02 WINTER 2017 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)
THINK BIG WITH CLT
IN WITH THE NEW PIVETEAUBOIS to launch new CLT product in the UK / 12 IN FOR THE SKILL
IT’S ALL ABOUT BIM
Why the future of the sector depends on tackling the skills shortage / 14
Why the timber sector needs to get on board with BIM / 25
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WINTER 2017
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CONTENTS WINTER 2017 02
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 02 NEWS
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The latest news from the timber and wider construction sector including new appointments
11 FOCUS ON: MOUNT FUJI WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE
A stunning structure at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre in Japan becomes the first in the country to receive PEFC project certification
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19
14 A VIEW TO A SKILL
A lack of investment in skills and building methods could see the timber sector miss out so how does it ensure a skilled homegrown workforce for the future?
19 THINKING BIG WITH GLULAM
Peter Wilson reviews a publication which aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of modern solid timber technologies such as glulam using
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examples such as the Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground
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25 THE FUTURE IS BIM
Adoption rates of BIM are increasing within the wider construction sector but is the timber industry BIM ready?
29 REVIEW: TIMBER EXPO
Timber Expo, the UK’s only event dedicated exclusively to timber, returned to Birmingham as part of the most successful UK Construction Week in its
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three-year outing
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34 SHUTTING OUT BAD PRACTICE
A new fire door installation qualification aimed at improving fire safety has been piloted
31 NEWS UPDATE: GRENFELL TOWER
An independent taskforce has issued its first report on Kensington and Chelsea council’s response to the Grenfell Tower blaze
EDITOR Michelle Gordon michelle.gordon@timbermedia.co.uk
SALES DIRECTOR Terry Hanlon terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk 01925 270093
DESIGN Pete Awad artwork@timbermedia.co.uk
Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81
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WINTER 2017
NEWS
SAINT-GOBAIN UK & IRELAND COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF SCOTFRAME LIMITED Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland has completed the acquisition of timber frame kit manufacturer and supplier Scotframe Limited. The move marks an acceleration in SaintGobain’s involvement in offsite manufacturing and the closed panel construction market. Operating from two manufacturing sites and four sales and showroom locations in Scotland, Scotframe manufactures and supplies full timber frame housing kits for small/medium builders, developers and self-builders in the UK. It is also a market leader in closed panel systems used extensively for new-build homes in Scotland and England. Mike Newnham, chief executive of SaintGobain Building Distribution UK & Ireland said:
Saint-Gobain share the same core focus on
for all our dedicated colleagues. Having established
“Scotframe is a great fit for Saint-Gobain and we’re
safety, understanding and supporting customers
the business 28 years ago the sale of Scotframe is
delighted the team at Scotframe are joining our
throughout the house building and designing
a tremendous milestone in our evolution and I’m
group. Scotframe has more than 160 dedicated and
process. Both companies also champion the role
delighted that we will be beginning this new chapter
knowledgeable employees who have considerable
building performance has in creating comfortable
as part of the Saint-Gobain group – a tremendous
technical knowledge in manufacturing high-quality
and healthy living environments.
company with a fantastic reputation and great
timber housing kits and wall, floor and roof panels
‘I’m delighted that the founder and MD of
for the UK market. Scotframe is a business strongly
Scotframe, Bob Edwards, will continue as managing
our customers nothing will change – we continue to
aligned to Saint-Gobain’s strategy to create great
director of Scotframe following the acquisition,
operate business as usual. For our colleagues who
living places and improve daily life, and enables
so Scotframe will continue business as usual,
make our business such a success this is a terrific
Saint-Gobain to further accelerate its growth and
serving customers and manufacturing high-quality
opportunity to be part of a global group with 18,000
expertise in offsite manufacturing for construction
products.”
colleagues in the UK alone and a culture of valuing
markets. “Just as importantly for me, Scotframe and
Bob Edwards, managing director of Scotframe added: “Today is an exciting day for Scotframe and
strength. I will continue to run Scotframe and for
personal development and growth – so many new opportunities for our business.”
TIMBER FRAME HOMES FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL per week over a phased programme. Taylor Lane met the completion date target for each phase. The timber frame kits, which comprise ground and first floor panels, floor cassettes and roof components, achieve a U-value of 0.19 W.m2K. “We required a quick design, mobilisation and delivery function to secure construction operations on the ground and ensure that we achieved the project completion date. Taylor Lane’s ethos and attitude matched our own in this regard,” said Ryan Harris, project director at Hill, which has worked with Taylor Lane on several projects over the past decade. Early engagement was crucial said Harris, adding: “The timber frame designs are fundamental to the commencement of site operations. We needed to know the line loads of the timber frame to design the foundations in order to secure firm costs and make an active start in the ground. Engaging the timber frame supplier early in the pre-construction Taylor Lane Timber Frame has supplied and erected timber frame kits for a development of 322 homes for service personnel and their families in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
stage was vital to allow an aggressive start. “I was impressed with the competence and professionalism of Taylor Lane throughout the design and delivery processes. Manufacturing, delivery,
The company was appointed by Hill to supply frame kits for the £70
hoisting and assembly are significant operations within their own rights
million scheme, which is being built on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure
and Taylor Lane were able to effectively bring all four disciplines together
Organisation (DIO), at barracks on and around Salisbury Plain.
to achieve the delivery programme. All functions ran like clockwork and to
Kits for all 322 three and four-bedroom homes were manufactured, delivered to site and erected in 13 months, with a delivery target of 10 units
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achieve that is outstanding”. The site is due for completion in spring 2018.
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WINTER 2017
NEWS
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR TAKES OVER REINS AT VICAIMA Vicaima managing director Barry Waddell has taken early retirement from the company, which supplies interior door, doorset and associated joinery solutions to the British and Irish construction markets, after three years at the helm. He has been succeeded by former commercial director Frederico Capela, who took over the position of managing director on 1 December. Capela has played an active role within the Vicaima Group for over 17 years, including two periods within the UK and four years as executive director of its operation in Brazil. He said: “I am really excited to take on this new challenge and I look forward to the continued growth of such a successful and well-respected manufacturer within the interior joinery market. “Vicaima has everything it takes to reach even greater heights; committed employees, great products and a real passion for innovation”. The position of commercial director has been taken over by Paul King, formerly head of UK marketing. He has been part of the senior management team since joining Vicaima and has played an active role in shaping the strategy. Arlindo Leite, Vicaima Group CEO thanked Waddell for his tireless contribution to Vicaima and wished him every happiness for the future.
Frederico Capela (left) and Paul King
CONSTRUCTION
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elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com • + 44 (0) 7821 807 788 PIVETEAUBOIS • www.piveteaubois.com/en/
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PIVETEAUBOIS - La Vallée - BP 7 - Sainte-Florence - 85140 Essarts-en-Bocage - RCS 54725010072B10
SOFTWOOD SPECIALIST
WINTER 2017
NEWS
LONG-TERM UNCERTAINTY IN JOINERY INDUSTRY DESPITE SOUND MEDIUM-TERM PROSPECTS Growing concerns over skills, raw materials and the implications of Brexit
up well and more than half of firms operating at over four fifths of their
are fostering long-term uncertainty in the joinery industry, despite the
capacity,” said BWF policy and communications executive Matt Mahony.
medium-term prospects remaining sound, according to the BWF’s Joinery State of Trade Survey for the third quarter of 2017.
“Investment is set to increase with manufacturing equipment and product improvement the main targets but large increases in spending are
Growing concerns over skills, raw materials and the implications of
also anticipated for R & D and e-business. Longer-term growth expectations
Brexit are fostering long-term uncertainty in the joinery industry, despite the
appear to have been dampened slightly, however, and this tallies with broader
medium-term prospects remaining sound, according to the BWF’s Joinery
construction industry research suggesting that slower economic growth and
State of Trade Survey for the third quarter of 2017.
signs of an emerging weakness in construction activity outside of private
“Labour shortages and raw materials costs continue to bite but sales growth is still expected, at least in the medium term, with order books holding
housing are beginning to have an impact on spending decisions. “Labour availability is also becoming a growing concern, and this is now anticipated by survey respondents to become the biggest constraint on activity over the next year. New training and apprenticeship reforms, not to mention industry-led skills initiatives, will need to deliver for the woodworking sector and BWF has been redoubling its efforts to support the joinery skills agenda.” Almost half (44%) of respondents reported an increase in sales volumes over the last quarter, with 46% reporting an increase over the last year. This corresponds with the 42% of respondents reporting a quarterly increase in the previous survey. Manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter, with a balance of 40% predicting an increase for the fourth quarter of 2017, and a balance of 36% predicting an increase over the next year. Just over a quarter (26%) of companies reported a current order book of future work extending beyond three months – down 16% from the previous
PEFC/16-01-01
quarter – with 53% saying that their order book extended from between one and three months. Labour availability was listed as the most likely constraint on output over the next year by 35% of respondents. Demand and capacity came next, with 29% and 17% of respondents feeling that they were most likely to constrain output. Just over a third (34%) of respondents on balance reported increasing
PEFC: YOUR ASSURANCE OF RESPONSIBLY-SOURCED
their labour force in the last year, with 37% of respondents anticipating an increased labour force over the next year. Raw material costs were noted as the main inflationary factor for unit
TIMBER www.pefc.co.uk PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
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costs for 96% of respondents, with wages/salary increases pushing up unit costs for 82% of respondents on balance. Over the previous year a balance of 49% of respondents had invested in improving their products with 43% investing in their plant/equipment. Investment in product improvement was set for the highest capital investment over the next year, with a balance of 54% planning to invest and 50% set to invest in plant/equipment.
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
NEWS
WOOD FOR GOOD CAMPAIGN APPOINTS AMBASSADOR AND COMMITTEE CHAIR experience and knowledge complements our values and objectives perfectly.” Birkbeck has been at the helm of Design for Homes since 2000. He incorporated it as a social enterprise to promote what works best in housing and campaigns for homes to be better designed and produced in greater volumes. He will use his extensive experience and industry networks to help Wood for Good push for new opportunities to position timber as a first-choice material in construction, from interiors through to large-scale commercial projects. Discussing the current housing situation in the UK, Birkbeck, said: “Everyone knows the country can’t get anywhere near the level of production it needs without more companies and more solutions in the supply chain. The Wood for Good, the timber industry’s campaign to promote the use of
next few years should offer a range of platforms for the timber industry
timber in design and construction, has appointed a new ambassador
to show its potential and help tackle an increasingly corrosive problem –
and committee chair.
access to a home.”
David Birkbeck, Design for Homes’ chief executive, takes over from Craig White, who has been involved since 2013.
White added: “During my time with Wood for Good, interest in new timber technologies and methods of construction has grown rapidly. The
“Craig has done a fantastic job with Wood for Good over the past four years and we are lucky to have him as a continued friend to the
timber industry is perfectly placed to meet this shifting market demand and Wood for Good will continue to provide valuable support.”
campaign,” said Christiane Lellig, campaign director for Wood for Good.
Wood for Good’s objective is to make wood a first-choice material for
“We are very pleased to have David on board. With the continuing
specifiers and designers by demonstrating that wood is a versatile building
development and growing support for the timber industry, David’s
material with numerous application possibilities beyond traditional use.
TIMBER SUPPLY CHAIN UNITES The Confederation of the Timber Industries’ (CTI) board has approved an application to join from the Wood Protection Association (WPA). “This is another critical step in ensuring that the timber supply chain effectively unites to provide a common voice and a platform to support collaboration,” said Roy Wakeman OBE, chairman of the CTI. “As we look forward to developing our industrial strategy we need to be mindful of every stage in our process, improving productivity and innovating our products to ensure they maintain the highest possible performance, health and sustainability credentials. It is great to have the WPA with all the expertise they bring in timber treatment and protection to this forum”. The paperwork was signed on the CTI stand at Timber Expo during UK Construction Week.
CTI board members at Timber Expo. In the middle CTI chairman Roy Wakeman and WPA technical director Gordon Ewbank
like now is the time to get involved.
by our already close working relationship with
Steve Young, director of the Wood Protection
“We have an exciting new programme of
Association (WPA), said: “We have been watching
work focusing on supply chain education and
natural fit now to progress this and support the
the CTI going from strength to strength and feel
materials health matters, much of it inspired
wider work through the CTI.”
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colleagues from the TTF and BWF, it seems a
WINTER 2017
NEWS
FIRST FOR SWAN HOUSING AS CLT HOMES DELIVERED
The first precision-engineered modular homes to be built at Swan Housing Association’s offsite factory have been delivered to the Craylands Estate in Basildon, Essex.
latest phase of the regeneration of the estate. Built using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the homes are being delivered by Swan’s in-house developer, NU living under their ‘NU
The factory, which Swan took the keys to in January, will produce 300-400 modular homes per year, 560 of which, will be used in the
build’ brand. Although when complete the homes will be indistinguishable from traditionally-built homes, they will be greener, more sustainable, cheaper to heat, and come with a 10-year guarantee and 60-year quality assurance. Swan is not relying on additional or foreign investment and is funding the factory set-up, the ongoing costs and the production of the homes from the budget for its redevelopment of the Craylands estate. Even when allowing for these costs, Swan believes it can make savings against traditional construction and deliver completed homes to site 50% quicker than traditional construction methods. John Synnuck, Swan’s chief executive, said: “At Swan we understand the desperate need for quality new homes. We believe that offsite construction methods will enable us to deliver these much-needed homes quickly, designed to a high specification and with reduced impact on both local residents and the environment. We are not only excited to be early adopters in the UK of this new way of working, but to see the first of our modules delivered to site, is not only exciting, but a great step towards helping deliver more homes, more quickly.” Geoff Pearce, executive director of development and regeneration, added: “I am thrilled to have seen the first of our homes delivered to site today. Swan is truly committed to delivering innovation. Offsite construction is commonly used overseas, and the homes are indistinguishable from ones that are built using more traditional methods. We already have our own in-house skilled construction team and so, as both the constructor and developer of the homes, we are perfectly placed to manage the process of building homes offsite efficiently and to the highest standards. We are convinced that this method will enable us to deliver modern high-quality homes that people will want to live in, whilst supporting the economy in our core geographical base, building local and national expertise in manufacturing and supporting the UK modular industry.”
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WINTER 2017
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by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire WINTER 2017
Egger Protect. 60 days protection, whatever the weather. www.egger.com/60-days
It’s a fact – house building and renovation projects are often delayed, leaving sites under threat of weather damage. EGGER Protect is the only structural flooring board that can be exposed to the elements for up to 60 days. The dual sided surface protection is unique and offers a robust, non-slip floor, even when it’s wet. And, as part of the EGGER Advanced Structural Flooring System, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. For more information call 0845 602 4444 or email building.uk@egger.com
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WINTER 2017
NEWS
FIRST HARDWOOD CROSS LAMINATED STRUCTURE IN UNITED STATES UNVEILED AT EXHIBIT COLUMBUS Design firm IKD unveiled the first hardwood Cross Laminated (HCLT) structure in the United States at the 2017 Exhibit Columbus. The Conversation Plinth was situated in the main plaza of Columbus, Indiana, for the duration of the exhibition which ran until the end of November. The structure won the Miller Prize, a competition which honours J. Irwin Miller and Xenia S. Miller, two patrons of architecture, art and design by continuing their desire to make Columbus the best community of its size. Conversation Plinth aims to celebrate the community of Columbus while also paying homage to past revolutionaries of design such as J. Irwin Miller who transformed the small city of 46,000 people. The structure takes inspiration from the conversation pit in the living room of the Miller House, as well as the plinths that raise the iconic surrounding landmarks such as Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, Eliel Saarinen’s First Christian Church and the Large Arch designed by Henry Moore. The installation, which was illuminated at night, encircled the Moore statue
NEW MD FOR NORSCOT Callum Grant has been appointed as managing director of Norscot, the
with large timber discs rising upwards, encouraging viewers to change their
North of Scotland’s largest manufacturer of kit homes, windows and
perspective on the city.
doors.
Although softwood CLT is already in commercial use in the United States,
Grant, who was previously commercial director, joined Norscot in
hardwood CLT is not. As pioneers in the use of the material in the Unites States,
1988 in a sales position, before being appointed to the board in 1992.
IKD was awarded a 2017 Wood Innovation grant by the United States Forest
He has now taken on the dual role of managing and commercial director.
Service. The grant was given to develop the material innovation for installation
Outgoing managing director and co-founder of the business, Peter Body,
and for product certification with the aim of mass production.
has taken up the role of chairman.
Led by Yugon Kim and Tomomi Itakura, IKD developed a hardwood CLT
“Callum has always demonstrated a strong desire to see the business
made from a mix species, low value grade three common American hardwoods
succeed and serve the community in which we work,” said Body. “He is
for use in the project.
well respected within the business, the industry and beyond. He is the
Indiana’s largest cash crop is hardwood but more than 55% of each log processed is of low value. The project proves that the parts of logs harvested
right man to take Norscot forwards as we look to continue our growth.” Norscot, which employs 60 people and generates around £4 million
from Indiana’s forests, currently being used to produce low-value wood
a year, aims to double sales over the next five years. It is a manufacturer
products, can be put to better use with Hardwood CLT. The installation shows
of timber-framed kit homes, as well as PVCu, timber and aluminium clad
that by upcycling low-value hardwood sawn logs, such as grade 3 common oak,
timber windows and doors.
maple and ash, a high-value hardwood CLT can be made and subsequently used in commercial projects.
“I’m extremely excited about Norscot’s future prospects,” says Grant, who took up his new role on 1 October. “I relish the opportunity to take
The project ultimately seeks to revolutionise the timber industry by
a lead in the next phase of its development. It’s an exciting time for the
demonstrating the viability, value and benefits of hardwood CLT for Indiana and
business and I look forward to continuing Peter and the team’s great
the Midwest.
work, to help continue Norscot’s growth.”
IKD hopes that the project will work as a catalyst to initiate effects such as
There are four divisions within the Norscot group – Norscot
expanding and diversifying hardwood lumber markets, creating higher forest land
Windows & Doors, Norscot Kit Homes, Cottage Kit Homes and
value, increasing job growth in rural forestry and manufacturing and improving
AluWood Windows.
forest management practices to reduced wildfires and encourage biodiversity.
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WINTER 2017
NEWS
MACTAGGART & MICKEL HOMES MOVES INTO ENGLAND Housebuilder, Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, part of the Mactaggart & Mickel Group, has lodged reserved matters planning permission for its first site in England. The plans for the site at Milton under Wychwood in Witney, Oxfordshire, mark a big step forward in the company’s expansion plans south of the border. It is also expecting to lodge another detailed planning application for a second site at East Challow in Oxfordshire. The family business has been building homes in Scotland since 1925 and has won over 100 National House Building Council (NHBC) awards, as well as the highly acclaimed Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its work as part of City Legacy, developers of the Athletes’ Village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Its move into the English house building market represents a major milestone for the business as it plans to broaden its geographical reach to a UK-wide audience. Mactaggart & Mickel Group already has a strong land bank in England and has been
detailed planning application is expected
viable sites, so building our own housing
imminently.
developments south of the border is the next
Ed Monaghan, chairman of Mactaggart
natural step.
involved in strategic land development south
& Mickel Homes England Ltd said: “It’s an
of the border since 2008, securing over 1,200
exciting time for the company and fulfils our
working with local suppliers and contributing
acres across the north west and south west of
long-term ambition to expand and become
to the local economy in the areas where we
England, with a further 250 acres under offer.
a UK housebuilder. We have been delivering
plan to deliver quality new homes.”
The housing development at Milton under
quality homes for nearly a century and our
“We look forward to the opportunity of
Mactaggart & Mickel employs 279 people
Wychwood currently has outline planning
English strategic land business has been
and anticipates that this number will rise over
consent for 62 homes and a decision on the
very successful in identifying and promoting
the coming year as it expands into England.
CLT IS FIRST CHOICE FOR RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT Specialist retirement living developer PegasusLife has broken ground on a new scheme for over 55s in Falmouth which will be constructed using cross-laminated timber (CLT). The Fitzroy project will consist of a five-storey building designed to be a modern interpretation of the grand apartments and hotels, such as The Falmouth and The Royal Duchy, which line the town’s seafront. The adoption of CLT cuts construction time for the project by six weeks as the panels are manufactured offsite, and reduces the depth and cost of the foundations needed by 25%, as it is half the weight of traditional concrete frames. “We’re innovating in all sorts of areas and so it makes sense that we
Falmouth seafront – the inspiration behind the design for the Fitzroy project
look towards more forward-thinking construction methods too. CLT is a much more sustainable method of construction and will significantly
John Nordon, design director at PegasusLife, said: “CLT is a quieter,
reduce the carbon footprint of the Falmouth development” says Howard
cleaner material to work with but, while the thermal and environmental
Phillips, chief executive of PegasusLife.
benefits are well documented, it also offers a lot of design versatility too
The CLT panels are machine cut, which reduces wastage and helps to create an airtight envelope which also helps to shrink heating costs.
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so this is an exciting step for PegasusLife.” The first residents are due to move into the development in summer 2018.
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FOCUS ON: MOUNT FUJI WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE
PEFC CERTIFICATION FIRST FOR UPSIDE DOWN MOUNT FUJI The final piece of the new Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre in
a special ceremony, hosted by Japan Gas Appliances Inspection
Japan is soon to be revealed and the stunning structure is made from
Association (JIA), the certification body responsible for verifying the
locally sourced wood from PEFC/SGEC-certified forests.
use of certified timber within the building.
Built with Japanese cypress wood, the latticework structure
Amongst the attendants were the Mayor of Fuji City, Mr
resembles Mount Fuji upside down. It is also the first construction
Konagai, who is chairman of Fuji District Forestry Promotion
project in Japan to achieve PEFC project certification.
Association, as well as officials from the local administrative bodies,
“We pioneered PEFC project certification to ensure that fantastic constructions such as this are able to take advantage of
the architectural sector, JIA and representatives from SGEC and the PEFC Asia Promotions team for Japan.
PEFC certification and demonstrate their sustainable credentials,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. PEFC project certification provides independent verification that the building was constructed with certified timber, without the need for all sub-contractors to be certified. “This beautiful building is a fantastic demonstration of what can be achieved using locally-produced, PEFC/SGEC-certified wood,” said Kiyoo Nakagawa, chief secretary of the Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC), PEFC’s national member for Japan. “With the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games around the corner, PEFC project certification and the use of PEFC/SGECcertified timber is the perfect fit to ensure these games are the most environmentally-friendly ones to date,” added Nakagawa. The PEFC project certification certificate was presented at
Photo courtesy of Richard Burbidge
Online resources to help you specify and build robust and long lasting decking and cladding structures in wood.
Photo courtesy of Silva Timber
Your route to independently accredited materials, accessories, designers and installers.
Photo courtesy of Simpson Strong-Tie
Independent inspection and expert witness services.
5C Flemming Court, Castleford, WF10 5HW 01977 558147 info@tdca.org.uk www. tdca.org.uk The TDCA is an independent, technical and advisory body for the timber decking and timber cladding industry. It was established to promote the materials, design and installation practices required to create good quality decks, associated landscape structures and cladding on buildings.
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WINTER 2017
COVER STORY: PIVETEAUBOIS
Construction work is underway on H40, the 10,000m2 fully automated production facility in Sainte-Florence
BREAKING BOUNDARIES WITH CLT In Summer 2018 a new cross laminated timber (CLT) product will enter the UK when PIVETEAUBOIS launch HEXAPLI. This exciting addition to the solid engineered wood sector will add a different dimension to the rapidly evolving structural timber market
P
IVETEAUBOIS has been at the heart of
the new sales team led by Elisabeth Piveteau-
need for housing of all typologies is a problem
the French timber sector for over 70 years
Boley. This reflects the growing stature of the
confronting everybody operating inside the built
and is one of Europe’s leading softwood
company and also the rapid growth of the
environment supply chain. With a planet needing
sawmillers and manufacturers of timber
structural timber market – in particular solid
to house 2.5 billion new city dwellers by 2050,
products for the construction, landscaping
wood solutions – where the company has 20
materials such as CLT will play a pivotal role in
and energy sectors and is also France’s number
years’ experience and expertise in timber bonding
bringing a strong, aesthetic, energy efficient and
one supplier of wood pellets.
using its Lamwood technology and produces
ecologically friendly response to these challenges.
Operating from three key processing sites in Sainte-Florence and Egletons in France and Wiele in Poland, the family-firm promotes timber as an
50,000m of engineered finger-jointed, glued 3
solid timber and glulam annually. As the adoption of CLT as a strong,
To reflect these significant issues PIVETEAUBOIS is making a bold and exciting move further into the engineered timber
environmentally sound material as well as bringing
sustainable, high performance alternative to steel
sector to build on its glulam offering with the
innovative design and robust technology to the
and concrete has gathered pace in recent years,
development of a new CLT product – freshly
timber supply chain. Its services include wood
architects, specifiers, clients and contractors are
minted as HEXAPLI.
processing as well as designing, manufacturing
recognising the huge benefits that solid timber
“The UK market is a significant and vibrant
and delivering high-quality and advanced timber
can bring to all sectors of construction. As well
one for all timber products but the interest and
products ranging from sawn timber, structural
as the carbon sequestration and environmental
growth potential for solid engineered timber
components and glulam to cladding, decking and
benefits, CLT provides the key assurances
such as glulam and CLT is really exciting,” says
UC4 fencing and landscaping products.
of offsite manufacture – factory controlled
Piveteau-Boley. “The construction market has
precision, less wasteful onsite activity, improved
become very important for the company overall
PEFC and FSC-certified forests in France
health and safety and better working conditions
as it represents more than 60% of the volume of
and Poland – Pine, Douglas fir, Larch and
alongside faster installation and delivery
our sawn timber sales. We have been researching
Spruce – responsible purchasing is central
timescales.
and developing this new product to add to our
Selecting the best quality softwood from
to PIVETEAUBOIS’s mission to respect the
Recently, the structural and engineering
portfolio since 2014 and have made a major
landscape and deliver practical, stylish and quality
benefits that CLT brings has seen the material
investment in a new production facility in Sainte-
timber products to its customers.
become hugely influential and the central star of
Florence. The production of HEXAPLI CLT will
the new phenomenon of tall timber. Changing
see PIVETEAUBOIS become a serious competitor
demographics, climate pressures and the greater
in the CLT market.”
Since 2014, PIVETEAUBOIS has gained a significant foothold in the UK timber market with
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French minister for housing and planning, Jacques Mézard, with Pierre, Jean and Philippe Piveteau
has been planning a CLT product since 2014, seeing a greater need to create a material The PIVETEAUBOIS stand at international trade show Batimat in Paris, where HEXAPLI was launched
to meet the huge requirements of lowcarbon, energy efficient and reliable offsite construction. France has a huge woodland
Launched in November at BATIMAT in
a press every 30 minutes using the Ledinek
resource to draw on to produce these
Paris, the new range of CLT panels will add
solid wood processing technology. The panels
components – approximately 30% of the
a different dimension to PIVETEAUBOIS’s
consist of three to nine plies crossed and glued
country is forest and that is the third largest
product range and also create a wealth of new
using a polyurethane adhesive from Purbond.
in Europe after Sweden and Finland – with
market opportunities across Europe and the UK.
The HEXAPLI CLT panels will be available as
French forests managed to the highest levels of
Set for supply in mid-2018, PIVETEAUBOIS is
both wall and floor panels. T-type wall panels
stewardship, so we have the capacity to cope
investing €15 million in a new fully automated
consisting of three or five plies for a total
with a lot of demand.
10,000m² production facility in its Sainte-
thickness ranging from 60 to 200mm plus
Florence headquarters that will create a unique
L-type floor panels with three to nine plies.
centre that will be the first industrial site
In keeping with its company philosophy,
“From taking your 2D/3D plans to optimising the quantity and size of the panels you need, to giving advice on transport
producing CLT panels in French wood of any
PIVETEAUBOIS will offer a bespoke service via
and storage, our design and logistics teams
significant scale.
its own integrated design office and will offer a
maintain a close relationship and co-ordinate
range of options that can be easily adapted to
the phasing of production and delivery to meet
processes necessary for the manufacture of CLT
customer needs, either from standard stock or
your requirements and scheduling operations
panels, from the bonding of timber lamella to
cut to size according to demand. A full technical
– we have a lot of knowledge and expertise to
the gluing and complete machining of the panels
support service is always available offering
offer to our UK customers.”
and the application of finishes and coatings. The
advice and expert knowledge on the production
proposed target for annual production will see
and use of all products including the CLT range.
HEXAPLI (and other development activities)
a capacity of 50,000m3 with a high-pressure
On request a translucent waterproof and stain
PIVETEAUBOIS is increasing its sawing
(8 bar) hydraulic press to guarantee factory-
resistant primer can be added to the HEXAPLI
capacity at the Sainte-Florence sawmill
controlled precision, regularity and top quality.
panels to protect them during transport, storage
line from 140,000m3 to 240,000m3 and is
The HEXAPLI CLT panels will be produced in
and erection, meaning the panels are protected
incorporating the latest technology to create
Pine, Spruce and Douglas fir – classic species
during the construction phase against stains
one of the most advanced sawing lines in the
with recognised excellent structural abilities.
and moisture and will ensure a clean panel is
world. The HEXAPLI CLT production facility
Both Pine and Douglas fir have a mechanical
delivered to the construction site – exactly as it
is in the final stages of preparation and is due
strength 20-30% higher than white wood and
leaves the production site.
to be completed by the end of 2017. The
The production facility will integrate all the
To cope with the expected demand of
manufacturing line and machinery is on course
have a better biological durability. These species
PIVETEAUBOIS can also apply the
are also readily available with close proximity to
HEXAPLI panels with finishing coatings of
to be installed at the beginning of 2018 and
the factory in the Vendée.
your choice in the factory prior to shipping
the facility is set to be fully operational and
if required. Panels can be preserved to be
rolling out the first CLT panels to customers in
panels ranging from 60mm to 360mm thick
resistant to termites, rot and wood boring
July 2018.
made from sawn timber classified at C18 or
insects in use Class 2 and for increased
C24 and 20, 30 and 40mm thick. The HEXAPLI
durability HEXAPLI panels can be produced
involved,” says Piveteau-Boley. “Seeing the new
panels are CNC-machined with a tolerance
from sap-free Douglas fir or Class 4 Autoclave
facility come together has been fascinating
of +/- 1mm, using an SCM ROUTECH Gantry
Pine. Critically, the CLT panels can be treated in
and we believe that we will be in a very strong
based on specific customer requirements.
reaction to fire to reach Euro Class Bs2do.
position in 2018 to bring HEXAPLI to the
The HEXAPLI CLT range will consist of
Standard panels will be available up to 3.5m with a maximum length of 16m at the rate of
“Sustainable construction is very important to us,” adds Piveteau-Boley. “PIVETEAUBOIS
“It is a very exciting time for everybody
marketplace as a sustainable and responsibly sourced French CLT.”
For more information visit: www.piveteaubois.com/en Contact: Elisabeth Piveteau-Boley, Export Sales Manager UK & Ireland Mob: +44 7821 807 788 Email: elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com
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FEATURE: SKILLS SHORTAGE
BUILDING A HOMEGROWN WORKFORCE A panel of world-famous architects recently warned that Britain could miss out on a renaissance in timber construction because of a lack of investment in building methods and skilled workers. With Brexit likely to further exacerbate the skills shortage how can the sector build a strong homegrown workforce for the future? By Michelle Gordon
Photo © The National Assembly for Wales
T
he need for more homegrown expertise and a
building in timber, and we need to create even more
industry was highlighted at this year’s Timber
impressive structures to gain their interest. Some
Expo by a panel of world-famous architects.
government intervention into research and training would
Britain could miss out on a renaissance in
timber construction they cautioned because of a lack of investment in building methods and skilled workers. Darron Haylock of Foster & Partners explained
Rupert Scott, TRADA
14
lead the way to more sustainable timber construction taking place in the UK.” The use of timber as a building material is growing in the UK and engineered wood products that have
how the two leading contractors that worked on the
been used for decades in other European countries are
architect’s recent Maggie’s Centre building at The
beginning to take hold.
Christie in Manchester were from overseas.
Young talent needs to see that there is a future in building in timber, and we need to create even more impressive structures to gain their interest.
“Young talent needs to see that there is a future in
greater understanding of timber in the construction
“We are struggling in the UK to find specialist
The number of homes being built from timber is increasing. The latest Timber Trends report, published
contractors who can deal with the timber creativity
by the Structural Timber Association (STA), highlighted a
required to push boundaries,” he said. “We need to
significant growth in the use of structural timber frame by
develop that knowledge and experience in the UK and
the housing sector over the last 12 months and predicted
promote the use of timber in our buildings.”
that the sector has the potential to reach a 32.4% market
TRADA’s Rupert Scott called for more investment
share by 2018.
in timber engineers, contractors, project managers and
STA research has also shown that 74% of the
factories. He said: “Timber expertise still has a long way
UK’s contractors, developers, architects and registered
to go in the UK, so we need to find ways to attract and
providers plan to increase specification of structural
train the brightest and the best. We need to look at
timber systems.
the skills shortage that exists and as an industry work together to develop that.
“Growth is being driven by demand for public and private housing together with commercial buildings,” said
“TRADA is working closely with many universities in its Urban Buzz 2018 competition to generate interest
Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the STA. “The timber sector is at a very exciting place right
in timber engineering but it really requires a drive on a
now. Housing is the number one internal, political priority
more macro level.
and offsite construction is accepted by the majority as the
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: SKILLS SHORTAGE only way to build a significant number of additional houses.” Timber is the building material of choice right now said Carpenter but “whilst the construction industry is buoyed by the predicted expansion, the lack of traditional construction skills is a concern and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union has the potential to compound the situation.” The British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF)
The medium-term prospects of the joinery industry remain sound, but growing concerns over skills, raw materials and the implications of Brexit are fostering long-term uncertainty
Joinery State of Trade Survey Q3 2017 revealed that the medium-term prospects of the joinery industry remain sound, but growing concerns over skills, raw materials and the implications of Brexit are fostering long-term uncertainty. Sales growth is still expected, at least in the medium term, with order books holding up well, manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter and more than half of firms are operating at over four fifths of their capacity. But labour availability is becoming a growing concern, with labour shortages and raw materials
backdrop teacher recruitment is also a concern for
why they love it and the exciting projects they get
costs continuing to bite said BWF policy and
D&T and last year for the third year running was
to work on.
communications executive Matt Mahony.
less than 50% of the target set by the Department
The impending Brexit looks sure to exacerbate the situation as the sector faces the prospect of
for Education.” Many young people have a negative view of
It also has an apprenticeship vacancy service and training provider search to help identify opportunities for those wishing to enter and work
losing hundreds of skilled workers from across the
the construction industry and are unaware of the
in the woodworking, joinery and manufacturing
EU.
career options available beyond the trades. The
industry.
We have to assume that the sector will lose
perception and reality, however, are very different
Other successful schemes include
some skilled migrant workers but a reliance on
said Carpenter and something that the industry
Constructing Excellence South West’s Adopt
workers from outside of the UK is a short-term
has to try and change.
a School campaign, which is supported by the
fix and not a long-term plan and we should be
There have been dozens of schemes in recent
Southern Construction Framework. It encourages
focusing on ensuring a skilled workforce for
years to introduce the construction sector to
construction-related companies to ‘buddy up’ with
the future anyway, said Tony Batchelor, training
young people, to educate them about the breadth
their local schools in a bid to raise the profile of
manager for the BWF.
of opportunities available and to support them into
construction as a career choice with young people
the sector but there remains a lack of structured
and to improve the sector’s image.
A reliance on imported labour is not the only reasons for the skills gap said Batchelor. The sector
careers guidance which Batchelor calls a “national
has an ageing workforce and with fewer young
outrage”.
people choosing a career in timber there are simply
It is working with the CITB to create more Construction Ambassadors within each of the
“We are quite possibly suffering from an
clubs in the South West region, and aims to
not enough workers to replace the 400,000 that
initiative overload when much of the problem
link up schools and construction businesses in
the industry is predicted to lose to retirement over
should be focused on the fact that there isn’t a
ongoing partnerships, which will be expected to
the next decade.
process to feed into,” he said.
create a menu of school-based activities such as
“A real challenge in the current environment is
“We are trying to rationalise our own work
construction-related career’s fairs.
to ensure school leavers have the right information
through the Wow I Made That! Campaign and
and guidance to make an informed career decision
bring into that the MakeIt! competition that
one-day workshops and other built environment
and escape the higher education whirlpool created
we recently took over from the now defunct
student engagement programmes to schools
by the current UK education system,” he said.
Proskills, aimed at influencing existing Design and
and colleges since 2009 and in September 2012
Technology taught programmes in schools with
launched its full and accredited Design Engineer
learning focused around wood and furniture”.
Construct! (DEC) curriculum and learning
“Added to this, a critical introduction to our sector has been Design and Technology provision in school and the drop in GCSE entries is a real
The Wow I Made That! Campaign was
Class of Your Own Limited has been delivering
programme.
concern. This started with the removal of the
launched to provide relevant information and
It aims to create and inspire the next
requirement for all pupils to study Design and
guidance for those considering a career in the
generation of Built Environment professionals
Technology GCSE in 2004 and has continued,
woodworking, joinery and manufacturing industry.
through a project-based approach, which applies
It gives useful information about the types
pure academic subjects to the latest construction
particularly over the last four years as Government policy and hence school budgets have prioritised
of job roles available in the sector, guidance on
traditional, subjects over creative, artistic and
how to get into those roles and how individuals
technical ones.
can move up their respective career ladder. The
in recent years with greater flexibility in terms of
campaign also provides case studies and videos of
age and previous training but the infrastructure
apprentices already in the industry talking about
needs more attention said Batchelor. “In many
“Numbers have decreased nationally from 440,000 in 2004 to 185,279 last year. In this
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
industry practices. Funding for apprenticeships has improved
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: SKILLS SHORTAGE cases existing apprenticeships don’t deliver what
needs to rise dramatically if the skills gap is to
veteran of the industry, slammed the sector’s
employers really need, in some cases falling short
close.
“dysfunctional training model” its “lack of
of employer expectations and the requirement to meet specific skills needs.” And while the move to promote vocational training is underway, it is very much work in
Batchelor urges the sector to get behind its
innovation and collaboration” and its “non-
trade associations to drive improvement in training
existent research and development culture” in
and skills which he said are just as important for
his independent review of the UK’s construction
those already working within the sector.
labour model.
progress, he said. “There appears to be a real lack
“I am working with the BWF and STA to drive
“As the recent industry report by Mark
of provision for the specialist sectors and in the
improvement. We get great input and ideas from
Farmer of Cast Consultancy clearly demonstrates,
mainstream occupations it often seems to be
our members, but the more support we get the
the traditional construction industry needs to
much more around quantity over quality.”
more we can do,” he said. “I am the first full-time
modernise or die,” said Carpenter, who believes a
education and training manager that BWF has
move towards offsite construction could help to
focusing on Centres of Excellence, an initiative
employed and this is in recognition of the growing
alleviate the pressure caused by the skills shortage.
it has set up with the National Association of
importance of our role, working with industry,
Shopfitters (NAS) to give access to high-quality,
CITB, the Institute for Apprenticeships, schools,
timber systems are ‘ahead of the curve’ hence the
industry-endorsed, and flexible training provision
colleges and independent training providers, not
sector is gaining traction as more construction
for apprenticeships and other training for the
just to create the right infrastructure, but to ensure
professionals turn to innovative timber systems,”
joinery, shopfitting & interior fit out industries.
that all have access to the right information and
he said.
This is one of the main reasons that BWF is
The network is made up of FE education colleges and private training providers across the
that we don’t allow complexity and jargon to stand in the way of a healthy skills and training culture.”
“As offsite manufactured solutions structural
“Offsite construction – the prefabrication, modularisation and standardisation of
UK, and they are audited by BWF to ensure the
There is also a culture of “someone else will
training they provide is of the high standard the
sort it for me,” he said, and the industry needs to
controlled factory environments – continues to
industry demands, with continuous feedback loops
come together more with companies large and
be quoted across Government and industry as a
to ensure it remains at the highest of standards.
small telling their trade bodies what they need
potential catalyst in meeting the challenges the
from a skills and training perspective.
industry faces.”
Clearly there are some successful schemes out there working to bring more people into the
Mark Farmer’s recent Modernise or Die review
construction processes and assets within
And so the timber sector must take up the
construction sector and to educate them about
sends out a “stark but not unrealistic challenge to
challenge to modernise, and not just survive, but
how many different career options there are but
construction,” said Batchelor.
thrive with a strong, skilled workforce for the
the number of people coming into construction
Quantity surveyor Farmer, a 25-year
future.
Use PIR insulation Why? Contact NBT T 01844 338338 E info@natural-building.co.uk www.natural-building.co.uk The Hangar, Worminghall Road, Oakley, Buckinghamshire HP18 9UL
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WINTER 2017
PAVATEX WOODFIBRE INSULATION: The Ideal Partner for Timber Builds
Andy Mitchell from Natural Building Technologies (NBT) discusses why the company’s range of woodfibre insulation is ideal for the timber construction market Anyone who works in the timber construction sector or supplies timber products already understands how wood’s extraordinary range of properties contributes to buildings. The use of timber often makes buildings simpler to construct and more efficient to run, with a longer service life, improved environmental performance and better building comfort. Indeed, the timber construction sector is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance in the UK, benefitting from the example of the Scandinavian and central European markets, where the plentiful supply of sustainable timber has ensured it remains, quite literally, the material with the largest growth in market share for residential builds. It’s important to remember, however, that the properties found in wood can also enhance a project’s thermal performance. Woodfibre insulation, like the Pavatex range from NBT, can carry through the integrity of a timber build throughout the wall and roof build up, leveraging the advantages of natural wood for a more sustainable solution that offers improved building comfort while providing a cost- and labour-efficient option with reduced fire and moisture control risks. Indeed, the Structural Timber Association has advised that insulation like the Pavatex range from NBT should be the preferred choice for timber frame and CLT construction projects, due to its
ability to ‘breath’. This mitigates a common risk with synthetic insulations, which can trap moisture, leading to fabric decay, as seen in an increasing number of high profile cases THE BENEFITS OF PAVATEX A natural insulation range, manufactured from timber offcuts grown in renewable forests, Pavatex offers high levels of thermal control all year round; keeping a property warm in winter and cool in the summer by minimising solar gain through lightweight structures, such as timber and steel. And, because the insulation is able to wick and buffer moisture whilst remaining vapour open, it provides a breathable insulation solution, ensuring that the timber structure is not threatened by issues associated with high moisture levels. Good thermal performance from Pavatex products is delivered through a thermal ‘wrap’, resulting in a reduction in the amount of insulation material required. This not only reduces procurement costs but also drives down labour costs and time spent on site, enabling a simpler wall or roof build up and greater design flexibility. For external envelope requirements, the Isolair, Isoroof, Diffutherm, Pavatherm Plus and Pavatherm Combi products in the range are manufactured with a tongue and groove edge to ensure a firm and precise fit at the join between each piece of woodfibre board. This helps to deliver a wind tight building envelope for enhanced thermal
performance and dramatically reduces the potential for heat loss caused by thermal bridging. Moreover, the Pavatex installation training offered by NBT and the technical support provided throughout the specification and installation process ensures that the finished scheme meets its design values for the property.
Pavatex was even installed at the recent ‘Plywood: Material of the Modern World’ exhibition at the V&A Museum exhibition, which celebrated the use of plywood in construction, furniture and design. It was chosen for inclusion in the exhibition through Waugh Thistleton Architects, an architectural practice that has pioneered the use of CLT in
Pavatex offers high levels of thermal control all year round; keeping a property warm in winter and cool in the summer by minimising solar gain through lightweight structures, such as timber and steel
For internal building envelope installations, Pavadentro, Pavaroom, Pavadry and, more recently, Pavatherm Profil, offer choice and flexibility to the specifier, enabling the inside face of external walls to be insulated. In fact, NBT currently holds the only BBA certification for internal wall insulation under the guidance of BSEN 15026 and revised BS 5250. These products have been used on significant numbers of heritage and listed properties. WOODFIBRE ON DISPLAY With such impressive credentials from both an environmental and thermal performance perspective, the Pavatex range has been recognised for its sustainability, functionality and flexibility by leading architects.
high rise structures with its Stadthaus scheme in Hackney’s Murray Grove; a nine-storey development of 29 apartments that has set the benchmark for sustainable residential projects of timber construction. The Stadthaus exhibit at the V&A’s Plywood exhibition featured a 125mm thick timber wall with Pavatex woodfibre insulation on the exterior surface. The sample envelope structure was completed with external cladding and included a thermal break and a cavity fire break. It’s just one example of the increasing interest in timber construction and the use of high performance, low environmental impact woodfibre insulation like Pavatex to complement timber structures.
For more information about Pavatex or to enquire about CPDs or installation training, visit www.natural-building.co.uk
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From developing digital techniques to model complex temporary structures to engineering the largest cross laminated timber building in the UK, Ramboll continues to push the boundaries of this dynamic material.
PIONEERING THE USE OF CLT (UTILISING A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE TO CREATE THE LARGEST CLT BUILDING)
Dalston Works, London. Image: Daniel Shearing
Read more at www.ramboll.com/clt
WITH 13,000 ENGINEERS, DESIGNERS AND CONSULTANTS, WE CREATE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS WITHIN BUILDINGS, TRANSPORT, PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN, WATER, ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH, ENERGY, OIL & GAS AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTING.
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FEATURE: GLULAM
MASS TIMBER - THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Almost 20 years after its first use in the UK cross laminated timber (CLT) is yet to be embraced by many in the wider construction sector. Peter Wilson, architect and director of Timber Design Initiatives Ltd reviews a new publication which aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of modern solid timber technologies such as CLT and glulam The American white oak glulam beams take centre stage in the corner of the new Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Photo © Jon Cardwell
A
lmost two decades after cross laminated timber first made its appearance in the UK, it and several of the other modern
Peter Wilson is an architect and director
engineered timber products that have been transforming much
of Timber Design Initiatives Ltd,
of the country’s construction remain, for many in the industry,
a company specialising in continuing
something of an unknown quantity and to be avoided until they
professional education, product and system innovation and demonstration of
are “more proven”.
the use of advanced timber technologies
Whilst there are several hundred projects now in existence that
in architecture and construction.
ably demonstrate the efficacy of modern solid timber technologies, independent, objective information on their various properties and uses has not always been so easy to come by and have often been the source of frustration amongst designers and other potential specifiers. With the publication of Mass Timber - an introduction to Solid Laminate Timber Systems, this is no longer the case. Written by Dr Robert Hairstans, head of Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures* and an acknowledged expert in the field of timber engineering, the book explores the different glued and non-glued products available,
19
American white oak glue laminated beams radiate dramatically from the corner of the ground. Photo © Jon Cardwell
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
ADVERTORIAL
RED GRANDIS™ LANDS AT LATHAMS The UK’s biggest independent timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, is now offering Red Grandis™ directly from stock through all eight of its nationwide timber depots.
Ethically sourced and plantation grown
conservatories, mouldings and cladding. It
in Uruguay by forestry and logging giant
is particularly well suited to large projects
Urufor, Red Grandis is one hundred percent
such as door frames as it is supplied in long
FSC® certified and fully complaint with
engineered lengths so it is less likely to bow
EUTR legislation.
and warp, this in turn reduces the need to
Offering exceptional durability and stability, this high-performing, versatile
overlap and finger joint frames. Mr Hayward added, “James Latham has
hardwood timber - which comes from the
a long history and expertise in bringing new
Eucalyptus family - is also easy to machine
and innovative products to market and Red
and stain, plus, because it is plantation
Grandis fits perfectly within our extensive
grown, it offers continuity of supply.
timber portfolio which boasts one of the
James Latham’s Technical Timber Sales
largest and most varied ranges of joinery
Development Manager, Justin Hayward
quality hardwoods and softwoods available
explained, “We are really excited to be able to
in the UK.”
offer this product and I am confident that it
Red Grandis is available in the following
will quickly become a popular choice with our
thicknesses as sawn timber; 25mm,
customers. Red Grandis is ethically sourced;
32mm, 38mm and 50mm and in widths of
environmentally friendly and readily available
150mm and wider as well as long lengths
and this, coupled with outstanding levels
(mainly 3.7m to 4.9m). It is also offered as
of performance in stability and durability,
WoodEx®, Latham’s own premium quality,
ensures that it ticks all of the boxes not only
engineered hardwood and softwood
for us, but for our customers.”
timber product in all core sizes for joinery
Typical uses for Red Grandis include all types of joinery such as windows, doors,
applications as clear faced and finger jointed for long lengths.
To learn more about Red Grandis and Latham’s complete product range please visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk. Information is also available from Latham’s marketing department by e-mailing: marketing@lathams.co.uk or by calling: 0116 257 3415.
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: GLULAM
The 23.4-metre-long beams stretch across the stand, providing cover for the guests. Photo © Jon Cardwell
The golden colour of the American white oak brings warmth to the interior of the stand. Photo © Jon Cardwell
through a detailed examination of the various
book has other surprises in store. The world
technical challenges are quite different and,
manufacturing processes, together with
of advanced timber technologies and that of
in this instance, required extensive research,
their individual properties and performance
solid laminate timber systems is continuously
development and testing to be carried out
characteristics.
evolving and no more so than in their
by the engineers and the manufacturer, Hess
manufacture from hardwoods, in an industry
Timber. Adhesives that work perfectly well with
question as to why these products are not
historically dominated by the use of softwoods.
softwood, for example, could not be absorbed
manufactured from UK-grown timber, the
Why should this be so? First, hardwood
by the white oak due its density, a significant
book provides a highly informative selection
production worldwide is forecast to rise as a
problem for finger-jointed connections but one
of case studies of research and development
result of climate change and increased planting
ultimately successfully solved by the use of a
work undertaken by Dr Hairstans and other
and second, the strength relative to weight of
modern melamine adhesive, a solution that
colleagues at Edinburgh Napier University
hardwoods allows for more slender proportions
would not have been possible a decade ago.
into the potential of the various tree species
to be achieved. Further case studies in the book
available from the UK forestry sector to be
highlight recently completed projects that make
of large-scale glulam elements and other
fabricated into commercially viable solid
exemplary use of cross laminated timber, glulam
solid laminate timber products is relatively
laminate timber systems and products. The
and laminated veneer lumber fabricated from
new territory in which further research and
answer is that they unquestionably can be
hardwoods and the potential of these relatively
development will likely to lead to wider
and there is sufficient resource to do so:
new products and systems to introduce a new
commercial production and consequent new
what is required is greater confidence in the
dimension to timber design and construction.
architectural and engineering possibilities.
In response to the endlessly repeated
future market and investment in the necessary
Take the Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket
The use of hardwoods in the manufacture
The Warner Stand’s hardwood glulam beams,
manufacturing facilities, both areas in which UK
Ground in London, where the structure of the
as well as other projects highlighted in Mass
industry has traditionally been deficient.
new roof canopy is formed from 11 double-
Timber - an introduction to Solid Laminate Timber
tapered glulam beams of up to 23.4 metres
Systems, have undoubtedly pioneered the way
products - whether in glued forms such as cross
in length. Designed by Populous Architects
for even more advances in the use of the latest
laminated timber (CLT), glulam or laminated
and ARUP Engineers, the beams have been
developments in timber technology: time now
veneer lumber (LVL), or in non-glued variants
fabricated from American white oak, the
for new creative design thinking about how
such as dowel laminated timber (DLT) and
first occasion the species has been used on
these might be used in construction.
nail laminated timber (NLT) and who may feel
this scale. Doing so was not simply a case of
reasonably knowledgeable on the subject, the
using a hardwood instead of a softwood – the
For those who have used some of the
11 cantilever beams carry the canopy and form the primary structure of the roof. Photo © Jon Cardwell
21
* (www.cocis.napier.ac.uk)
The new canopy provides shelter for guests, as well as magnificent views over the ground. Photo © Jon Cardwell
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
ecobuild
06-08 March 2018 / ExCeL, London
The future of the built environment is here
Timber Presenting the Timber district... The Timber district will showcase the latest innovations in timber use, including timber framing, structures, cladding, glulam and much more.
@ecobuild_now
The Timber Talks Seminar theatre, in association with the Structural Timber Association, will host daily CPD-accredited masterclasses with case studies from select exhibitors and industry experts, presenting the latest in offsite timber
/ecobuildnow
technology and lean manufacturing systems. SMEs and start-up companies can get support with their new product launches in the Launch Pad pavilion.
/ecobuildnow
Get in touch today Contact Matt Tyrrell on +44 (0)20 3011 2546 matt.tyrrell@ecobuild.co.uk
www.ecobuild.co.uk #ecobuild
/ecobuild_now
ecobuild-uk
SUPPORTED BY
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: GLULAM
CASE STUDY: LAVENHAM YOUNG PERSON’S CENTRE The glulam columns run from the exterior of the roof canopy right through the building, supporting the roof structure and 165cm x 405cm glulam beams which span the full 20m length of the building. Each glulam column is flitched at its top and base with 20mm diameter bolts to a steel flitch plate with a welded base bolted to the concrete foundation pad. The frame was manufactured in-house at Scotts’ factory in Thrapston. It was then craned into the Lavenham grounds in kit form and assembled on site. All machining and plate connections were carried out in-house by Scotts’ joiners to millimetre accuracy prior to assembly. Glulam was the perfect material to be used internally and externally. Secondary powder coated metalwork was included on When Scotts of Thrapston was appointed as
(to BS EN 927), were specified for this
the ends of the glulam beams to protect the
the principal designer and main contractor
project. Structurally, glulam offers strength
end grain from excessive weathering.
to create a new young person’s centre,
and durability due to its layered design
glulam was an obvious choice of material to
which creates a material that can span long
timber as a structural material, Scotts carefully
meet the design brief.
distances. It also provides a good strength to
embraces modern and traditional fire
weight ratio when compared with steel and
protection measures. This includes oversizing
concrete.
of members to last a calculated period of time
The client, Lavenham Young Person’s Centre, working with Suffolk County Council, had specific design features for the
The building is designed as a ‘hybrid’,
In all projects undertaken that specify
in a fire, based on the rate at which it chars.
227m² building, which primarily offers pre-
using a traditional panelised timber frame
Other measures include pressure applied Class
school education for two to five-year olds.
with glulam supporting the main roof
0 fire treatment and Magnesium Oxide board
structure. The superstructure consists of a
linings.
These included high vaulted ceilings to prevent stale air becoming trapped.
series of 5m high x 200mm diameter circular
Sustainability and appearance were also
columns, which were designed to provide a
an alternative facility to a traditional build. The
Lavenham Young Person’s Centre wanted
important within the brief, with the client
safe play space for the children by avoiding
durability, flexibility, strength and appearance
requesting a natural aesthetic, externally
harsh corners.
of glulam helped Scotts fulfil that brief.
and internally, to help avoid a more clinical learning environment. Scotts’ one-stop-shop approach meant it provided a complete ‘turnkey’ service from concept to completion. Working with its in-house architect, Scotts designed, engineered, manufactured and installed the building, with the handover taking place seven months after the order was placed, including a 21-week build programme. Scotts offers cost-effective, high-quality, carbon efficient timber-framed buildings to suit a variety of end-user requirements. Different materials are chosen to create interest and emphasis is placed on providing a stimulating environment. GL30 structural grade glulam beams and columns, with applied clear grade coating
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WINTER 2017
The preferred design software for Timber Frame Manufacturers, Engineers & Designers • • • •
Digital output for automation of factory production Simply, quick and easy to setup and use Continuously developed in the UK based on client feedback BIM enabled with IFC data export for wall frames and floor cassettes
To find out more visit: elecosoft.com/framing
elecosoft.com/framing 24
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: BIM
Photo courtesy of Stuart Milne Timber Systems
ITS ALL ABOUT BIM BIM adoption reached a high point this year according to the annual NBS National BIM Report 2017, seeing the most rapid growth since 2014 but there is still a way to go before the timber sector as a whole is confident in its use
T
he use of Building Information Modelling – or BIM to give to it its
growth for UK companies; the development of the BIM Level 3 programme;
common name – has grown rapidly in the UK in recent years, largely
cyber security; private sector investment and engagement and a series of early
driven by the Government mandate for public sector projects to
adopter projects focusing on Level 3A and manufacturing technologies.
comply with BIM Level 2 by April 2016.
“Historically the construction industry has been one of the least
Digital Built Britain, launched in October last year, aims to build on
that to create “a digital economy for infrastructure, buildings and services”. The partnership between the Department of Business, Energy and
digitalised sectors, relying on traditional design and construction methods to deliver projects. However, in recent years this has started to change with the industry accepting that to deliver projects in the most efficient way it must
Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK aims to transform how the UK
embrace new technology and digital working,” said Stewart Dalgarno, director
construction industry and operations management professionals approach
of product development at Stewart Milne Timber Systems.
social and economic infrastructure through digital technology, continuing
“One of the major changes which have come to the industry is the
the work of the BIM Task Group programme, which was set up in 2011 to
introduction of BIM, which is a collaborative digitally enabled design and
deliver up to 20% savings on costs of major projects.
construction process which uses 3D modelling to deliver a project, across
“The use of the UK developed BIM standards is transforming the $10 trillion global construction sector towards improved productivity, competitiveness and
multiple professions and trades, from concept to facilities management.” Over 60% of design practices use BIM, a figure which is expected to rise
efficiency and providing growth for UK small businesses at the forefront of this
to 95% within three years, according to the annual NBS National BIM Report
technology,” said Simon Hart, BIM Task Group, Innovate UK.
now in its seventh year.
Digital Built Britain will focus on providing departmental support and British Standards for BIM Level 2; increased international trade and opportunities for
Part of the challenge of bringing BIM into mainstream construction practice is a lack of available products or systems in an accessible, useable format for clients, designers and construction professionals, to use.
25
TRA AWARDED ‘RELEVANT AUTHORITY’ STATUS FOR BIM In October, the TRA was granted ‘Relevant Authority’ status by the Construction Products Association (CPA) to ensure that trussed rafters and metal web joists are consistently represented in BIM models, regardless of the design software in which they originate. The industry software suppliers have agreed the consistent data set for trussed rafters and metal web joists and are now awaiting the launch of the CPA LEXiCON tool which will be the method used to
Stewart Dalgarno, director of product development at Stewart Milne Timber Systems
deliver the product data in an industry common language. TRA members have been modelling engineered 3D timber products using advanced software systems for over a decade. The challenge for the TRA has been to establish a consistent way for its members to collaborate with the construction sector across a range of different software platforms.
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
FEATURE: BIM
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE NBS SURVEY 51% of respondents think that the
70% believe cost reduction in the design/
Government is on the right track with BIM 62% of practices use BIM on some projects
44% believe that BIM has the ability to
78% see BIM as the future of project information
66% create objects as needed and a similar
32% believe that BIM has the ability to
number create objects in-house and re-use
improve the trade gap
them across multiple projects
A third of respondents were not clear on
60% of respondents think that BIM will
41% of respondents use Autodesk Revit
what they had to do to comply with the
help bring time efficiencies, reducing time from inception to completion
BIM on more than 75% of projects 45% said they use a BIM object library.
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
65% said BIM can bring real benefit beyond the design stage
BIM on every project. 29% said they used
build/maintain lifecycle will be realised
BIM mandate
and 14% AutoCAD 35% manage specification references
Nearly 18% of respondents said they used
The report – one of the industry’s most comprehensive reviews into
digitally using a free plug-in from NBS
“We’ve worked closely with the BIM Store, the UK’s leading BIM content and
the use of BIM – shows that awareness of BIM is near universal and 78%
hosting creators, to develop this library and it will help designers and architects
see it as the future of project information.
build 3D models in Autodesk Revit, in a fast and accurate manner, helping them
Confidence is increasing with over half (55%) describing themselves as confident in BIM, the report says, compared to 35% in 2012 but
reduce their effort and improve accuracy, from concept to detailed design.” The use of the library will reduce lead-in time on a timber frame project by
90% said BIM adoption requires changes in workflow, practices and
as much as a month explained Dalgarno, reducing error, reworking and requests
procedures.
for information by removing the need for a three-stage ‘back and forth’ design
While understanding and usage of BIM has clearly grown rapidly
process between architects and Stewart Milne Timber Systems’ design team.
in recent years in the wider construction sector, there is still some way
Instead, accurate 3D models can be prepared immediately after downloading
to go within the timber supply chain where only a small percentage of
content from the BIM library, providing a platform for clash detection, reducing
companies are BIM ready, according to research from Stewart Milne
sites costs and delays incurred when unforeseen clashes arise on site.
Timber Systems.
Stewart Milne Timber Systems plans to further refine, test and challenge its
The majority of BIM-ready companies are large players, said Dalgarno, with small to medium-sized companies being left behind. In a bid to address this issue, Stewart Milne Timber Systems worked with CITB through its Flexible Funding – Innovation pilots to carry out a 12-month
progression to digital working, increase its BIM maturity levels and grow its BIM Library. “It’s encouraging to see the recognition from the industry of the benefits offered by innovations like BIM and digital working,” said Dalgarno. “Getting the whole supply chain ready to take advantage of it, not just the bigger companies with the resources to invest, will be key to delivering the benefits to the most important part of the construction sector – the end user.”
Stuart Milne Timber Systems’ BIM Library
ANOTHER LEVEL There are four BIM levels each representing an increasing maturity in use of digitisation and collaboration in a construction or infrastructure project. Level 0 – Projects use only 2D computer-aided design (CAD) drafting. There is very little collaboration and any data exchange is typically conducted via paper or print. Level 1 – Projects use a mixture of 2D and 3D CAD drafting with a common data environment for the electronic sharing of data. Level 2 – Projects use intelligent, data-rich objects in a managed study assessing the BIM readiness of small and medium-size builders. A survey of the house building companies supply chain revealed only 2% of respondents were BIM ready and just 32% of companies were aware of BIM. “This has brought into sharp focus the work which needs to be done to ensure that companies have access to the necessary BIM content to develop BIM
3D BIM environment. All parties working on a project can combine their BIM and design data to collaborate and share information through the use of a common data environment, enabling users to carry out checks against data validation strategies to make sure they are on target. Level 3 – Projects at this level are fully collaborative. They use a
3D models which they can use, to great benefit,” said Dalgarno. As part of the project Stewart Milne Timber Systems has designed and launched the first timber frame BIM library in the UK. It features 102 of its
single, shared project view for data integration, which all parties can access and modify as allowed through process and security controls.
products including walls, floors and roof products and is free to download. “Part of the challenge of bringing BIM into mainstream construction practice
Source: www.gov.uk
is a lack of available products or systems in an accessible, useable format for clients, designers and construction professional to use,” said Dalgarno
26
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
Sustainability in action How McVantage is bringing new standards to 100% FSC certified tropical timber from Guyana
The group of North American companies McVantage Products have been providing quality hardwood products for over 60 years. The knowledge and experience of the staff at this family business has made them a trusted premium supplier of everything from grade lumber to wooden containers. Started by Chester McKinney Sr., the company has been in the hands of his three sons for a generation. His sons, Chester, Steve, and Joe, have consistently looked for opportunities to expand the company’s concepts of innovation, growth and environmental stewardship. This has led to the company’s subsidiary, McVantage of Guyana, working in the South American coastal country with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, which manages a 1,000,000 acre forest in central Guyana to demonstrate how tropical forests can be conserved and sustainably used. The Iwokrama forest was FSC certified in 2016. McVantage of Guyana controls all aspects of the logging, milling, and finishing processes on its concession, from the timber selection to finished product quality control, and all timber harvested by McVantage of Guyana is FSC® Chain of Custody certified. Joe McKinney, Managing Director of the McVantage companies, says, “It’s very low-impact logging. Our harvesting is on a 60-year rotation and we engage in select cutting, cutting only three to
“It is our business to meet the international demand for socially considerate, carefully harvested, properly sawn and dried tropical timber for use in modern homes and buildings as well as traditional marine applications.” five stems (trees) per acre. We observe strict cut limits and use technology and equipment that has minimal impact on the forest floor.” Joe McKinney has a passion for exotic woods, and his vision to develop an environmentally sound timber business in Guyana began with his first visit to the former British colony over 12 years ago. “I’ll buy a plane ticket to just about anywhere in the world,” he explains. “You go once, opportunities don’t pan out, you move on. At that time, Guyana was a greenfield that had more potential than anyplace I had ever seen.” The McKinneys hail from a region of northwest Alabama known as The Shoals. “My family has been in the wood business in this area’s river valleys for multiple generations. What I saw in Guyana was what existed in northwest Alabama two or three generations ago. We had the experience, we knew the steps, we knew what could be done, and I felt confident we could bring responsible, sustainable North American logging and saw milling techniques to Guyana,” he said. The main species offered by McVantage are Demerara Greenheart, Waramadan/Basralocus, Wallaba,
Purple Heart and Kabukalli. Their product range includes green, air dried or kiln dried timber, decking, large marine timbers and pilings (including round), flooring, fencing, timber mat products, and moulded patterns (stock and custom), as well as custom cut lumber and custom moulder profiles. Greenheart, in particular, is widely used in the UK and across the rest of Europe in marine applications and sea defences, and McVantage of Guyana has the ability to saw timbers up to 40 ft / 12 metres long.
completed on their remanufacturing facility in Coverden, Guyana, near the Georgetown Port. In addition, McVantage of Guyana also invests in the local community by sharing administrative knowledge from its U.S. based operations to assist other small companies in the region with management services related to accounting, import/export and logistics. Establishing themselves in the region helps not only to find their own success, but to also help the community be more successful as well.
FSC certified tropical timber meets the stringent requirements of the UK’s Environment Agency, enabling local authorities, specifiers, architects and contractors to specify Greenheart and other tropical hardwood species for a wide range of appropriate applications where their durability, reliability and unique performance properties are identified as important requirements for a project.
Exotic woods hold great appeal both as a structural material and in design applications, and Guyana has these in abundance. Tropical hardwoods are dense, hard, resistant to rot and decay, versatile and often beautiful. “It is our business to meet the international demand for socially considerate, carefully harvested, properly sawn and dried tropical timber for use in modern homes and buildings as well as traditional marine applications. These are tropical hardwood trees that grow in rainforest areas. They need to be accurately sawn and properly dried early in the process. This is the McVantage difference and this is the expertise we are able to bring that allows these woods to become useable internationally.”
McVantage’s pedigree and expertise means they are setting new standards with the selective logging, processing, shipping and supply of reliably high quality, FSC certified product, to specification, every time. The company continually invests in their operations, and construction has been
To find out more, visit www.mcvantage.com. Contact Mark Lewellyn with any product questions at mlewellyn@mcvantage.com or call +1 (850) 368 5638. 27
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WINTER 2017
DOUGLAS FIR
The Timber Species of the Future DOUGLAS FIR GLULAM - Cinema «Les Fauvettes» - Architect : Françoise RAYNAUD
France : the second largest producer of Douglas Fir in the world with a current sawn output of 700,000m3, set to rise to 2.5 million m3 by 2030. Sapwood Free Douglas Fir: naturally durable for Use Class 3.2. Fades into a nice silver grey. Natural Douglas Fir: Use Class 3.2 by grey or brown impregnation. Great mechanical resistance so the timber species of choice for structural components. LAMWOOD engineered timber production: 50,000m3/year Douglas Fir, Larch, Spruce and Pine glulam and finger-jointed timber. Cut to size and CAD-based machining service available. Treatment options include UC4 pre pressure treated Pine glulam for exterior use.
ENGINEERED TIMBER
Douglas Fir Glulam - Enseirb-Matmeca (33) – Realisation : Coveris
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Douglas Fir Glulam - Cinema «Les Fauvettes»
Douglas Fir Glulam - Auchan - Caluire (69) - Architect : Thierry roche (69)
elisabeth.piveteau@piveteau.com • + 44 (0) 7821 807 788 PIVETEAUBOIS • www.piveteaubois.com/en/ WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK WINTER 2017
REVIEW: TIMBER EXPO
ON THE UP
George Clarke opens UKCW 2017
Timber Expo, the UK’s only event dedicated exclusively to timber, returned to Birmingham as part of the most successful UK Construction Week in its three-year outing
V
isitor numbers at UK Construction Week
that we are delivering the kind of innovative,
(UKCW) – the UK’s largest construction
forward-thinking, national event that brings the
trade show – were up 11% on last year
whole sector together,” said Nathan Garnett, event
industry now is to engage with the future skills
at 33,697.
director for UKCW. “It has proven itself as the
agenda and to start recognising the skills we need
place to meet and do business, and look at how
in the short to medium term, this needs to reflect
consists of nine shows: The Build Show, Timber
we tackle the enormous challenges to come in the
a journey towards higher levels of technology use
Expo, The Surface and Materials Show, Civils Expo,
years ahead. It is also a massive celebration, with
and changing the way we deliver. This includes
Smart Building 2017, Energy 2017, HVAC 2017,
thousands of professionals attending a variety of
moving the balance between what’s delivered in
Plant & Machinery Live and Grand Designs Live,
awards over the three days.”
manufacturing facilities and what is traditionally
The event, now in its third year,
based on the Channel 4 series and presented by design guru Kevin McCloud.
Construction firms of all sizes attended the
the construction industry in his report. He said: “The big opportunity we have as an
built on site. This creates new opportunities in
event and listened to debates and presentations
logistics, assembly and precision tolerance working.
on a range of topics from how to deal with Brexit,
There are only a few events in the calendar where
including Health and Safety, Windows & Doors,
to the advantages offered by modern methods of
the UK construction industry comes together,
Roofing & Insulation, and Tools, plus the Builders
construction and tackling the skills shortage.
and UK Construction Week is one of them. The
This year there were extra zones and theatres,
Merchants Federation Pavilion, Offsite Theatre and the BIM Prospects Theatre delivered by BRE. “This was a big year for UK Construction
Speakers included Mark Farmer, founding
full spectrum of the industry is represented here
director and CEO of Cast Consultancy, who took
showcasing innovation, best practice and the
to the stage to explore the implications and fallout
bedrock of our industry in action. It’s a great event
Week. It was only our third year, but to get an
from The Farmer Review one year on, particularly
that shines a light on many of the positives of
11% uplift in attendees is a real stamp of approval
the overall response to the challenges he posed to
working in our industry.”
TIMBER YOU CAN TRUST The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) officially
“We also lobbied the UK & EU
industry stakeholders have pledged their
Governments with industry and NGO partners
during UKCW.
support to the TTF campaign by sharing their
to introduce the EUTR to help prevent illegally
pictures with the hashtag #trustedtimber.
logged material entering our supply chains.
It aims to promote the use of responsibly sourced timber in the UK and Timber Expo
29
Dozens of MPs, local councillors and
launched its “Timber you can trust campaign”
David Hopkins, managing director of the
“It’s because of actions like this that the
visitors had the opportunity to find out more
TTF, said: “The timber industry has always
UK has one of the strongest records in the
about the TTF due diligence system, timber
had a great sense of responsibility to the
world in responsible timber sourcing. We want
trade regulations and UK market requirements.
forests which grow our materials. So much so,
to keep it that way. We’re concerned that
Visitors were also able to sign the TTF
that the TTF introduced its own Responsible
these obligations and responsibilities are being
online petition designed to raise Government
Purchasing Policy in 2008 to ensure members
quietly forgotten, particularly that our national
and local authorities’ awareness on responsible
only buy timber from legal and sustainable
commitments to the EUTR and other standards
sourcing of wood products.
sources.
could be dropped during the Brexit process.”
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
REVIEW: TIMBER EXPO variety of topics were covered including flammable
wood-based solutions and products to pull together,
industry experts to debate how we can build homes
Kevin McCloud appeared alongside a panel of
building materials, building regulations, fire
get involved and help make the ‘timber pie’ bigger.”
fit for generations, as well as tackling issues such as
prevention, improving safety through technology
housing quality, modern methods of construction,
and health & safety.
and how to retain good design without slowing
Speakers at the Timber Focus Theatre, in association with TRADA, included Zaha Hadid
Timber’s governing bodies and associations
Architects, drMM, Arup, Pier Architects, David
down the build process and, architect and TV
were represented at Timber Expo including Confor,
Hopkins managing director at TTF and Michael
presenter George Clarke launched MOBI – the
Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), Timber
Ramage senior university lecturer in architectural
Ministry of Building and Innovation – which includes
Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA), and the
engineering at Cambridge University while Design
the first ever Further and Higher Education courses
Timber Research and Development Association
for Homes revealed how the boundaries of what is
in home construction; a regional roll-out of inspiring,
(TRADA).
done with wood are being stretched.
innovative and creative construction hubs. There was a free and comprehensive CPD
“The Media 10 team are very passionate about
There were over 650 exhibitors from across
Timber Expo, as they are for UK Construction
Europe at the nine shows including fastenings
programme to help tackle issues surrounding
Week and all their other shows,” said Rupert Scott,
and fixings provider, Schmid Scrauben Hainfield;
building quality, safety and fire prevention. With
membership and marketing manager for TRADA.
manufacturer, Intumescent Systems, a leader in
the repercussions of the Grenfell Tower tragedy set
“It was great to see plenty of engaging stands and
fire containment technology; Czech distributor of
to change the landscape for all in construction, a
features this year. I encourage every company selling
plywood and packing, Orlimex and Latvian sawmill, Vudlande Sawmill, which showcased the newest form of sawmilling technology. Visitors were able to get up close and personal with White Haus’s high-quality hybrid timber frame building materials, Gaujas Koks Ltd brought 25 years of CLT manufacturing to the show and STEICO showcased its European Technical Approval (ETA) awarded product SteicoFloc, a high-quality air injected cellulose insulation, manufactured from recycled paper. Preparations are already well underway for the 2018 event and over 40% of show exhibitors have rebooked for next year. Companies who have already made their commitment to UK Construction Week 2018 and the nine dedicated events within it include Rockwool, CAT,
UKCW - The free trade exhibition is the biggest of it’s kind in the UK
Velux, G2 Energy, Steico, Fundermax, and Lumineux.
STAIR SCHEME LAUNCHED The British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
timber stairs market with a strong platform for
launched its ‘Guide for Design and Specification
continued innovation,” said Hannah Mansell,
of Timber Stairs for the UK housing market’
manager of the BWF Stair Scheme.
during Timber Expo. Designed to assist stair designers,
“The document marks the fruition of two years’ hard work by stair scheme members in
manufacturers and builders involved in the design
what has been a very open, frank and healthy
and specification of timber stairs for the UK
culture of improving our products and focusing
housing market, the guidance from the BWF Stair
on how we demonstrate performance, so
management and it concerns me at times how
Scheme helps to draw together what has been
important in the construction sector today.
the construction industry fails to address risk.
a conflicting hotchpotch of standards to provide
“The guide has embraced new consistent
“As an engineer I live in a world of risk
The great thing about this guidance is that it sets
authoritative advice on how a staircase in the
ways to determine the walk line of a winder
a standard, does reduce risk and also provides a
home should be designed and set out, to ensure
and incorporates new test evidence that can be
good basis and process from which to innovate
safety, and to reduce commonplace concerns
cascaded to staircase manufacturers to ensure
and develop.”
such as squeaks and bouncy stairs.
that their products meet the standards.”
The guide was launched during a reception
Structural engineer Dr Luke Whale,
The BWF Stair Scheme was established in 2011 to raise awareness of timber stair standards,
at the Confederation of Timber Industries stand
managing director of C4Ci, who worked with
to accredit to high-quality manufacturers and to
which featured speakers from BWF, NHBC and
the BWF team on the guide added: “We take
improve safety. It is the only accreditation and
the Home Builders’ Federation.
staircases for granted. But they are incredibly
certification scheme of its kind in the UK and
complex structural elements, particularly when
accounts for approximately 70% of the timber
comprehensive technical advice to our industry,
you start to add turns and advancements in
stair market. The design guide is available to
reassurance to our customers, and supports the
materials and process.
download at www.bwfstairscheme.org.uk
“This guide provides clear and
30
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
NEWS UPDATE: GRENFELL TOWER
SLUGGISH AND CHAOTIC RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL An independent taskforce has issued its first report on Kensington and Chelsea council’s response to the Grenfell Tower blaze
O
ver 130 survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy are still living in emergency accommodation and permanent rehousing remains at a “painfully slow rate,” according to the first report from
the independent recovery taskforce, which was set up in the wake of the blaze in June. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) failed its community on the night of 14 June and in the weeks that followed said the report, which described a
The people of North Kensington have been failed by those who were supposed to serve them. They were failed by a system that allowed the fire to happen. And they were failed once again by a sluggish and chaotic response in the immediate aftermath
“leadership vacuum” from a council that was “distant and did not know its residents.” There was little effective and structured support from RBKC which was “insular” and “limited in its understanding” of collaborative working, it said. Briefing parliament on the report
Sajid Javid, Communities Secretary
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The people of North Kensington have been failed by those who were supposed to serve them. They were failed by a system that allowed
“But while the green shoots are there, the
the fire to happen. And they were failed once
report pulls no punches about the fact that there
again by a sluggish and chaotic response in the
is still significant room for improvement.”
immediate aftermath. “It was clear that if RBKC was to get a
A greater degree of humanity must be put
specific training for those front-line staff responsible for providing direct support to the survivors. “I have assured the council that I will continue to support them in building capacity. However,
at the heart of RBKC’s recovery work said the
I have also made it clear that my support will
grip on the situation and begin to regain the
taskforce, which has identified four key areas
not be uncritical or unqualified. I expect to see
trust of residents it would have to change and
which the council needs to step up:
swift, effective action to deal with all the issues
change quickly. That started with a change in
Pace – the speed of delivery needs to be
highlighted in the report. I am not taking any
leadership of the council, new senior officers, and new support brought in from other councils, and central government. “To ensure that this translated into better service for the victims and people of North
increased Greater empathy and emotional intelligence – these attributes need to be put at the heart of RBKC recovery plans Skills – all officers and councillors need
Kensington and assure me that the council
training in how to work with a community
would be capable of delivery, I announced on
that has been traumatised
5 July 2017 that I was sending in a specialist independent Taskforce.” Progress has been made under the
options off the table if progress is not made, and I shall continue to monitor the situation closely.” The taskforce will remain in place for the foreseeable future and report back to Javid with a further update in the New Year. The Government inquiry into the tragedy remains ongoing.
Greater innovation – RBKC relied too much on tried-and-tested solutions that are not up to the task and should be bolder than it has
The Taskforce comprises:
council’s new leadership said Javid, but he
been in its response
Aftab Chughtai, chair of the West
made it clear that there is still much to be
“I have discussed these recommendations
done. “Much-needed change has happened and
with the council’s leadership and they have accepted them all without question,” said Javid.”
continues to happen,” he said. “The council
“Culture change is never quick or easy to achieve
today is a very different organisation from the
in any organisation. But I am in no doubt that
one that failed its people so badly back in June
the leadership and staff of RBKC genuinely want
and the Taskforce is satisfied that RBKC under
to do better. It is their community too, and they
its new leadership recognises the challenges
desperately want to help it heal.
it faces and is committed to delivering a comprehensive recovery programme.
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“I am particularly encouraged that the council
Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council Chris Wood, partner at Altair housing consultancy, and former director of housing for three London boroughs
are now drawing on NHS expertise to secure
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WINTER 2017
It’s full steam ahead for DACH+HOLZ International other planned focus areas are the housing industry, fire protection and roof greening. Don’t miss out on the live demonstrations and the “living workshop” at the Special Show “Green Roof” opposite the forum in hall 6.
F
rom the 20th to the 23rd of February 2018, the most important meeting point for roofers and carpenters in Europe will take place at the exhibition ground in Cologne. Together with the Central Association of the German Roofing Trade (Zentralverband des Deutschen Dachdeckerhandwerks) and the Association of German Master Carpenters (Holzbau Deutschland - Bund Deutscher Zimmermeister), show organisers GHM (Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen GmbH) have developed several exciting new features for the trade fair, which visitors can look forward to.
international involvement. Exhibitors from 27 countries have so far registered to take part in 2018. One major focus of the upcoming trade fair will be digitalisation. Attendees will be able to find out more about exciting developments in drones and BIM, amongst others at the Special Show “Digitalisation” in hall 6. Digitalisation will also be a prominent theme in the DACH+HOLZ Forum, where experts will give a number of talks on current and future trends. Each day of the fair, the forum will focus on a different hot topic in the industry. Aside from digitalisation,
Another major theme at the trade fair will be occupational safety and the “Protect, don’t fall” campaign. Here visitors will be able to find out information on important new legal regulations and can test the latest innovations that the market has to offer. In hall 9, stand 323 visitors will have the opportunity to have a go on the interactive obstacle course. Visitors can also look forward to some familiar highlights at DACH+HOLZ International: the Architects’ Congress for Planners, Architects and Craftsmen with the motto LIVING WOOD will take place on Thursday 22nd February and will feature numerous renowned experts from Germany and overseas. The National Carpenters’ Team will also train live daily in hall 7 for their attempts in the World and European Championships. Both association presidents are looking forward to the upcoming event. “DACH+HOLZ International
DACH+HOLZ International remains the key meeting point in Europe for roofers and carpenters. “The prominent companies from and for the industry are already on board and as it currently stands, registration numbers have slightly increased”, says Robert Schuster, Project Manager of DACH+HOLZ International. He also adds that there has been a significant increase in
is the largest industrial trade fair for the entire roofing trade”, says Dirk Bollwerk, President of the Central Association of the German Roofing Trade (ZVDH). “A number of new products surrounding building cover, innovations as well as information on issues such as occupational safety and increasing digitalisation in the roofing trade are strong reasons to visit the established leading trade fair for the entire roofing and carpentry industry.” “Construction is changing. Carpentry is changing”, says Peter Aicher, Chairman of Holzbau Deutschland – the Association of German Master Carpenters. “Urban densification is becoming a subject of increasing importance: roof extensions and the addition of new storeys. DACH+HOLZ International presents state-of-theart technology.” There is also a lot to discover once the trade fair closes its doors each day. The city of Cologne is the fourth largest municipality in Germany with more than one million inhabitants. The Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, took more than 600 years to build and although it has now been completed for a good 137 years, around 75 craftsmen are still working on it to preserve it for posterity. The Kalscheurer settlement, an autonomous housing project in Cologne-Zollstock, houses the so-called “Setzkastenhaus”, a wooden ecological two storey house built on a small slope as an extension of an old barrack. The structure was designed by Gabor Schneider from the architectural office of Satyam Dervisha Art & Architecture in Burscheid. The house allows its residents to live between residential and garden landscape, nature and art.
For more information on the trade fair, visit the website: www.dach-holz.com If you have any questions about exhibiting at or visiting the fair, please get in touch with Hannah Nottridge, representative of DACH+HOLZ in the UK & Ireland on +44 203 3758230 or hannah@pattern.co.uk
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WINTER 2017
See you in Cologne!
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WINTER 2017
FEATURE: FIRE SAFETY
PILOT AIMS TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY and fitting of fire door ironmongery; fitting of fire seals on doors and frames; the inclusion of apertures and associated fire regulation related to the fitting of glass; and the effects of use on fire door performance. The qualification will be available as an optional unit for apprentices, a two to three-day course aimed at experienced tradespeople and a four to five-day course for both individuals and organisations that specialise in fitting and replacing fire doors. It is anticipated that it will link in to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, used on larger sites to demonstrate individual competencies. “Fire doors are often the first line of defence for users of a building in the event of a fire and yet they remain a significant area of neglect. Subsequently, every year lives are lost or put at risk, and property unnecessarily damaged,
Joinery students at NPTC Group of Colleges
A
because fire doors have been wrongly specified, fitted or maintained,” said Hannah Mansell BWF technical manager, chair of the Passive Fire Protection
new fire door installation qualification aimed at improving fire safety has been piloted with a view to delivering the full course from December 2017.
Forum and a trustee of the Children’s Burns Trust. “There are many critical elements to get right in the construction of fire doors, and a host of regulations governing their manufacture, installation and
The pilot was delivered by the NPTC Group of Colleges, a British
Woodworking Federation (BWF) Centre of Excellence, to a group of
advanced Construction Industry Training Board modern apprentices.
maintenance. But a single mistake in specification, fitting or use can render a fire door ineffective or turn it into a death trap.” Mansell is also a spokesperson for Fire Door Safety Week, a national
It is the first qualification in the UK to specifically cover the correct
campaign run by the BWF, the BWF-Certifire Scheme and the Fire Door
specification and installation of fire doors and is designed to improve fire safety
Inspection Scheme, in partnership with the Government’s Fire Kills campaign.
by ensuring that all fire doors are correctly installed by qualified tradespeople.
Now in its fifth year, it aims to raise awareness about the role of fire doors in
Covering a range of topics, the course includes the current legislation
preventing life changing injuries and the legal responsibilities of managing fire
relating to: the fitting of fire doors, fire door frames and linings; specification
OVER 2000 COLOURS TO CHOOSE FROM
door safety.
TRAVIS PERKINS BECOMES APPROVED FIRE DOOR CENTRE Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has become a British Woodworking Federation-Certifire-Approved Fire Door Centre.
01296 481220 | osmouk.com
It will establish 10 branches across the UK as experts in the specification and supply of BWF-Certifire third-party certificated fire doors and doorsets – Battersea Lombard Road, Birkenhead Stores, Glasgow Pollackshaws, Luton, Paddington, Salford, St. Pancras, Staples Corner, Vauxhall and Vivark Stores (Huyton). “While we first started selling third-party certificated fire doors more than 60 years ago, becoming an Approved Fire Door Centre now means that our trained branch teams will be able to offer specialist advice based on a much deeper knowledge and understanding of third party certificated fire doors and compatible components,” explained Richard Holland, category manager for doors, windows and joinery at Travis Perkins. Hannah Mansell, technical manager for the BWF and spokesperson for Fire Door Safety Week, said: “Travis Perkins’ leadership in this area is to be celebrated. It is critical that the
SPECIALLY MIXED TO ANY RAL OR NCS COLOUR CUSTOM COLOURS: Highest quality colour and protection for wood
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DURABLE UV-RESISANT OIL-BASED HIGH COVERAGE
merchant sector steps up to this standard of expertise in products such as third-party certificated fire doors which play such an important role in saving life and property. A fire door won’t work unless it is fitted with all its correct and compatible components, and installed correctly, which some customers aren’t aware of. The chain of knowledge from supplier to customer is integral in making sure these life safety products are fit for purpose and work when they need to.”
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WINTER 2017
Protection from the elements Timber preservation • Fire retardants • Decorative and protective coatings
The new Sentrin range of timber protection technologies, only from PTG
www.ptgtreatments.co.uk YOUR PARTNER IN TIMBER PROTECTION
t: 01777 709855 e: info@ptgtreatments.co.uk
VAC-VAC VAC-VAC
VAC-VAC BACK!
The very latest VAC-VAC wood preservative is designed to help you make the most of your construction timbers.
Using tried and tested low pressure treatments, next generation VAC-VAC will give you and your customers a cost effective long term protection against the threat of decay.
REAL WORLD THINKING. REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE.
Providing complete peace of mind protection and future proofing for any new timber building.
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www.lonzawoodprotection.com/eu VAC-VAC is a registered trademark of Arch Timber Protection Ltd, a Lonza company. Use wood preservatives safely. Aways read the label and instructions before use.
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WINTER 2017
Makita launch H Class approved dust extractor • Advanced specification meets dust Class H (HEPA) highest EU standard • Automatic self-cleaning filter system • 110v and 240v models with power take off facility The new Makita VC3211HX1 dust extractor is fully approved for use with Dust Class H, the highest safety standard of EU site safety regulations. Powered by a 1,050 watt motor the new VC3211HX1 gives maximum sealed suction of 22.0kPa and a maximum air flow of 3.5m³/minute. Suction power is controlled by a dial, and an air flow sensor emits warning beeps if the flow is reduced by a clogged filter or nearly full 32L tank. The stainless steel tank has a wet tank capacity of 27L. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com
Fix it with Norbord’s CaberFix Range With the CaberFix floor fixing range, Norbord promises exceptional value and easy application for a simple and safe on-site experience.
Offering six different products, the CaberFix range provides a variety of choice. Each floor fixing product is fully BBAapproved, guaranteeing 42 days of exposure to weather and on-site construction when used with CaberDek. Having undergone comprehensive independent tests, the CaberFix range has been specifically developed for use with Norbord’s flooring products. Products in this range include CaberFix D3 T&G (a waterresistant PVA D3 glue), CaberFix Joint&Joist (a PU adhesive and sealant) and CaberFix tape (a polyethylene-coated cloth tape for sealing CaberDek perimeters to walls). For further information on Norbord, please call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk
Experience a purple patch with Vicaima
Bringing you FSC® 100%
Tropical Hardwood • Greenheart • Purpleheart • Basralocus
from Guyana • Tatabu • Kabukalli • And more…
When it comes to inspiration ideas for interior doors, few companies bring the wealth of fresh design and stand out performance as Vicaima manage to do so every year. Entering a purple phase for their much loved Interior Door Selector (IDS), the 2017/18 edition has surpassed even Vicaima’s high standards, with the introduction of no less than six new ranges and a world of new colour and finish options. Encompassing 80 stimulating pages, this latest edition is their largest IDS yet and is certain to spark creative interest for their many markets; including housing development and hotels, together with numerous public and private sector applications. To download your copy of the new 2017/18 Interior Door Selector, visit www.vicaima. com and select brochures, alternatively call 01793 532333 to reserve a printed copy or for further information.
Marley Eternit JB Shingles help new school extension blend in perfectly Marley Eternit’s JB Western Red Cedar Shingles have been specified to clad a new extension constructed to enlarge Flitch Green Academy in Essex.
The extension has added three additional classrooms and support spaces at the primary school as it accommodates a significant increase in pupil numbers on site. A key requirement for the design and specification process was to ensure the new building would blend in seamlessly with the existing school structure. The specification of the Red Cedar Shingles as the roofing solution meant the colour selected would be sympathetic to the current shingle use on site as well as the surrounding buildings, while also providing a clean, refreshing and modern finish. To find out more about using JB Shingles from Marley Eternit,visit: www.marleyeternit.co.uk/shingles
Pasquill invests over £500,000 in its Bodmin Branch Pasquill, the UK’s largest supplier of trussed rafters, has invested over £500,000 on state-of-the-art production equipment, premises and health and wellbeing improvements at its Bodmin branch in Cornwall. The investment sees a new production line introduced for manufacturing spandrel panels, together with five new jobs created.
www.mcvantage.com McVantage_HPV_Ad_TC.indd 1
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Commenting on the investment, Pasquill’s Site Operations Manager, Darren Wisdom, said: “It is very gratifying to see our plan for increased capacity come to fruition. This is the end of a four-month improvement process, and our new manufacturing equipment and site infrastructure upgrades now mean a widening of the product range, which we can supply with increased productivity that will reduce our customer lead times. We see the South West as holding major growth potential for Pasquill, and our improved manufacturing capability here will be a boost for our housebuilder customers in the region.” For more information on Pasquill visit www.pasquill.co.uk
8/17/17 3:14 PM WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
WINTER 2017
Complete range of high performance offsite solutions
Offsite manufacturing demands product that is proven, consistent, reliable and robust. British Gypsum has a range of products and services which offer tangible benefits to the manufacturing process, including: −
Savings in manufacturing cost through process reduction
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An innovative range of accessories that can improve process times and construction speeds
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Unrivalled technical advice and expert support for design, development and implementation
For more information visit british-gypsum.com/offsite or contact Andy Watts, Business Development Manager, on 07889 321692 or andy.watts@bpb.com
ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE MOISTURE PERFORMANCE FIRE PERFORMANCE ROBUST PERFORMANCE RACKING STRENGTH INDOOR AIR QUALITY
MOULD
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For more details or to request samples call:
0800 612 4662 email: info@rcmltd.biz or visit www.buildingboards.co.uk