03 SPRING 2018 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2515–8686 (PRINT)
STANDING TALL FOR TIMBER How the SFI is protecting forests for the future / 10 TOPPING UP TIMBER
SHOWCASING SUSTAINABILITY
An introduction to the benefits of modified wood / 16
ecobuild2018 takes its lead from global environmental targets / 26
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SPRING 2018
Owatrol’s powerful, yet eco-friendly varnish, paint and stain removers can always be relied on to bring old timber back to life. Try Prepdeck for your decking or Dilunett gel on your external, vertical wood surfaces - you’ll be amazed at the results.
Has your wood silvered down through exposure to the climate? Then restore its beauty by using Net-trol Wood Cleaner & Colour Restorer for outstanding results. Need to protect your newly laid timber from warping and splitting? Then Seasonite is your answer.
Our high quality finishes not only look great but protect your wood for the long term. The range includes penetrating oils to enhance the natural beauty of soft and hardwood, semi-transparent coloured finishes and opaque paints in a wide range of colours.
CONTENTS SPRING 2018 02
12
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK 2 NEWS
The latest news from the timber and wider construction sector including new appointments
10 COVER STORY: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE (SFI)
Why the SFI is more than just a forest management standard
12 RISE OF CLT 16
21
Cross-laminated timber is continuing to push boundaries. We take a look at some of the high-rise projects that are showcasing this versatile material
16 POWER OF WOOD
How modified wood is changing the way that we work with timber
21 GOING GREEN
The UK’s 1,000th Passivhaus building is set to be certified this year but with less than 1% of homes built to the Passivhaus Standard there is still
25
some way to go before it makes it into the mainstream
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25 TIMBER PROTECTION
The timber treatment sector responds to the challenges raised by the Grenfell fire tragedy
26 PREVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018
ecobuild 2018 is under new ownership and visitors have been promised a fresh new format, including a new ‘district’ focusing on timber
32
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32 FEEL THE BURN
A closer look at some cladding and decking projects including a unique charred timber cladding product and the decking that is increasing safety at a major visitor attraction
35 ON THE FLOOR
Engineered oak wood flooring is helping to create a comfortable country house feel at a York hotel
EDITOR Michelle Gordon timbereditorial@gmail.com
SALES DIRECTOR Terry Hanlon terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk 01925 270093
DESIGN Pete Awad welcome@designedbyfaust.com
Registered address: 73 Cross Lane, Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9QA Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 10839173. VAT registration number 271 5498 81
jjI-JOISTS. SMARTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE I -JOIST.
JJI-Joists have an answer for everything built-in. No matter how demanding your job, JJI-Joists are in a class of their own. Solid timber flanges and OSB web make them light but very strong and easy to work with (creating service holes couldn’t be simpler). Our environmental credentials are also second to none. Add to that our technical brains on hand to answer questions - and our design software that gives smart cost-effective answers, and your choice has to be intelligent JJI-Joists. Well, you’d be daft not to.
www.jamesjones.co.uk/ewp EMAIL: jji-joists @ jamesjones.co.uk
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SPRING 2018
NEWS
SALES VOLUMES INCREASE DESPITE BREXIT UNCERTAINTY Investment in product improvement and customer
constraint on output over the next year by 37% of
reality which is that our members have been selling
research is growing despite rising raw material
respondents. Labour availability and capacity came
products and adapting to the higher costs that have
costs and slowing sales growth according to the
next, with 24% and 20% of respondents feeling that
now unfortunately become the new norm.
British Woodworking Federation’s Joinery State of
they were most likely to constrain output.
Trade Survey for Q4 2017.
“More than two-thirds of respondents noted
Just under a third (32%) of respondents on
that Brexit-related uncertainty has already affected
A third of respondents reported an increase
balance reported increasing their labour force in the
their business, with two-thirds of those identifying
in sales volumes over the last quarter, with 41%
previous year, with 44% of respondents anticipating
the impact as being increased raw material costs. If
reporting an increase over the last year.
an increased labour force over the next year.
we look to the longer term however, manufacturers
Brexit-related uncertainty had affected the
Raw material costs were noted as a major
are unsure as to what the effects of Brexit might be.
business of 68% of respondents with 67% of those
inflationary factor for unit costs for 95% of
noting an impact on the cost of raw materials.
respondents on balance, with wage/salary
to see joinery manufacturers taking a proactive
increases pushing up unit costs for 67% of
approach to growing their market. Investment in
respondents on balance.
e-business is set to increase by half and customer
A balance of 32% felt that Brexit negotiations would have a negative impact on their business in the next 12 months.
Over the previous year a balance of 59%
“On the plus side, it’s hugely encouraging
research is anticipated to double. More than
When asked about the impact of Brexit
of respondents had invested in improving
two-thirds of members will be investing more in
over five years, respondents were split between
their products with 45% investing in their
product improvement.
whether it would be positive or negative (25%
manufacturing equipment.
for each) with 40% unsure of the implications and 10% expecting no impact. Manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter, with a balance of 34% predicting an increase for Q1 2018, and a balance of 30% predicting an increase over the next year.
Investment in product improvement was set for
“With the innovation and initiative of our members reflected in the survey results, there are
the highest capital investment over the next year,
plenty of reasons why wood should be the material
with a balance of 67% planning to invest and with
of choice for 2018 and beyond. The irreparable
48% set to invest in equipment.
damage of plastic pollution is never far from the
“Sales are still growing at a reasonable rate and
news, with programmes such as Blue Planet 2
there are no indications of a sudden decline for the
capturing the public imagination and the Wood
British woodworking industry despite the pessimism
Window Alliance’s Fake Facts campaign shining a
order book of future work extending beyond three
around construction from some quarters,” said
spotlight on the PVC-u industry’s ‘plastic promises’.
months – down 7% from the previous quarter –
BWF policy and communications executive Matt
We will be building on existing resources to support
with 53% saying that their order book extended to
Mahony. “Slightly fewer order books extending
members of all sizes in showcasing their products
between one and three months.
beyond three months and consecutive quarters
as beautiful and sustainable and illustrating the
of lowered sales growth expectations conceal the
benefits to specifiers of building it with wood.”
Just 19% of companies reported a current
Demand was listed as the most likely
ACCOYA WOOD RECOGNISED FOR ECO CREDENTIALS Accoya Wood, the high-performance wood
the Red List thereby meeting the LEED v4
manufactured by Accsys Technologies has
Material Ingredient credit, Option 1 reporting
been awarded a Declare label from the
requirements.
International Living Future Institute (ILFI). The ingredients label for building products is a transparency tool to help architects and other
>99.5% from FSC certified, rapidly renewable
specifiers make informed choices regarding
Radiata Pine; has a life span of more than 50
sustainable and healthy material use in green
years; and proves no limitations for end of life as
buildings.
it is recyclable and biodegradable/compostable.
Accoya wood has achieved the declaration
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In addition to a Red List Free status, the Accoya wood Declare label shows it is made
The Declare label was created to support
status of “Red List Free,” deeming its product
the sustainable material requirements of the
ingredients are 100% disclosed to 100
Living Building Challenge, an international green
ppm and do not contain any chemicals on
building philosophy.
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
NEWS
TIMBER FRAME FACTORY TO MOVE TO NEW LOCATION Accord has announced that it is to move its LoCaL Homes offsite
spoke factory concept, setting up other factories
manufacturing closed-panel timber frame factory to a new location.
in partnership with others by offering a turnkey
The housing and social care organisation will move from Beechdale to a new 56,000 sqft manufacturing facility located in Aldridge, Walsall, as part of its ambition to change the homebuilding delivery model.
solution. “This is a very important move for both Accord and the Black Country. Our investment
“Building on our six years successful experience of offsite manufacturing,
has been enhanced by grant funding provided
Accord’s vision is to increase production of our timber framed homes through
by the Black Country LEP and the Homes and
our very successful LoCaL Homes business,” said Alan Yates, executive
Community Agency, and the whole project is
commercial director at Accord.
supported by Walsall Council – demonstrating
“We have ambitious plans for our new factory which is now under construction and which will enable us to increase annual production to over
great partnership working.” Mark Farmer, author of Modernise or Die, an
1,000 homes per year. We are experiencing real growth in the business by
independent review of the UK’s construction labour
working in partnership with other housing associations and local authorities
model, said: “Accord, through LoCaL Homes, has clearly
across the country.
shown itself to be a progressive housing association, successfully
“Accord is investing over £1 million in developing the new factory including high-value manufacturing equipment, and we will be able to both meet future orders and create more jobs for local people too.”
embracing the opportunity presented by modern methods of construction. “This announcement of a new factory with the ability to step change production capacity as well as supporting a ‘hub and spoke’ regional network is
The LoCaL Homes factory in Aldridge will go into production in Spring 2018
a great reflection of their progress and puts them at the forefront of the general
and in addition to manufacturing more homes, it will manufacture additional
shift in industry delivery models that is starting to happen. It is also interesting
products and components.
to see LoCaLHomes increasing the premanufactured value of its current process
Dr Chris Handy, chief executive of Accord, added: “With this amazing new
through more use of consolidated and integrated components such as kitchens
factory facility, we will be able to commence manufacture of our own windows
and bathrooms, further de-risking on site delivery. I am pleased to see Accord
and our new “H-pod” which is an integrated kitchen and bathroom unit that will
taking up the modernisation challenge in such as tangible way and I wish them
sit within the panelised structure. We will also be able to further develop our
every success for the future.”
NEW HR DIRECTOR FOR TIMBER AND BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS
PEFC/16-01-01
Suzanne Britter has been appointed as HR director of independent timber and builders’ merchants The Ridgeon Group. She joins the business following six years at Ladbroke Coral Group in senior HR roles. Britter will develop Ridgeons’ brand reputation as an attractive employer, promoting its longstanding reputation for providing a supportive, trusted and enterprising working environment for employees.
PEFC: YOUR ASSURANCE OF RESPONSIBLY-SOURCED
She will be identifying areas for development in the company’s employee engagement strategy to ensure staff continue to be inspired and motivated, and to make Ridgeons a first-choice employer in the industry, as outlined in the business’s 2020 Vision. Britter will build on the company’s technical training programme and the development of Ridgeons’ apprenticeship scheme is a priority.
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TIMBER www.pefc.co.uk PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
SPRING 2018
The preferred design software for Timber Frame Manufacturers, Engineers & Designers • • • •
Digital output for automation of factory production Simply, quick and easy to setup and use Continuously developed in the UK based on client feedback BIM enabled with IFC data export for wall frames and floor cassettes
To find out more register for our webinar on 14th March: elecosoft.com/framing-intro
elecosoft.com/framing 04
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SPRING 2018
NEWS
RISE IN UK CONSUMPTION OF TIMBER AND PANEL PRODUCTS
softwoods (+6%). A near 1% increase was recorded for plywood imports but hardwood imports were lower in 2016 by around 2%. The level of UK timber and panel products exports remains quite low, achieving a volume of 0.5 million m3. “In terms of the value of wood products consumed in the UK, the year 2016 was the best since before the recession and indeed was better than the pre-recessionary year of 2007,” said David Hopkins, TTF managing director. “Although little changed materially in 2016, a high degree of uncertainty for the future was
UK consumption of timber and panel products
supply for timber and panel products imported to
is on the rise despite uncertainty over Brexit
the UK, by both volume and value.
according to the latest statistical review from the Timber Trade Federation (TTF). Growth in the consumption of wood products resumed in 2016 following a small drop in volume the previous year rising to over 16 million m3 for the first time since before the recession of 2008. Europe remains the single largest source of
Mainland European and UK produced timber
created by the EU Referendum result. “Different and new challenges are and will be presented, yet the timber industry has a long and
and panel products continue to dominate the
mostly successful history of dealing with change.
supply chain in the UK accounting for around 91%
For our part, the TTF will keep on supporting
of all supply.
member companies and new partners, putting
The statistics revealed a 4.4% growth in
programmes in place for the benefit of the whole
UK imports on the previous year, generated by
supply chain, and continue looking forward to
growth in particleboards (+12%), MDF (+9%) and
facing the future together.”
KEBONY AMONG FIRMS BEST POSITIONED TO SOLVE CLEAN TECH CHALLENGES
TOP MARKS FOR NORBORD AT JEWSON LIVE
Norwegian wood manufacturer and supplier Kebony has been listed in the prestigious 2018 Global Cleantech 100. It is the 7th time it has appeared in the Global Cleantech 100 list of the companies best positioned to solve tomorrow’s clean technology challenges. Norbord Europe Ltd took the title of Best Overall Supplier 2017 at Jewson
It highlights those most likely to have a big commercial impact within a five to 10-year timeframe and this year a record number of nominations were received from 12,300 companies in 61 countries.
Live, the UK’s biggest builders’ merchant show. Norbord faced stiff competition from around 600 Jewson suppliers to win the award which was given “for ensuring the availability of its products
The list is collated by combining Cleantech Group research data with judgments of hundreds of nominations and input from a global panel of 86 experts including leading financial investors, representatives
across all our branches, despite difficult market conditions”. It is the third time in five years that Supplier of the Year has been awarded to Norbord.
of multi-national corporations and industrials active in technology and innovation scouting across Asia, Europe, and North America. To qualify for the list, companies must be independent, for-profit, cleantech companies that are not listed on any major stock exchange. In addition to unveiling the list Cleantech group presented a series
GREEN LIGHT FOR CLT SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEME
of awards across 11 categories at an awards dinner held in San Francisco
Waugh Thistleton Architects has been granted planning permission for a
on the opening night to the 16th Cleantech Forum. Kebony took the
new social housing scheme designed for Lewisham Homes.
title of Europe and Israel Company of the Year.
The 25-home Kenton Court scheme will be built with engineered timber
Christian Jebsen, Kebony’s CEO, said: “2018 is a pivotal time for Kebony with the expected completion of our second production facility in Belgium. On behalf of Kebony’s team of dedicated employees, we will strive to continue creating a positive impact around the world.”
and constructed offsite using cutting-edge manufacturing technology and will be the first modular CLT building developed by Lewisham Homes. The scheme is part of the local authority and Lewisham Homes’ borough-wide New Homes, Better Places programme, which will see the development of 500 homes for social rent.
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SPRING 2018
NEWS
DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE IN TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION
check that subcontractors’ work is done to a high standard,” said TRADA’s Rupert Scott. “The timber frame market is enjoying spectacular growth, providing a golden opportunity for those operating in this sector. And with the Chancellor recently committing £44 billion for the largest house-building drive for decades, this growth shows no sign of abating.” Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the STA added: “Quality management should be an end-to end process – from the sourcing of raw timber and offsite manufacture in well-managed factories – to the final onsite installation. The Site Check pocket book will be a valuable asset to site managers and although concise, the information will play an
TRADA and the Structural Timber Association (STA) have joined forces to publish a definitive
single-source guide to onsite construction. Site check: The timber frame pocket book is
important role in refining onsite quality controls.” From timber frame delivery and storage to
guide to best practice in timber frame
written as an illustrated guide that can be easily
installing a breather membrane, insulating and
construction.
consulted by onsite management.
damp-proofing to masonry cladding and roof
It combines the expert knowledge of the
“Site check: The timber frame pocket book
framing, site check: The timber frame pocket book
two timber associations to update and merge
equips site managers and other construction
is packed with guidance and diagrams, as well as
individual timber frame publications to produce a
professionals with a handy aid to supervise and
handy check-lists for onsite inspection.
GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTED FOR NEWLY FORMED GLULAM BUSINESS Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE) has
diminished, creating an opportunity for us,” said Jonathan Fellingham,
appointed Malcolm Vaughton as general
managing director of DTE. “The initial plan is to establish relationships
manager of its newly formed glulam business.
with key feature glulam beam producers in Europe, so we can source material competitively for project tenders we’ve won and designed
DTE currently supplies a small volume of cut
using external engineers.
to size glulam beams, and some glulam structures, but it is now setting
“Longer term, it is our intention to design, detail and carry out
its sights on becoming the UK’s market leader in the design and supply
elements of the secondary production processing in-house. Malcolm
of secondary processed glulam. Vaughton, the former UK MD of the
has incredible industry knowledge and will be a crucial asset to us as
Danish glulam producer, Lilleheden, joined DTE in November.
we take this new path. It’s a very exciting venture for us and we’re
“In recent years, the number of suppliers for glulam projects has
looking forward to seeing it take shape.”
REGIONAL ROLES FOR SALES STAFF AS TIMBER STAIR SUPPLIER GROWS BUSINESS Timber stair supplier TwoTwenty has promoted
technical sales experts in the south of England,
two of its sales team to regional roles as part of
while continuing to manage his existing
its plans to grow the business.
customer relationships.
Jason Ward and Scott Jones have been
Ward joined TwoTwenty in 2007 as a
appointed as regional sales managers for the
technical sales expert covering Cumbria and
North and South of England respectively.
Lancashire. He was instrumental in building
They will continue to manage their own areas
a thriving customer base for TwoTwenty in
to continue delivering exceptional customer
and customer relationships but will now also
North Wales, and recently spent 16 months
service as the business expands further,” said
oversee the technical sales experts in their
developing new business in the south of
Scott Peden, managing director of TwoTwenty.
region.
England.
Jason Ward and Scott Jones
“Both Scott and Jason have a wealth of
Jones joined TwoTwenty in 2013 as part
“We have grown TwoTwenty significantly
of the external sales team. In his new role as
in recent months, and we decided that having
and will be working to increase turnover while
regional sales manager, he will oversee five
two regional sales managers would help us
maintaining TwoTwenty’s core values.”
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knowledge to help their respective teams grow
SPRING 2018
ncentrate to 5 parts water. The ouring system has been devel the world leader in timber preservation technology r R&D department offering lo our life. A wide range of colo ailable to meet every custome
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tnut, Brown, Bronze, Mahogany & Moss Gr FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: www.kopperspc.eu Email: kpc@koppers.eu
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*Registered Trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. Protim Solignum Limited is a Koppers company trades as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delware, Inc. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Registered England - Reg. 3037845
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by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Manufacturers Of Wood Preservatives Protim Solignum Ltd Marlow, Buckinghamshire SPRING 2018
NEWS
CLADDING COMPLETES WORLD’S FIRST BIOLOGICAL HOUSE
The world’s first biological house, built by Een til Een, has opened its doors to visitors in Middelfart, Denmark, setting a new standard for eco-friendly buildings. The property is the first construction to open as part of the BIOTOPE, a unique new exhibition park and knowledge centre for sustainable construction and Denmark’s largest permanent construction exhibition. A ‘biological house’ is typically built with upcycled agricultural industry residual products such as grass, straw and seaweed, which would normally be considered waste and burned for energy. Instead the materials are processed into valuable natural building materials, avoiding the environmental impact that burning them would cause. The innovative property in Middelfart is made from upcycled materials including Kebony Character cladding which was selected by architects due to its environmental credentials, as well as the silver-grey
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Tropical Hardwood • Greenheart • Purpleheart • Basralocus
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patina it forms over time. Design and construction has been a rigorous process, with innovative techniques being tested and developed along the way. Instead of a traditional concrete foundation, which is carbon intensive and doesn’t allow the same recyclability, the building sits upon screw piles, typically used for building deep foundations with minimal noise and vibration. The project is fully supported by the Danish Ministry of the Environment Fund for Ecological Construction, with all materials used in the build thoroughly tested and approved and available commercially. It sets a precedent for sustainable construction, as the property can be easily adapted for each customer, using the latest digital production technology to ensure the build is both quick and accurate. Once constructed, the house can easily be removed at any point without leaving a trace and without causing any damage to the surrounding area; it can then be rebuilt in the same or different context elsewhere. From conception to completion, more than 40 major partners have been involved in the construction of the biological house including Novofibre, Horn Group, Thermocell, Derbigum, Rheinzink and Kebony.
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SPRING 2018
COVER STORY: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE
SUPPORTING THE SFI COMMUNITY MEANS STANDING TALL FOR FUTURE FORESTS SFI is more than a forest management standard, it’s a community By Jason Metnick
T
HE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE® (SFI) offers forestland
Across this vast landscape, SFI and its many partners work together to
owners, brand owners, builders, architects, and consumers a way to
balance environmental, economic and social objectives such as conservation
stand tall for future forests. That’s because SFI is more than a forest
of wildlife habitat and biodiversity, harvesting forest products, protecting water
management standard, it’s a community. Together, this community
quality, providing forest industry jobs and developing recreational opportunities.
shares a belief that we all have a fundamental relationship with forests.
The SFI Forest Management Standard is also the only standard that requires
Forests clean the air we breathe and the water we drink and provide life
participants to support forestry research. SFI Inc. also encourages advances in
sustaining values.
forest research through its grant programme.
The SFI community welcomes any individual or organisation that shares our commitment to well managed forests. Our work with conservation, community and youth education groups speaks to the breadth and depth of the SFI community. It’s a community that also supports small landowners, recognises
SFI CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS GRANT PROGRAMME SFI Inc. directly invests in conservation and research partnerships
and respects indigenous values, and helps to preserve the important social and
through the Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Programme.
cultural heritage of African American land ownership.
Since the programme began in 2010, SFI has awarded 53 conservation and
By choosing products that carry the SFI label, you can support the SFI
49 community partnership grants totalling more than $3.4 million to foster
community and help spread the values linked to sustainable forestry. People can
conservation and community-building projects. When leveraged with project
also experience the natural beauty of well managed forests directly. Every year
partner contributions, that total investment exceeds $13.2 million.
millions of hikers, birdwatchers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoy
In 2018, SFI grants are helping to support eight community grants and
access to the almost 125 million hectares of forestlands that are certified to the
eight conservation grants. And for the first time this year, 10 SFI grant projects
SFI Standard — that’s bigger than Texas and California combined.
are being supported through a special SFI Community Engagement Fund. These funds are intended to support involvement of the SFI Implementation Committees. There are 34 provincial, state and regional SFI Implementation
LOOK FOR PRODUCTS WITH THE SFI LOGO The SFI logo helps make it easy to identify SFI-00001
How to Count You ProduCts for a r Certified Leed Point
it easy for architects and builders identify that the to wood or paper is certified to the SFI standard to be eligible to earn a LEED point.
Sustainable Forestry
private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, indigenous
Standard and that it embodies the values of the SFI
people, local government agencies, academics, scientists and conservationists.
community. Architects and builders also look for
On April 5, 2016, the U.S. Green Building Council What is an aCP? (USGBC) released a pilot Alternative An Alternative Compliance Path Compliance Path allows LEED projects (ACP) for wood to achieve an existing green and paper products building credit, in its Leadership alternative approach using an in Energy and to what is specified Environmental rating tool. in the existing Design (LEED) 2009 and LEED v4 rating systems which enables all certified An ACP pilot is used to test eligible for LEED products to be and work out credit. Builders the new pathway. any kinks with and architects use wood and If the ACP pilot can now paper products credit is adopted, become part of certified to the it will Forestry Initiative the LEED rating Sustainable (SFI), American system. Tree Farm System Canadian Standards (ATFS), In Association (CSA) order to count and Programme the Endorseme towards a LEED nt of Forest Certificatio for point, the user know that: must first n (PEFC) standards to achieve a point in the “certified • 100% of wood” ACP under the forest products 2009 and achieve LEED a point in the are from legal controversial) “sourcing of raw (nonACP under LEED sources, and materials” v4. • 70% from responsible sources, and • The remainder must be certified sources Label your products by a chain of as evidenced custody certification with the SFI logo (CoC). make to help SFI Fiber Sourcing certification counts as legal and responsible, while forest products delivered through CoC certification a counts as legal, responsible and sources. certified
Committees. This unique grassroots network of close to 1,000 people includes
that the wood or paper is certified to the SFI
SFI, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the World Wildlife Fund will
the label because it signals that the forest product is
use the SFI Community Engagement Fund to help conserve forested waterways
certified to SFI and is eligible to earn LEED points.
in Atlantic Canada. An SFI Community Grant will support teachers across
Learn more: sfiprogram.org/files/pdf/leed-acp
California gain valuable forest science knowledge. And an SFI Conservation Grant will help woodland caribou in Canada by enhancing caribou habitat
Initiative How to Count
10
Your Certified
Products for
a LEED Point
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SPRING 2018
COVER STORY: SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE through sustainable forest management. These are just three examples from the
HELPING FORESTS HELPS US ALL As part of a global community committed to sustaining our forests, SFI is
26 SFI grants that will be funded starting in 2018.
committed to ensuring that well-managed forests achieve their full potential to
PROJECT LEARNING TREE: ENGAGING AND SUPPORTING YOUTH TO BECOME FUTURE FOREST LEADERS Fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is critical to healthy mental and physical development in youth. But today’s American and
lift people up and improve our shared quality of life. Our supply chain starts in North America’s well-managed forests and stretches around the world. Products certified to SFI Standards are sold in nearly 130 countries. So, when you choose SFI you are helping the SFI community stand tall for future forests.
Canadian kids spend more time indoors than previous generations. That’s why a key component of SFI’s community engagement is educating youth, to ensure
Jason Metnick is senior vice president of customer affairs at the Sustainable
they can be effective future leaders and have a strong understanding of the
Forestry Initiative, Inc.
value of responsibly managed forests. In 2017, SFI took its existing youth programming to a new level when Project Learning Tree (PLT) became an SFI program. PLT is an award-winning environmental education program that uses trees and forests as windows on
ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE INC. The Sustainable Forestry
the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they
Initiative (SFI) is a sustainability
can take to conserve it. PLT’s integration into SFI provides an opportunity for
leader that stands for future
the programme to expand its reach and impact. And SFI’s role as a sustainability
forests. SFI is an independent,
leader will be bolstered by PLT’s expertise in education, an increasing focus in
non-profit organisation
SFI’s community engagement work.
that provides supply chain
The future of well managed forests depends on developing the next
assurances, produces
generation of forest stewards. Through PLT, SFI is working to ensure today’s
conservation outcomes,
youth become effective future leaders, with a strong understanding of the value
and supports education and
of responsibly managed forests and the importance of sustaining our natural
community engagement. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners,
resources.
conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators,
By providing environmental and sustainability education with opportunities
local communities, indigenous peoples, governments, and universities.
for teachers and students to become engaged in real-world issues transcending
SFI standards and on-product labels help consumers make responsible
classroom walls, PLT and SFI are developing the skills kids will need to be
purchasing decisions.
creative problem-solvers for complex environmental issues. PLT and SFI also
SFI also oversees the SFI Forest Partners Programme, which aims
work together to engage youth in a wide range of broad-based conservation
to increase supply of certified forest products, the SFI Conservation and
activities, environmental service learning projects, and outdoor education.
Community Partnerships Grant Programme, which funds research and
In addition to helping implement PLT across the US and internationally,
community building, and Project Learning Tree, which educates teachers
SFI supports other educational initiatives through the SFI Conservation and
and youth about forests and the environment. SFI Inc is governed
Community Partnerships Grant Programme, SFI Implementation Committees’
by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing
support for local teacher tours and summer youth camps, and partnerships with
environmental, social, and economic sectors equally. SFI believes caring
a variety of youth outreach organisations including Boy Scouts of America, Girl
for forests improves everyone’s quality of life. Learn more: sfiprogram.org.
Guides, and Earth Rangers.
SFI CONNECTS TO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Indigenous peoples in Canada and the US have long relied on forests for cultural, spiritual and material needs and SFI recognises
SUPPORTING AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY FORESTLAND OWNERSHIP Although African
forest operations may have an impact on these communities. SFI
Americans had amassed
actively pursues outreach and partnership opportunities with
6 million hectares of land
indigenous communities. Today, 28 indigenous and tribal groups
in the US South between
manage more than 3.1 million hectares of forestland certified to SFI
1865 and 1919, today
Standards.
97% of those lands have
SFI supports indigenous peoples’ interests in multiple ways
been lost, according to
including in elements of our standard, our grants programme and
the Land Trust Alliance.
through partnerships. SFI is proud to partner with leaders like
The Black Family Land Trust is using forestry as a key tool to keep land in
the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business in support of its
the hands of African American families.
Progressive Aboriginal Relations programme. Indigenous leaders also serve on the SFI board of directors.
An SFI grant helps support, A Tree, Is A Tree, Is A Tree 101, led by the Black Family Land Trust. It’s engaging African Americans in Southside
SFI has a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian
Virginia to turn family forest assets into performing assets for today,
Council for Aboriginal Business to assist in growing our relationship,
tomorrow and for generations to come. Managed forestry can help
engagement and outreach with the indigenous community by
landowners prosper in retirement and through multiple generations. It
encouraging SFI programme oarticipants to seek certification under
can also be a powerful tool to help resolve heirs’ property issues and
the council’s Progressive Aboriginal Relations programme and
ownership questions and offers a means to help preserve the important
support a dual logo process.
social and cultural heritage of African American land ownership.
11
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
FEATURE: CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER
THE RISE OF CLT
The Cube, a 10-storey development in Hackney
Although CLT has been around as a building material for over two decades, it is still a relative newcomer when compared to steel and concrete. Michelle Gordon talks to Gavin White, structural engineering director at Ramboll, who has long been a pioneer of CLT, about pushing boundaries and bringing it into the mainstream
T
imber as a building material is nothing new,
projects in its portfolio include Open Academy
in fact it is one of oldest known to man,
in Norwich – the largest cross-laminated timber
but in modern day construction it has all
panel structure in the country on completion –
any timber design and then when I joined Ramboll
too often been cast aside in favour of steel
and William Perkin High School in London – a
I did a couple of years of doing steel and concrete
and concrete, with a widespread lack of
four-storey complex, containing 3,800 cubic
and then moved into the timber side,” explained
metres of timber.
White. “I really learnt the timber design aspect
understanding over what can be achieved. However, attitudes have started to change
It is currently working on a building in East
his learning on the job. “When I did my university degree I didn’t do
on the job from colleagues and other people and
in recent years and mass timber products such as
Ham which is going to be similar in size to Dalston
cross-laminated timber (CLT) have been used in
Works and is engineering volumetric CLT modules
the construction of several high-profile buildings,
for Swan Housing Group, which are being used in
in universities and we need to be teaching people
showcasing its versatility.
two-storey and low-rise housing.
more about it, so they can at least come out of
Murray Grove, a nine-storey tower block in
Structural engineering director Gavin White
courses. “We don’t teach enough timber engineering
university with an appreciation of it.
Hackney, London, designed by Waugh Thistleton
leads a team of 35 structural and mechanical and
Architects, was the first tall urban housing project
electrical engineers at the company’s Cambridge
with timber. It is a natural material and is more
to be constructed entirely from pre-fabricated
office, where 30-40% of the projects are timber
interesting than some of the other materials
solid timber, back in 2009.
related and mainly CLT.
to learn about, so it’s a shame that we don’t do
Last year Dalston Works, a 10-storey, 121-
He has long been a pioneer of timber having
unit building, also in Hackney became the world’s
worked with the material since the early days of
largest CLT building (see box out).
his career and has worked with CLT for some time.
The landmark project was designed by
It was his interest in sustainability which led
“Most engineers are quite happy to work
more but that is something that we can hopefully change over time and get more done.” While CLT has got some way to go before we are seeing its use on every street corner, progress
engineering consultancy Ramboll and Waugh
him to learn more about the material at a time
is being made in the battle for hearts and minds
Thistleton Architects on behalf of developer Regal
when Ramboll was just starting work on some
and schemes such as Dalston Works are getting
London.
pioneering projects but with timber not being
people talking and highlighting what can be
covered during his time at university he did all of
achieved.
Ramboll has a history of building with CLT and
12
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
FEATURE: CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER “The key thing is trying to have good example
“If we can educate everyone about the
While CLT has been around for 20 years or
projects of where CLT is being used to provide
benefits of it and then at least people can make an
so it is still relatively new in terms of research and
solutions for the client in a cost effective and
informed choice. That is key for me,” said White.
developments are constantly being made.
programme effective manner,” said White.
“Some projects CLT is just not suitable for and
The benefits of building with CLT are plentiful
“We are still learning every day in terms
that is fine but as long as people are exploring it
of how we can push the material, how we
including a site that is cleaner and safer for
and testing the viability of it then we will get more
understand the material’s properties better, what
those working on it, as well as quieter for nearby
projects built from it and people will see it and it
we can do with it, how we can engineer it, how we
residents. There is also less waste on site and
will add to the number of projects that are being
can be more efficient, how we can create longer
minimal disruption to residents due to fewer
built in CLT.”
spans etc,” explained White
deliveries. During the construction of Dalston
There are challenges, of course, when building
People’s preconceptions about timber around
Lane there were just 90 truck deliveries to site,
with CLT, mainly centred around a lack of research
areas such as acoustics, fire and durability are also
whereas a comparable building in concrete would
and guidance but these should also be viewed as
a challenge.
have required 800 deliveries.
opportunities said White.
Buildings are much more airtight, therefore
“Challenges happen in nearly every project,
“There are different challenges every day and
but it is something we need to work through and
using less heat and CLT is lightweight, with
there isn’t as much guidance and research done
the more we can engage with the industry and
buildings tending to weigh 30% less than they
on CLT, so if you are designing in steel most of
the wider industry and clients, developers and
would if constructed from concrete.
the things that you will do every day have been
contractors and educate them on the benefit of
Speed of build is another huge advantage and
done before and then there is a design guide or
CLT construction then the better,” said White.
typically, CLT projects are around 10-15% quicker
something that tells you how to do it and it is a
programme-wise than steel or concrete, reducing
case of working through that,” he explained.
time on site, therefore bringing down costs.
“With CLT you have generally got a basic
There has been growing interest in CLT from architects, clients and development colleagues in recent months he said, and the material is
There are benefits to residents too with CLT
design, anything beyond that, you tend to have to
becoming more prevalent in the market although
buildings being much more airtight and therefore
have more lateral thinking and do a bit of research
there is some way to go before it can be classed as
not requiring as much heat.
and testing.”
mainstream.
CASE STUDY: DALSTON WORKS (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS DALSTON LANE) Client: Regal London Architect: Waugh Thistleton Architects Structural Engineers: Ramboll (CLT), PJCE (Concrete) M+E: XCO2 Contractor: Regal London Developer: Regal London Timber supplier: B&K Structures Designed by engineering consultancy Ramboll and Waugh Thistleton Architects on behalf of developer Regal London, Dalston Works is a 10-storey building in Hackney, London. It comprises 121 apartments for rent alongside two ground level courtyards flanked by 1500m2 of retail and restaurant space. Its sustainability credentials are impressive with a reduction of approximately 50% in the embodied carbon of the structure compared to a traditional concrete frame building. The timber also acts as carbon storage with over 2,600 tonnes of C02 locked into the material, effectively making it carbon negative for the first years of usage.
“Dalston Works reveals the future of low carbon construction,” said Andrew Waugh, of Waugh Thistleton Architects. Our building offers an exemplar solution to a demand which will only increase: the construction of high density, affordable and environmentally sustainable homes. Dalston Works demonstrates the possibilities of engineered, cross-laminated timber as a cost efficient, and desperately necessary, viable alternative to the polluting technologies of concrete and steel. The collaborative effort
enables you to demonstrate the benefits of offsite construction methods. “It has been exciting to work with a team who are as passionate about
between our progressive client and passionately innovative design team has
the benefits of offsite construction as we are, and we look forward to seeing
resulted in something truly special: Dalston Works sets a seminal precedent
many more such schemes emerge across the UK. The height and size of
for the continuous innovation of engineered timber construction.”
Dalston Works, and its excellent performance in terms of sustainability and
Using offsite construction shortened the construction programme allowing the frame to be completed in 374 days; while 80% fewer site
efficiency, demonstrate what can be achieved with this dynamic material.” The building was subject to weight restrictions due to an exclusion
deliveries reduced disruption, lowering the impact of the development on
zone for a planned Crossrail route underneath the site. Using timber
residents and the environment.
for the external walls, party walls, floors, ceilings, stairs and lift cores,
“Dalston Works is a real landmark project, and a testament to the
meant that Dalston Works weighs a fifth of a comparable concrete
versatility of CLT,” said Gavin White structural engineering director at
structure. It also allowed the construction of a further 15 units without
Ramboll. “It showcases what can be achieved when a forward-thinking client
breaching the restrictions.
13
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SPRING 2018
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FEATURE: CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER
CASE STUDY: THE CUBE Client/Contractor: Regal Homes Structural engineer: Pringuer James Consulting Engineers Architect: Hawkins/Brown Architects Timber engineer: Engenuiti Timber supplier: B&K Structures The Cube is a 10-storey mixed use development in
apartments,” explained Hawkins\Brown architect Andrew
Hackney comprising 50 residential flats built above three
Tindale.
commercial/retail units.
“Flats benefit from dual or triple aspects, which as a
The original brief for the development was to
result provides excellent natural daylight and ventilation
maximise the value of the site and gain planning
into all habitable rooms. By twisting the form from floor
permission by creating something a “little bit different”.
to floor we have been able to create generous terraces
The uniquely shaped building is a hybrid construction
with oblique views along Wenlock Basin and across
with the basement and ground floor built in concrete and
Shepherdess Walk Park. The unusual form also helps
a first-floor concrete deck. The main superstructure is
reduce residents’ awareness of their neighbours and gives
formed of a central reinforced concrete core with a hybrid
the building a more dynamic appearance from the street.
CLT superstructure wrapped around. Steel elements were
The “Cross” is protected by a dark brick grid, providing a
introduced to help overcome large CLT spans and provide
sense of defensible space to residents inside and giving
the most efficient structural solution.
much-needed definition to Wenlock Road.
“The residential flats are arranged in a cruciform
“The design of the CLT hybrid frame further allows
plan surrounding a highly efficient central core. This
future flexibility within apartment layouts by limiting
plan geometry creates four courtyards with direct visual
internal structural walls and columns which tend to ‘fix’
connections to the city and dual or even triple aspect
or hamper alternative layouts.
CASE STUDY: ALFRISTON SWIMMING POOL Client: Alfriston School Architect: Duggan Morris Architects Contractor: Feltham Construction Structural engineer: Elliot Wood Partnership Environmental engineer: Skelly and Couch Cost consultants & CDM coordinator: Appleyard and Trew Approved building control inspector: Butler & Young Timber prefabricated structure: Cowley Timberwork Timber cladding: Pratley carpentry the building, separates the roof from the rest of the base, protecting the privacy of pool users while preserving the panoramic view. The prefabricated roof was manufactured
which was not only necessary to connect the offsite assembled primary glulam frame of
truss modules, which were delivered with a
the individual panels but also to connect the
weather tight membrane ready for roof dressing
interfacing panels as they were assembled to
and the interior face is factory finished.
each other on site. The sequence of build was an important consideration as was limited
weeks with no need for temporary internal or
tolerance. Trial assemblies were a luxury that
external scaffolding.
space could not afford and so the architects
A standing seam roof system with integrated cladding clips supports the roof
were reliant on the accuracy of their 3D modelling and the CNC 5 axis router machine.
Duggan Morris Architects was commissioned in
timber allowing the entire roof to be clad in
January 2008 to replace a redundant swimming
the same material, with precise spacing and
to attend to the fully installed panels was
pool structure at Alfriston School with an up-to-
alignment.
another important consideration and so close
date facility. The pool, which faces directly onto
The challenge was to provide a clear
Reducing the amount of time required
liaison with M & E service engineers to provide
spanning structural solution that allowed
concealed but accessible service routes was
greenbelt land, was designed to be a
maximum offsite pre-fabrication without the
vital as was pre-finishing the timber surfaces
contemporary expression of the local pitched
aesthetic compromise of appearing that it had
with a three-part coating system before
roof vernacular.
been simply bolted together. The solution was
the panels arrived on site to provide both
to pre-fabricate 12 roof, 12 wall and two gable
temporary and permanent protection. Mock
three repeated fold roof segments, creates a
stressed skin panels constructed with primary
up sections were manufactured to assist in the
dramatic internal landscape and serves as an
glulam framing members and secondary glulam
process. The result is an efficient, elegant and
acoustic baffle, preventing a high reverberation
infill members working compositely with a
functional example of an off-site prefabricated,
of sound – a crucial aspect of the brief.
cross-laminated timber skin as an efficient
highly engineered stressed skin panel solution
engineered solution that could be achieved
to create an open space.
The raised timber structure, articulated by
A 1m narrow glass strip around the edge of
15
A major ambition was to conceal all traces of the galvanised metalwork and bolting
offsite by Cowley Timber in 12 triangulated
The entire assembly took place over four
Photo © Jack Hobhouse
under factory controlled conditions.
WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD
TAKING TIMBER TO A NEW LEVEL
As the construction sector’s demand for timber increases could modified wood be the answer to boosting supply?
W
ood modification enhances the natural properties of timber.
MEDITE SMARTPLY’s Peter Clifton, product manager for MEDITE TRICOYA
The process involves taking non-durable and poorer performing
EXTREME (MTX), an MDF manufactured from Acetylated wood elements.
timber after harvesting and putting it through a cellular change to make it more durable and stable.
“Most modified woods derive from fast growing, non-durable plantation crops which can, of course, be planted and regrown in shorter periods.”
There are various processes but what they all have in
Wood modification gives poor performing timber species all of the
common is that they are changing the nature of the wood itself, explained
benefits of the best performing hardwoods with the aesthetics to match, giving
Justin Peckham, head of sales for UK & Ireland at Accsys Group, which
architects, specifiers and developers a real alternative to non-wood materials
manufactures Accoya, a high performance modified timber.
such as plastic, compact laminates and fibre cement boards, for example.
“That can be a chemical change, a physical change or a combination of
The sustainable, durable and stable products are less likely to shrink, swell
both, but the important point is that the improved performance results come
or rot than natural timbers and have a much longer shelf life, coming with
directly from the wood, it is not dependent on a chemical in the wood like a
guarantees of up to 50 years.
biocide, it is how the wood is treated. So, it is a permanent improvement in the performance of the wood,” he said.
“Natural timbers have a certain amount of variability and it is often difficult to predict, when ordering wood whether it is going be at the higher
The three main processes for modifying wood are:
end of performance for that species or the lower end and there can be quite
Heat treatment – Depending on the wood species, the heat-treating
a range. When you modify wood generally you have some quality control
process warms the wood from 185O to 212O Centigrade. Also known
over that process, so you end up with a product that has a more consistent
as thermal modification, the process makes common woods resistant to
performance,” explained Peckham.
decay and heightens the natural colour to a richer hue that develops all the way through the board’s thickness.
The technology used in the modification process allows wood to be taken into previously unchartered territory said Adrian Pye international
Acetylation – Substances known as free hydroxyls are present in all woods, naturally releasing and absorbing water in response to changes in
sales director at Kebony. “Increasing the lifespan of timbers normally requires a preservative, but
the weather. The process of acetylation changes the free hydroxyls into
wood modification technology does much more than that. It impregnates
acetyl groups. In this new form, acetyl groups alter the original properties
wood with other welcome changes such as, dimensional stability and
of the wood, making it more durable and dimensionally stable.
maximum hardness,” he explained. “This gives pine, spruce and other
Polymer grafting – Polymers are formed when a single molecule called a monomer joins with at least two other monomers, a process known as polymerization. When this process is used on wood, it provides a locked-
softwood timbers the super-strength powers of traditional hardwoods like oak and maple and exotic hardwoods like teak and ipe.” Another advantage of modified woods is that coatings such as paint tend
in structure to the wood’s cell walls, with benefits including durability,
to last a lot longer as it provides a much more stable substrate for the paint as
strength, dimensional stability and resistance to the destructive effects of
the wood underneath isn’t shrinking or swelling as much as natural timber, so
insects and microorganisms.
the paint is under less strain and therefore lasts longer. So much so, that some
The main benefit of modified wood that it is as durable as hardwood
paint manufacturers give extended warranties when their products are used
timber species but can be made from poor performing but faster growing timber, making it much more sustainable.
on modified woods. Modified wood is bringing wood back into focus for architects and
“Wood is a valuable resource, but durable hardwood species take a long time
specifiers said Clifton and there has been an increase in its use in recent years
to grow and reach maturity – 400 to 500 years for a teak or an oak tree to grow
as more products come onto the market and the wider construction sector
and that makes them not particularly environmentally sustainable,” explained
becomes more aware of its benefits and what can be achieved.
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD
ACCOYA WHO MANUFACTURES IT? Accoya is manufactured by Accsys Group, which also, in conjunction with MEDITE SMARTPLY manufactures MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX). The international company has a huge focus on research and product development work. Accoya is produced from Radiata pine at the company’s facility in Arnhem in the Netherlands, which is currently being expanded to meet demand.
HOW IS IT PRODUCED? Accoya is produced using a process called acetylation. This converts natural molecules in the wood called hydroxyl groups – responsible for drawing moisture into the
wood from the air – into another chemical group that already exists in the wood called an acetyl group, which doesn’t draw water in from the atmosphere. “The process makes it very difficult for water to get into the cell walls of the wood which is where it does most of its damage,” explained Justin Peckham head of sales for UK & Ireland at Accsys Group. “It is wrong to say that you make the wood impermeable to moisture because water can still get into the capillaries between the cells, but the point is that water in the capillaries doesn’t cause rot in the wood or changes in the volume of the wood, it is water in the cell walls that does that and that is what we stop.”
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Internationally Accoya’s biggest market is external joinery – windows and doors. Cladding and decking are also big markets and other uses of Accoya have included garden furniture and civil engineering projects in fresh water.
GUARANTEES It has a 50-year guarantee above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater, which covers rot and excessive movement. Some coatings manufacturers also give longer warranties for their products on Accoya, compared to any other timber.
KEBONY WHO MANUFACTURES IT? Kebony is a Norwegian company operating on a global scale, with distributors in Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America. Kebony modified wood is produced from fast growing sustainable pines at the company’s production facility in Skien, south of Oslo. Due to continued capacity, construction is underway on Kebony’s second European factory in Flanders.
HOW IS IT PRODUCED? Kebony modifies sustainably sourced
softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol – an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. The process gives the wood a deep rich brown colour similar to that of a tropical hardwood which over time develops a natural silver-grey patina.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Kebony has been used internationally in commercial, public, residential and marine
projects including the site of Youth Winter Olympic Games in Norway, Rochester Marina in New York and the redevelopment of Cinque Ports Street, Rye. It is suitable for a range of project types including exterior surfaces, terraces, furniture, roofing and windows.
GUARANTEES Kebony has a 30-year guarantee and requires no maintenance beyond normal cleaning. Swelling and shrinkage are reduced by 40% to 60% when compared to the parent wood.
MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) WHO MANUFACTURES IT? MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) is manufactured by MEDITE SMARTPLY, a manufacturer of sustainable construction panels and part of the wider Coillte Group, the state-owned Irish forestry company. The company has two manufacturing sites in Ireland and has recently invested €59m in upgrading its OSB production facility. All products are manufactured using FSC and PEFC sourced raw materials from the 445,000 hectares of land owned by Coillte, which is one of the few fully integrated forest companies in Europe. MTX is produced at the
MEDITE factory in Clonmel from acetylated plantation softwood, which is normally a nondurable species
HOW IS IT PRODUCED? MTX is made by MEDITE SMARTPLY using Tricoya technology which is owned by the Accsys Group. It is an MDF panel, made from elements modified using the same method as for Accoya wood – acetylation.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS Due to the size and thickness availability of MTX panels, potential applications are quite
varied and include external doors, cladding, facades, signage and landscape applications such as planters and fence screens. It has also been used in interior kitchens, garden buildings and beach huts.
GUARANTEES Due to the enhanced performance characteristics MTX comes with a warranty of up to 50 years when it is used in exposed applications above ground and 25 years in the ground or freshwater. Some paint manufacturers provide extended warranties when their products are used on MTX.
“The last decade has seen a significant increase in the demand for modified
“I think there is more noise about modified wood, more people are coming
wood. Increased interest comes from the desire to increase the decay resistance
up with modified wood options,” he said. “I think we will see more come to the
and longevity of timbers from Scots pine, beech, southern yellow pine, ash,
market in future because the availability of good quality, naturally grown timber
birch, alder, radiata and many others,” said Pye.
is on the decline and the construction industry needs more and more of it.”
Companies in the modified wood sector are putting significant effort
“There will always be a place for natural timbers but to have high
into marketing and promoting their products said Peckham who reported a
performance timbers in sustainable form in the quantities that is needed I think
marked increase in knowledge of the products among architects etc.
modification is an absolute must, it is a need.”
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
FEATURE: MODIFIED WOOD
CASE STUDY: AVONDALE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL Kebony was chosen for the cladding at Avondale Park Primary School, North Kensington, London, which was recently
extended and refurbished by ECD Architects. Owing to a close affiliation with St Anne’s
photovoltaic panels on the roof; efficient
Nursery School, the extension aimed to
windows, reducing the demand for heating;
enable the nursery division of Avondale Park
and good levels of natural daylight, designed
to merge with St Anne’s on a single site, and
with light coloured blinds to protect from
comprises four new classrooms, a community
glare. Kebony was selected for the façade
hall, staff and pupil facilities, and a dedicated
of the extension due to its environmentally
entrance lobby.
friendly nature and strong performance
The joint location has enabled the two schools to retain their identity, whilst sharing
Photo © Marcus Harvey
were incorporated into the design including
characteristics. Loreana Padron, head of sustainability at
resources and ultimately working together to
ECD Architects said: “Kebony was the ideal
reduce running costs.
choice for cladding, it was easy to use and
Beyond its commitment to providing a
provided the same strength and durability to
caring and friendly environment, sustainability
that of tropical hardwood. We look forward
was a primary focus and inherent to the
to making use of Kebony to add to the
project brief. Several sustainable initiatives
sustainable nature of our future projects.”
CASE STUDY: THE ARCHIVE HOUSE Located in the Innovation Park (Ipark) at Ullandhaug, Stavanger, the
cladding to create an eye-catching geometric ‘folded’ façade inspired by
Archive House was designed by Lund+Slaatto Architects to provide a
origami.
14,000 sqm cultural research centre, including a café, library, meeting room and exhibition area.
“From start to finish, the construction of The Archive House presented a number of challenges that required careful consideration.
The building contains the most important historical sources from the
Kebony’s character and durability enabled us to achieve the desired
Rogaland County, the city of Stavanger
origami effect,” said Pål Biørnstad,
and the Norwegian Mission Society,
partner at Lund+Slaatto Architects.
with more than 70km of underground
Innovation was a primary facet
archives spanning half the site.
of the design and the combination
The building, initiated by Smedvig
of unusual angles, sloping lines, and
Property and Ipark and built by Kruse
integrated window openings enables
Smith Entreprenør, has four floors above
the aesthetic of the building to adapt
ground level and three below with a
based on the time of day, weather and
central atrium exhibiting a glass roof
the season.
to create a bright, open area for public functions. Kebony was selected for the exterior
Sustainability was also a focus for Photo © Sindre Ellingsen
the building which is on track to achieve BREEAM Excellent status.
CASE STUDY: TINTRA FOOTBRIDGE Accoya, distributed by Woodlink, was the material of choice for the vertical cladding on the Tintra pedestrian footbridge designed by Rintala Eggertsson Architects and constructed by IKM Steel & Façade. Maintenance was an integral issue in the construction of the bridge, over the River Vosso in Vossenvangen, Norway and Accoya’s strength, durability and minimal maintenance made it a natural fit. The project was awarded the Architizer A+ Award in the Transportation and Infrastructure category last year. The largest of their kind, they champion the very best in architectural projects from around the globe and are judged by over 400 luminaries and thought leaders, including prominent members of the architecture community and experts from the technology, art, fashion, and design industries.
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WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
Cladding. deCking. Joinery. Discover the first range of thermally modified British grown hardwoods at: brimstonewood.co.uk For product advice and sales, contact Vastern Timber:Â 01793 853 281 sales@vastern.co.uk
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WALCO 10 kN
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WALCO 14 kN
RICON 26 kN
GIGANT 29.8 kN
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SPRING 2018
ADVERTORIAL
SCOTFRAME VAL-U-THERM PLUS® FOR PASSIVHAUS PROBABLY THE BEST U-VALUE WALL IN THE WORLD From the first PassivHaus in UK for rent (Green Apple Award winner) to examples that exceed the PassivHaus standard, Scotframe Timber Engineering have been in the vanguard of building to PassivHaus standards for many years. The environmental and sustainability credentials of building materials are of increasing interest in the client community. The Val-U-Therm PLUS® building system uses FSC & PEFC chain of custody timber and its insulation has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP); is CFC-free, HFC-free & HCFC-free and has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 5. This means it has a BRE Green Guide A/A+ Rating (as straw bales/sheep’s wool) and is recyclable. Building to PassivHaus standards is not necessarily more expensive or time consuming if an integrated building system like Scotframe Val-U-Therm PLUS® is used. Scotframe timber frame kit used by Cairnrowan Custom Homes - Denwell Cottage
One study by Edinburgh Napier University compared the cost per square metre of
Well known as a UK market leader in full timber
(compared to a PassivHaus requirement of
superstructure using 10 different building
frame packages for new housing and commercial
120 kWh/m2a) using the Fabric First thermal
systems for 27 homes. Scotframe Val-U-
projects, Scotframe now exclusively offers the
detailing offered by Scotframe.
Therm cost £1092 when built to PassivHaus
Val-U-Therm PLUS® building system. Val-U-
This approach is suitable for commercial
standards whilst the other 9 systems ranged
Therm PLUS® state-of-the-art wall U-values of
as well as domestic buildings. The Scotframe
from £711 to £ 1138 when built only to
0.08 W/m2K are probably the best in the world.
approach achieved an air tightness of 0.475
existing Building Regulations. Similarly,
A key factor in achieving this remarkable
ACH when constructing the Rocking Horse
the Scotframe approach took 65 days to
performance is that the insulation is injected in
Nursery at the University of Aberdeen which
PassivHaus standards whereas the other 26
off-site factory quality-controlled conditions.
caters for 78 pre-school children.
homes ranged from 49 to 126 days, again
The foam expands into every “nook & cranny”
This Fabric First approach is transported to
only being built to Building Regulations.
providing a best-in-class BR443 U-value
site in flat-pack configuration and provides a “fit &
correction factor of zero.
forget”, low maintenance thermal solution unlike
system was originally launched in 2011 and
many other low energy consumption technologies.
is well proven being involved in building
One of the more important aspects of PassivHaus is that it requires that the whole
But where the expertise of Scotframe
The Scotframe Val-U-Therm® building
over 8,000 homes. The approach has been
building envelope works in unison to provide
really scores is that it can offer buildings of
independently accredited by the British Board
optimum performance. This is where an
beautiful design whilst matching these technical
of Agrément - this includes verification of
integrated building system like Scotframe
requirements. Not just boring rectangular boxes,
structural performance, behaviour in relation to
Val-U-Therm PLUS® comes into its own. It
but homes and buildings to match you and your
fire, thermal performance, condensation risk,
offers wall, floor and roof panels that have been
clients’ requirements, lifestyle and aspirations.
sound insulation and durability. The Systems
thermally engineered to perform as an optimum
This provides homes and buildings that are
Certificate notes that the panels will have a 60-
combination. As well as excellent thermal
warm and draught-proof in winter; cool and
year minimum service life – twice the mortgage
insulation performance, details are available to
well ventilated in summer; healthy for all the
cycle. It is accepted by financial institutions,
minimise thermal bridging and give excellent
family; and with remarkably low energy bills.
NHBC, Premier Guarantee, etc. Scotframe Val-
airtight fabric levels.
Independent research has shown that Scotframe
U-Therm PLUS® has its own BBA Certificate
Val-U-Therm PLUS® allows the construction of
17/5421. Scotframe Timber Engineering and
and the Trossachs National Park delivered a
typical family homes that cost less than £95 a
Val-U-Therm are proud to be part of the Saint
total primary energy demand of 69 kWh/m2a
year to heat.
Gobain Group of Companies.
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20
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: PASSIVHAUS
RAISING STANDARDS
As the 1,000th Passivhaus unit in the UK awaits certification Timber Construction explores what it means to build to the standard
T
he Passivhaus Standard was developed in Germany over 25 years ago – the brainchild of
The Deerings, a new-build certified passivhaus in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Pic credit – Quinlin Lake ©
professors Bo Adamson and Wolfgang Feist. Physicist Feist had been researching low
energy buildings and was perplexed as to why
they weren’t performing as well as predicted. He went on to build the world’s first Passivhaus
Passivhaus homes in Norwich. All 68 of the timber frame homes at the Saffron
less than 1% of domestic dwellings. There is a perception that Passivhaus buildings
Acres development are Passivhaus certified – a
are “too expensive, high risk and very challenging”
condition imposed by Leicester City Council when it
said a spokesperson for the Passivhaus Trust, an
home in Darmstadt, Germany, which was completed
sold the land to Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council
independent, non-profit organisation that provides
in 1991.
for £1.
leadership in the UK for the adoption of the
Since then over 65,000 buildings (both residential
Commercial buildings constructed to the
Passivhaus Standard and methodology.
and commercial) worldwide have been designed,
standard include the University of Leicester’s £42
built and tested to the international energy standard,
million Centre for Medicine, which is the largest non-
Germany, it was formed in 2010. It says that builders
undergoing a rigorous quality assurance process.
domestic Passivhaus building in the UK, and one of
and private clients have been quicker to adopt
There is no set formula to building to the
the largest in Europe, the Enterprise Centre which is
Passivhaus because of the benefits to occupants and
Passivhaus Standard which does not define a
part of the Norwich Research Park and Herefordshire
lower whole life costs but these don’t always align
particular construction method or material, but a
Archive and Records Centre.
with the priorities of volume builders.
key objective is to drastically reduce a building’s operational energy while prioritising the comfort of
But there are just 30 commercial Passivhaus buildings in the UK and Passivhaus homes account for
The UK affiliate of the Passivhaus Institute in
However, there has been an increase in the number of developers and mainstream contractors
occupants. Buildings must achieve minimal thermal bridges and have an airtight building fabric to minimise heat loss. Passivhaus buildings offer a stable and comfortable environment all year round, regardless of the weather, with heat loss reduced by up to 90% meaning that they require very little heating, while the constant purified air reduces condensation and mould. Y Foel Passivhaus in Powys, Wales, became
WHAT FEATURES DO PROPERTIES HAVE TO HAVE TO MEET THE PASSIVHAUS STANDARD? To achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, typically involves:
the first property in the UK to be certified to the
Very high levels of insulation
Passivhaus Standard in August 2009.
High performance openable windows
Since then over 800 units have been certified and there have been several large-scale Passivhaus developments including a 51-home affordable residential scheme in Rainham, Essex,
with insulated frames Airtight building fabric to minimise heat loss via leaks Construction free of thermal bridges
which can contribute to heat loss A mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery Calculation of heat gains from occupants and the sun, to achieve comfortable temperatures Accurate design using the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP)
and Carrowbreck Meadow, a development of 14 Source: The Passivhaus Institute
21
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: PASSIVHAUS interested in adopting Passivhaus as a unique selling point. “This is encouraging as it means the value and
THE PASSIVHAUS TRUST
quality of the standard is finally being recognised,”
The Passivhaus Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides leadership in
said the spokesman, adding that people’s
the UK for the adoption of the Passivhaus standard and methodology. It is the official UK
perceptions about Passivhaus will change as more
affiliate of the Passivhaus Institute based in Germany.
homes are built and experiences and knowledge are shared.
The aims of the Passivhaus Trust are to preserve the integrity of the Passivhaus Standard and methodology; promote Passivhaus principles to the industry and
“We need to continually provide education
government and undertake research and development on Passivhaus standards in the UK.
in demystifying Passivhaus for the mainstream construction industry and are lucky that the UK and international Passivhaus community are very happy
significantly in the UK over the last few years due to
Norwich which are trailblazing the adoption of the
to share knowledge and information.”
better awareness of the standard, increased demand,
standards and many localised plans are beginning to
and an ever-improving supply chain and as more
ask for higher levels of energy efficiency for buildings.
There can be an additional capital cost for Passivhaus homes, says the Trust if you keep
homes are built to the standard it will become even
everything else (design standards) the same but
more cost effective to meet.
if you are willing to adjust the design to be more
“We need to nurture more Passivhaus
There are also many examples from around the world that the UK can learn from. For example, in the Brussels region Passivhaus is mandated for
efficient for Passivhaus then it can be possible to
designers and tradespersons to effectively
all new construction and major retrofits, while new
achieve the standard at no extra cost.
implement the required skills to build to this level,”
buildings in Vancouver are to have zero operational
said the Passivhaus Trust spokesman. “We can all
greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
It is also worth taking into account the fact that a Passivhaus building offers far superior build quality,
help by asking for more. Homeowners to renters
energy performance and internal comfort than a
should all be enquiring where and when they can live
commitment to meeting global environmental
similar scheme built to typical building regulations.,
in one, which helps to influence the market.”
targets would be a huge start from the UK
not to mention the lower whole life costs of the building. Additional capital costs have decreased
While there is still some way to go before
The Passivhaus Trust believes that a secure
Government along with upgrading Building
Passivhaus becomes part of the mainstream there
Regulations to Passivhaus levels of criteria for energy
are some areas within the UK, such as Exeter and
efficiency & stating a kWh/m2/yr target.
CASE STUDY: THE DEERINGS Client: Private individual Architect: Gresford Architects Main contractor: MBC Timber Frame Structural engineer: Tanner Structural Design Ltd M&E consultant: Crofton Design Ltd Project manager: Trunk Low Energy Building Ltd Ventilation design: Green Building Store
Kebony was chosen for the cladding at Avondale
boiler was supplied it was never turned on, as even
Park Primary School, North Kensington, London,
on the coldest days, without the heating, the house
which was recently extended and refurbished by
maintained its ambient temperature of around 21
ECD Architects.
degrees.
The five-bedroom home is a sympathetic
The Deerings, which was completed in October
response to its urban setting and sits comfortably
2017, was a joint project by Nicolas Tye Architects, who
alongside its more traditional neighbouring properties.
prepared initial plans and secured planning consent for
It was built from a super-insulated timber frame,
the project, and Passivhaus experts Gresford Architects,
which was constructed offsite by MBC Timber Frame
who developed the design through the detailed design
and was erected on a passive slab from MBC, which
and construction phases.
also supplied insulation and airtight membrane. The frame was built in three weeks, significantly
SUSTAINABILITY DATA
speeding up the overall programme, and minimising wastage and disturbance to neighbours. Recycled paper insulation and external timber cladding were chosen to reduce the carbon footprint of the building, minimising the use of concrete and steel to less than 10% of the total volume. A heat exchange system provides constant background ventilation, removing stale air and drawing in fresh air, so the house always has a
fresh, ventilated feel, while maintaining its warmth. A specialist Passivhaus certified woodburner was
Heating demand kWh/(m²a): 12.0 (maximum for PH Certification 15.0) Frequency of overheating (> 25 °C): 2% Pressurisation test result n5 1/h: 0.5 (maximum for PH Certification 0.6) Non-renewable Primary Energy Demand (PE) kWh/(m²a): 45 (maximum for PH Certification 120) Primary Energy Renewable Demand (PER) kWh/(m²a): 37 Generation of renewable energy (in relation to projected building footprint area) kWh/ (m²a): 25 Predicted annual energy use (regulated and unregulated)/CO2 consumption (including contribution from low carbon and renewable technology): 9.9 KgCO2/m2/y Contribution of renewable technology: 82.2 %
occasionally used and although a back-up gas
22
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: PASSIVHAUS
FOCUS ON: SWANN EDWARDS Swann Edwards Architecture has an impressive portfolio of Passivhaus buildings under its belt including the practice’s own purpose-built office “We ensured our proposal amalgamated the sustainable design strategies of our five-stage approach and the Passivhaus Standard,” explained Burton. “Yet we also incorporated a contemporary interpretation of a barn development, which is derived from Government and Local Policy, the site, its agricultural location and neighbouring properties.” The offices have a total floor plan of 206.6m2 with the ground floor and first floor totalling 103.3m2 each. The first floor comprises two studios and balconies, while the ground floor houses a spacious meeting room, reception area and staff facilities including a staff room and kitchen. “We became a passivhaus certified practice in 2014 but we really wanted to demonstrate the value of the architecture to clients. That’s why, when we were looking to move locations, it was natural for us to design and construct our own passivhaus offices,” said Burton. “The results have been brilliant. One of the easiest ways for us to
Swann Edwards’ office in Wisbech
demonstrate how effectively the Passivhaus building conserves energy is by showing the difference in temperatures indoors and outdoors. In
Innovation is at the core of Swann Edwards Architecture, certified
November 2017, for example, the first real cold spell of winter saw the
Passivhaus designers with extensive experience in delivering ultra-low
temperature outside drop to -1°c. Without any heating on, the temperature
energy buildings.
indoors was still a comfortable 21°c.”
The team is led by director James Burton who has always been
Windows installed according to Passivhaus guidelines ensure
passionate about environmentally responsible architecture and became a
condensation does not form inside the building and the offices reap the
certified Passivhaus designer in 2014.
benefits during the summer months with the inside temperature remaining
The company has designed the first Passivhaus dwelling in Fenland which is currently under construction and due to be featured in Building the Dream on Channel 5.
at 25°c in June 2017 when outdoor temperatures reached 35°c. “Last year’s summer showed the dramatic difference a Passivhaus construction can have at any time of year. The temperature inside remained
The property was approved under paragraph 55 of the NPPF which means that a dwelling must be of truly outstanding architectural quality or truly innovative in nature to be granted planning permission. As the district’s first Passivhaus it met that criteria.
stable, even without the building’s louvres, night vent or mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) being used.” The MVHR system delivers high rates of air changes throughout the building all year round which means fresh air is continuously provided and
Other ongoing Passivhaus projects include a home in Lincolnshire that will use recycled shipping containers and a timber frame dwelling with straw insulation, near Ely in Cambridgeshire.
filtering out pollens and contaminates from the air. “Our office is bordered by a very busy trunk road to the north and agricultural fields to the south, so we have both high pollen count and
Burton is also building his own home to meet the standard and the
high exhaust fume emissions and our filters when we take them out are
principles were used to design and construct Swann Edwards’ office
extremely dirty, showing that the MVHR is doing a great job to improve air
building which has recently been signed off as meeting the Passivhaus
quality in the office,” explained Burton.
Standard. The property based on Fen Road, Guyhirn in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, uses the latest in design to conserve resources, be kind to the environment and ensure minimal energy is used whilst always offering maximum occupant comfort. Positioned to maximise solar gain, to further contribute towards the stable, comfortable internal temperatures, the offices make intelligent use of materials to ensure the construction meets passivhaus requirements. The building’s walls and roof are constructed utilising 350mm JJI joists, fully filled with Warmcell recycled paper insulation, with Pavatex woodfibre insulation board over. Fixed to this a timber batten system and charred larch cladding supplied by Shou Sugi Ban. Internally the office is finished with charred timber cladding and birch faced plywood. The appearance of the building was also specifically designed to be in keeping with the Fenland village it is located in.
23
The interior of Swann Edwards’ office
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SPRING 2018
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: TIMBER PROTECTION
TIMBER TREATMENT SECTOR RESPONDS TO CHALLENGES RAISED BY GRENFELL TRAGEDY The Wood Protection Association (WPA) explains why it is reacting pro-actively to the challenges raised by the Grenfell Tower tragedy
W
hilst wood-based materials were not directly involved in the Grenfell
on flame retardant formulations by an independent panel of experts. The WPA
Tower disaster, the shock waves flowing through all parts of the
Benchmark FR scheme includes an independent audit and quality check on
construction industry as a result will have a profound effect on
companies applying these formulations.
how all building materials are specified and used in future. It was vital therefore that the timber sector reacted proactively to the
challenges raised and the wood protection industry has taken up that challenge in
Full details on all aspects of flame retardant treatment can be found on the WPA website www.wood-protection.org
earnest, through the Wood Protection Association (WPA).
BUILDING REGULATIONS REVIEW The Hackitt Review of Building Regulations aims to make recommendations to ensure a sufficiently robust regulatory system for the future and to provide further assurance to residents that the buildings they live in are safe and will remain so. The WPA submission to the enquiry focused on competency throughout the supply chain and a lack of effective enforcement, both of which have been major concerns for the sector for years. Interestingly, the interim report from the review has found that ‘the current regulatory system for ensuring fire safety in high-rise and complex buildings is not fit for purpose... and is a problem connected both to the culture of the construction industry and the effectiveness of the regulators’. Grenfell Tower © Robin Sones
CTI INITIATIVE WPA joined the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) last year and is now fully engaged with the development of what may be called the ‘national timber fire specification’, a substantial and important project under the CTI umbrella which aims to draw all the key data and product knowledge relating to the performance, design and use of timber-based materials in situations where fire is a risk. Both fire resistance and reaction to fire testing and performance criteria for wood-based products will be covered by the CTI project.
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LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT WPA has been invited by LABC to form a working partnership to promote and underpin understanding of how best to specify and use flame retardant enhanced wood-based products. This national educational programme would be aimed primarily at Building Control managers and officers (BCOs) on the ground and specifiers plus, in some instances, contractors and householders. LABC operates a wide range of learning platforms with content geared to the target audience and is keen for quality input, the core of which will be an interactive, online CPD style training resource for BCOs. The WPA team has put together a detailed project communications plan and associated budget, drawing together a project sponsor group to move forward on this valuable opportunity together over the next six to nine months.
FLAME RETARDANT PRODUCT AND PROCESS QUALITY ASSURANCE The WPA operates two complementary, independent quality schemes to verify that flame retardant treated wood has been manufactured appropriately for its end use. These are: 1 A flame-retardant formulation Product Approval Scheme 2 A treatment process quality assurance scheme called WPA Benchmark FR.
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SPRING 2018
PREVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Visitors to ecobuild 2018 have been promised a “very different” event and a fresh format, including a ‘district’ focusing on timber, by the show’s new owners. Michelle Gordon takes a look at what is on offer
E
cobuild is returning to the ExCeL in London
GLOBAL PARTNER FOR ECOBUILD
in March 2018, under the ownership of Futurebuild Events Ltd, and the new organisers have promised that “things are set
Global events and exhibition company GES has
to be very different”.
been appointed as full-service event partner for
The 2018 event is being designed and built
ecobuild.
around the industry having been shaped through
A key factor to its selection by organiser’s
comprehensive feedback from the sector with direct
Futurebuild Events Ltd was GES’ continued
input from members of the ecobuild Steering Group,
commitment to health, safety and sustainability.
including Jane Duncan, Lynne Sullivan, Bill Dunster
Earlier this year, the company received the
OBE, Robin Nicholson and Peter Murray.
industry recognised ISO20121 sustainability
This year’s conference takes its lead from global
accreditation for the fifth year running and
environmental targets, with sessions reflecting the
is one of few live events partners to be
concerns of the built environment industry and
awarded the OHSAS 18001 health and safety
formulating practical recommendations for action
accreditation by the British Safety Council.
(see box out on page 28).
Martin Hurn, managing director of
Surrounding the conference arena will be the
ecobuild, said: “It is vital for ecobuild to have
towards sustainability. The organisers
ecobuild sustainability showcases, home to some of
a partner which can help us deliver the most
can see that we share the same drive and
the most innovative solutions to the issues facing
environmentally friendly ecobuild yet. GES’
determination when it comes to health, safety
the built environment (see boxout on page 28).
credentials speak for themselves. They know
and sustainability in our industry. We are
the event inside and out and they share our
honoured to continue this exciting partnership
showcases are surrounded by a series of futurebuild
passion for truly sustainable events. We are
in 2018.”
districts – each focusing on a distinct, critical
excited GES is by our side as strategic partners
segment of the built environment – which have
as we take ecobuild in a new, exciting direction.”
The conference arena and sustainability
been developed to feed into the main conference
GES has worked on ecobuild since 2011
programme.
GES is a full-service partner for live events, producing exhibitions, conferences, congresses, corporate events, exhibits and entertainment
and will provide its suite of market leading and
experiences. The company provides a wide
eco-friendly event services including feature
range of services, including official show
and inspiring brands, companies and speakers to
build, graphics, logistics, AV and space only
services, audio visual, cutting-edge creative and
discuss the issues facing the built environment and
stand packages.
design, marketing and measurement services,
They will bring together innovative, exciting
to create an action plan for change. The focus of this
Jason Stead, UK managing director of
and event accommodations, with operations
plan will be helping to deliver the UN Sustainable
GES said: “ecobuild is a pioneering event that
around the world including Europe, North
Development Goals by 2030.
continues to change the industry’s behaviour
America, and the Middle East.
Research from last year’s event showed that
26
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SPRING 2018
ecobuild
06-08 March 2018 / ExCeL, London
The future of the built environment is here
Timber Presenting Timber: part of the futurebuild districts. The Timber district will showcase the latest innovations in timber use, including timber framing, structures, cladding, glulam and much more.
@ecobuild_now
Visit the Timber Talks Seminar theatre, in association with the Structural Timber Association, and gain knowledge in the daily CPD-accredited
/ecobuildnow
masterclasses with case studies from industry experts, presenting the latest in offsite timber technology and lean manufacturing systems.
/ecobuildnow
Get your FREE ticket www.ecobuild.co.uk/register
www.ecobuild.co.uk #ecobuild
/ecobuild_now
ecobuild-uk
SUPPORTED BY
27
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SPRING 2018
PREVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018 timber was one of the building materials that visitors were most interested in and, in response, an area specifically dedicated to timber has been introduced for 2018. Supported by the Structural Timber Association, Wood for Good, Timber Trade Federation, British Woodworking Federation and TRADA it will include a series of ‘Timber Talks’ focused on key topics, including social housing, self-build and SIPS, as well as a new timber pavilion called the Launch Pad, where SMEs and start-up companies can get support with their new product launches. There will also be the opportunity visit the TRADA bookshop, where members of the TRADA team will discuss its latest publications. Following its success last year, the Offsite district will return in partnership with Explore Offsite. The exhibition will feature ground-breaking offsite construction solutions and masterclasses, including
ECOBUILD SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASES
a session focused on the use of structural timber as
The showcases include the Natural Building Products Café, where experts will be on hand
a volumetric modular unit and what it can offer the
to provide demonstrations and information about natural building materials and techniques.
offsite industry.
There will also be the Sustainable Product Showcase, where The Passivhaus Trust and the
Other futurebuild districts include Building
Alliance for Sustainable Building Products will present top products and materials.
Performance, District Energy, Infrastructure, Concrete, Offsite, Green & Blue Infrastructure and Energy & HVAC. “We want ecobuild to be as relevant and valuable as possible to our exhibitors, visitors and partners, and this is why we’ve created the
futurebuild districts,” explained Martin Hurn,
years. By giving them the prominence they deserve
managing director of Futurebuild Events.
at ecobuild now, we’re certain we can help to
“All of these areas will play a central role in the evolution of the built environment in the next few
stimulate the conversations and knowledge sharing that will lead to better outcomes in the future.”
ANOTHER LEVEL The conference line up for 2018 has been
led by Peter Murray, chairman of New London
Martin Hurn, managing director of
shaped around delivering the UN’s Sustainable
Architecture; the possibilities of achieving zero
Futurebuild Events, said: “The calibre of
Development Goals (SDGs), New Urban Agenda
carbon, chaired by Victoria Kate Burrows, project
speakers joining us at ecobuild 2018 is
and Paris Agreement and will feature a 70-plus-
manager, Advancing Net Zero, World Green
fantastic. We are committed to working with
strong list of industry-leading expert speakers.
Building Council and the opportunities of tech for
recognised leading industry innovators to bring
the built environment.
some thoughtful, achievable and effective ideas
These will include Paula Caballero, global director climate programme at the World
to the event. The line-up of topics and speakers
past president RIBA and chair of the RIBA Fire
UN SDG); Lord Jack McConnell, co-chair of the
Safety Advisory Group, will chair a session
APPG on the UN SDGs; Joan Walley, chair of the
on construction quality post-Grenfell. Other
has been developed and shaped directly based
Aldersgate Group and former chair of Parliament’s
discussions include the economics of housing;
on industry feedback – ecobuild 2018 is the
Environmental Audit Committee; and Bill Dunster
construction leadership with ideas from young
industry’s event, and we want to ensure that
OBE, principal at ZEDfactory.
professionals and chaired by Oliver Wainwright;
every aspect of it is curated and approved by
behaviour change with Tony Juniper and Lord
industry itself.”
Other topics to be covered include housing, behaviour change, the urgency of tackling
Debden and whether it’s possible to make
resources, and compiling a sustainability report
London carbon neutral by 2050.
for the UK. Discussions from all 16 conference sessions
28
On day two, Jane Duncan, immediate
Resources Institute and the driver behind the
On day three, Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive
is testament to that. “Most importantly, each and every topic
Sue Riddlestone, OBE, chief executive of Bioregional and member of the ecobuild Steering Group, added: “After being so closely involved in
of UK Green Building Council, will chair a
helping to create the Sustainable Development
at the three-day event will be concluded in a
discussion evaluating the sustainability efforts of
Goals that were agreed in 2015, I was very
document as a legacy takeaway.
the UK built environment industry; Rowan Moore
pleased that the conference steering group
Day one will address the UN Sustainable
will chair a discussion on professional ethics and,
agreed unanimously that delivering the goals
Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and
wrapping up the final day, Sue Riddlestone OBE,
should provide the conference focus. The range of
Paris Agreement with speakers including Paula
will chair a discussion on how the UK can make
topics that the conference is tackling will provide
Caballero and John Elkington of Volans. There
its commitment to sustainable construction and
positive inspiration for the industry to contribute
will also be discussions on London’s air pollution,
deliver the UN SDGs at home.
to achieving the task in hand.”
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SPRING 2018
ON-SITE BLOWS THE REST
OUT OF SIGHT
1
2
FABRICATE INSITE WINDOWS
3 FIT IN FACTORY
4
INSTALL WALL PANELS ON-SITE
5 LOCK INSITE INTO POSITION (PUSH-OUT)
6 CLAD AROUND INSITE
FINISHED SOLUTION
Welcome to the new inSite® window system from Eurocell. There’s no on-site window fitting. No delays. Fewer operatives needed. It’s fully tested and independent timber frame structural engineer verified. Plus, it’s weatherproof the same day, so interior trades can get to work straight away. The future’s InSite®.
LESS DISRUPTION ON-SITE
Call 0800 29
WEATHERTIGHT SAME DAY
CONSISTENT QUALITY
988 2585 or visit www.eurocell.co.uk/insite WWW.TIMBERMEDIA.CO.UK
SPRING 2018
PREVIEW: ECOBUILD 2018
TIMBER TALKS
Thursday 8th March
Wednesday 7th March
Tuesday 6th March
A series of Timber Talks will be held in the timber futurebuild district in association with the Structural Timber Association. The schedule is as follows: Time
Subject
Speakers
10.30am – 11.45am
Social housing
• John Fisher, MD, CHIC • Stephen Wightman, MD, SIG Offsite
12noon – 1.15pm
Retail & leisure
• Frank Werling, head of TED, Metsa Wood
1.30pm – 2.45pm
Healthcare
• Mark Moppett, MD, Booth King • Will Mawson, director, Mawson Kerr Architects
3pm – 4pm
Project
• John Spittle, UK representative, Wiehag • Giancarlo Torpiano, structural engineer, Arup
Time
Subject
Speakers
10.30am – 11.45am
Private housing
• Wayne Yeomans, head of sales & marketing, B&K Structures • Katie van de Schaar, associate director, David Miller Architects • Ian Killick, director, ShedKM
12noon – 1.15pm
Custom/selfbuild
• Patrick Michell, partner, Platform 5 Architects • Andrew Porter, partner, Ashton Porter Architects
1.30pm – 2.45pm
Education
• Paul Younger, associate, Hewitt Studios • Peter Blunt, MD, Innovare Systems
3pm – 4.15pm
Commercial
• Kelly Harrison, Heyne Tillett Steel
4.30pm – 5.45pm
Low energy
• Neil Gethring, director, Net Zero Buildings
Time
Subject
Speakers
10.30am – 11.30am
SIPs
• Chair – Rupert Scott, membership & marketing manager, TRADA • Speaker – Andrew Cook, business development manager, Innovare Systems
11.45am – 12.45pm
Timber frame
• Robin Lancashire, Exova BM TRADA
12.45pm – 1.45pm
Solid wood
• Anthony Thistleton, director, Waugh Thistleton Architects • Simon Smith, Smith and Wallwork
THREE-STOREY HOME WILL SHOWCASE OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION A complete three-storey home constructed
Futurebuild Events said: “We’re determined
explained Paddy Doyle managing director
by property development company, Brooke
to make ecobuild the go-to event for forward
at Brooke Homes. “At a time when the
Homes, will form an integral part of ecobuild’s
thinkers in the built environment. Incorporating
need for new, affordable homes is reaching
offsite district.
full-scale builds such as this proves that we
critical levels, this key growth area within
understand the actions the industry is taking
the construction industry offers tremendous
completely constructed in just five weeks.
now to tackle issues in the built environment.
benefits to builders, homebuyers and the
Modular structural insulated panels (SIPs) for
ecobuild isn’t about discussing concepts, it’s
environment. This type of construction also
the home are pre-assembled in a factory in
about showcasing tangible solutions.
greatly benefits the tradespeople involved
The three-bedroom property can be
Kent, complete with windows, doors, finishing
“We are delighted that Brooke Homes
in the build. The SIPs are constructed in a
joinery and an undercoat of paint. They can
is bringing this structure to ecobuild
weather-controlled environment, which
then be transported to site and lifted into
2018. Offsite has been described as being
means lower levels of illness and absence
position by a crane. This method is not only
representative of the future direction of
among workers.
time and cost efficient, it also has significant
construction technology and this build will help
environmental benefits. These homes have
bring this sector to life at ecobuild.”
increased energy efficiency and greater sound
Visitors at ecobuild 2018 will be able to go
“ecobuild offers the ideal opportunity to showcase this full-scale build. The event is leading the way in not only examining the
insulation, which means homeowners benefit
inside the Brooke Homes property and view
issues affecting the built environment, but in
from lower bills and greater peace and quiet in
rooms on each of the three storeys.
showcasing real solutions to those problems.
their properties. Martin Hurn, managing director of
30
“By using offsite modular construction, we can save up to 70% on build times,”
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This forward-thinking approach fits perfectly with our ethos.”
SPRING 2018
What we fix is firm.
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metal-wood
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What we fix is firm
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wood-concrete – solutions that hold firm.
Visit us at the Austrian Pavilion B.110
Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld – at the Ecobuild 2018 - London Established in 1842 – Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld is the biggest producer of screws in Austria. The core competencies of Schmid Schrauben are timber construction screws as well as customization. With the main brands RAPID® and StarDrive GPR® Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld is setting standards in terms of quality as well as reliability. Due to the own local production shipment and availability combined with high social and environmental standards Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld serves many satisfied customers across Europe. Also in terms of innovation and new products Schmid Schrauben offers interesting solutions for today’s construction requirements as well as for new challenges. Two new products will start selling in 2018: The RAPID® Hardwood screw will serve a new segment in the market – glue-laminated timber made of hardwood is making its way to the market allowing slimmer and more elegant constructions with less wood but same static values. The requirements for screws are changing but Schmid Schrauben offers a solution without predrilling - ETA approved! On the other hand, Schmid Schrauben is serving the ever growing demand of stainless steel screws with a new product. The StarDrive GPR Stainless Steel is available in a diameter of 8mm and length between 80 – 300 mm. Due to the high requirements outdoors specially at the seaside – Schmid Schrauben will offer this product in A4 quality. 31
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www.schmid-screw.com/en Connections wood-wood
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Schmid Schrauben Hainfeld GmbH | Landstal 10 | 3170 Hainfeld T +43 (0)2764 2652 | F +43 (0)2764 7712 | E info@schrauben.at
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© Simonin - Wood Solutions / Cyrille Dubreuil
Like the french pavillion at the EXPO2015 in milan
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: CLADDING
FINISHING TOUCH FOR RETIREMENT VILLAGE Cladding offers an attractive and sustainable solution for retirement village
H
owarth Timber and Building Supplies has
is virtually knot-free, while the non-
put the finishing touch on the Richmond
chemical treatment makes the cladding
Witney Retirement Village, with the
resistant to moisture and means that
installation of ArborClad Clear Pine
it won’t warp or swell and will weather
cladding.
evenly to a clean silver-grey colour.
The £32 million project was designed by PRC
“As well as offering sustainability
Architecture and built by BAM and the design
benefits, timber cladding looks very
called for a village atmosphere, with architectural
effective, and thermally modified Clear
features that reflect the local vernacular.
Pine offers a low-maintenance, long-lived
ArborClad Clear Pine cladding, which was
solution,” said Phil Barman, cladding
specified because of its attractive appearance
specialist at Howarth Timber and
and sustainability benefits, is incorporated across
Building Supplies.
entire elevations on selected buildings and as a unifying factor on others. As well as supplying the Clear Pine cladding,
“Our Clear Pine product is able to withstand moisture and – unlike some untreated soft-woods – it won’t warp
Howarth Timber machined to profile and finished
or swell, while the lack of harsh chemicals further
the corner moulds and fascias, providing a
limits its environmental impact. Properly fitted,
village care centre, 47 care suites with associated
streamlined service.
Clear Pine will last for a very long time which
accommodation and 79 close care apartments, as
makes it an ideal choice for this project.”
well as a wellness spa and restaurant.
The thermally modified timber cladding
The retirement village comprises a 60-bed
UNIQUE CLADDING TURNS UP THE HEAT AT NEW RESTAURANT A unique charred timber cladding product has been used to create a striking finish for the interior walls of a new restaurant enhance the panel qualities making it more resistant to fire, rot and pests. “With a refreshed interest in brutalist techniques in the architecture world, we are seeing a steep increase in interest for our charred timber cladding ranges, which are now being featured in award-winning houses,” said Karl Harrison, director of projects at Exterior Solutions Ltd, owners of the Shou Sugi Ban UK. “In order to support this demand, we need to use base products that we can rely upon when we apply our charring techniques. We selected MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME for our Kitai treatment due to its reaction to those processes. The material burns effectively to give a real aesthetic impact while maintaining its durability after the charring process. “To create our finished Kitai product, MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME is treated with an oil specifically developed in conjunction with MEDITE SMARTPLY to protect the wood and ensure it remains weatherproof. The process maintains the
T
ranslating as ‘burnt cedar plate’, Shou Sugi Ban is a Japanese term for the ancient art of charring timber to both preserve the wood and give
product’s 50-year external and 75-year internal use guarantee.” The manufacturing process used to create MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME,
it a unique burnt finish. Sharing its name with the charring techniques
which involves a proprietary non-toxic and environmentally friendly
it practices, Shou Sugi Ban by Exterior Solutions Ltd has used MEDITE
modification process, helps ensure that the burning technique used to create
TRICOYA EXTREME to produce Kitai, a unique and striking variant
Kitai produces no harmful gases.
of wall cladding that is being used for the interior design of new Leeds-based restaurant Sticky Sisters.
Peter Clifton, product manager for MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, said: “Shou Sugi Ban’s products give a really distinct look and feel to design projects and it’s
Producing a range of charred timber cladding products for a wide variety
been fantastic working so closely with them on the development of their Kitai wall
of specifications, Shou Sugi Ban create beautiful wooden wall panelling and
cladding. It’s particularly encouraging to see that MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME
cladding with natural timber boards that show an enhanced grain. The charring
has provided such a fitting material that’s able to withstand the impact of the
process forms a carbon layer on the exterior of the boards, which not only gives
charring process and maintain its high-performance value. It just goes to show the
an enriched finish to design projects, but also protects the timber inside and can
true diversity of one of the most innovative wood panels on the market today.”
32
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SPRING 2018
Latham
Live, work and play...
We offer one of the largest and most varied ranges of joinery quality hardwoods and softwoods available in the UK.
With eight nationwide timber depots, we carry more than 20 species of certified and legally verified timber from Europe, Africa, South America, North America, the Far East and Scandinavia as well as modified wood and our own engineered product, WoodExd, all available directly from stock. Whatever your budget or project requirements, why not allow our extensive range of timber to provide the inspiration.
Find out more‌.
TM
Call 0116 257 3415 email marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk
33
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: DECKING
NEW PRODUCT HELPS EDEN PROJECT TO AVOID SLIP UPS A new product from Gripsure and MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME is increasing safety at a major visitor attraction
E
xtreme weather conditions can lead
panel with our long lasting, abrasion-resistant
to hazardous conditions for decking,
aggregate, results in an end product of the highest
the perfect solution for such specialists in
especially in public places where there is
standard and one that performs exceptionally
their field and we hope it continues to provide
a high footfall but Gripsure and MEDITE
well in terms of underfoot safety,” said managing
a reliable and sturdy anti-slip solution for
TRICOYA EXTREME have come up with
director of Gripsure, Mike Nicholson.
projects in the future.”
a solution to increase safety. Their latest product innovation Gripsure
“We’ve had fantastic feedback from our clients so far. Paul Stone, garden development
Xtreme, which lines one of the walkways at the
manager at the Eden Project, has been particularly
Eden Project, Cornwall, is an extremely robust
complimentary about the integrity of the product,
and durable non-slip solution that is suitable
mentioning that the non-slip inserts had remained
for a wide range of applications
100% in place since installation last winter despite
Non-slip timber decking manufacturer Gripsure, chose MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME
the tough damp humid conditions. “MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME’s wide variety
for the new non-slip coated panels due to its
of dimensions and thicknesses as well as its
exceptional durability and easy workability.
impressive ability to be cut and fashioned in to
The modified timber, which possesses
shapes and sizes of all varieties makes it suited to
fungal decay resistance qualities, as well as an
a great deal of different applications. Its enhanced
expected 50 years of in-service life, is coated
performance capacities help produce an extreme
with a highly abrasion-resistant aggregate
non-slip solution that we’re very proud of.”
which produces an extremely good grip. As well as its use at the Eden Project, where
Peter Clifton, product manager for MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME, added: “It’s been a privilege
it needs to withstand a tropical, humid and damp
to provide our innovative wood panelling to
environment, Grispure Xtreme has been used for
Gripsure who are the market leaders in non-slip
an outdoor bridge at Magdalen College School
timber decking.
in Oxford, where as well as being exposed to the
“The Eden Project application was particularly
elements, it bears the footfall of students crossing
challenging, and a standard wood panel would
the bridge wearing studded sport boots.
simply not be able to cope with the wet and
“It’s been fantastic to work so closely with
humid conditions. The fact that it has remained in
MEDITE SMARTPLY in the development of
the exact condition as it was when installed, and
Grispure Xtreme. Combining the durability of
where other high quality treated timbers have
MEDITE’s innovative high-performance wood
failed, truly shows its worth.
34
“It’s great to see our product providing
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SPRING 2018
FEATURE: FLOORING
FLOORING BRINGS COUNTRY FEEL TO CITY HOTEL Engineered oak wood flooring from Havwoods is helping to create a comfortable country house feel at a newly refurbished hotel in York
T
he Grade-II-listed Principal York Hotel
for guests arriving by coach or car and a rather
house, featuring over-scaled furniture, such as
was originally one of Britain’s greatest
secondary entrance on the other side for guests
large wing chairs, to ensure an instant feeling of
Victorian railway hotels. Built in yellow
arriving by rail. One of the key elements of
welcome, combined with a light and soothing
Scarborough brick and designed by
Goddard Littlefair’s new plan was to ensure
colour palette, featuring a gentle and fairly
architect William Peachey it opened its
both entrances were of equal importance so
neutral base with softer highlights in shades
that all guests had a real sense of arrival, with
such as eau de nil and lavender. Similarly, the
both routes quickly joining one of two main
furniture is in colours such as tan, buff and
Capital, Goddard Littlefair was commissioned to
public space circulation axes – the Promenade
charcoal, with small amounts of texture and
redesign its public spaces, including the lobby,
or the Colonnade. The ‘business’ of arrival is
pattern for added interest.
reception, Garden Room, entrances and corridor
now contained within a relocated reception
spaces, as well as all 159 bedrooms and suites.
area, located off the Promenade, so the overall
of two wonderful, large and light-filled open
The full design team on the project included
public space feels less transient and suitcases
spaces, punctuated by handsome original
Michaelis Boyd, who redesigned the bar and
can disappear quickly into this dedicated and
columns with ornate capitals, all of which have
restaurant and architects 3D Reid, who oversaw
spacious contained room.
been refurbished. These are the Lobby Lounge,
doors in 1878. After the hotel was acquired by Starwood
the structural works on the project. “Our overall ambition was to breathe life
Opening up views throughout was
The heart of the new scheme is made up
which contains the hotel’s wonderful, dramatic
important and two brand new entrances were
staircase and the Garden Room beyond, which
back into every artery of the hotel’s interior,
cut into the Garden Room, alongside three
looks out, as its name suggests, onto the
giving a nod to tradition and heritage, but
more into the relocated reception area, so
hotel’s extensive gardens. There are clear views
also creating a tremendously warm, light and
that the ground floor is flooded with light and
through from one to the other, to ensure they
welcoming contemporary environment for
there are tempting glimpses of spaces beyond,
interact, via the existing central and the two
guests,” Goddard Littlefair director and co-
whichever way guests traverse the building.
new entrances. Both spaces – as well as the
founder Jo Littlefair explained. “We were briefed
The new public and lounge spaces are bright
reception room – feature oiled oak flooring
to reinstate the hotel’s essential character and
and generously-proportioned and offer food
from Havwoods with a special ‘sawn’ surface
to pay respect to its original architecture, whilst
and beverages throughout the day, from teas
and laid in a herringbone pattern. The timber
at the same time ensuring a feeling of comfort,
and coffees to afternoon tea or an evening
was deliberately chosen for its informal, not
restfulness, so that The Principal York was once
menu, maximising revenue possibilities from the
overly-polished look.
again a true destination hotel.”
fabulously light and welcoming space. Havwoods Product: Venture Plank – Heath
SPACE-PLANNING AND STRUCTURE The hotel originally had two entrances, with the first on the garden side of the hotel
35
INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT The central design concept was to create a modern and softer interpretation of a country
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HW908 Engineered Oak/Henley Oak Fossil Engineered (special order) BPF21/4004/180 www.havwoods.co.uk
SPRING 2018
Latest innovations in Heat Air Moisture control to feature at Ecobuild The latest innovations in managing the balance between heat, air and moisture movement within the building envelope will be on display at this year’s Ecobuild. The A. Proctor Group, recognised worldwide for its extensive portfolio of technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane products for the construction industry, continues to lead the way in the research, design and manufacture of solutions which are at the forefront of the drive to achieve the optimum balance between these three core elements.
STUNNING HANDCRAFTED PLANTERS DESIGNED TO LAST WITH MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME Owing to the durable MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME (MTX) panels from which they’re made, Oxford Planters handcrafted planters are both long-lasting and flawless in their finish. “Our planters are a longstanding investment not a changeable accessory,” says Sarah, Director and Owner of Oxford Planters Ltd. One of the first companies in the UK to start using MTX over five years ago, Oxford Planters Ltd. has built a reputation for creating a range of high end, exquisitely designed and crafted hardwood planters. That reputation is built on the quality of the materials used to create their products – among them, MTX.
One of the latest innovations on display will be Fireshield®, a vapour permeable walling underlay with a fire proof surface. Fireshield is suitable for all walling applications including those in multiple storey buildings. Its unique coating doesn’t just resist fire but eliminates fire spread. Addressing the need for maximising thermal performance in space critical applications, the A. Proctor Group has developed Spacetherm®, a range of solutions to provide architects, builders and installers great flexibility and ease of use, combined with exceptional thermal performance qualities, which can be retained for up to 50 years. Wraptite® is a unique patented external airtight and vapour permeable, self-adhered membrane which solves the problem of reliably achieving airtightness in buildings. Applying Wraptite to the outside of the building will mean there are fewer penetrations for services, therefore, the likelihood of expensive remedial work is greatly reduced. Setting the industry standard for high-quality performance and design in roofing, Roofshield is a unique, three-layer, nonwoven, spunbonded, polypropylene air & vapour permeable membrane with a patented melt-blown core. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe, without the need for air gaps or additional ventilation. Roofshield eliminates the incidence of interstitial condensation in pitched roofs.
MTX is used for painted products in their range, which also includes tables, chairs, benches, garden gates, pergolas and obelisks. Its selection by the highly skilled joiners and craftsmen at Oxford Planters comes down to two key attributes of the material: its durability and flat finish. For more information visit www.oxfordplanters.co.uk/index.php
Carrefour International du Bois The event not to be missed for the trade, the leading timber tradeshow in Europe, grouping over 3 days and 5 halls, 550 exhibitors and over 10 000 visitors coming from 80 countries; the largest timber offer under a single roof: sawn timber, panels, parquets, claddings, timber construction products, timber for interior and exterior design...
Organised every 2 years in Nantes, France, by Atlanbois* and the Grand Port Maritime de Nantes St Nazaire.
The latest solutions from the A. Proctor Group will be on display at Ecobuild stand number E60 at ExCel London from 6-8 March 2018.
Register now and obtain your free access badge on www.timbershow.com/visiter and prepare your visit: exhibitor list, program, business meeting service, practical information...
View more Case Studies on our website: www.proctorgroup.com
*Association for the promotion of timber in the Pays de Loire Region
Makita’s new 36v BL Slide Compound Mitre Saw has full mains machine performance
CaberShieldPlus, flooring that keeps you building even with the roof off
• 36v Brushless motor powers 260mm blade to 4,400rpm • Weighs just 27.3kg for total mobility • 60° mitre and 48° bevel ranges The new Makita twin 18v (36v) Brushless Slide Compound Mitre Saw has the same premium attributes as the new mains-powered LS1019 coupled with the total manoeuvrability provided by the high-performance 36v Brushless motor, which generates similar power to the mains machine. The rail-forward slide design allows the rear of the machine to be placed close to a wall whilst the twin slide rails are robustly mounted in the machine body ensuring smooth operation for a superior cut finish. A new compact 18v Brushless LXT Mitre Saw has also been launched.
CaberShieldPlus is the ideal flooring solution when building in Britain’s unpredictable climate. Based on Norbord’s popular moistureresistant CaberFloor P5 tongue-and-groove particleboard flooring panel, CaberShieldPlus is specially designed to withstand exposure to wet conditions. Yet, unlike Norbord’s other protected flooring product CaberDek, which features a peelable film on the top surface, CaberShieldPlus has protection on both sides, not just the exposed upper surface. The top surface features a permanent non-slip coating that not only prevents damage to the board but also ensures a safe working platform. The underside is protected with the smooth coating that not only protects against damage but also makes the board easy to slide into position. For added durability, the coating applied to CaberShieldPlus is not designed to be peeled off after completion but is bonded permanently on both sides of the panel and waterproof.
For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com
For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.co.uk
BeA sets sights on new standard in fuel cell reliability
Elite Systems to reveal eco-classroom and housing concepts at Ecobuild
BeA Fastening Systems is helping to set new standards in gas powered nailer reliability. The business, which ranks as one of Europe’s largest manufacturer of fastening technology, tools and consumables for construction and industrialfocused applications, has revamped and relaunched its existing range of fuel cells for first and second fix tools.
Offering exceptional levels of compatibility and suitable for use in gas powered nail guns from most well-known manufacturers, the new BeA fuel cells employ a unique propane and butane mix alongside an enhanced cell design.
Bespoke modular construction specialist Elite Systems is bringing its bespoke modular buildings to ecobuild, held at ExCeL London from 6th to 8th March. The off-site construction specialist is giving visitors to its stand, F43, the opportunity to learn more about its fully modular eco-classroom concept, and will reveal the first details of the company’s bespoke modular housing prototype. Designed in response to increasing demand for building solutions with a lower carbon footprint, Elite’s eco-classroom features a built-in rainwater harvesting system, and solar PV panels. Elite has also specified more low VOC materials than typically used in modular or traditional construction, improving the overall health of the concept building.
More information on BeA and its extensive product range can be found at www.bea-group.com
For more information on Elite Systems visit elitesystemsgb.co.uk or call 01274 873 232
Södra Wood joins Builders Merchants Federation
Can build timber skyscraper taller than 150 metres
Paul Shepherd, national sales manager at BeA, explains: “Modern construction businesses and contractors demand gas powered nailers that work as hard as they do. Frequently, gas fuel cells can be a weak link in an otherwise robust chain and our new products aim to overcome that. We have gone to great lengths to develop cells that users can count on for optimum reliability, time after time after time.”
Södra Wood, one of the UK’s market-leading supply partners of structural timber and engineered wood products, has become a member of the Builders Merchant Federation. The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) is the authoritative voice for the building materials distribution sector. It represents 640 merchant and supplier companies, offering valuable business support and ensuring any industry issues are dealt with quickly and effectively. Södra sales director, Nigel Buckley-Ryan, comments: “We’re delighted to have joined the BMF. We care deeply about our industry and more than ever, with timber being so vital to the future of construction, it’s important that we position ourselves right at the heart of it.” Södra is Sweden’s largest co-operative of privately owned forest owners, and prides itself in delivering a sustainable and reliable supply of timber to merchants around the UK. For more information please go to www.sodra.com/wooduk Phone: +44 (0)1285 646000 | E-mail: ukinfo@sodra.com
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“With a wider building, it will be possible to build a timber building taller than 100 metres. 150 metres should also be possible. Possibly even taller.” These are the words of Director Rune Abrahamsen of Moelven Limtre AS. The man behind “Mjøstårnet,” among other things, which when completed in March 2019 will be the world’s tallest timber building. The building that many people in the international construction industry consider to be world-class engineering. He’s supported by Director Sverre Tiltnes at government-appointed Bygg21. “The project is an important contribution to make the international building industry more environmentally friendly. When one proves and documents that one can build a taller timber building that what one previously thought was possible, there’s no doubt that this is world-class engineering,” Tiltnes says. For further information visit moelven.com/mjostarnet
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SPRING 2018
FOR TIMBER NEWS AND VIEWS ON THE MOVE...
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www.timbermedia.co.uk
Egger Protect. 60 days protection, whatever the weather. www.egger.com/60-days
It’s a fact – house building and renovation projects are often delayed, leaving sites under threat of weather damage. EGGER Protect is the only structural flooring board that can be exposed to the elements for up to 60 days. The dual sided surface protection is unique and offers a robust, non-slip floor, even when it’s wet. And, as part of the EGGER Advanced Structural Flooring System, it comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. For more information call 0845 602 4444 or email building.uk@egger.com