Issue 14: 2014
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Helping your business succeed BM TRADA provides independent certification, testing, inspection, training and technical services around the world. Contact us on 01494 569750 bmtradagroup.com
. . . W H E N E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S
Cover Photo Edward King Bishops Chapel © Niall McLaughlin Architects
Introduction “Water, water, everywhere,” wrote Coleridge – and, unless you’ve been on Mars, you couldn’t fail to notice that January has been quite wet. In fact, at TRADA, we’ve even considered a weekly ‘Wellingtons at work’ day. But, far from let a little water dampen our spirits, we’ve been busily preparing for one of timber’s showcase events – Ecobuild 2014. Ecobuild is the world’s largest event for sustainable design and the built environment and this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To celebrate this, visitors to the TRADA stand will have a myriad of opportunities to learn about timber from some of the leading names in the timber industry, courtesy of the TRADA Timber Seminar Theatre. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the advice given, the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from the use of the information supplied. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. © TRADA Technology Ltd 2014 TRADA Technology Ltd Stocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4ND, UK Tel: +44 (0)1494 569600 Fax: +44 (0)1494 565487 email: oosullivan@trada.co.uk www.trada.co.uk
We really have pulled out all the stops this year to make the TRADA experience as interactive and engaging as possible. Our experts Lewis Taylor and Elizabeth Turner will both be making appearances on the stand to deliver talks on cladding and the University Engagement Programme. Not only that but Lewis will turn quizmaster, to answer any timber-related questions visitors at the stand care to throw at him. It promises to be a lively affair! Another focal point for this year’s TRADA stand will be the Dan Kemp Memorial Pavilion. In previous years, the winning design has had its own stand, but for 2014, it will take pride of place on the main TRADA stand. This really is a tour de force for timber and promises to engender a good deal of debate and discussion. But Ecobuild is not the only showcase for timber. In this issue of ITWT, you can read about the
Ecobuild 4 TRADA brings timber expertise to Ecobuild with free talks from the industry's leading experts
Velocity in British Timber 7 Students are challenged with designing a brand new landmark
London Design Festival 8 TRADA teams up with Arup and Architectural Associates for London Design Festival
TRADA.co.uk 9 Give us your feedback on our website
Upscaling timber industry knowledge 9 Timber training sessions are an industry hit!
Sun shines on winning design 10 The winning entry of the Timbmet Dan Kemp Memorial competition
award-winning designs in the Wood Awards 2013 competition. This year’s event attracted more entries and was more hotly contested than ever, with the breath-taking Bishop Edward King Chapel, by Niall McLaughlin Architects, taking the top Gold Award. It’s all further proof of timber’s growing reputation and usage in the built environment. TRADA continues to be at the heart of discussions about timber, and, as we press into 2014, we will continue to extol the virtues of this most sustainable and flexible of materials. And if we have to wear our Wellingtons, so be it!
Rupert Scott Editor
16 Flooding in Britain Could timber frame provide a major contribution to solving Britains' flooding crisis
18 TRADA goes digital TRADA takes social media presence to the next level
18 Lifecycle assessment database LCA database goes live at Ecobuild
19 Wood Awards talks hit the road New programme of site visits to some of Britains' most beautiful buildings
20 Feature Can incising of timber before preservative treatment improve service life?
22 Timber case study Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire
30 Other timber case studies 31 Wood Information Sheets 32 Feature Sustainable timber sourcing
Part L changes 12 Construction briefing details changes to Part L
Wood Awards Gold Winner 14
34 Construction briefings 35 Events calendar
Bishop Edward King Chapel 3
TRADA brings timber expertise to Ecobuild Some people rely on gimmicks; others rely on celebrities. But, when it comes to making a splash at this year’s Ecobuild, TRADA is doing what it does best – being the focal point for questions, queries, information and innovation in timber. Ecobuild is the world’s largest event for sustainable design and the built environment and this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Returning to London’s ExCeL, Ecobuild 2014 (www.ecobuild.co.uk) will bring together the industry’s leading associations, bodies and suppliers as well as 45,000 industry professionals keen to benefit from the free-to-attend event’s offerings. That’s not to say that we don’t have a few tricks up our sleeves. In fact, visitors to the TRADA stand will have myriad opportunities to learn about timber from some of the leading names in the timber industry, courtesy of the TRADA Timber Seminar Theatre. This forward-thinking programme of seminars will see luminaries such as Ramboll’s Gavin White talking about the use of cross-laminated timber; Tim Marcot from Price & Myers discussing this year’s Wood Awards Gold Winner, Bishop Edward King Chapel; and Sylva Group’s Craig Strachan providing an update on the requirements for Part L. It promises to be an engaging and enlightening set of seminars and a must-attend event for anyone interested in timber and its potential in the modern construction environment.
Seminar Theatre
In addition, TRADA experts Lewis Taylor and Elizabeth Turner will both be making appearances on the stand to deliver talks on cladding (and how it can be maintained for long-lasting looks) and TRADA’s University Engagement Programme respectively. Meanwhile, Lewis will turn quizmaster, to answer any timber-related questions visitors at the stand care to throw at him. He will also be hosting a series of six quick practical quizzes where audience members will be invited to identify for example, the species, how it’s cut and what type of grade it is with a bottle of wine for each winner. Another focal point for this year’s TRADA stand will be the Timbmet Dan Kemp Memorial Pavilion. In previous years, the winning design has had its own stand, but for 2014, it will take pride of place on the main TRADA stand. Launched in 2010, the competition, sponsored by Timbmet, is run in conjunction with Oxford Brookes School of Architecture and challenges students to explore the creative and structural possibilities of wood.
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Quick Quizzes Test your knowledge of wood. A prize to the winner of each quiz. Tuesday 4th March 11:35 - 11:50 Which is hardwood? Which is softwood? 12:35 - 12:50 Identify the species 1:35 - 1:50
Which joists are C16?
2:35 - 2:50
Which cut-outs in a joist are permitted?
3:35 - 3:50
Which plywood pieces are marine grade?
4:35 - 4:50
Which cladding fixing methods are well detailed?
Wednesday 5th March 11:35 - 11:50 Which is hardwood? Which is softwood? 12:35 - 12:50 Identify the species
Chris Waters’ winning design was based around sun paths and views from within the pavilion looking out. The judges were particularly impressed with the concept and the apparent ‘lightness’ in the design model, the scaled up version of which visitors will be able to interact with on the stand. You can read more about the Timbmet Dan Kemp Memorial Pavilion on pages 10-11.
1:35 - 1:50
Which joists are C16?
2:35 - 2:50
Which cut-outs in a joist are permitted?
3:35 - 3:50
Which plywood pieces are marine grade?
4:35 - 4:50
Which cladding fixing methods are well detailed?
Meanwhile, our technical experts will be on hand to answer your timber-related questions. It will also be an excellent time to think about TRADA membership with a show-only deal of a free book(s) worth up to £50 for each new member. With this much on offer, you’ll probably find it hard to leave the TRADA stand, which is conveniently situated at S1050/51.
11:35 - 11:50 Which is hardwood? Which is softwood?
Thursday 6th March 12:35 - 12:50 Identify the species 1:35 - 1:50
Which joists are C16?
Join the TRADA Question Time by tweeting questions to @TRADA_ with the hashtag #TRADAQT
S S10
STAND S1050/51
TRADA Timber Seminar Theatre Tuesday 4th March
Wednesday 5th March
11:00 - 11:25 Timber frame: Question time
10:30 - 11:30 Wood first + presentation of LCA data project
Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA
Craig White, White Design David Hopkins, Wood for Good Jane Anderson, PE International
12:00 - 12:25 Timber and the next generation of specifiers Elizabeth Turner, TRADA 1:00 - 1:25
Cladding: Top 10 timber tips
12:00 - 12:25 Timber frame: Question time Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA
Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA 2:00 - 2:25
Part L 2013: An update on requirements
1:00 - 1:25
Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA
Craig Strachan, Sylva Group 3:00 - 3:25
Closing the energy performance gap when using timbers
2:00 - 2:25
Bishop Edward King Chapel: Overall Gold Award winner Tim Marcot, Price & Myers
Richard Partington, RP Architects 4:00 - 4:25
Cladding: Top 10 timber tips
Standardised Passivhaus school design Elrond Burrell, Architype
Thursday 6th March 11:00 - 11:25 Timber frame: Question time Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA
3:00 - 3:25
12:00 - 12:25 Timber and the next generation of specifiers
The Dune House: Shortlisted, private dwelling Ian Bramwell, Mole Architects
Elizabeth Turner, TRADA 1:00 - 1:25
Cladding: Top 10 timber tips Lewis Taylor, BM TRADA
2:00 - 2:25
Case study of timber for fast track 4 storey commercial office in London Tim Snelson, Arup
2:30 - 2:55
The world’s largest jigsaw puzzle: a gigantic plywood structure for Heathrow Airport Ralph Parker, Price & Myers
3:00 - 3:25
4:00 - 4:25
Festival House, Blackpool, Highly commended, commercial and public access Jonas Lencer, dRMM
A hint of madness in CLT Gavin White, Ramboll UK
Join the TRADA Question Time by tweeting questions to @TRADA_ with the hashtag #TRADAQT
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TRADA Timber Seminar Theatre Speaker profiles Jane Anderson
Richard Partington
www.pe-international.com
www.rparchitects.co.uk
Ian Bramwell
Tim Snelson
www.molearchitects.co.uk
www.arup.com
Elrond Burrell
Craig Strachan
www.architype.co.uk
www.sylvagroup.com
David Hopkins
Lewis Taylor
www.woodforgood.com
www.bmtradagroup.com
Jonas Lencer
Elizabeth Turner
www.drmm.co.uk
www.trada.co.uk
Tim Marcot
Gavin White
www.pricemyers.com
www.ramboll.co.uk
Ralph Parker
Craig White
www.pricemyers.com
www.white-design.com
Principal Consultant, PE International
Senior Associate, Mole Architects
Associate, Architype
Project Director, Wood for Good
Associate Director, dRMM
Associate, Price & Myers
Architect, Price & Myers
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STAND S1050/51
Director, RP Architects
Associate, Arup
Director, Sylva Group
Timber frame consultant BM TRADA
University Liaison Manager, TRADA
Associate, Ramboll UK
Director, White Design
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
TRADA sets wheels in motion for Velocity in British Timber competition
TRADA sets wheels in motion for Velocity in British Timber competition Students up and down the country are being challenged to prove that two wheels are better than four in a new competition to design a cycling super hub. Organised by TRADA through its successful University Engagement Programme the National Student Design Competition– dubbed Velocity in British Timber – will see students tasked with designing a brand new, landmark timber building for Sheffield – the Steel city. The competition has already received the backing of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG), the cross-political body, whose mission is to promote all forms of cycling inside and outside the Houses of Parliament. The Group recently published the ‘Get Britain Cycling’ report with 18 recommendations to boost cycling from less than 2% of journeys in 2011, to 10% in 2025, and 25 per cent by 2050. With this in mind, TRADA’s Velocity in British Timber is perfect timing to get people thinking about using their bikes. The design will include a park and cycle super hub for up to 1,000 cycles and smaller ‘satellite’ hubs for up to 50 cycles to be located strategically around the city centre to serve commuters who would otherwise take their cars into the city centre. In addition, the design will include ancillary facilities such as a cycle retail/workshop space; changing facilities for cyclists and community groups (e.g. football field users); multi-use community space for events, training etc; and a cafe space. Critically, the building must be designed using British timber species and products. The concept should be creative and adventurous and celebrate British timber in the city, which already has a superb timber building in the Winter Garden.
The competition has also attracted some high profile judges, with legendary designer Wayne Hemingway confirmed as a judge for the shortlisting, alongside Julian Huppert MP, Co-Chairman of the APPCG along with leading timber designers. “More cyclists, means more bikes – and more places to store them,” says Elizabeth Turner, TRADA’s university liaison manager. “This competition is perfectly timed. The success of our national cycling sports teams both at the London 2012 Olympics and recent Tour de France competitions is inspiring more and more people to ‘get on their bikes’. Cycling is therefore becoming an important part of national and local transport policies. “Sheffield is a city that, like many others, is working towards a sustainable transport system and developing improved cycling facilities. This competition bringing together aspects of localism and sustainable living and asks students to design and devise a conceptual building using British timber to serve the cycling community. It’s the perfect showcase for both cycling and timber.” The deadline for entries will be June 6, with a shortlist produced shortly after. There will then be a final judging event in early July and an awards ceremony in September where the winners will be announced. TRADA members can get involved with the competition as supporters or sponsor the competition, to learn how you can be involved, contact Elizabeth Turner, Universities Engagement Manager via email on eturner@trada.co.uk or call +44 (0)1494 569654 or visit trada.co.k/academic/designcompetitions
Velocity media partners
THE TIMBER INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
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London Design Festival 13-21st September 2014 Timber Expo 7-8 October 2014
TRADA teams up with Arup and Architectural Association for London Design Festival TRADA is joining forces with design and engineering specialist ARUP to back a competition for Architectural Association School of Architecture, Emtech division, the end result of which will see a plywood composite pavilion erected at a number of prestigious London locations later this year. Six groups will be organised by the students in the studio and entered into an intense five-day design competition proposing a pavilion to be built out of wood based materials. The competition brief states that the structure “must clearly and elegantly express the material properties of the wood composite and minimise the need for metallic connections�. The pavilion must fit on a 6m x 7m plot in an indoor location and be easily erectable and demountable two or three times by hand. It also must be easily transported by 7.5 tonne truck.
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The winning design will be developed throughout Term 2 by key members of the studio along with Emtech staff and consultants, TRADA and ARUP. In early March, the Design/ Build team will detail and develop final drawings, models and planning documents for ARUP engineering analysis and final protyping at Hooke Park. The final stages of the process will see the constructed prototype analysed and evaluated by key members of the studio along with Emtech staff, TRADA and ARUP and developed over Term 3 for final fabrication and construction. The final structure will then be fabricated during the first two weeks of August and erected at the London Design Festival in September, demounted and installed again at Timber Expo in October.
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Tell us what you think about TRADA.co.uk TRADA is calling for members to share their feedback about its new website in order to continue to make improvements that will further enhance the experience for members. Now live for two months and with minor teething problems ironed out, the new site is a response to feedback from members who had suggested ways of enhancing the visitor experience. The changes have focused on giving the website a fresh new look while at the same time improving functionality and making technical information easier to find. The new site, which took nearly 16 months to develop, puts a wealth of information at users’ fingertips: not only is all the latest news available on the home page, but all of TRADA’s publications are now organised under one heading of ‘Wood Information’.
Ms Olivia O’Sullivan of TRADA said “TRADA has made significant strides forward in the last two years in terms of its digital offering to members. The new website continues that progress by making our offering much clearer and accessible. We hope our members will agree that the changes have been well worth the wait, but, as always, we will listen to their feedback and, if possible, continue to tweak the site to make it as informative and user-friendly as possible.” To give your feedback on the TRADA website simply visit http://surveys.trada.co.uk/website and complete the short questionnaire.
Give us your feedback Visit http://surveys.co.uk/website
Timber training sessions are industry hit With five sessions already completed, BM TRADA, in association with TRADA, are busy preparing for the sixth practical training session as part of their bold new initiative to encourage the timber industry to improve its training record. The final course takes place on March 11th at the Holiday Inn, Edinburgh, and is an introduction to panel products.
More recently, BM TRADA’s timber frame specialist Lewis Taylor delivered the introductory session on panel products, which proved a big hit with all who attended. Talks focused on plywood, OSB and fibreboard with plenty of practical information on topics such as handling and storage, moisture content and quality, damage and defects. Lewis’s ‘Guess the Panel Product’ game was particularly popular with delegates!
The courses so far have attracted a wide range of delegates, including contractors, merchants and timber workers, from the shop floor right up to senior management. Feedback from delegates has been extremely positive. “I will recommend the Introduction to Panels course to others. It worked well for me with my limited prior knowledge on sheet materials,” said Nic Rods, Travis Perkins. Meanwhile, Sinead Roth, from Timbmet, said the content had provided “excellent product insight throughout the day”. In fact, so impressed have delegates been that suggestions for courses in topics as diverse as cladding, panel products, preservative treatment and fixings and connectors have all been recommended. “The course was pitched at a level that could incorporate a very wide audience and didn’t require any prior knowledge,” said Oliver Lashbrook, from Bouygues Energies & Services. “It was very informative and well delivered given the short timeframe available.”
TRADA timber industry members can take advantage of their free voucher or purchase additional places at a reduced rate of £74. To book a place, please contact Michelle Joseph on 01494 569725 or email mjoseph@bmtrada.com
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News in brief... New Academic Module TRADA has published a new Academic Module on Fire Resistance and Timber Buildings to add to the series of modules that are available on the TRADA Academic pages (www.trada.co.uk/ academic). The new Fire Resistance and Timber Buildings module has six units covering a range of issues around the subject. An introductory unit sets the scene explaining the concepts and considerations of fire resistance and timber buildings, including reaction to fire and fire resistance, smoke, fire spread and fire growth, compartmentation and fire doors.
Young Researchers’ Conference For the sixteenth year running, the Institution of Structural Engineers, in association with TRADA, will again bring together students and industry stalwarts alike with their annual Young Researcher’s Conference. The conference, which this year will be chaired by Professor Tim Ibell, the Vice-President of IStructE and an Associate Dean in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath, is open to all with a professional interest in structural engineering, including students and lecturers. For more information or to register for tickets, visit the IStructE website.
New standards update The British Standards for structural timber and design, grading, woodworking machinery and joinery have all been updated for December 2013. A full list of the updates and changes, as prepared for TRADA by its members based on information from the British Standards Institution, can be found on the TRADA website.
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Sun shines on winning design A design that harnesses the power of the sun was judged to be the winning entry into this year’s Timbmet Dan Kemp Memorial Pavilion competition. Launched in 2010, the competition, sponsored by Timbmet, is run in conjunction with Oxford Brookes School of Architecture and challenges students to explore the creative and structural possibilities of wood. Chris Waters’ winning design was based around sun paths and views from within the pavilion looking out. The judges were particularly impressed with the concept and the apparent ‘lightness’ in the design model, which will now be scaled up to full size and exhibited at Ecobuild 2014.
This year’s undergraduates faced a challenging brief to design a ‘flatpaxton’ kiosk/pavilion to reflect an in-depth study of the ‘ghosts’ of Crystal Palace Park. They had to research and explore the Park, with a view to choosing a location for their design. The buildings needed to serve as a pavilion to house the results of their discoveries and recordings of the surrounding site, as well as a manned kiosk serving refreshments to park users. And, of course, it should be made from timber! Chris beat off strong competition from his contemporaries in a shortlist that also included: Laura Beal, Theo Roseland and Alexia Soteriou; Peter Sienkowski; and Cai Thomas.
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
In addition, this year also saw the inclusion of a post-graduate competition, where students were tasked with examining work places/spaces and creating a design based around a small garden work space/room. Winner Gavin Fraser created a timber tower with an almost woven effect for the walls. His design had a very rectangular external footprint albeit with a textural feel; the internal spaces were more undulating with curved wall sections and a raised work platform creating something very different internally from that of the outside.
“Many were of excellent quality creating an impressive display,” she said. “The judging of this competition is one of the highlights of the University Engagement Programme year and it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm and effort the Oxford Brookes students put in encouraged by their design tutors.”
TRADA’s University Liaison Manager Elizabeth Turner said the breadth of interpretation of the concept in all 30 models was excellent, all of which were realised in the final designs.
“I love the simplicity of the winning design for Ecobuild – as ever there are challenges ahead to make it work at full scale, but this will be a great learning experience for Chris.”
Meanwhile, Matt Gaskin, Head of School of Architecture at Oxford Brookes, said the quality of the models has been steadily increasing over the last four years in what was a “very worthwhile competition project”.
Liz Richards, Marketing Director at sponsor Timbmet, said: “It is great to be working again with Oxford Brooks and TRADA on this fourth year of the Dan Kemp memorial prize competition. “We are looking forward to working with Chris and the team to meet all the challenges of making the design a reality in time for Ecobuild in March 2014.” If you would like further information about the Dan Kemp Memorial Pavilion or any other aspect of the University Engagement Programme, please contact Elizabeth at eturner@trada.co.uk, or visit trada.co.uk/academic
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Part L
changes detailed in new Construction briefing
TRADA has published a comprehensive new Construction briefing documenting all the relevant changes on Part L of the Building Regulations. As we revealed last month, the longawaited documents detailing the changes were published on the Government’s Planning Portal and the new documents will come in to effect on the 6th April 2014. The Construction briefing outlines all of the significant changes and, as such, is an essential read for anyone involved in the construction industry.
For projects where applications or notices are submitted before the 6th April 2014, the requirements of Part L 2013 will not apply provided that work has commenced before 6th April 2015. Contractors and developers will be pleased with the 12 month window in which to apply for and start projects under the ‘existing’, less onerous requirements. Members of the ‘green’ community are likely to be disappointed about a missed opportunity to make an earlier step-change in carbon reduction.
The documents available are: • new 2013 versions of Approved Document L1A and L2A
Significant changes
• new 2013 version of the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides
Overall, Part L1A 2013 will deliver a 6% carbon dioxide emissions reduction, across the build mix, when compared to Part L1A 2010 levels. This is down from the 8% (minimum) proposed by the Consultation and reflects an easing of the requirements for detached dwellings, which became necessary to maintain consistent specifications across all dwelling types.
• new 2013 version of the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides. It’s also worth noting that consolidated versions of Approved Documents L1B and L2B 2010, including the noted amendments, should be published prior to implementation. As is typical when revised Building Regulations are published, a transitional period has been agreed and the following text has been extracted from the new Approved Documents:
The 2010 edition will continue to apply to work begun before 6 April 2014, or to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before 6 April 2014. This approach will allow ‘build-out’ of existing projects, which avoids unnecessary revisions to specification and budgets part way through a development.
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Information has been made available by DCLG to illustrate the estimated additional cost of building to the 2013 requirements, an example is provided below. Table 1: Example of estimated build cost increases for end of terrace houses Large Builder Small Builder % difference 2010 Base Cost Estimated 2013 Increase 2014 Total Cost
£80,000
£95,610
20%
£467
£521
12%
£80,467
£96,131
19%
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
The revised Part L1A approach to demonstrating compliance also brings with it new terms and concepts that will become an integral part of energy efficiency design in the future.
result of post Consultation modeling, which resulted in easements made to the notional building specification for warehouse, hotel and school building types.
Elemental Recipe:
DCLG documents illustrate how this overall improvement is made up and this is reproduced in Table 6 below.
A departure from the scope of the Consultation is the introduction of an 'elemental recipe' or model design approach which is detailed within SAP 2012, and can be used as a compliant building specification. This can be used to simplify the process of demonstrating compliance or as a starting point for design optimisation. Basis for demonstrating compliance: The methodology for demonstrating compliance combines the current carbon emission measure (kgCO2/m2/year) calculated for the dwelling, with a new requirement to consider the fabric energy efficiency (kWh/m2/year) of the building envelope. The process of demonstrating compliance uses a calculated carbon emission rate for the building in question (kgCO2/m2/ year) and compares this to a target carbon emission rate, also calculated specifically for that building. In Part L terminology, the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) must be less than the Target Emission Rate (TER). This approach is familiar from Part L 2010.
Domestic - Existing buildings Approved Document L1B Existing buildings make up the majority of the building stock and as such, significant opportunity exists to positively influence carbon reduction by making improvements to these existing buildings. However the changes that have been published relate largely to updated references to third party documents. Ahead of publication, the Government had already confirmed that the proposals to regulate for additional consequential improvements triggered by window and boiler replacements would not be taken forward. No changes have been made to the energy standards required for extensions, nor to performance of replacement windows.
Non-domestic, new build Approved Document L2A Changes have been made to the specification requirements across six building types to deliver a 9% aggregate reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the 2010 specifications. This is down from the 11% (minimum) which was contained in the Consultation documents. This variance is the
Table 6: Building type
Uplift on Part L2A 2010
Distribution Warehouse
4%
Deep Plan Office with AC
12%
Retail Warehouse
8%
Shallow Plan Office
13%
Hotel
12%
School
9%
Small Warehouse
3%
Aggregate across Build Mix
9%
Non-domestic, existing Approved Document L2B The Consultation focused on consequential improvements to nondomestic buildings and assumed that the majority of extension work would be carried out on buildings below 1000m2 and that these buildings would be of domestic style construction. As such, many of the changes offered for Consultation matched those contained in the equivalent domestic guidance. However, as noted above, the published changes to domestic requirements are very modest in nature and as such the non-domestic counterparts are similarly limited. The need for consequential improvements triggered by boiler and window replacement have not been brought forward, nor have the fabric backstop requirements changed from Part L2B 2010. TRADA members can download a copy of the Construction briefing free of charge by visiting: www.trada.co.uk/ standards
CONSTRUCTION
BRIEFINGS
Part L England 2013 A summary of the chan ges
Effective from: 6 April 2014
1 Introduction The Government has a legally binding commitm ent under the Climate Change Act (2008) to achieve significant reduction s in greenhouse gas emission s by 2020 and 2050. Carbon dioxide from buildings, domestic and non-domestic, makes up around 45% of the total UK emission s, primarily from sources which are covered by Building Regulations e.g. space heating and cooling, water heating and lighting. The Regulations therefore, are a primary mechanis m for driving a reduction in emissions, by shaping the design of new buildings and affecting improvements to the existing building stock. On the 15th of November DCLG published the suite of documents which represent Part L 2013, having been prepared following period of consultation and a review that started in January 2012.
Part L 2013 England - A
summary of the changes
The following documen ts have been made available via the Planning Portal (www.pla nningportal.gov.uk): y New 2013 versions of Approved Document L1A (Domestic) and L2A (Non-Dom estic) relating to new build y New 2013 version of the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides y New 2013 version of the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides y Amendments to the 2010 versions of Approved Document L1B (Domesti c) and L2B (Non-Domestic), relating to existing buildings . Note that it is anticipate d that consolidated versions Approved Documents L1B of and L2B 2010, including the noted amendments, will be published prior to implementation. The new documents will come into effect on the 6th April 2014, see overleaf.
December 2013 (Version
1)
1
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Bishop Edward King Chapel
is Wood Awards 2013 Gold Award winner Bishop Edward King Chapel by Niall McLaughlin Architects has taken the Gold Award in this year’s Wood Awards 2013 competition - the flagship for wood in the best of British architecture, furniture and design, co-sponsored by TRADA. Announced at the Wood Awards winners’ ceremony held on the 19th November hosted by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in the City of London, Bishop Edward King Chapel, Ripon College, Oxford took the Structural category prize before being crowned the winner of winners in front of more than 200 leading industry and architectural figures. Chairman of the judges, Michael Morrison of Purcell UK said: “Niall McLaughlin’s Bishop Edward King Chapel is a stunning and worthy Gold Award winner. It embodies the Wood Awards celebration of excellence in design and craftsmanship in wood, and even exceeds the hope that the building might be ‘a work of art which would touch the spirit’.” The independent judging panel, which included previous Wood Awards winners Adam Khan and last year’s Gold Award winner David Morley, Hopkins Architect’s Jim Greaves and Andrew Lawrence from Arup, praised the team for its attention to detail, careful use of materials and elegant curved glulam columns and beams which create the light and soaring internal timber structure. The Wood Awards category winners included The Colyer-Fergusson Building in Kent by Tim Ronalds Architects for the Commercial & Public Access Award; Church Walk in London by David Mikhail Architects for the Private Award – the second year in a row this practice has won the Private category; Magheralin Parish Church in Northern Ireland by Waddington-McClure Architects for the Repair & Adaptive Reuse Award, and the undulating Room-in-a-Room in London by Atmos Studio for the Small Project Award. In the Wood Awards furniture categories, the Production Made Furniture Award was won by Pengelly Design’s ‘Theo Chair’, and EJ Bespoke Furniture’s chest of drawers ‘Ripples’ in 3D veneer European ash took the Bespoke Furniture Award. ‘Worldscape’, a second Atmos Studio project comprising 16 metres of continuous integrated furniture as a map of the world in Latvian birch plywood with seating for 80 people, was given the Wood Awards Judges’ Special Award. For the first time this year, a surfboard maker was highly commended for their work in wood. Otter Surfboards from Cornwall was praised by the judges for their creativity and exceptional woodworking as well as their work with the National Trust, and “using wood’s best properties – naturally beautiful, strong and light”. For full project information on the shortlist and winners, visit www.woodawards.com.
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WINNER Repair & Adaptive Reuse Award Magheralin Parish Church
WINNER Gold Award Bishop Edward King Chapel
WINNER Small Project Room-in-a-room
WINNER Commercial & Public Access Award Colyer-Fergusson Building
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
The Wood Awards 2014 Call for Entries now open Apply free: Woodawards.com/enter
WINNER Private Award Church Walk
WINNER Production Made Furniture Award Theo Chair
Special Award Worldscape
WINNER Bespoke Furniture Award Ripples
Could timber frame solve Britains flooding conundrum? As the floodwater recedes from the south of England, the debate has raged, yet again on whether changes to building regulations in regards to flooding could have saved lives, homes and, according to the Association of British Insurers’ latest report, around £426 million worth of insurance claims in the last month. An interesting question, which we considered after the major floods in 2007, is whether timber frame would provide a major contribution to solving this conundrum. These arguments are not without merit of course; more sensible planning restrictions around floodplains could easily have saved Britain tens of billions in insurance claims over the years, but is improved planning always a feasible prospect? There is no doubt that a change to building regulations would assist flood mitigation enormously, but for cities such as Hull where 95% of properties are below sea-level, a change in building regulations would only have an impact if the entire city was redeveloped. Another potential solution which has been discussed is the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), an attempt to replicate natural water runoff systems around new constructions. However with the recently announced setback to Defra’s proposed legislation making SuDS compulsory in new developments, many are looking to alternative methods of flood mitigation. The Department for Communities and Local Government's (CLG's) guidance which was published after the 2007 floods made a number of suggestions which should be taken into consideration when granting planning permission for new developments. In this document, the CLG defined the main types of flood mitigation: Flood avoidance: Constructing a building and its surrounds in such a way as to avoid it being flooded. Flood resistance: Constructing a building in such a way to prevent floodwater entering it and damaging its fabric. Flood resilience: Constructing a building in such a way that although floodwater may enter its impact is reduced (no permanent damage or loss of structural integrity). Floor repairable: Constructing a building in such a way that although floodwater enters, elements that are damaged can be easily repaired or replaced. The ABI also produced their own report in the aftermath of the 2007 summer floods. They drew up a hierarchy of ‘choices for adaption’ to mitigate flood damage. They recommend the following steps be taken when planning a development in a high flood risk area (see figure 1). If the assumption is made that the first two steps (locating the site outside the flood plain or in low risk areas) are unfeasible, as is the case with many cities in England built close to rivers, then the next step is raising the occupied areas above flood heights.
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Figure 1. Hierarchy of choices for adaption Can site / properties be located outside the flood plain? If not.... Can properties be located in the lowest flood risk areas? If not.... Can occupied areas be raised above flood heights? If not.... Are flood defences feasible/cost effective?
If not.... Identify relevant property resilience options and examine alternative flood alleviation measures. Taken from Summer floods 2007; Learning the lessons, ABI 2007
This is a technique which has been adopted in many flood prone areas on the continent (such as Maasbommel in Holland which is famed for its ‘floatable houses’) and is a technique which could easily be implemented in Britain too. As suggested in TRADA’s Construction briefing, post and beam timber frame construction could present the perfect flood avoidance strategy for British buildings. In a way not dissimilar to the floating houses in Maasbommel, the Construction briefing suggested raising the ground floor of the house using post and beam construction, making the structure safe from flooding while simultaneously providing cost-effective car parking underneath. Timber is ideal for avoidance strategies such as this given how well it can sit atop pile foundations, raising it above flood height; however, it can also be a useful material in flood resilience. Despite a degree of stigma attached to timber when it comes to waterproofing, it isn’t a coincidence that timber has been used in partially submerged structures for centuries. Piers and groynes are testament to the strength of timber as a construction material.
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
There are pros and cons to the use of timber in areas of high flood risk, but for the most part, timber remains a viable and crucially, environmentally friendly alternative to other flood mitigation strategies. And for those people who are dredging their living rooms for what must feel like the tenth time this decade, a raised, timber-framed structure must surely be a more appealing prospect than putting their faith in flood defences which have otherwise been largely ineffectual.
Flooding in Britain has been a very emotive topic for the past decade and a half, and in 2009, TRADA published two Construction briefings entitled Flooding: The Background and Flood Resilient Construction: A summary of the CLG Guidance. The Construction briefings offered in depth analysis of what the future might hold for building regulations and other flood mitigation tactics in light of the 2007 floods. As a result of the lack of real change in these areas, the Construction briefings are as relevant today as they were five years ago. Flooding at Boscastle, summer 2004 Copyright: Ian Young
Further reading available at www.trada.co.uk:
Flooding: The Background, Construction briefing published January 2009, BM TRADA. Flood Resilient Construction: A Summary of CLG Guidance, Construction briefing published February 2009, BM TRADA.
Timber frame design for flood-prone sites, Wood Information Sheet, published May 2011, BM TRADA.
Flood resistant construction - living areas at first floor. Copyright: BM TRADA
CI/SfB
Although timber was not given too much attention in the CLG guidance (OSB was the only timber product and rather predictably, performed poorly) hundreds of years of marine application have taught us that if temporarily submerged in water, timber will maintain its integrity, not lose strength and will even return to its original size once dry.
(2.2)
Hi
Uniclass A23:JG2:P5
(H16)
Wood Information Sheet WIS 2/3-64
Timber frame design for flood-prone sites
It is apparent that the rapid expansion of development on river flood plains over recent years has placed more people at risk of flooding, while reducing the ability of the natural flood plain to absorb rising water levels.
Subject: Timber frame Revised: May 2011
Land available for housing is increasingly at risk of flooding due to several factors including storm water runoff from paved surfaces and the more extreme weather events the UK is experiencing.
Typically, timber lends itself best to avoidance strategy, but as long as allowances are made for expansion when wet, there is nothing preventing timber construction from being flood resilient.
The increased risk, combined with pressure for more housing, is causing local authorities to reassess the criteria by which land is deemed suitable for development.
Although there are a number of positives to using timber in high flood risk areas, it is not without its faults. The safety of a building’s occupants – rather than its contents – will always be paramount during a flood. It is therefore recommended that windows and doors below flood height be built from materials less susceptible to a change in size when wet so as to avoid trapping the residents in a building should they absorb water and in extreme cases, may expand to a point where they no longer open.
This WIS is an overview of the subject with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end.
The measures described in this Wood Information Sheet (WIS) summarise the many practical steps that can be taken – often for little extra cost – to make timber frame construction flood resistant and resilient, and likely to comply with the evolving building regulations. Flood betterment is about making flood-damaged buildings more flood resistant and resilient. Although some of the recommended measures could be used in flood betterment, the emphasis in this sheet is on making new build construction flood resilient.
Contents • Background • Designing a timber frame building to avoid flooding • Designing a timber frame building to resist flooding • Designing a timber frame building to be flood resilient • Selecting materials for enhanced flood resilience
Figure 1: Flood resistant construction – lowest floor level raised
Key points • Flood avoidance is the ideal solution, preferred by DCLG and insurance companies, but will not always be feasible. • In the UK (where flooding is not an everyday occurrence or concern), the most sensible and cost effective approach would be to raise the building or the lowest floor level above the known flood levels for that particular area. • Lightweight timber frame construction is particularly suitable for building up over flood levels. • Alternatives for flood avoidance include sustainable urban drainage systems, such as porous paving, and strategies to provide draining routes and pools within a site to contain flood waters. • If flooding cannot be avoided, timber frame construction can be adapted to provide a degree of flood resistance and flood resilience. • The timber frame itself is generally flood resilient. It is the ‘typical’ sheathings, linings and insulation that are likely to suffer from flooding. • A favourable and economical outcome can be achieved by judicious specification of materials and detailing to resist moisture intrusion and drying out when flooding does occur.
• Select materials that can withstand short-term exposure to water. • Consider potential corrosion of fixings. • Ensure that cavities can be drained and cleared of debris after flooding. • Specify boards on the lower section of a wall that can be removed easily after flooding.
© TRADA Technology 2011 www.trada.co.uk
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TRADA takes social media presence to the next level As the successful launch of the new website slowly fades from memory, TRADA has begun its latest foray into comprehensive digital coverage. Never ones to rest on the laurels of past successes, TRADA’s latest frontier of member engagement will be a notable increase in social media presence on Twitter and Pinterest. The eagle-eyed amongst our members may have noticed that TRADA has been active on both social platforms for several years, however 2014 promises to usher in a new era of social engagement for the company. TRADA’s commitment to the ever expanding world of social media will reach dizzying heights at this year’s Ecobuild. For the first time in company history, audience members at the TRADA seminar theatre will be able to tweet questions live to guest speakers during their talks. Outside of Ecobuild, the benefits to members will be manifold. @TRADA_ has already amassed over 3500 followers all of whom could be potential customers.
Lifecycle assessment database goes live at Ecobuild TRADA is set to host the launch of the world’s largest timber lifecycle database at this year’s Ecobuild show. Wood for Good, the timber industry’s engagement and sustainability organisation, will unveil Wood First Plus, the world’s largest online database of lifecycle assessment (LCA) information on timber and timber products, on the TRADA stand (S1050/51) at the world's leading event for sustainable design, construction, energy and the built environment. The launch will take place at 10am Wednesday March 5th. Presentations from the project team, including Wood for Good, lifecycle assessment experts PE International and others will take place from 11am. To register to attend please email: oosullivan@trada.co.uk The aim of the Wood First Plus project is to create a free online information hub containing all of the environmental and design data necessary to specify timber as a first choice material. In particular, it will focus on providing generic LCA datasets for key timber products used in the UK. These will be available to download – for free! – for all end users in either pdf or XML formats. Leading environmental consultancy PE International has been engaged to oversee the collection, analysis and review of existing life cycle assessment (LCA) data for a wide range of timber and timber products.
Members on Twitter will also benefit from a dedicated social media operative eager to assist with technical questions offering a whole new dimension to the way you can access TRADA’s expertise.
The project is a result of on-going consultation with timber industry organisations and external stakeholders, including contractors’ groups, architects, professional institutions and many others. It was truly a multi-stakeholder project with funding and input from TRADA, Scottish Enterprise, Forestry Commission Scotland and Wood for Good all contributing to its success.
As well as technical advice, TRADA will also be doling out inspiration through Pinterest which offers the perfect platform to share striking images from some of the more unique and stunning projects that TRADA has been involved in.
All stakeholders will be able to access whole-life information on timber products free of charge through a dedicated website, managed by Wood for Good. Individual timber companies will be able to use these data as a basis for developing specific environmental product declarations (EPD) for their products.
As the digital world continues to move at breakneck speed, TRADA is determined to stay ahead of the game and 2014 promises a bright new future for TRADA on social media.
David Hopkins, project director at Wood for Good, said: “With the built environment sector desperately needing to deliver low-carbon, sustainable buildings, the ability to quantify the environmental impact of construction materials is becoming increasingly important. The aim for Wood First Plus is to provide empirical evidence on the impacts and performance of wood products, making it easier for construction professionals to demonstrate the benefits of doing so.”
Social media isn’t going away, so if you haven’t already, now is the time to embrace it and join the conversation by following TRADA on Twitter: @TRADA_ and on Pinterest: TRADAUK
The publication of the database is the first phase in this project. Wood for Good is commissioning a range of visual LCA studies for whole buildings to present a picture of the full end-use benefits that an increase in timber construction can bring. For more information on the project please contact David Hopkins at Wood for Good: dhopkins@woodforgood.com
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The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Wood Awards talks hit the road in 2014 Building on the success of the 2013 Wood Awards competition, TRADA has organised a fresh new programme of site visits to some of Britain’s most beautiful buildings recognised for outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation in wood.
Lead Engineer Tim Marcot of Price and Myers talked guests through the building’s features of arching timber columns and glulam beams behind its textured stone façade and lead guests on a tour of the chapel’s heavily dominated timber interior.
Aimed at architects, designers, engineers, and in fact anyone with a general interest in excellence in building design, these early evening talks will celebrate and examine the innovative use of timber in a wide range of modern architectural solutions.
Other dates to note in the diary are 29th April, where the tour will visit the Canadian Douglas fir-rich Colyer-Fergusson Building in Canterbury, winner of the Commercial & Public Access Award, the talk led by Tim Richards Architects and 13th May, where the extensive timber elements at the Abbotsford Visitor Reception Building in Melrose will come under the microscope by Angel Morales-Aguilar, LDN Architects.
The talks will be led by the project’s lead architect and engineer, providing an intimate understanding of the buildings’ use of timber in a hands-on environment and guests will be invited to ask questions to the designers who created them. Described as ‘glorious’ and ‘serene’, this year’s Wood Awards Gold Winner, Bishop Edward King Chapel which also won the Structural category, kicked off the 2014 Wood Awards Talks Programme with a visit to the multi-award winning chapel in January.
Tickets for the Wood Awards Talks are available for free to TRADA members and £18 for non-members. Advanced booking is essential for further details please visit www.trada.co.uk/events woodawardstalks or contact Olivia O'Sullivan email: oosullivan@trada.co.uk or phone: 01494 569618.
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John Williams Senior Technical Consultant
Cut above the rest? Can incising of timber before preservative treatment improve service life asks BM TRADA’s Senior Technical Consultant John Williams?
The research was based on laboratory-based EN 113 trials to determine provisional natural durability ratings. The trial focused on three refractory timber species (ie those shown to be resistant to treatment) sitka spruce, Douglas fir and hybrid larch, taken from five different geographic regions - Scotland (east and west), Wales and England (north-east and south-west).
Improving the service life of UK-grown softwoods for commercial applications is often seen as the Holy Grail particularly when it is used for ground contact (Use Class 4). Preservative treated spruce is used extensively in the UK but there have been concerns about service life that can be achieved in safety critical ground contact applications.
In total 10 planks of each species and origin combination and were processed to yield sample blocks (50 x 25 x 15mm) that enabled selection of 40 samples from each species and origin combination for test. These samples were prepared at BRE by planing and cross cutting.
It was against this background that a joint TRADA and BRE research project was undertaken to look into the natural durability of the heartwoods of commercially important softwood species from different regions of the UK. Recent data published by the Timber Trades Journal estimated that UK grown softwood now has over a 40% share of the UK timber market. With increased production from the UK forest estate there is a significant opportunity for this market share to increase further. Currently, the combination of UK producers delivering in shorter lead times and a comparatively weak pound favours UK grown softwood products. The study investigated if geographic origin could influence natural durability and if the information could be used to help predict the service life of incised timber. Incising (making slits or pinholes in the timber surface) is not currently widespread in the UK, largely because the benefits have not yet been shown to justify the initial outlay on equipment. Incising is sometimes criticised for reducing the strength of timber, but this strength loss is not believed to be significant for many end uses and the increased preservative penetration can extend service life to a degree that far outweighs the initial loss of strength. It was hoped that, by researching this particular area, it would be possible to more accurately predict service life of timber products and possibly underpin greater confidence in extending service life predictions of incised timber in Use Class 4 service conditions.
The process
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The testing involved exposing small test specimens of the timber species to pure cultures of two basidiomycete decay fungi for a period of 16 weeks. Losses in mass during the exposure period were used as a measure of decay resistance. The percentage loss in dry mass of the test specimens against Scots pine sapwood was then used to estimate the resistance of the test timber to attack by the test fungi and as basis of a provisional durability rating. Summary of percentage weight loss for each population Timber
Isolate Fungi & Codes
Sitka spruce (Scottish)
11U Coniophora puteana 5/ Not durable
Douglas fir (English)
11U
Douglas fir (Scottish)
11U
Douglas fir (Welsh)
11U
Larch (Scottish)
11U
Larch (Welsh) Scots pine (controls)
Durability class
Porja placenta 280 4/ Slightly durable 4/ Slightly durable 280 3/ Moderately durable 4/ Slightly durable 280 3/ Moderately durable 4/ Slightly durable 280 3/ Moderately durable 4/ Slightly durable 280 4/ Slightly durable 280 4/ Slightly durable 11U
3/ Moderately durable
11U
Validates
280
Validates
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Perseverative treated incised timbers.
The results On the basis of selecting the worst-case scenario, ie samples that had been decayed by Coniophora puteana, our results indicated that the heartwoods of UK grown softwoods are not as durable as their European counterparts. The research confirms that these UK grown softwoods do not have sufficient natural durability for Use Class 4 and, for their effective introduction into this use class, they must be pressure treated with an appropriate water borne timber preservative – which of course has been common practice for many years. A 30-year service life is often required for civil engineering applications in Use Class 4. However, it is challenging to consistently achieve good preservative penetration into sitka spruce, Douglas fir and hybrid larch which are classified as refractory. The good news is that it is possible to improve preservative penetration and retention in such timbers by incising their surface prior to treatment.
Currently, a number of UK companies are beginning to offer incised treated timber products. This is an embryonic development in the UK forest industries sector although it is likely to become firmly established in the near future. It is anticipated that the updated draft of BS 8417 expected to be published later this year may state that for Use Class 4, timber must be incised to ensure good preservative penetration and retention in heartwood. The practice of incising prior to preservative treatment for Use Class 4 is already starting to open up new markets for UK softwoods, providing a reliable product for the customer. This is a huge opportunity for UK grown softwood products. Moreover, this work can form the foundation for less reliance on imported products. The UK needs to find value added uses for this timber. A process that can demonstrate compliance for Use Class 4 provides an opportunity for wider uptake and consumption of UK timber resources.
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Timber case study Chapel
Bishop Edward King Chapel Introduction Ripon Theological College is an Anglican seminary and its collegiate buildings, built of warm Cotswold stone by G E Street in the 1850's, stand amid rolling fields and ancient trees in rural Oxfordshire. In these idyllic surroundings, in a clearing flanked by a huge copper beech dating from 1710, is the new Bishop Edward King Chapel, designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. The community had recently been joined by the nuns of a small religious order, the Community of St John Baptist, and the new chapel was built to serve the two communities. The chapel is an elliptical drum of Clipsham stone; McLaughlin cites churches by Rudolf Schwarz and Peter Zumthor as inspiration for his use of the ellipse. The walls are of smooth ashlar stone at lower levels, a mid level of alternating smooth and rough coursed stone and an upper level, a deep and delicate clerestory of glass with fine stone mullions between. A timber entrance door links the chapel to a separate single-storey sacristy, toilets and storage. The internal volume is also elliptical in plan, a serene and light-filled place of worship with the altar and a solid oak lectern semi-enclosed in an inner ellipse created by a series of lofty glulam arches which rise and curve to create an open diagrid above it. The use of an ellipse, a geometrical figure with two centres, allows worship to focus on either the rituals of the eucharist or on the spoken word: the altar is placed at one curved end, the lectern on the other. The seating plan is ‘antiphonal’ with two banks of congregation facing each other on fixed benches made of ash. The space between the elliptical enclosure of arches and the external wall forms an ambulatory. As the architect explains; ‘The movement inherent in the geometry is expressed in the chapel through the perimeter ambulatory. It is possible to walk around the chapel, looking into the brighter space in the centre. The sense of looking into an illuminated clearing goes back to the earliest churches. We made a clearing to gather in the light.’ Around the ambulatory are a series of singlestorey niches which extend beyond the walls. One houses a wedge shaped oriel window, another the space for the tabernacle and the largest is a prayer room for the sisters to recite their offices, a top-lit space with a carefully framed view towards the altar.
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Project information Completion date:
February 2013
Building type:
Chapel
Location:
Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire
Owner/client:
Ripon College and Community of St John Baptist
Architect:
Niall McLaughlin Architects
Structural engineer:
Price & Myers
Main contractor:
Beard Construction
Timber roof and glulam structure:
Cowley Timberwork
Timber furniture:
Westside Design
Timber elements:
Bell tower structure, roof and internal structure, external and internal doors and fitted furniture
Timber species:
FSC® certified spruce, European oak, ash
Awards:
Wood Awards 2013, Winner RIBA Award 2013, Winner Stirling prize 2013 shortlist Finalist, British Construction Industry Awards 2013 Structural Awards 2013
Photography: © Niall McLaughlin Architects Drawings:
© Niall McLaughlin Architects (page 24), © Price & Myers (page 25), © Cowley Timberwork (page 27)
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
The wall and roof structure The structure can be divided into two essentially independent and self-supporting parts; firstly the external wall, secondly the roof structure, glulam columns and lattice diagrid.
in terms of movement, with the outer stone leaf and the internal finish of lime plaster. An in-situ concrete wall was considered but the elliptical formwork costs were prohibitive; instead the wall was constructed of hollow concrete blocks with reinforced concrete infill.
The ellipsis of the external wall is inherently a very strong shape, a factor which allowed the wall to be more than 10 metres high without requiring restraint at the top. Concrete was chosen for the wall structure as it worked well,
The roof structure consists of a series of inverted timber trusses lined with staggered 6mm birch ply panels and prefabricated into panels which could be craned into place on site.
The apexes of the inverted trusses rest on a 150 x 80mm RHS which runs along the tops of the curved diagrid of glulam beams and columns. At the curved ends of the ellipse the trusses fan out, supported at the ends of the RHS. With this support only lateral restraint was required where the roof trusses meet the glulam columns at the top of the clerestory mullions.
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Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire Chapel
Section through main chapel
Section AA through Main Chapel Scale 1:100
0
2m
5m
Ground floor plan Key 4
3
5
1.
Entrance lobby
2.
Main chapel
3. Ambulatory
N
2
4.
Niche for tabernacle
5
Private prayer space with oriel window
6
Sisters' prayer room
7
Sacristy
8
ToiletsÂ
9 Storage 10 1 6
10
7 8
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9
Bell tower
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Cut-away section showing roof trusses 1
4
2
1
3
Glulam diagrid and roof steelwork
5
6
Layout of glulam columns and diagrid
Key 1.
200 x 100mm angle
2.
curved 150 x 100 RHS with 200 x 10mm plate welded to base
3.
100 x 100mm angle
4.
150 x 150mm radiating ceiling joists
5.
Inverted timber trusses at 600mm ctrs supported on central RHS and perimeter angles
6.
150 x 80mm RHS
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Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire Chapel
The internal glulam structure Glulam was chosen for the internal timber structure for its ability to create elegant curved columns and beams. A series of portalised columns, set in an ellipse on plan, curve inwards into the elegant open diagrid which arched over the centre of the chapel. Single 60mm thick glulam columns (tapering from 300 to 430mm) run at the curved ends of the ellipse. The other columns are each formed of three separate glulam members; two 60mm thick outer members tapering from 300 to 560mm and a central 60mm thick member tapering from 200 to 440mm, all screwed together by timber fillets, filled and plugged. As they rise upwards, the outer members curve inwards in different directions, connecting to adjacent glulam members to form the diagrid, while the central member curves upwards in the opposite direction to meet the clerestory mullions. The spruce glulam components, produced by Cowley Timberwork, were CNC machined to profile and to create their concealed connections, then cut and finger jointed to produce the curved haunches of the portalised columns. A channel was cut into the top of the glulam rafter section
to house and conceal cables and lights. The glulam structure was fabricated off-site and the individual elements were then craned and bolted into place. This allowed for the very precise machining required to achieve the sweeping curves and concealed connections and fabricating components to +0/-1mm tolerance. One of the greatest challenges was to achieve the ideal of a very slender glulam structure with the members almost seamlessly passing across each other and only barely touching the roof they support. The key to this was the connection of the glulam members. The connection had to accommodate lighting cables suspended from the central joint and the steelwork – bolts and screws - had to be concealed while still providing sufficient strength to support the roof. All these requirements had to fit within the 60mm thickness of the glulam members. M12 steel rods, resin-bonded into the ends of the glulam with couplers and Allen head bolts, were used to bolt the fabricated steel connection blocks together. This was all hidden within the 60mm thickness while providing a moment and shear connection between all four glulam members.
The bell tower is a free-standing structure of glulam oak columns.
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Finishes The materials of the chapel interior – stone, lime plaster, ash furniture, oak doors and spruce glulam columns share similar natural colours; the glulam was treated with a two-part stain, giving it a light, white-washed appearance. The restrained palette allows the play of light from the glass clerestory to dominate the interior.
The bell tower The 13.5 metre high bell tower is a free standing timber structure consisting of two diamondshaped, glulam oak columns each profiled from 250 x 800mm sections. They cantilever from the concrete foundations. Stainless steel rods were resin fixed into the base of the oak and bolted to a stainless steel plate cast into the foundations. The columns are reasonably deep and slender in section. They cantilever in their deep direction but they work together as a cantilever Vierendeel truss in their narrow direction.
The glulam arches reflect light from the glazed clerestory above.
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Connection of four glulam members with concealed connection blocks Key
1
1.
40mm rebate for cables
2.
Steel connection block for glulams A and B
3.
Steel connection block for glulams C and D
4.
M12 rod resin-bonded into glulam and bolted with Allen head bolts to threaded coupler
5.
M16 Allen head bolts to connect glulams A and B to glulams C and D
6.
5mm lighting cable
7.
Hole for access to lower bolts
Sequence:
Upper and lower steel connection blocks (four glulams removed for clarity)
Lower and upper steel connection block fitted and tightened to glulam A and B.
5
Lower and upper steel connection block fitted and tightened to glulam C and D. Glulam C and D lifted into position and fixed to A and B using M16 Allen head bolts.
2 3
4
Access to lower bolts by means of access hole in back of glulams A and B.
4
5
2 1 3 2
Section through glulam connection
5
3
C and D 1 4 4
4 4
A and B 5
3 2
6
C
A 4
5
Plan of glulam connection 4
7
4
4 B
D
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Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire Chapel
Images from left to right: The main columns are formed of three glulam members. The sisters' prayer room is a tranquil space with a view towards the main altar.
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Other case studies can be downloaded from the TRADA website www.trada.co.uk/casestudies
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
BM TRADA Chiltern House, Stocking Lane, Hughenden Valley High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND UK t: +44 (0)1494 569600 f: +44 (0)1494 565487 www.bmtradagroup.com
BM TRADA is TRADA's appointed service provider for its research information and membership administration. Š TRADA Technology Ltd trading as BM TRADA
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Other timber case studies Mary Rose Museum, Royal Navy Dockyard, Portsmouth The Mary Rose is probably the most famous of all the British warships – and so it is fitting that its new home is a spectacular new museum designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects to resemble Henry VIII’s cherished flagship. The simple elliptical form of the new building is derived from toroidal geometry and echoes the original shape of the Mary Rose. The curved walls are clad with planks of western red cedar, chosen for its functionality and durability. They were laid to mimic the carvel boat construction method of the 16th century where timbers were fixed with a minimal joint to allow expansion and to avoid overlapping - a technique used on the Mary Rose itself.
Dune House, Thorpeness
College Road, Dulwich
A dramatic and innovative roof structure created from cross laminated timber structural panels is the focal point of the latest addition to author and philosopher Alain de Botton’s not-for-profit holiday rental company, Living Architecture. Dune House, just to the south of Thorpeness on the Suffolk Coast, is designed by Norwegian architects Jarmund Vigsnaes Arkitekter, in collaboration with Mole Architects, to fit incongruously with the landscape and surrounding houses.
Proving that the aesthetics and flexibility of timber can’t be matched, wood is at the heart of this five-bedroom family house in Dulwich, designed by Knox Bhavan Architects. European oak floorboards have been used extensively to create a beautiful parquet floor and provide a complementary background to the large amount of bespoke joinery which is used throughout the house. All windows, external doors, and the roof corbels are solid European oak.
Shingle House holiday home, Dungeness Energy-efficient Shingle House in Dungeness is one of six specially commissioned dwellings for ‘Living Architecture’, a social enterprise launched by writer Alain de Botton, which offers holiday homes for rent in some of the UK’s most fascinating landscapes. The timber elements include the I-joist timber frame structure, cladding, roofing, internal wall lining and floor finish, using Western red cedar, oak and purpleheart.
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Other case studies can be downloaded from the TRADA website www.trada.co.uk/casestudies
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Wood Information Sheets CI/SfB
Xi
(32.5)
Performance of fire-resisting timber doorsets
(K3)
Uniclass L41121
Wood Information Sheet
WIS 1-13
Subject: Joinery Revised: October 2013
Fire-resisting doorsets are required to be able to contain a fully developed fire, to facilitate escape of a building’s occupants and allow fire fighting, and to protect the contents and/or the structure from the effects of fire. The doorsets therefore must have resistance to fire, expressed in terms of time. This WIS compares the various performance requirements for timber fire-resisting doorsets and makes recommendations on their specifications.
Performance of fire-resisting timber doorsets The term doorset refers to the complete element as used in practice: • the door leaf or leaves • the frame in which the door is hung • hardware essential to the functioning of the doorset • intumescent seals and smoke sealing devices. Fire-resisting doorsets are required to be able to contain a fully developed fire, to facilitate escape of a building’s occupants and allow fire fighting, and to protect the contents and/or the structure from the effects of fire. The doorset therefore must have resistance to fire, expressed in terms of time. This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) is intended as a guide to architects, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, building control officers, fire prevention officers and builders. It compares the various performance requirements for timber fire-resisting doorsets and makes recommendations on their specification. The Choose and use sheet Fire-resisting timber doorsets [1], available from TRADA and builders’ merchants, is intended for builders. TRADA’s WIS 1-32: Updating timber doorsets for fire resistance [2] contains guidance on assessing and upgrading existing doors to give a fire resisting performance. This WIS is an overview of the subject with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end.
Contents • Fire resistance time • Performance • Regulation requirements • Demonstrating performance • Doorset specification • Doorset design • Installation • Doorset variations
Figure 1:
Testing a glazed double doorset
Key points • To determine the fire resistance time, a doorset is exposed to a ‘standard’ fully developed fire in a test furnace until failure occurs according to certain criteria. • This ‘standard’ fire condition used in tests is defined by the relationship between the duration of the fire and the temperature reached. • The Building Regulations and most fire protection/ prevention codes call for a minimum performance with respect to integrity. • There are some requirements regarding radiation effects and insulation to resist the rise in unexposed face temperature. Individual specifiers or insurance requirements may call for doors with specified levels of performance. • Specifiers have two choices for testing fire resistance – BS 476 (the British Standard method) or BS EN 1634 (the European Normative method). • Changes to a construction tested under the British or European Standards will require another fire test, an assessment of performance, a Direct Field of Application (DIAP) or Extended Field of Application (EXAP). • Doorsets are also tested to evaluate their ability to control smoke. • It is becoming increasingly difficult to identify fire-resisting doors simply by weight and thickness. New materials and methods of construction have led to the production of thinner and lighter fire-resisting doors.
• Maintenance © TRADA Technology Ltd 2013
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Specifying British-grown timbers CI/SfB
Flame retardant treatments for timber products
u4 Uniclass JZ12
Wood Information Sheet
WIS 2/3-3
Subject: Fire Revised: December 2013
In many situations, timber and woodbased materials may be used in their natural, untreated state. However, flameretardant (FR) treatments extend their use to situations that demand enhanced ‘reaction to fire’ properties. This WIS covers treatments that may be applied to wood and wood-based products both factory and site applied to upgrade their fire performance to Euroclass B or C or National class 0, 1 or 2.
Flame-retardant treatments for timber products In many situations, timber and wood-based materials may be used in their natural, untreated state. However, flame-retardant (FR) treatments extend their use to situations that demand enhanced ‘reaction to fire’ properties. This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) covers treatments that may be applied to wood and wood-based products both factory and site applied to upgrade their fire performance to Euroclass B or C or National class 0, 1 or 2. This WIS is an overview of the subject with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end. Further essential reading on this subject is the Wood Protection Association’s Flame Retardant Specification Manual [1].
Figure 1: Photo:
SmartPly oriented strand board, treated during manufacture. Coillte
Key points
Contents • Types of flame-retardant treatment • Compatibility of FR timber products and treatments with additional coatings • Performance requirements • Fire test evidence • CE marking
• Flame retardant treatments can enhance the reaction to fire performance of wood-based products. Reaction to fire performance is about combustibility and ignitability of a material rather than its ability to resist the passage of fire. • There are three main types of flame-retardant treatments: impregnation with inorganic salt solutions or leach-resistant chemicals, chemicals inherently incorporated into the product at point of manufacture and surface coatings. • These can be applied or incorporated into the product in a number of ways: during manufacture, post manufacture (often through a third party process) and on site. • Any additional coating that is applied to a product that has a proven fire performance will likely affect this performance. • There are two classification systems for flame retardance under UK building regulations: National class (uses BS Standard) and Euroclass (uses EN Standard). Manufacturers wishing to market products in the rest of Europe should follow the Euroclass system. • Some European countries use the additional classifications for smoke and flaming droplets/particles, which are not regularly called upon in the UK. • It is important to ensure that the field of application covers the particular application. • Applying flame-retardant chemicals to a CE marked product invalidates the CE mark, even though it often remains visible.
© TRADA Technology Ltd 2013
This is a comprehensive overview of the British timber market, the products available and their uses. The WIS is accompanied by a series of highly informative datasheets on the various species, such as sycamore, oak, ash and spruce, with details of the distribution, properties, uses and special considerations.
CI/SfB
(32.5)
Xi
(K3)
Uniclass JC51 : L41121
Wood Information Sheet
WIS 1-32
Subject: Joinery Revised: October 2013
Upgrading timber doorsets for fire resistance This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) gives guidance on assessing the suitability of existing doors for upgrading to give a 20 or 30 minutes’ fire resistance comparable with that of purpose-made fire doors. Upgrading to 60 minutes’ performance will rarely be possible. Upgrading the fire resistance of existing doors is a common requirement in heritage buildings. Conservators look for solutions with minimal impact on the appearance and function of existing doors.
1
The requirements for fire doors are quite complex. TRADA’s WIS 1-13: Performance of fire-resisting timber doorsets [1] explains the principles. Figure 1:
This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) is an overview of the subject with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end.
Contents • Strategy to upgrade for fire resistance
CI/SfB
(33)(43)
Decorative timber flooring
H+S i
Uniclass G331+JM42+L53 : P5
Wood Information Sheet
WIS 1-46
Wood’s popularity as a flooring material has never been greater. Its combination of flexibility, sustainability and aesthetics has pushed it up the shortlist of materials in architects and specifiers’ minds: in fact, it is increasingly becoming the number one choice for both residential and commercial situations. The WIS details its benefits, the choices of species and types of wood floor as well as providing information on floor construction.
Subject: Floors Revised: November 2013
Decorative timber flooring This Wood Information Sheet gives guidance to designers and specifiers on aspects which should be considered when choosing a timber floor. It deals mainly with decorative floors in dwellings, offices and institutional buildings and does not specifically address the detailed requirements of gymnasia, sports halls, dance floors or other special floors. This information sheet includes TRADA’s advice on: • uses and benefits of timber flooring • suitable timber species • available flooring product types • advice on installing and maintaining wood flooring. This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) is an overview of the subject with signposts to more detailed sources that are listed at the end.
Contents • Introduction • Benefits • Timber species • Types of decorative wood flooring
Figure 1:
• Selecting and specifying wood floor products
Photo:
• Floor construction • Further reading
Unfinished Character B solid oak flooring hand-finished with a charcoal stain Russwood
Key points • Decorative wood flooring offers advantages of appearance, insulation, sustainability and ease of maintenance. • Many timber species, both softwood and hardwood, are suitable for flooring. Key considerations are appearance and performance, especially resistance to wear and movement characteristics. • There is a range of decorative wood flooring products available in two main groups: solid wood products and engineered or laminated products. • The timber species and flooring product specified will depend upon several factors in respect of end use and service environment, such as appearance, wear resistance, maintenance, environmental conditions and dimensional stability. • Under-floor heating will result in dimensional changes to timber and requires careful product selection. • The type of sub-floor onto which the decorative wood floor is laid is an important consideration.
© TRADA Technology Ltd 2013
1
Other Wood Information Sheets can be downloaded from the TRADA website www.trada.co.uk/techinfo/wood_information_sheets
• Suitability of existing doors for upgrading • Methods of upgrading • Identifying upgraded fire doors
Upgraded doors ready for full-scale testing
Key points Checklist for upgrading • Is it worthwhile to upgrade or is a replacement a more effective alternative? • What level of fire resistance is required? • Will an upgraded solution satisfy the control authority? • Has each existing door leaf and frame the potential for being upgraded? • Has the method of improving the burn-through resistance of the door leaf been proven or does it need assessment by a specialist? • Has the door to frame gap been upgraded in terms of fit, intumescent protection and smoke sealing? • Is the frame adequate and sufficiently well sealed into the wall? • Is the hardware appropriate for use on a fire resisting doorset?
© TRADA Technology Ltd 2013
1
Upgrading timber doorsets for fire resistance Upgrading the fire resistance of existing doors is a common requirement in heritage buildings. Conservators look for solutions with minimal impact on the appearance and function of existing doors. Guidance is provided on assessing the suitability of existing doors for upgrading in what is a complex area.
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Sustainable timber sourcing The ability to prove that a product is from a legal and sustainable source is now a key factor in the specification of timber and timber products, with consumers increasingly recognising on-product certification labels as an indication that the product has come from a wellmanaged forest. Specifiers and buyers are keen to maintain their environmental credentials by specifying the use of responsibly sourced timber and timber products – this is a legal requirement for UK Government procurement contracts. Third-party certification schemes verify suppliers’ claims, enabling them to state that they operate as part of an unbroken ‘chain of custody’ system from managed forest to certified end product. Displaying the all-important trademarks and logos adds value in an environmentally conscious market. The most well-known certification schemes in the UK are operated by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). It is important to understand certification scheme criteria and processes, to be confident that certified timber is always used where specified.
There are two key elements to timber product certification schemes: • Forest of origin: this has to be independently certified to verify that it is managed according to the requirements of an accredited sustainable forest management standard. • Chain of custody: a chain of custody system provides independent certification of its unbroken path from the forest to the consumer, including all stages of manufacturing, transportation and distribution. At no point can the chain be broken. If a company takes legal ownership or physical possession, then it must have its own independently certified chain of custody system to allow it to pass on the sustainable credentials of the product. Immediate suppliers must have their own chain of custody certificate for the product to be counted as certified. It is not acceptable for the supplier to pass off copies of their supplier’s chain of custody certificate as evidence of the supply of certified product. Chain of custody has to be complete right up to the end of the chain.
How does it work? In order to become certified the company starts by creating a quality management system to demonstrate how it will manage traceability and control of certified products from purchase to sale. An accredited certification body, such as BM TRADA Certification (www.bmtrada.co.uk), then verifies this system against the appropriate scheme standard(s) and issues a chain of custody certificate to the successful company. An auditor makes routine surveillance visits, usually at least once per year. A full reassessment is undertaken every five years for both FSC® and PEFC™ schemes. There are also multi-site and group certification schemes available for larger and smaller companies respectively. FSC® and PEFC™ also offer project certification, which is the one-off certification of timber products used in a specific project, such as a construction contract. This certification is undertaken by a third-party certification body, such as BM TRADA, and provides independent verification of the type and quantity of certified timber that was used. Examples of these one-off certified projects include FSC® certification for the Marks & Spencer store at Cheshire Oaks and dual FSC® and PEFC™ certification for the London 2012 Olympic Park.
FSC® A000503 PEFC™ /16-44-002
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
UK Government Timber Procurement Policy / CPET The UK Government has adopted a sustainable timber procurement policy in response to increasing concerns about the origins of timber used in government contracts. The policy requires that all timber purchased by central government departments should come from legal and sustainable sources. Local government is also encouraged to comply.
particularly important if the species is listed in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) [appendices at: (www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html). It is estimated that approximately 40% of UK timber imports are used in public sector contracts. The Government’s policy has been a major driver in sustainable timber procurement. Its influence can be seen across both the public sector as a whole and in the increasing demands of the private sector.
The timber purchased by central government should fall into one of two categories:
Chain of custody schemes
• Category A: independent certification of the timber and timber products by any of the forest certification schemes that meet the policy requirements (such as the FSC® and PEFC™ schemes).
Companies operating a certified chain of custody system are required to have procedures that meet the requirements of the scheme, meet the certification body’s own criteria and are practical enough to suit the way the company operates. Systems include:
• Category B: alternative documentary evidence that provides assurance that the source is legal and sustainable.
• Procedures to control the procurement, receipt, storage, production and sales of certified material. All staff involved should be adequately trained to show competence in working with these procedures.
The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) (www.defra.gov.uk) is responsible for the implementation of the policy. The day-to-day management of information related to the policy is contracted to the Central Point of Expertise in Timber (CPET). CPET manages a website (www.cpet.org.uk) that provides detailed information and advice on how public sector buyers and their suppliers can meet the UK Government’s timber procurement policy requirements in practice. Architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers working for, or on behalf of, government bodies should be familiar with the policy: the policy criteria should normally be included in any government contract. Specifiers may also have to consider the use of certain species if these are not available with certification. This is
• Procedures for the identification, collection, storage, maintenance and retention of all relevant records, appropriate to the scale of the operation. Delivery notes, invoices and any accompanying paperwork must identify the product as certified. All records relating to the chain of custody system are kept for a minimum of five years. For more information on this subject, or to download a copy of the Wood Information Sheet ‘Sustainable Timber Sourcing’, visit: www.trada.co.uk/techinfo/wood_information_sheets
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Construction briefings Part L
CONSTRUCTION
This documents all the relevant changes on Part L of the Building Regulations. As we revealed last month, the long-awaited documents detailing the changes were published on the Government’s Planning Portal and the new documents will come in to effect on the 6th April 2014. The Construction briefing outlines all of the significant changes and, as such, is an essential read for anyone involved in the construction industry.
BRIEFINGS Part L England 2013 A summary of the changes Effective from: 6 April 2014
1 Introduction The Government has a legally binding commitment under the Climate Change Act (2008) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 2050. Carbon dioxide from buildings, domestic and non-domestic, makes up around 45% of the total UK emissions, primarily from sources which are covered by Building Regulations e.g. space heating and cooling, water heating and lighting. The Regulations therefore, are a primary mechanism for driving a reduction in emissions, by shaping the design of new buildings and affecting improvements to the existing building stock. On the 15th of November DCLG published the suite of documents which represent Part L 2013, having been prepared following a period of consultation and review that started in January 2012.
The following documents have been made available via the Planning Portal (www.planningportal.gov.uk): New 2013 versions of Approved Document L1A (Domestic) and L2A (Non-Domestic) relating to new build New 2013 version of the Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides New 2013 version of the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides Amendments to the 2010 versions of Approved Document L1B (Domestic) and L2B (Non-Domestic), relating to existing buildings. Note that it is anticipated that consolidated versions of Approved Documents L1B and L2B 2010, including the noted amendments, will be published prior to implementation. The new documents will come into effect on the 6th April 2014, see overleaf.
CONSTRUCTION
BRIEFINGS Next steps to zero carbon homes - Allowable Solutions A summary of government’s proposals Effective from: 2014
1 Introduction The Government remains committed to zero carbon homes and this was confirmed in the 2013 budget when the intention to consult on the next steps towards zero carbon was announced.
Part L 2013 England - A summary of the changes
December 2013 (Version 1)
Accordingly, on the 6th August 2013, a consultation package was launched to gather further evidence and seek views on the proposal to use Allowable Solutions as a cost effective means 1 of achieving zero carbon. The consultation document plus associated impact assessment and respondee questionnaire are published on the CLG website https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/226340/130801_Allowable_Solutions_ Impact_Assessment_for_consultation.pdf The consultation closed on 15th October 2013. This Construction Briefing summarises the proposed approach to delivery of zero carbon homes by 2016 and the part Allowable Solutions could play in demonstrating compliance.
2 Background and context The Government has a legally binding commitment under the Climate Change Act (2008) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 of at least 80% by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels).
Next steps to zero carbon If the Government is to implement its zero carbon homes target from 2016, the Allowable Solutions will play a significant role in demonstrating compliance. The intricacies of zero carbon homes compliance and Allowable Solutions are discussed here.
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Carbon emissions from homes represent more that 25% of the UK emissions and the consultation document indicates that approximately two thirds of the homes that will exist in 2050 are already built today. Strategies such as the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation are cited as mechanisms for carbon reduction in these properties. The commitment to zero carbon homes by 2016 is intended to address emissions from the new build homes, which will make up the remaining third. The Government has previously outlined a road map to zero carbon with defined milestone points including regular step
Will contractors prefer to install a district heating system or simply invest in a carbon reduction fund. Photo courtesy of Flexalen Ltd.
change improvements to the Building Regulations and the introduction of the Code for Stainable Homes. It was originally intended that the 2016 zero carbon standard would be achieved ‘on-site’ by new homes using a combination of fabric performance, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy generation. An example of this would be the Code for Sustainable Homes, Level 6. Much work has been completed by industry and research organisations and it is now recognised
Next steps to zero carbon homes - Allowable Solutions October 2013 (Version 1)
Other Construction briefings can be downloaded from the TRADA website www.trada.co.uk/standards
1
The magazine for TRADA members Issue 14: 2014
Events calendar We have teamed up with industry leading partners to bring you all of the relevant events and professional training in one place. Browse the full 2014 events and training calendar online, visit: www.trada.co.uk/events/calendar
February 2014
March 2014
3-7
Visual strength grading – softwood
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
4-6 Ecobuild Excel, London
6-7
Visual strength grading refresher – softwood
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
11
Fire doors explained
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
6
Inspection of used scaffold boards
11
Fire door installation course
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
11
Timber frame construction
12
Fire door maintenance
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
12
Cross-Laminated Timber
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
Building in Wood conference
Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
1
Timber frame for engineers: The Essentials
Trees, People and the built environment
Urban Trees Research Conference University of Birmingham, B15 2TT
Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
29
Wood Awards talk: Colyer-Fergusson Building
University of Kent, Canterbury Kent, CT2 7NF
June 2014 11
Fire door installation course
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
1-2
Visual strength grading refresher – softwood
12
Fire door maintenance
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
17
Fire doors explained
7
Timber frame construction
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
17
Fire door installation course
2-3
28 - Visual strength grading – softwood 2 May The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough,
May 2014 1
April 2014
29
Fire doors explained
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
29
Fire door installation course
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
30
Fire door maintenance
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
July 2014 3-4
Visual strength grading refresher – softwood
13
Wood Awards talk: Abbotsford Visitor Centre
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
Melrose, Roxburgshire Scotland TD6 9BQ
18
Fire door maintenance
8
Inspection of used scaffold boards
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
18
Fire protection measures
London ExCel (at Firex)
16-18 Visual strength grading refresher – temperate & tropical
19
Eurocode 5: The Essentials
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
29
Fire doors explained
BM TRADA, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4ND
30 - 4 Jul
Visual strength grading – softwood
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
The Horse Trust, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 OPP
RY COURSE DIRECTO
For a complete list of training, download BM TRADA's course directory from www.bmtradagroup.com
y
Course director 2014
XPERIEN . . .WHEN E
RS C E M AT T E
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DISCOVER THE FUTURE 10 years of championing a greener built environment 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the biggest range of sustainable construction products in the world Six new content zones hosting Ecobuild’s unrivalled seminar programme Two conference arenas bringing over 600 industry experts, ministers and global academics to the heart of the exhibition floor Over 100 conference and seminar sessions, drop in advice clinics and live product demonstrations Dozens of features and attractions Register for your free ticket: www.ecobuild.co.uk INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
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