber within construction is crucial to achieving net zero status by 2050,

planning your next marketing campaign drop me

because of the low-carbon benefits of these forms of construction.

“The sustainable benefits of timber as a form of carbon capture and

an email at terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk or

storage are widely known, and today has been about illustrating how these

call me on 01925 872371. Magazine advertising,

benefits are already being delivered safely across the UK, as well as globally,

e-marketing, web advertising and our new

to create a new wave of low-carbon construction. In partnership with the UK Government via the Timber in Construction Working Group, and together

comprehensive Products & Services listings can all

with members of Parliament through our APPG for the Timber Industries, we

be found on our website www.timbermedia.co.uk

are helping bring forwards the benefits of greater use of structural timber.”

Construction minister Lee Rowley added: “It was fantastic to visit the Black and White building to see how this innovative approach to building, harnessing engineered timber, is helping to drive sustainability in the Timber Construction Magazine

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 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

STA launches white paper to increase the use of timber The Structural Timber Association (STA) has released a white paper that demonstrates the vital role timber has in helping the UK achieve net zero status by 2050.

The white paper ‘Increased Use of Timber’ explores the stark reality that, without intervention and meaningful change, climate change and its effects will continue to worsen. Contributing an estimated 50% of the UK’s

climate change. It is clear that for the UK to succeed in its efforts to

total carbon emissions, it is little surprise that the Government has placed a

achieve net zero status by 2050, we must see an increased use of

particular emphasis on the built environment in its efforts to reach net zero.

timber within construction.

The Build Back Greener Strategy Document, released in October last year,

“We are aware of the barriers that have to be overcome,

is the Government’s attempt to address the impact of UK construction. The

particularly regarding safety concerns, so we are increasing dialogue

strategy outlines a clear intent to support the use of sustainable materials

with the insurance sector. The STA continues to conduct research into

within construction, with timber being specifically identified as a key material.

fire safety and timber construction and is also a key member of the

The STA’s white paper explains why timber has been singled out, by

Timber in Construction Working Group, tasked with developing a policy

highlighting its exceptional sustainable properties, including its ability to

roadmap to help the Government deliver on its Net Zero commitments.

sequester 0.9 tonnes of carbon per metre cubed, as well as its stance as

Education for all involved is key and the STA can support the

the only truly renewable building resource. It also looks at the construction

construction industry in better understanding of the use of structural

advantages of structural timber, such as fast build times, and how these can

timber through its technical guidance and research.”

assist with current issues, including the UK’s housing crisis.

For more information and to download a copy of the report go to

Speaking on the release of the white paper, Andrew Orriss from

 www.structuraltimber.co.uk

STA, stated: “We have reached a tipping point in the fight against

MEDITE SMARTPLY OSB manufacturing facility upgrade complete After over a year of transformative

development for SMARTPLY OSB. The

investment, the upgrade of MEDITE

construction of the biomass energy plant

SMARTPLY’s OSB factory in County

ensures that SMARTPLY will operate on 100%

Waterford has been completed. This new

renewable biomass material for process drying

world class drying, energy and screening

and heating.

system will enhance resource efficiency and asset reliability for SMARTPLY OSB. For over 25 years, SMARTPLY has been

The crucial upgrade means that SMARTPLY OSB will have an improved output, at a time when demand is high, and is predicted to

supplying OSB to the construction industry,

grow further throughout 2022. The UK’s

steadily building the brand over time.

built environment is responsible for almost

Investment and product innovation being at

half of the UK’s carbon emissions, with the

the heart of the company’s success.

initial embodied carbon accounting for

From 2016 MEDITE SMARTPLY has

approximately 30% of this.1 This is a challenge

been focusing on investment and product

as the industry is aiming to reach Net Zero.

innovation. An initial investment of €59 million

However, using renewable timber products is

was made to the SMARTPLY facility which saw

a solution.

The completed upgrade follows the successful launch of SMARTPLY SURE STEP,

the creation of a new forming and finishing

“We are extremely delighted with the

lines with a new state-of the art continuous

completion of this project,” commented Chris

slip resistance and durability. This joins a

press. This was the beginning of the next

King, Managing Director – Commercial at

range of sustainably produced speciality and

generation of SMARTPLY OSB, the panels were

MEDITE SMARTPLY. “Not only will this upgrade

technical products, from moisture resistance

smoother, flatter and underpinned by the

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to flame retardance, demonstrating MEDITE

brands strong environmental ethos.

class timber panel products, but the increased

SMARTPLY’s consistent innovation and

output of SMARTPLY OSB will enable us to

contribution to the future of sustainable

significant upgrade to the drying, energy

support existing customer positions and

building.

and screening facility. The completion of

develop new market sectors and opportunities

the upgrade is a very exciting stage of

as part of our strategy and growth plan.”

€44 million was invested for this latest

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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a T&G structural OSB/3 panel with improved

More at  www.mdfosb.com

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

NBG calls for ‘pricing realism’ as inflation bites The impact of inflation across the

“Merchants are arguably the most

construction supply chain fuelled by energy

vulnerable portion of the supply chain to

increases has led one of the UK’s largest

this ‘double squeeze’ from both material and

buying groups to call for ‘realism’ in pricing

fuel pricing. In effect, merchants must find

negotiations.

an extra circa 5% on top of the increase in

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is forecasting an inflation peak of 9%

material prices to cover the cost of delivery.”

Nick says suppliers to the merchant

this year which is driving material costs up

sector can help in two ways – by looking at

along the length of the construction supply

their stock levels and asking for “realistic”

chain. Whilst able to accept reasonable cost

price increases. “We’re asking suppliers to

pressure, National Buying Group (NBG) is

be reasonable about when they ask for price

increasingly concerned that price changes

increases. If a supplier is sitting on many

must be justified and be proportionate with

months of stock, there is no need to ask for a

transparent detail to support any changes.

price increase today. Secondly, prices need to

Nick Oates, managing director at NBG,

be more dynamic and reactive to commodity

says the market is difficult for everyone: “We

price changes. When commodity prices come

understand this is a very challenging market

down, Suppliers need to react as quickly as

and that is being reflected in our negotiations.

when they go up. That is only fair.

However, there is a real danger that if prices

“NBG and its Partners have always prided

but independent merchants are also being impacted and their margins eroded by the

increase too much, we will impact demand

themselves on building strong relationships

cost of delivery, so we must take a longer-

from the end consumer, which could ultimately

with their Suppliers. We understand that

term balanced view.”

kill the market. We need to spread the

suppliers cannot absorb all the increase in

inflationary impact across the supply chain.

cost and a proportion needs to be passed on,

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

05

More at  www.nationalbuyinggroup.com

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 @Timber_Media

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Estimates suggest that the built environment accounts for around 47% of all UK carbon emissions, highlighting the sheer scale of the decarbonisation challenge facing the sector. Built Environment – Smarter Transformation will play an important role in driving change to achieve that ambition, with a range of programmes aligned with industry, national and policy objectives. Included among them is a roadmap for the sector to reach zero carbon, with activities focussed on

CSIC rebrands as BE:ST

modern methods of construction, retrofit, sustainability and digital transformation.

Since CSIC was launched in 2014, it has supported the commercialisation of more than 400 new products, processes and services, many of which focus on low and zero carbon outcomes that will help to future-proof the sector. The innovation centre has been involved in more than 350 collaborative innovation projects valued at over £34 million, engaging with a range of academic, public sector and industry partners, generating over £1.3 billion

Built Environment – Smarter Transformation, formerly Construction

of additional value to the sector.

Scotland Innovation Centre, has announced a new strategic focus

Stephen Good said: “Today we have set out a new direction for the

prioritising the built environment’s transition to zero carbon and

innovation centre, focused on delivering maximum impact and rapid

improving the sector’s contribution to the fight against climate change.

transformation across the built environment ecosystem in its widest possible sense – not just the construction sector. We’ve always helped organisations

The new brand and mission for the innovation centre underlines its core purpose: to accelerate the move to a more sustainable, energy-

explore how to do things in a more sustainable way but, from now on, this

efficient and more circular built environment. The refreshed ambition also

has to be our top priority.

“Building on that, we needed a new mission, brand and name that

reflects its growing partner base beyond the construction sector, including organisations right across the wider built environment ecosystem, and its

better reflects who we are today and, most importantly, where we’re going

expanding geographical reach beyond Scotland.

tomorrow. The acronym is of course BE-ST, but it’s not about us thinking we’re the best. It’s about us all working together to do our best, to find the

Stephen Good, CEO of Built Environment – Smarter Transformation,

best ideas and the best approaches.”

BE-ST for short, revealed the centre’s new direction at an event hosted at the innovation factory on 27 April that marked the midway point between

More at  www.be-st.build

COP26 and COP27.

Tall timber to hit new heights Danish studio Schmidt Hammer Lassen

time, ensuring that the entire building process

has revealed a new design for a 100m

achieves a lower amount of embedded carbon.

tall housing block in Switzerland, which

SHL won the international competition by

when complete will be the world’s tallest

celebrating the construction itself, highlighting

timber building. Named Rocket&Tigerli, the

the wooden beams as distinctive elements that

terracotta-clad building is set to be built

give the users a feeling of living alongside the

on a former industrial site in the city of

construction itself.

Winterthur, near Zurich.

The project marks a milestone in

When complete, the tower will seem like a natural continuation of the surrounding

the construction of timber buildings – it

architecture. The façade will be covered

introduces an innovative construction system

in dark red and yellow terracotta bricks

that examines wood as a natural replacement

combined with details in dusty green a

for concrete. The Swiss company Implenia

colour palette that reflects the red roofs and

and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

yellow bricks of the historical buildings in

of Zürich, ETH, have worked together in

the area. Set to complete in 2026, the Swiss

developing the new system, which allows the

building will surpass the current tallest timber

construction of taller timber buildings.

residential tower, the 85.4m high Mjøstårnet

The concrete core has been replaced with wood, resulting in the individual beam coming

building designed by Voll Arkitekter in Brumunddal, Norway by 14.6m.

in at a lower weight. This makes it possible to build taller constructions while, at the same Timber Construction Magazine

More at  www.shl.dk/rockettigerli

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

Photo © Frestry England

New pilot requirement for tree suppliers announced A new requirement for the forestry sector will be piloted to combat

back greener, we must consider new and ambitious ways to not simply

the threat from pests and diseases and further strengthen UK

maintain these standards but further strengthen them. By leading the

biosecurity, Defra and the Forestry Commission have announced.

way with this new pilot, we are addressing the significant and increasing

The Biosecure Procurement Requirement means that, from June

threat of pests and diseases and building a strong biosecurity culture

2022, applicants for funding under the England Woodland Creation Offer

across the country.”

and the Future Farming Tree Health Pilot must commit to sourcing their

Sir William Worsley, Forestry Commission chair, added: “Our

trees from suppliers who are either accredited under the Plant Healthy

nation’s biosecurity will be integral to the success of our tree planting

Certification Scheme or who have passed a Ready to Plant assessment, as

ambitions. This pilot will ensure that the forestry sector plays its role in

provided by Fera Science Ltd.

upholding rigorous standards of biosecurity and in doing so, safeguards

The threat of pests and disease is significant and growing as a result of

our much-loved trees and forests for generations to come.”

globalisation and climate change. Introducing the Biosecure Procurement

The launch of the Biosecure Procurement Requirement Pilot fulfils

Requirement pilot now will address these risks to our biosecurity, minimise the

a commitment within the England Trees Action Plan, which sets out our

net loss to our existing treescape, and serve to realise our long-term vision for

long-term plan for England’s trees, woodlands and forests. Protecting

our trees and woodlands. This pilot will enable suppliers to demonstrate that

the long-term welfare of our treescapes will underpin Government

their operational practices comply with the industry benchmark Plant Health

efforts to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and

Management Standard. This Standard includes protocols which are key to

plant 30,000 hectares of trees across the UK per year by 2025, as well as

developing a robust plant health management system and sets out practical

form part of wider efforts to achieve net zero by 2050.

requirements for suppliers to help protect the plant supply chain.

More at  www.gov.uk/government/news/new-pilot-requirement-

Professor Nicola Spence, UK chief plant health officer, said: “Our

for-tree-suppliers-announced-to-strengthen-uk-biosecurity

biosecurity standards are among the highest in Europe. As we build Timber Construction Magazine

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

ASBP report highlights barriers to decarbonisation A new report published by the Alliance for Sustainable Building

the report calls on

Products (ASBP) sheds light on the major challenges faced by

Government to work hand-

developers in their attempts to reduce carbon emissions in new

in-hand with industry and

building projects. It recommends a series of potential solutions that

rapidly scale-up fire testing

could unlock significant carbon savings through an increase in the use

programmes and provide

of mass timber.

clarity, following a string

The report, ‘Mass Timber: Challenges & Potential Solutions, presents

of divergent standards

a summary of the research carried out through the ASBP’s Timber

and policies released or

Accelerator Hub (TAH), a project initiated in response to the unfavourable

drafted by the Greater

market conditions that engineered wood products have been facing in

London Authority, the

recent years.

British Standards Institute

The project investigated the primary barriers preventing the wider

and the Government itself

uptake of mass timber and outlined how industry might overcome

that have fuelled negative

difficulties obtaining insurance, and the prevailing negative perceptions

perceptions around timber’s fire performance.

around fire performance and prohibitive regulation.

Report author Joe Giddings said: “The urgent need to address

The report draws attention to a number of industry-led initiatives

the climate emergency combined with the necessity of adequately

seeking to overcome these barriers, documenting a thriving ecosystem

addressing fire safety concerns creates an imperative to act fast and

of organisations working to unlock mass timber construction through

demonstrate fire performance through testing, especially given the

research, design innovation or cross-sector collaboration.

timescales involved in undertaking large-scale fire tests and creating

The report urges developers and building designers to collaborate to

appropriate standards and regulations.”

define further design standards and common approaches to mitigating The full report and more about the Timber Accelerator Hub can be

risk that could address insurer’s concerns.

found at  https://asbp.org.uk/project/asbp-tah

Calling for the mantra in coming years to be “test, test, test”,

MAKE SURE YOUR TIMBER STANDS THE TEST OF TIME Celcure products protect your timber from the elements for up to 60 years

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www.kopperspc.eu | kpc.uk.sales@koppers.eu |+44 (0)1628 486644 ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that eect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LS. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644, Fax: +44 (0)1628 476757. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2020.

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION  NEWS

New platform for ordering roof trusses launched

Leading timber expert, the Donaldson Group, is branching out with

flexible solution to a wide range of roofing projects such as new builds,

the launch of online roof truss ordering service, Donaldson Direct.

extensions, and residential developments.

The new platform provides a simple and fast way to order roof

“At Donaldson Direct, we understand that sometimes you just need

trusses, which will be delivered to site in just five working days.

a price without having to wait for someone to call you back. With this

Available to access online for delivery direct to customers within

new service you can get an instant online quote any time, day or night.

a 100-mile radius from a dedicated site in Welwyn Garden City,

We also understand that you don’t always have the luxury of being able

Hertfordshire. This service is ideal for self-builders, small developers,

to access lots of storage space so you can’t order materials too far in

independent builders, and architects in need of high-quality, carefully

advance. Equally, you don’t want to put your project on hold waiting for

crafted trusses. It is also valuable for timber merchants to quickly and

key items to arrive on site. We deliver directly to you within five working

easily source a range of trusses for their customers.

days, so there are no delays and no uncertainty.”

Users input their truss requirements via an instant quote function

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the Donaldson Group, added: “Donaldson

on the website. The Donaldson Direct team then confirms requirements

Direct sums up the Donaldson ethos perfectly – an innovative approach

via telephone within 24 hours and issues drawings for the truss designs.

to meeting the needs of our customers; with the promise to deliver a

Following approval, confirmation of dimensions and agreement of

high quality, sustainable product. We’ve been experts in manufacturing

payment terms, trusses are delivered direct to site within five

roof trusses for volume builders for over 30 years, so it’s great to see

working days.

this expertise now tailored through Donaldson Direct with a dedicated

Commenting on the launch of Donaldson Direct, managing

focus on lower-volume builders and self-builders. This is an exciting new

director, Luke Roberts said: “We’re excited to bring this new online

addition to the Group, and we look forward to seeing it develop.”

concept to the market. Timber roof trusses are the most widely used More at  www.donaldson-direct.com

roofing solution – they are sustainable, simple to erect and offer a Timber Construction Magazine

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LET’S BUILD A DURABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME BY MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY TREE.

A WIDE RANGE OF TIMBER PRODUCTS:

Glulam, CLT, C24, cladding, decking, fencing and landscaping timbers, UC4 15/20-year warranted timbers, wood composite cladding, decking and fencing and wood pellets.

LOCALLY SOURCED AND CERTIFIED TIMBER SPECIES: Pine, Douglas Fir, Spruce.

Elisabeth PIVETEAU : +44 (0) 7821 807 788 | elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com Adrian HOWDEN : +44 (0) 7743 004 578 | adrian.howden@piveteau.com

PIVETEAUBOIS.COM -

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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FEATURE  TIMBER SUPPLY

Timber Chain in Action

Anna Roberts, head of business development at iov42, reflects on how this gamechanging, technology has been transforming the supply chain, from sawmills in Eastern Europe, to the tropical hardwoods of Peninsula Malaysia, to warehouses in the UK.

I

n 2021, iov42 launched an innovative blockchain-inspired

and the debate surrounding what constitutes due diligence. In this sense,

timber supply solution, in partnership with Preferred by

Timber Chain can act as a vehicle for exporters to hold their information, so

Nature: Timber Chain. Specifically designed to tackle the

that each importer can use as much or as little of it as is necessary to fulfil

notorious challenges and risks that have defined the timber

EUTR (or equivalent) obligations.

industry, including corruption, lack of transparency, and

This is proving to be revolutionary for the timber industry. Digital due

ever-evolving regulations, Timber Chain was quickly embraced by Carl

diligence tools can support the importers in the auditing process, saving them

Ronnow, a global wood trading company of over 30 years.

a huge amount of time (months, in some cases) by allowing them to select

The tracking of complex supply chains within the timber industry

relevant information in real time without having to request it separately.

has always been problematic, regardless of the size of the supplier, as

Timber Chain is also making it easier for importers to see all the stocks that

any market built around the growing of produce will undoubtedly face

a shipment comprises, and all the documents associated with those stocks;

difficulties. Unpredictable weather, political volatility and the merging

a feat which would otherwise be extremely difficult and labour intensive,

and disbandment of traders have all historically challenged the timber

enabling improved and more accurate data standardisation and validation.

sector. But what impacts supply chains the most is the mismanagement

Having experienced the benefits of this time-saving tech, one UK importer

of material due to a lack of clarity. This is where DLT, or distributed ledger

commented: “We were getting this level of information infrequently in the past.

technology, can help. It’s a system of recording information in a way that

Solutions like Timber Chain allow us to push back on our suppliers and hold them

makes it impossible to change or cheat the system. It’s also able to assist

accountable. If they choose not to engage to the same extent as a company like

traders with meeting new changes in regulations and shipping policies.

Carl Ronnow, then we can simply decide not to trade with them. As a result, we

Having recognised the importance of increasing levels of transparency

now put Carl Ronnow at the top of our list of Malaysian suppliers.”

and security, Timber Chain was curated to equip traders such as Carl

Given the initial success with Carl Ronnow, Preferred by Nature

Ronnow with a much-improved means of meeting their commitment

and iov42 plan to expand the service to accommodate other forest and

to providing comprehensive, real-time due diligence for their buyers,

agriculture commodities across Preferred by Nature’s areas of expertise.

supported by third party audits and verification. All data is stored and

Through ongoing trials and testing, iov42 and its partners will continue to

secured by iov42’s distributed ledger technology, ensuring complete data

improve the usability of the tool with the ambition of further improving

integrity and confidence.

the data sharing process between the exporter and importer.

The capability of blockchain-inspired technology to ensure regulatory

Reducing the time taken for exporters to input data will remain a key

compliance is even more valuable for the timber industry ahead of the

focus given its value to the sector in, for example, allowing for a smoother

upcoming EU regulation around deforestation-free products. Such regulation

exchange of data between sawmills and exporters. iov42 also hopes to step

will inevitably need to be syndicated across other territories (including in the

up its collaboration with governments to enable improved efficiency of

UK through the Environment Act 2021), so wood enterprises will need to

government document issuing and enforcement checks.

adjust accordingly if they wish to continue trading as normal. Timber Chain

Timber Chain is an example of what is possible when technology is

has been able to provide Carl Ronnow with the confidence that they’ll be

developed to address a real-world issue: in this case, the transparency,

able to adapt to any changes quickly and easily, due to its ability to verify that

efficiency, and resiliency of international timber markets. Integrating identity-

organisations are compliant with set certification and verification criteria.

centric, trust-building technology with expertise in certification has set a new

Unlike conventional methods, blockchain-inspired tools such as Timber

standard for supply chain management – one which is only set to go higher.

Chain allow importers to have a complete set of shipment data, which More at  www.iov42.com

in turn equips them to navigate uncertainties around interpreting EUTR, Timber Construction Magazine

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 @Timber_Media

Great British Wood Support British woodlands by using British wood.

We produce cladding, beams, flooring and sawn hardwood, all from locally grown timber.

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FEATURE  TIMBER SUPPLY

Ukraine War & Supply Pressures

David Hopkins, CEO of Timber Development UK, offers an insight into what may lie ahead for the timber supply chain during the second half of 2022.

T

The beginning of 2022 saw most timber merchants’

with 2020 levels, and there has been little fall away from these peaks

shelves fully stocked with timber following the supply

so far in 2022, despite stocks on the ground mostly returning to pre-

challenges that we all experienced in 2021. And yet

pandemic levels. Given the high price of fuel and manufacturing, we do

we started the year aware that a number of possible

not expect prices to fall significantly for the rest of this year.

barriers to trade lay ahead, even before the war in Ukraine began.

Timber is globally traded and the UK is, effectively, competing with other markets including the EU and the US for timber imports. Increased demand

Rising global fuel costs are having a significant impact on manufacturing and prices across the board, with many of these costs

from one country or region will inevitably impact on the supplies available to

inevitably being passed down the supply chain to merchants and

another, and prices are always affected by that balance between supply and

tradespeople.

demand. The US repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) and private housing markets are booming and this is likely to mean greater competition

We’re also still experiencing the impact of a widespread shortage of HGV drivers, and despite government attempts to fast-track new

for wood supplies this year – inevitably either driving prices higher or, at the

drivers coming into the industry, we expect that this will continue

very least, keeping them at current levels.

It is possible that current consumer concerns in the UK around the

until at least the end of 2022. Add to that the impact of new customs regulations that came into force on 1st January 2022 as a result of

rising cost of living and falling consumer confidence may cause demand

Britain’s departure from the European Union, and it was already clear

for private RMI work to fall slightly as people choose not to spend

that, despite the return of timber stocks on the ground, the next 12

money unless absolutely necessary. Whether this may help to offset or

months would be far from plain sailing.

at least slow down any price rises only time will tell.

Now, as the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues The impact of Russian sanctions

to have an impact on supplies of certain products, we know there are

The war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions are already affecting

some uncertain months ahead for everyone.

the timber supply chain. UK and EU sanctions have banned the imports Prices remain high

of timber from either country – a move that PEFC, FSC and Timber Development UK all strongly support. Ultimately, any timber exported

Timber prices remain high this year after significant increases during 2021. The average price of sawn and planed softwoods in May,

from Russia or Belarus since 8 April is now considered ‘conflict timber’

June and July 2021 rose by 55%, 65% and 88% respectively compared

and cannot be used.

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Summer 2022

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FEATURE  TIMBER SUPPLY

Although the UK imports little timber directly from Russia, the removal of this timber from the global supply chain will inevitably have an impact on supplies of a number of timber products, specifically Birch Plywood, Oak, and Russian Siberian Larch. In some cases, especially for Russian joinery redwood, whitewood and birch plywood, these products aren’t directly imported into the UK in large volumes, but are exported from Russia into the EU, where they are processed and repackaged into Planed All Round Timber and mouldings before onwards delivery – and so may not be immediately obvious as having come from Russian source material. We recommend that any company purchasing timber from the EU takes steps to check the source of these products if you have any concerns.

At Timber Development UK we are working continuously with our members and EU supply partners to identify alternative sources for these timber products wherever possible. There are alternative supply chains for Birch Plywood in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Poland, though it is unlikely there will be enough spare capacity from those manufacturers to fully make up for the lost Russian supply.

Possible alternatives to Birch Plywood (though these may not match all the properties of that timber) include: •

High-quality European Poplar Plywood

•

Indonesian and Malaysian Tropical Hardwood Plywood

•

Canadian Douglas Fir Plywood Poplar

•

Okume (Gaboon) Plywood.

Businesses looking for new sources of timber should contact Timber Development UK suppliers for help and advice. We will continue to provide regular updates on product supply and demand issues across the timber supply chain on our website at  www.ttf.co.uk

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FEATURE  MAGDALENE COLLEGE

Timber Turns Over a New Leaf

The University of Cambridge has achieved a literary timber milestone with WoodEx® Florian European Oak for its award-winning new library at Magdalene College.

W

inner of both the Gold Award

and materials supplier James Latham. The team

the important balance of service, quality and price.

and the Education and Public

recommended the product due to its high-quality

I genuinely believe that a solid oak project on this

Sector category of the Wood

finish and strong performance.

scale is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are

Awards 2021, Magdalene College

Lathams extensive network and key supplier

delighted to have been involved in it. The fact that

Library in Cambridge is a striking example of

relationships provided a further advantage, as

we were part of the team that was recognised so

sympathetic design, beautiful materials and

they were able to fulfil the specification and meet

highly for that work really is the icing on the cake.”

careful craftmanship.

the demand for such a large order. Jim Greaves,

Exclusive to James Latham, WoodEx® is a

chair of Buildings Judges, Wood Awards 2021

versatile, premium quality, engineered hardwood

arrangement of simple brick volumes with

said: “The Gold Award winner this year, Magdalene

timber product made from either European

timber windows and pitched roofs echoing the

College Library, is a tour de force of architectural

Oak, Sapele or Red Grandis. Combining high

gabled architecture of the existing college. Built

design and achievement. Experienced sequentially

performance with aesthetic appeal, WoodEx®

alongside the Grade I listed Pepys Library, it is the

as they lead one through the building, the

is often used for applications such as windows

first substantial addition to the main site in over

different spaces and forms of the reading rooms

and doors because it provides a better thermal

50 years.

are quite beautiful. The brick, timber and stone

performance than solid wood and is highly stable

have been designed exquisitely with a thorough

and resistant to warping, hugely reducing the

see. Glulam beams support cross laminated

understanding of their intrinsic qualities. A truly

need for maintenance. And, while its appearance

timber (CLT) floor slabs which are supported on

outstanding building.”

is akin to solid timber, it has the advantage that

The library design is based upon an

Inside, the building’s structure is clear to

load-bearing brick piers. The architect’s intention

“We love working hand in hand with our

was for all the key features to appear as an

customers, to help them to find the materials

interwoven set of elements.

that are the right fit for their projects,” added

the visual face and two sides are clear of defects making it ideal for joinery projects.

The timber was provided by Italian-

Adrian Roker at Lathams. “It has been amazing to

headquartered hardwood sawmilling and wood

Joinery was commissioned to manufacture all the

watch this project come to life, with one of our

product manufacturer Florian. The family-owned

furniture within the library including bookcases,

highest performing products being used to such

group has operations across Italy, France, Croatia

desks and various other pieces. The specification

an exceptional standard.”

and Hungary and supplies customers in 78

Cambridge-based bespoke joinery firm Wedd

was for solid timber much to the joinery

Simon Lock, commercial director, Wedd

countries. For the Magdelene College Library

company’s delight with Magdalene College

Joinery said: “We have worked with Latham’s

project, Lathams supplied over £300,000 of

wanting to build something for the future

for over 50 years. They will always be one of the

WoodEx® Florian European Oak.

generation. Wedd chose to work with WoodEx®

companies we go to at the early stage of a project

Florian European Oak on the advice of timber

involving solid timber. At the end, it came down to

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

17

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COVER STORY  PIVETEAUBOIS

Small & Perfectly Formed Photo © French-Tye

A new development in London will see the transformation of a former builder’s yard into a small but sustainable housing scheme using cross laminated timber (CLT) and offsite manufacture.

L

ocated at the edge of Wanstead Flats in London, Forest

are orientated north – allowing large, principal windows to frame stunning

Houses – including a three-bedroom family home and

views over Wanstead Flats, while also sensitively protecting the privacy of

two smaller two-bedroom homes – will also see the

the surrounding properties. The glazing reflects the natural surroundings

remodelling and extension of a former end-of-terrace

and roots the scheme into its local surroundings.

shop that straddles the entrance to the site, to create another one-

At ground floor level, a carefully considered jigsaw arrangement lends

bedroom home. The project showcases what can be done on a small

itself to the irregular shape of the site, as the three units efficiently interlock

site to create desirable low carbon living.

layouts around a series of lightwells and courtyards, to optimise the number of family homes on the site. These draw natural light and sunshine deep

To transform his family’s old premises, client Spencer Seaton, enlisted Dallas-Pierce-Quintero (DPQ) architects to create a clever

within the floorplan, creating private outdoor spaces and tranquil views from

design to maximise the available space. The plan was to build the

all the bedrooms. Windows have been arranged so that hallways look across

ground floor of the three newbuild homes in white cement block and

the courtyards, creating a sense that all routes are connected to the outside.

“For us, every project focuses on the experience of the people using

place open-plan CLT living areas/kitchens on top. In addition to this the floors, walls and roofs of the space were made from CLT with a huge

the buildings we create,” says Jonathan Dallas, from DPQ. “Tailoring these

picture window, encased in a steel frame, overlooking the heath.

to their needs, and designing homes that enable people to get the most out of the spaces they live in. By embracing the often forgotten ‘spaces

Tucked into a corner of the site, DPQ’s design for the newbuild homes is based on ‘upside-down’ living – moving bedrooms to the ground floor

in-between’, we’re always seeking to develop innovative designs that make

and positioning the kitchen and living spaces on the projecting first floor.

the most of each site’s potential and harness its unique features throughout

This simple re-arrangement gives living spaces elevated views during the

the building, such as the striking views of the neighbouring grassland at

day, and a more secluded feel to the bedroom spaces beneath.

Forest Houses. A commitment to sustainability – and in particular, a passion for materiality – informs our approach at every stage, as we celebrate the

In a nod to the site’s industrial history, the upper floors of each home feature a sawtooth roof profile, sensitively designed to avoid the

warm and tactile qualities of responsibly-sourced, natural materials to create

appearance of an overly dominating development. Here the first floors

a healthy home for the long-term.”

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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COVER STORY  PIVETEAUBOIS

Photo © French-Tye

Photo © French-Tye

The timber elements were supplied by leading French timber

fuses traditional and offsite manufacture to create truly sustainable and

supplier PIVETEAUBOIS and included 25m3 of non-visible Pine CLT

energy efficient homes.

for the floor panels, with 33m3 of visible Spruce for the walls and the

“It’s always great to work on such innovative design and for such

roof. The CLT panels were CNC-manufactured in a precision factory

an experienced client,” said Will Bateman, design director at specialist

environment at the company’s main production site in Sainte-Florence,

timber framing company, Wooden House. “The team as always, worked

France, with all timber sourced from responsibly managed PEFC-

really hard and even though there were a few nervous moments, owing

certified forests guaranteeing the material as legal and sustainable.

to high winds and Covid-19 restrictions, we still managed to complete the

“This scheme was fantastic to see develop,” says Elisabeth Piveteau-

job in just five days.”

Boley, director UK & Ireland. “The team worked together extremely well to

The tight space of the site with a narrow entrance saw the timber craned

bring together all the elements on a small development site. The first floor

in and unloaded, with the CLT floors fitted in place to create much needed

CLT ‘pods’ were delivered as panels before erection and the assembly was

room to work in. The steel frames were then bolted together, lifted into

done very easily. The use of timber has created several stylish homes and

place and secured. Each unit was then built one after the other working

shows what a dynamic and flexible material it is.”

backwards from the frame with the roofs of all newbuilds going on last.

The lightweight first floor is all clad in the same galvanised metal

For Spencer Seaton, the development has lived up to all his expectations,

sheets to create a highly textured and unified external envelope that

saying: “I am amazed how quick everything came together on-site and I haven’t

flows between the walls and the roofs. The interior structural elements

got enough praise or thanks for the boys at DPQ and Wooden House for helping

are left undressed with the white, exposed blockwork complemented

me turn this disused yard into such beautiful properties.”

by the tactile and natural feel of the CLT structure, building a

The scheme shows how structural timber can provide a speedy and

connection with the surrounding tree canopies.

sustainable solution to create energy efficient and attractive homes.

To create a sense of cohesion across the scheme, the use of CLT was

The site was small and constrained but the use of CLT timber panels

also mirrored in the refurbishment of the existing end-of-terrace shop,

fitted together as ‘pods’ delivers a design-driven way to create small but

where it features in the roof of the new extension. All materials were

desirable homes.

responsibly sourced and chosen for their longevity, recycling capabilities and ability to provide a healthy, toxin-free home. Celebrating simplicity

More at  www.piveteaubois.com/en  www.woodenhouse.ltd

in materials and innovation in construction, this super-insulated project

 www.d-p-q.uk

 French Engineered Timber PIVETEAUBOIS is a leading French softwood sawmiller

The HEXAPLI CLT range consists of panels ranging from 60mm to

and manufacturer of timber products for the construction,

360mm thick made from sawn timber classified at C18 or C24 and in

landscaping and energy sectors. Its passion for wood has always

max length panels of 16m by 3.5m in Pine, Spruce or Douglas Fir. All

driven the family mission – to build a durable and sustainable

panels can be coated with our translucent UC2 water repellent PARKA

world by making the most of every tree.

to protect the panels from water ingress and staining during transit and erection and from decay.

Construction accounts for 60% of PIVETEAU’s sawn production

In the drive to popularise CLT for low-carbon construction,

with an annual production of glulam, glued solid timber and fingerjointed timber of 50,000m3, cladding production of 1,000,000m2 and

PIVETEAUBOIS will be launching its new HEXAKIT product at Carrefour

an annual CLT production capacity of 350,000m2.

du Bois (1-3 June 2022). HEXAKIT offers a range of standard size CLT panels with optimised lengths for two or three support spans for floor, wall, roofs

PIVETEAUBOIS uses material from local French PEFC-certified forests and the fully automated 10,000m² production facility at its

and flat roofs for homes and offices. HEXAPLI and HEXAKIT CLT products

Sainte-Florence headquarters is the first industrial site producing CLT

are EPD-verified construction products and therefore provide credit for

panels in French wood of any significant scale.

building certification applications (LEED, BREAM, HQE).

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

19

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  HOUSING

Milestone Modules Housebuilder House by Urban Splash has created the 1000th module at its MMC factory – a milestone pod which is now on route to Port Loop in Birmingham where it will be craned into place as a completed home.

H

ouse by Urban Splash began creating its innovative new

“It’s been an enjoyable journey so far, one which has seen us turn

homes using modern methods of construction (MMC)

these modules into hundreds of completed homes in sustainable new

in 2016. The first properties – known as Town House, a

neighbourhoods all over the country. Part of the journey has been

modern take on the Victorian terrace – were created in

constantly learning, developing and adapting our houses, and using

the company’s factory in Alfreton in the East Midlands before being

new techniques to evolve Town House from what is now its third

driven to the New Islington neighbourhood in Manchester.

iteration. We look forward to seeing more of our award-winning, completed homes onsite.”

The company has since completed 1000 modules across 10 sites,

The 1000th module will form part of the first ever Row House

more than 300 of them at New Islington. Homes have also been created at Irwell Riverside in Salford, Smith’s Dock in North Shields, Inholm

home at Port Loop, House by Urban Splash’s award-winning canal side

Northstowe in Cambridgeshire and Wirral Waters in Merseyside. All

community in Birmingham. Row House is the company’s take on the

the company’s properties are designed by Liverpool-based architects

mews home, offering different layouts for customers. This will be the

shedkm.

first time Row House will be available at Port Loop, with the typology also available at Wirral Waters. To date, all Town House homes at Port

The modules are completed modular pods, with each one forming

Loop have sold, and competed homes are now occupied.

a storey of a House by Urban Splash home. Modules are precision

House by Urban Splash creates innovative, architect-designed homes

engineered on the company’s production line, before then being craned into position on-site. The process makes for more energy efficient

using modern methods of construction; it is owned by award winning

homes thanks to lower embodied carbon that is around 60% less than

property developer Urban Splash in partnership with Sekisui House,

traditional new build homes. Chris Shaw, delivery director at House

Japan’s largest housebuilder, and Homes England, the government’s

by Urban Splash explained: “This is a huge milestone for our growing

housing agency. Other shareholders include architect and TV presenter

business as we maintain our mission to keep creating well-designed

George Clarke, and We Buy Any Car founder and tech entrepreneur

homes using new construction techniques.

Noel McKee.

Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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FEATURE  HOUSING

The company’s mission is to help customers, partners and communities ‘Live Well by Design’. This commitment to design, wellbeing, choice and sustainability sees the company working with leading architects to design homes and neighbourhoods that are exemplars not replicas; places that work for people and that they can make their own.

House by Urban Splash now plans to invest in more R&D as it pursues its mission to create even more sustainable new homes. The company is the first housebuilder to have its own ‘Future Lab’ – a research division

how our homes perform, and where we are at in our net zero carbon

which last month released the results of peer-reviewed research – the

journey. We are applying all our findings as we evolve our homes,

data found that the company’s fully-electric Town House home was

ensuring that we continue to give our customers access to sustainable

up to 50% more energy efficient than comparable homes. “We are

homes in sustainable neighbourhoods.”

always learning and always investing our findings into the factory,” adds More at  www.housebyurbansplash.co.uk  www.shedkm.co.uk

Chris. “This research really opened our eyes and helped us understand

LCA

LCA

EPD

EPD

EN 13501-1 B-s1,d0

ROTHOBLAAS

energy efficiency and sustainability for better buildings

SCAN TO READ MORE! FIND YOUR CLOSEST ROTHOBLAAS’ REPRESENTATIVE’ www.rothoblaas.com

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Summer 2022

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FEATURE  MODIFIED WOOD

New Face for Beach House Accoya cladding has provided the finishing touch to a new waterfront development in Cornwall and adds a stylish, sustainable feel to a long-term collaboration.

durability. Typically used in applications such as cladding, siding and facades, Accoya, which undergoes a process called acetylation, is the perfect choice for aesthetically pleasing wood that requires less frequent maintenance. It is also resistant to rot, naturally insulating and insect resistant, with a 50-year guarantee provided by International Timber.

Accoya is also a preferred choice for projects which have sustainability in mind, as the timber is an alternative to tropical timber and acts as a better carbon sink during its extended life span and can be safely recycled at the end. The North Quay project’s requirements outlined in the brief also stipulated that the long-lasting cladding solution should perform well with treatments, such as paints and stains,

I

nternational Timber, the UK’s leading importer and

as the cladding has received a near-black finish to match the industrial

distributor of bespoke, sustainable timber and panel

aesthetic of the project.

products, recently collaborated with construction company Creating a long-term collaboration

Corinthian on a brand-new housing development in

Cornwall, providing timber supplies to be used for external cladding.

Site manager of Beach House, Lee Lawrence, said: “The quality of product from International Timber has been very good. They’re

Corinthian specialises in redeveloping sites that have a historic interest, in order to create new homes and breathe life into neglected

reliable, deliver on time and everything is always as per our order. It’s

buildings and areas. The North Quay developments consist of over

a pleasure working with them, and as the entire site is going to take

143 brand new units in the first phase, which features a mixture of

approximately five to seven years to complete, we will be able to continue

townhouses and apartments built directly on the waterfront of the

this partnership while they gain a deeper understanding of our needs,

harbour in St Ives Bay. There are approximately 370 units in the second

expectations and the aims for The North Quay developments. We also

phase of the project, which will include affordable housing for locals.

hope that we will be collaborating with International Timber on our sites in Wales and further beyond as the projects grow and the company expands.”

For the project, International Timber provided materials to be used

Patrick Turner, Senior Sales Executive at International Timber,

for external timber cladding for the apartment block known as Beach House, a niche collection of two and three-bedroom apartments, as well

added: “It was great to work with Corinthian on this project as it is our

cladding for the bin stores for homes on the complex. In the coming

first collaboration. The initial designs through to the finished project

months, timber will also be used for cladding the other apartments

have looked amazing, so we wanted to be sure that the cladding did the

within phase one, and for the framework of the townhouses.

wonderful location justice. Accoya is a brilliantly flexible and versatile material, and this is an ideal application for it. Not only are we confident

Specification of Accoya

that it will withstand the weather conditions, but over time the Accoya will truly become part of the landscape.”

Initially, aluminium cladding was specified for the waterfront homes but

The project is progressing well, with Beach House nearing

due to program constraints, this was later changed to timber. However, the site required a timber species that would be aesthetically pleasing while also

completion. The expected completion of all the units in phase one is at

being capable of withstanding the corrosive salty sea air and weather.

the end of 2023 with work ongoing for phase two until well into 2030.

Following consultation and support from International Timber, More at  https://internationaltimber.com/product/accoya

Accoya cladding was chosen for the project thanks to its strength and Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

22

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CLADDING SOLUTIONS

info@internationaltimber.com www.internationaltimber.com Timber Construction Magazine

Summer 2022

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FEATURE  PASSIVHAUS & FABRIC FIRST

Photo © Beattie Passive

Preserving Energy According to the Passivhaus Trust, at a UK national level effective policy development to support Passivhaus is slow, but they recently supplied an overview of the home nations’ approaches that showed encouraging signs.

I

n December 2019, the Trust compiled an overview

In response to the Climate Assembly recommendations, Scottish

of regional and local planning policies that include

MSP Alex Rowley is proposing a private member’s bill calling for all new

Passivhaus or equivalent – in the two and a half years

homes to be built to the Passivhaus standard. The private members bill

that have elapsed, there have been some ‘exciting’

will be going before the Scottish Parliament in Spring 2022.

policy developments.

A positive development in Scotland has been the funding criteria recently established for the Scottish Futures Trust’s (SFT) Learning

The recent UK Energy Security Strategy fails to include the energy efficiency policies hoped for, to help reduce energy demand and tackle

Investment Programme. Projects receiving funding need to meet a very

the climate crisis and the much-anticipated Government Future Homes

clear energy target of 67 kWh/m2. yr, comparable with a typical new

Standard is still being deliberated and is unlikely to be published until

build Passivhaus school. In addition, funding is reduced based on any

2024. Passivhaus and energy efficient building design is now more

performance gap post completion. The Passivhaus standard eliminates the

important than ever.

energy performance gap, de-risking the possibility of any funding loss.

Scotland

Wales The Welsh government has issued a new standard for social housing

Scotland’s recent Climate Assembly, set up by the Scottish Parliament, presented its Recommendations for Action in which 97% of the Assembly

– homes built under the Welsh Development Quality Requirements

voted in favour of the Passivhaus standard for newbuild projects in

(WDQR) 2021 must meet an efficiency equivalent to an energy

Scotland. “Update building standards to ensure that, within the next

performance certificate (EPC) of A, using a fabric first approach.

5 years, all new housing is built to Passivhaus standards (or an agreed

Crucially, social housing providers do not have to use SAP – other

Scottish equivalent), to create healthy homes for people while also taking

metrics, such as Passivhaus certification, are also permitted, and

into account whole life carbon costs and environmental impact.”

requirements will apply to all publicly funded affordable housing.

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FEATURE  PASSIVHAUS & FABRIC FIRST

The Welsh Government recently announced that

2021 London Plan a minimum on-site energy

all new school and college buildings, major

efficiency reduction of at least 35% beyond

refurbishment and extension projects will

Building Regulations is required for major

targets from January 2022. Buildings

Outside Air

Exhaust Air

Extract Air

Supply Air

Pa

ss

emissions as part of their in-use

iv e

w it h h e a t

residential development should

re

achieve 15% through energy efficiency measures. The Mayor

ws

zero or negative carbon

io n

co

til

at

carbon in operation, producing

should achieve 10%, and non-

ver

Ve n

will be required to be net zero

developments. Residential development

y

be required to meet net zero carbon

H o u s e win

do

A irti g t n e s s h

of London has also set out

energy.

environmental standards for developers wishing to use City

England

Hall funds to build affordable housing. Although Passivhaus

Positive developments a l in s ula

m

ti o

that local authorities in England still retain powers to set local energy efficiency standards in Local Plans that go beyond the minimum standards set through the Building

5

ns

is not specified within the

al

sig

erm

n

Th

r

reiteration in January 2022

The

have been the Government’s

b ri d g e fr e e d

e

requirements, the handbook for the Mayor’s Delivering Quality Homes Action Plan references

The five basic principles of Passivhaus

Passivhaus liberally.

Northern Ireland

Regulations (Recommendation 7a). Several

The Northern Ireland Executive published

councils are currently working on integrating

its New Decade New Approach commitment in

Passivhaus into their Local Plans. For example, York City

January 2020 to tackle climate change head on with

Council has adopted the Passivhaus standard for its new homes

a strategy to address the immediate and long-term impacts of

delivery programme. As outlined in its Design Manual, the council

climate change, along with the introduction of legislation and targets

commits to “Adopt a fabric first approach by developing all newbuild

for reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Climate Change

housing to certified Passivhaus standards”. Plans for 600 new homes to

Accord. Current Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 are in the

the Passivhaus standard are currently underway.

process of being updated, and the Passive House Association of Ireland

New largescale developments in Greater London are subject to

is advocating leadership which reflects the New Decade New Approach

additional energy efficiency requirements, beyond current Building

commitments.

Regulations, a requirement which is helping drive an increasing More at  www.passivhaustrust.org.uk

uptake of Passivhaus in London. As part of the Mayor of London’s

 Wales Social Housing Scheme New Passivhaus homes are being built for Powys County Council. The £1.3 million scheme in Sarn, built

by Pave Aways, is one of four to make the final of the Residential Property of the Year category at the Constructing Excellence Wales awards. The winner will be revealed in a ceremony at Celtic Manor in Newport on 17 June.

The development was the first social housing scheme to be built for the local authority in 30 years and the authority’s first ever Passivhaus homes.

The seven energy efficient homes — a mix of twobedroom bungalows and two-bedroom and threebedroom houses — were built using low energy construction methods and include sustainability features such as

cellulose fibre insulation, manufactured from recycled newspaper,

solar panels and mechanical heat ventilation recovery systems to

was used to reduce the use of plastics.

reduce running costs for tenants.

The homes were designed by the Wales-based Hughes

It was developed by the council’s Affordable Housing Team

Architects with support from Passivhaus experts PYC and consulting

and was part of the council’s Transformation Programme to deliver

civil and structural engineers Bradley Associates Ltd.

aspirations in Vision 2025 including to build 250 new homes by More at  www.paveaways.co.uk

2025. Welsh-grown wood was used for the timber frame while

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Offsite construction - West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is the answer to green, speed and cost demands Offsite construction is one of most environmentallyconscious processes in the industry through the use of sustainably-produced materials manufactured locally around the UK and Ireland.

Why timber frame?

Speed and efficiency favour off-site housebuilding; off-site favours timber frame; and timber frame favours West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero. The result is less reliance on traditional site-based trades and a re-shaping of the housebuilding sector.

In a recent House of Commons research briefing addressing the housing shortage in England, it was estimated that 340,000 new homes would need to be supplied every year to meet demand. Offsite timber frame construction could be the solution for housebuilders and using West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is just the ticket in terms of green, speed and cost when considering essential board materials.

In fact, MTW Research forecasts a rapid rise in timber frame buildings across the residential and commercial sectors in 2022.

The growth of timber frame is changing longestablished practices within housebuilding as the construction industry embraces the idea of off-site manufacture. This approach is due mainly to the fact that offsite manufacture means a huge reduction in the site-based activities that define a traditional building firm. The reduction in on-site activity means that, once the building’s foundations are installed, erection of the main structure follows very quickly, typically taking only two or three days to complete. New timber-framed homes can therefore be brought to market at a much faster rate than is possible with traditional brick-andblock. Crucially, this also has the effect of extending the building season which, traditionally, slows significantly during the winter period. Housebuilders can therefore be more productive throughout the year if they build with timber frame.

scores significantly on both counts since off-site manufacture reduces not only the erection time on site but also the amount of traditional building skills required. The factory processes employed in the manufacture of timber frame cassettes can be largely automated, unlike traditional site-based building trades.

Structural timber technology addresses many government concerns associated with the procurement of housing - including environmental impact and energy efficiency, as well as speed of construction and cost. The materials that go into a timber frame system are generally more sustainable and more energy efficient than traditional masonry.

To find out more about West Fraser’s carbon negative status visit uk.westfraser.com/carbonnegative For further information on West Fraser’s products, call 01786 812 921 or visit uk.westfraser.com

After land prices, the two biggest cost factors in housebuilding are time and labour. Timber frame

FramePro® W1 chosen for Passivhaus Plus housing project in Cardiff The FramePro W1 air barrier system from the A. Proctor Group has been chosen for a new modular Passivhaus Plus housing project in Cardiff.

This innovative project will provide essential housing for Cardiff’s homeless population. It is designed by Beattie Passive using its award-winning, patented design and build system, which the company says is the UK’s first certified Passivhaus Complete Build System.

The development consists of 48 one, two and threebed apartments with two ancillary office buildings.

Manufactured offsite in the Beattie Passive factory in Norwich, the buildings were transported and assembled on-site in Cardiff. The three modular housing blocks provide complete flexibility.

Satisfying Cardiff’s immediate requirement to provide housing for people and families in temporary accommodation, in later years, the modules can be dismantled, reconfigured and assembled to suit the demographic needs of the city at that time.

The FramePro W1 system was chosen as an external air barrier. The system comprises FramePro W1, a low-resistance vapour permeable air barrier for walls, plus Wraptite® Tape. Ron Beattie,

Managing Director at Beattie Passive, explains, “FramePro W1 is an excellent barrier system that provides complete protection from “windwashing” and the effects of wind penetration and moisture management in buildings. In addition, the system is easy to use and apply, easy to joint, and won’t tear.”

Another benefit of the FramePro W1 system is that applying it externally simplifies the process, maintaining the building’s integrity, as there are fewer building services and structural penetrations to be sealed.

By reducing the likelihood of potential failures to meet designed airtightness levels, the FramePro W1 System helps ensure “as-designed” performance, narrowing the performance gap between asdesigned and actual energy performance. This challenge is highlighted in the latest revision of BS5250 - Management and Moisture in Buildings (Revised: July 2021), which includes reference to ‘as designed in theory’ (ADT) and ‘as-built in service’ (ABS).

Isabel Beattie, Director at Beattie Passive, commented, “the buildings are designed to achieve Passivhaus Plus standards and zero carbon. To

achieve these high standards, we undertake rigorous testing on the materials used in our build system, and the FramePro W1 system now features in all of our buildings.

View more Case Studies on our website... www.proctorgroup.com contact@proctorgroup.com +44 (0) 1250 872261

TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN RELY ON, FROM A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST Proctor-TC-Summer-2022.indd 1

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BIG INTERVIEW  NICK BOULTON

Trust in Trussed Rafters With trussed rafters a mainstay of the construction industry, we spoke to Nick Boulton, chief executive of the Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) about how they fit into the timber sector and the Association’s plans for 2022.

T

Timber technology

he TRA and its members represent a key part of the construction sector. Trussed rafters provide the

Trussed rafter technology plays a huge part of the timber sector

structural framework to support the roof fabric and

with many products and systems. What is commonly available and

ceilings for the vast majority of homes in the UK and

what wood is generally used? “Technology is key to the advanced

as such are an essential element of the UK’s housing infrastructure.

engineering of trussed rafters and metal web products. The software

Metal web technology also provides an exciting opportunity for the

our members use fully integrates CAD and timber engineering, helping

floors, walls and roofs of the future where there will be a need to

manufacturers to precisely tailor-make the perfect roof or floor for

incorporate more services and increase thermal performance.

their clients. The software partners also supply the metal web and connector plates to the manufacturers, ensuring the most efficient use

“The TRA represents the trussed rafter and metal web joist

of resources.

industry in the UK and Ireland by offering advice and guidance on

“TRA members are at the forefront of delivering BIM and 3D

technical issues, training, and health and safety,” says Nick. “One of our objectives is to encourage architects, engineers and specifiers to

rendering information to their construction clients, minimising cost and

choose trussed rafters and metal web joists as their preferred products.

increasing efficiency of the overall design process. Members generally

“We collaborate with key organisations in the housebuilding industry to raise standards. Our members are committed to the TRA’s stringent standards of quality and service which means that if you’re a housebuilder buying trussed rafters from a TRA member, you get peace of mind in the knowledge that they have been vetted and approved by the industry’s leading professional association.

“Trussed rafters and metal web use similar materials and components, as both use structural timber and pressed steel connectors. However, the software and the types of connectors are very different meaning that each requires its own set of design skills and timber engineering equipment. Most current TRA members provide both products although we are seeing an increasing number of



new manufacturers who are specialising in metal web.”

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BIG INTERVIEW  NICK BOULTON

use TR26 grade timber. This high strength timber grade was specifically developed for the UK trussed rafter sector to meet its performance needs.”

Timber trussed rafters are common to many housing developments as a low carbon structural solution for roofscapes – have room in roof projects become more popular with the change in working routines caused by the pandemic? “A large proportion of the trussed rafters produced now are room-in-roof or attic trusses,” says Nick.

“These can offer up to 65% more living space and are ideal spaces for people to work from home without the need to increase the footprint of a house.

“This method of construction has been in use for over 40 years and is a simple, tried and tested means of providing the structural roof and floor in the same component. The benefits of fully utilising the living space which can be created within the roof have long been recognised and with the increasing desire to work from home can only grow in popularity as housing developers seek to add value for their customers.”

Designing a new career There are many career routes available to people who join the trussed rafter industry with the Careers in Timber Engineering campaign showcasing the wide variety of jobs on offer. How can timber engineering be presented as

Leah Walters from Donaldson Timber Engineering has been one of the successful new career entrants

a more interesting and rewarding career choice for new entrants?

Although still at an early stage – what feedback has there been

“There are roles for people of all types and at all levels,” says Nick.

from the first tranche of entrants and sponsoring businesses?

“There are jobs in management and support roles and work that’s

“We’ve had a really good response from both trainees and their

creative or strategic. If you’re more interested in practical, hands-on

managers so far. We wanted to make it a very practical course that can

work, then there are jobs on the factory floor that would really appeal.

be handled alongside the trainees’ current workloads without putting

People who want to make a positive difference to society can play their

them under too much pressure. It’s very flexible in terms of timing but

part as they’ll be contributing to a very sustainable, low-carbon method

is rigorous enough to ensure trainees have a thorough understanding

of creating homes. The great thing about our industry is that you can

of their responsibilities as designers and the necessary skills and

have a worthwhile career with plenty of opportunity to develop and

experience to progress in the industry. The trainees have responded

gain professional qualifications.”

very well and have expressed how much they’ve appreciated the

The TRA has been running online courses in association with

support of their mentors, and we are seeing more and more member

Edinburgh Napier University for several years. It has now developed the

companies signing their staff up for the programme.”

Designer Development Programme – how will this be structured and

With material supply chains under constant pressure, how has the

how will it create a new generation of timber engineering specialists?

TRA viewed and responded to the material shortages effecting the

“The new Designer Development Programme bridges the gap

timber sector over the last 18 months – has the supply chain stabilised

between these online courses and everyday practical design skills, offering

and what will be happening over the rest of 2022? “As an industry

a structured professional development scheme for designers. Trainees

association we were very aware of our responsibility to keep members

work their way through designer training levels 1-4 by completing

up to date with the very latest information and advice on price and

workbooks in real time using the design scenarios they are currently

supply volatility during the post Brexit period and subsequently

working on. These are assessed by a fully trained inhouse assessor. They

during the pandemic. For example, we issued technical information

then move to the advanced levels 5-7 where their work is assessed by

to members which discussed the use of alternative grades of timber

a registered TRA designated assessor. We are now developing a similar

during the softwood supply shortage.

training scheme to meet the needs of metal web joist designers.

“We also gave advice to members on why they were seeing material

“CAD design skills are in constant demand within all the businesses

shortages and how to explain these to their customers. The situation

operating in the sector. At the recruitment stage we compete with many

has now settled, and we are back to pre-Covid levels of supply and

other sectors looking for similar IT skills and as companies invest in training

pricing and we expect this to remain the case into the foreseeable

these new designers, we have to work hard to keep them within the sector.

future. Thankfully, most members were able to weather the storm. It

The new course not only offers a more structured approach to designer

remains to be seen how the cost-of-living crisis will ultimately impact on

training but, through the workbooks, highlights the other aspects of a

our operations and I’m sure members will do what they can to limit the

trussed rafter business that need to be considered. For example, trainees

effect this may have on their customers.

become more aware of the commercial ramifications of their designs and More at  www.tra.org.uk

the way it impacts production, delivery and installation.

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TD_4c_90x266+3_GB_Daniel Blades 11_05_2022.indd 1

 @Timber_Media 11.05.2022 09:14:30

FEATURE  PANEL PRODUCTS

Reducing Construction Risk According to the new Health and Safety Risk Profiling of MMC Solutions report from AIMCH, panelised timber methods can improve new homes and reduce health and safety hazard exposure on construction sites by 20%.

W

Which is safest: masonry or open panel timber frame

closed walls. These systems require a crane to offload and position the

built with a forklift or more advanced panelised

components on site.

modern methods of construction (MMC) using a crane?

The study, Health and Safety Risk Profiling of MMC Solutions,

That question is explored in a new study prepared by

prepared by Stewart Milne Group, with support from Limberger

Advanced Industrialised Methods for the Construction of Homes

Associates, assessed the difference in risk exposure between two

Innovation Project (AIMCH). The study concludes all methods are

timber frame systems: one built on-site using manual assembly

safe, but have differing health and safety risk profiles, with crane

techniques with the aid of a forklift (GEN1), also typical of masonry-built

erect panelised methods, providing 20% less exposure to health and

home – the other a more advanced MMC system (GEN3), using higher

safety risks on site.

levels of prefabrication, requiring the use of a crane on site.

Stewart Dalgarno, AIMCH Project Director and Director of

The £6.5 million collaborative R&D AIMCH project seeks to industrialise how homes are constructed by mainstreaming the use of

Innovation & Sustainability at Stewart Milne Group said: “This is the

panelised MMC methods. Previously AIMCH research has demonstrated

first study we have undertaken to compare the health and safety risk

how utilising panelised MMC systems would result in new homes being

exposure of both construction methods and it is gratifying to see that

built faster, cost effectively, to a high quality and with a lower carbon

the crane-erect panelised MMC methods championed by AIMCH reduce

footprint. This latest study strengthens the case for panelised MMC

safety risks and hazard exposure by 20% on-site, where the injury rate

by concluding that housing sites using panelised MMC systems could

per 100,000 workers is 42% higher than in manufacturing, and where

reduce on-site health and safety risk exposure by 20%.

50% of deaths are attributed to falls from height, compared with 16% in manufacturing.”

Increasingly, panelised MMC systems are being used to build new homes that have progressively more pre-manufactured elements such

The study undertook two deep dive evaluations of working

as prefabricated floor cassettes, pre-fitted windows, and pre-insulated

practices and techniques in two areas, floors, and windows, where

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FEATURE  PANEL PRODUCTS

increasing the Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) is likely to become commonplace.

The study developed a methodology for assessing risk, aligned with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) hazard classifications, and consequential risk profiles were developed for each.

These covered hazards such as falls from height; slips and trips; moving and handling loads; and lifting operations and were used to compare the effect of on-site working practise differences between GEN1 site assembly and GEN 3 prefabricated construction methods.

The first of these, which compared forklift and loose joists (GEN1) against prefabricated floor cassettes and crane (GEN 3), identified a fundamental health and safety improvement between the two methods: loose joists rely on more manual labour and material movement on-site and the installation of a safety decking system, whereas the use of floor cassettes dispenses with the need for safety decking and significantly speeds up the installation process, removing many of the health and safety exposure risks such as trips and falls, manual handling, material movement associated with loose joist and flooring installation.

When looking at the second category, forklift and site-fitted windows against crane and factoryfitted windows, the latter was found to reduce health and safety hazard exposure, especially applicable with manual handling of heavy components and moving materials, which is a known contributory factor to musculoskeletal disorders.

In both areas the utilisation of GEN 3 systems transfers some of the health and safety risks from the construction site to the MMC factory, where workplace safety systems are generally

Manager, said: “AIMCH partners have built several homes using both

better managed. However, a heavier reliance on the use of cranes

methodologies discussed in this report to prove the case for scaling

introduces an increased risk of a high impact safety event occurring,

up panelised MMC systems, using increased PMV. AIMCH focus is on

such as floor cassettes breaking their slings and slipping off the end of

building a weatherproof, insulated, and secure structural shell in just

the bearing when being placed. This is a risk, albeit low, requires strict

one day, ideally with no scaffolding and a pre-tiled roof. This requires

safety protocols to be in place.

the use of a crane and the increased utilisation of the current and

To ensure that the transfer of risk from the construction site to the

future panelised MMC solutions. And, although this study examined

factory does not lead to an abdication of risk management, the report

only two areas of pre-fabrication, we believe that further offsite

emphasis the important of MMC suppliers investing in safer and more

methods such as bathroom and en-suite pods and external non

productive factory techniques that eliminate manual working hazards

masonry claddings could also yield similar future benefits — speed of

through mechanical handling, automation, and robotic applications, as

build, lower cost and a safer working environment.”

well as through standardisation of processes and components.

Full details of the Health and Safety Risk Profiling of MMC Solutions

The report also urges procurers of MMC systems to ensure effective

report, including the risk profiling methodology employed can be

controls are put in place so that an overall net safety gain is realised.

found at  www.aimch.co.uk/outputs

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‘Must have’ new timber decking resource prove to be a valuable resource for every yone involved with timber decking”.

The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) in collaboration with the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) have jointly published a new resource – the Timber Decking Handbook.

Produced with support from the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and Wood Campus, the Handbook is aimed at specifiers, buyers and installers of timber decking.

This is all in addition to the TDCA’s existing work within the timber cladding and timber decking industries. The organisation operates the DeckMark and CladMark quality schemes, which verify the quality of the materials that have been approved, or the high standards of the installer that has been accredited.

A go-to reference The 52 page book provides clear, relevant and up to date information covering decking design, installation, material choice and UK building and planning regulations. The Handbook references the existing TRADA Timber Decking manual – the two documents will complement each other – the Handbook acting as a summarised and illustrative guidance with TRADA’s being more detailed and of particular interest to the architect and structural engineer.

Both the DeckMark and CladMark schemes require a full audit and assessment of the business in question, prior to any accreditation being awarded followed by annual surveillance audits thereafter.

Partnership Agreement The Decking Handbook has been produced as part of the TDCA/ TTF partnership agreement – and on the back of the publication of the Timber Cladding Handbook last year, will help strengthen the market for both timber cladding and decking.

In addition, the TDCA can offer a number of expert services to help resolve difficulties with timber decking and cladding projects. Ideal for home owners, architects, surveyors, structural engineers and other organisations, the TDCA’s work can include assessing construction techniques of existing decks, general condition surveys and maintenance reviews, assessing material faults and causes, advising on correct material specification and assisting with material sourcing including ancillary products such as fixings and coatings.

Janet Sycamore – TDCA Director of Operations, commented: “The new publication is crammed with useful information to help the reader create robust, fit for purpose decking. We hope it will

The handbook will be freely available as a pdf download from the TDCA website at: www.tdca.org.uk/publications with printed versions costing £15 each including P&P.

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Our goal is 100% Certified Timber from 2025 The Belgian fifth-generation family company, founded in 1883 Vandecasteele Houtimport still has to deal with old prejudices on the use of hardwood. “Everyone knows that timber is a sustainable material”, says Isabelle Polfliet, Compliance Manager at Vandecasteele, “a lot of users still associate tropical timber with the disappearance of the forests.” Nevertheless, Vandecasteele Houtimport is fully committed to certified timber.

reinforced with a forest engineer in Brazil. “That way we can keep a finger on the pulse of every shipment and we are able to accurately apply the ever-changing legislation in Brazil with great precision. This sends an important signal to our suppliers.

They know that doing business with Vandecasteele Houtimport means: complying with a procedure that is continuously refined and adapted. Every timber transport requires approval. When in doubt the timber is not accepted by us.”

Sustainability and reliability are an essential part of Vandecasteele Houtimport’s DNA. The company is determined to achieve the goal of trading only certified timber by 2025. Isabelle Polfliet: “As far as softwood is concerned, we are at 99%. The challenge, however, lies with the tropical hardwood and today we are at 66%!” Vandecasteele Houtimport has a clear vision: only certified timber has a future.

Substantial investments have been made over the years to be able to realize this future perspective. “You cannot achieve this goal overnight. This is a long-term job, in which all partners must be included. If we want to assure our customers that we keep our promise to only trade timber that comes from well- managed, certified forests, we need to be sure that all our trading partners share the same strictest certification and sustainability processes as we do.”

DIGITALIZE Last year another important step was taken in the partnership with 11 Foundry and their product Fibertrace. “This is in line with our intention to digitize all processes within our company.

Fibertrace allows us to register all processes related to compliance in a structural and transparent way,” says Isabelle Polfliet. “The choice for certified timber does not mean that we push all non-certified suppliers aside. We have a preference for certified wood. By working together with external auditors, we can carry out field audits and share the results and the expenses with colleague importers. This enables suppliers to gain insight into their processes and where there are areas for improvement.

In this way, we will gain certified suppliers in due course.”

This has resulted in several actions within the company. “First of all, we were assisted by external experts to get the procedures and protocols in order within our company. For example, we apply a responsible purchasing policy that must be signed by every supplier.” Secondly, the team at Vandecasteele was Timber Construction Magazine

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Vandecasteele has a long-term commitment to preserving the forests. The family business imports more than 125 different types of wood from 40 countries and has 105,000 cubic meters in stock, mainly certified hard and soft woods.

“This wide range of wood species is also due to our support for the LKTS program of FSC Denmark.

With this we want to help promote the use of lesser known species. We keep these lesserknown types of wood in stock and offer them as an alternative.

Too often, regulations refer to the known types of wood. From the point of view of good forest management, one must dare to choose the right durability class for an application instead of a specific type of wood.”

Go to vandecasteele.be and discover why wood is the only sustainable construction material…

PRESERVATION OF THE FOREST In a well-managed forest, only mature trees are harvested, which amounts to one to three trees per hectare. After that, felling will not take place for at least 25 years. In this way the forest is preserved for the future. Mother trees, trees with bee nests and the like. are of course not harvested.

Read more about sustainable forest management

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POSITIVE EVOLUTION Isabelle Polfliet notes that a positive evolution is noticeable in consumer purchasing behaviour. Customers are increasingly asking questions about certification and the origin of the timber. Buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to use certified timber.

“Importing tropical wood goes further than just asking for certified wood. Internally, the processes and procedures must also be in order. Say what you do and do what you say. This means a continuous evolution within our company, because there are always new insights and legislation does not stand still (‘the new Deforestation Law’). Due to our collaboration with external experts, we are broadening our internal knowledge and continuing to make progress.”

Considerable steps have already been taken with the arrival of the EU Timber Regulation, but we can and should do even better.

“We want to see and monitor a stronger application and support for certified timber. Vandecasteele communicates continuously

Using timber is good Using certified timber is wonderful

with the users via the website and campaigns in order to get that message out. This is necessary, because the purchase of FSC® certified wood contributes to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (or SDG’s) of the United Nations’. Since the year 2000 Vandecasteele Houtimport has committed itself through the Corporate Durability Charter by signing up to environmental objectives exceeding the applicable legislation.

In 2018, the charter started a partnership with CIFAL Flanders, the local HUB of UNITAR, the Training and Education centre of the UN. In 2021, Vandecasteele Houtimport was the first timber company in the world to have obtained the international recognized “SDG Pioneer certificate” from UNITAR CIFAL.

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Your partner in timber protection Call 08000 886 032, email info@ptgtreatments.co.uk or visit www.ptgtreatments.co.uk