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Kiwa BDA Hosts STA Members and Guests

BDA Founder Professor Nico Hendriks spoke at one of two lunches held for the Structural Timber Association during the week of the Ecobuild exhibition. BDA Technical Manager Paul Oakley spoke at the second event.

The STA comprises companies who make, supply or install structural timber products or systems and also companies supplying services to the sector.

A key role of the organisation is the maintenance of high standards and to that end it has introduced its STA Assured schemes covering different parts of the sector. The highest level, STA Assured Gold, is for products and systems supplied to construction sites. These include Structural Insulated Panel (SIPS) and framing systems as well as trussed rafters and roof systems.

We are delighted that the STA accepts Kiwa BDA Agrément® as meeting the requirements of its’ Gold scheme and Nico and Paul were pleased to be able to explain the way BDA goes about its’ assessments to those attending the events, including manufacturers, distributors, architects and building control personnel, as well as STA members and senior management. Key elements of our assessments include consideration of the requirements of Building Regulations for the products or systems concerned as well as NHBC or other non-statutory requirements. Arrangements are also made with the manufacturer to ensure maintenance of the agreed and approved specification for the product or system every time it is made or assembled.

The availability of approval by Kiwa BDA has been welcomed by manufacturers across the industry and we have many assessments underway, including timber and timber-related products.

Other speakers at the lunches included new RIBA President Ben Derbyshire, QS Ian Dacre, whose practice, Rider Levett Bucknall has worked with the STA on an estimating guide and costing exercise, as well as senior figures from the Construction Products Association and the House Builders Federation who addressed the issues facing our industry as it rises to meet the challenge of delivering 300,000 homes a year.

For more information please visit www.kiwa.co.uk.
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Triple timber solution to sustainability

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Technical Editor Bruce Meechan looks at the range of very low carbon solutions available from a major timber frame manufacturer based on the Shropshire – Mid Wales border.

As an offsite manufacturer working across a variety of sectors including commercial, residential and education, Lowfield Timber Frame is well used to being presented with different technical challenges; and to meeting them through the use of different solutions that reflect the versatility of what is arguably nature’s most versatile material.

In essence, Lowfield has in recent years, responded to the demands of both clients and architects for PassivHaus and Near-to-Zero carbon buildings employing twin-wall timber frame, structural insulated panels (SIPs) and now a closed panel system based on timber I-joists.

Darren Jarman, Managing Director for Lowfield Timber Frame, told MMC Magazine: “We have an extensive product range that enables us to respond to clients targeting PassivHaus standard or other very low energy solutions; and we will work with their architects and assessors or other specialist consultants in order to ensure all the details – such as the floor wall junction or foundation connection, achieve the required levels of insulation.

“Some ten years ago we supplied a twin-wall timber frame system for the principal of Munro Associates who was building a new home up in Pitlochry, Scotland. That achieved the level of U-value necessary for PassivHaus – by filling with Warmcel recycled newspaper insulation; and now we are working with PYC Warmcel on a solution featuring 300 mm thick I-joists supplied by Metsa Wood for a social housing scheme featuring low rise homes. We have also built to PassivHaus standards using the Kingspan TEK system; so our product range can really cover all the bases and offer clients solutions to suit their individual needs.”

The architect, Mungo Munro commented: “We do a lot of work for housing associations as well as clients in other sectors, though this was a self-build where Lowfield produced a timber frame to my own design. I went for a double timber frame as it virtually eliminates any cold-bridging and achieved a U-value far better than the Building Standards required.”

Amongst the other highly sustainable projects Lowfield Timber Frame has helped deliver recently is the Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, offering bicycle hire and a café as well as classroom space. The original intention was to build the walls from straw bales, but the cost would have pushed up the budget so the specification switched to the Kingspan TEK system.

The jointing arrangement for the SIPs system helped keep the air leakage rate to around 1 m3/m2/hr at 50 Pascals. The addition of a high performance vapour control layer as part of the building envelope meant the overall airtightness figure for the finished structure outperformed the PassivHaus requirement at 0.58 m3/m2/hr. In terms of insulation value, combined with Kingspan Thermawall TW55 boards, the U-value for the Tek walls was 0.14 W/m2K.

Lowfield also contributed to the conversion of an eyesore, asbestos-clad packing shed into a stunning studio on the outskirts of Leamington Spa; which earned the architect, Sjolander de Cruz, the RIBA Sustainable Project of the Year Award.

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G-frame engineered timber and hybrid structures

G-frame Structures specialises in the design, supply and installation of engineered timber and hybrid structures. A designer of bespoke solutions, G-frame Structures offers a direct route to a complete hybrid package working with a palette that includes Cross Laminated Timber, Glulam, Laminated Veneered Lumber. We are also able to meet your other structural solutions using more standard construction materials through our sister company Murform Ltd.

Involve us early in the design stages and we’ll help you to make savings from the outset and deliver your project ahead of programme with safety first and inside budget. We can also advise and help you to interface with a range of other systems, we are able to design and install timber cladding panels and insulated render as part of our water proof envelope package.

Known by our partners and clients for our hands-on approach to problem solving and fast, efficient delivery, the G-frame team brings a high degree of multi-disciplinary expertise and a commitment to building lasting relationships which leads to repeat business. We provide solutions across the range of building types including social and private residential, education, public access and workspace. Recent projects include the new Moneypenny HQ in Wrexham by AEW Architects, 150 London Road by Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects and Graveney School 6th Form Block by Urban Projects Bureau which has recently won two awards at the 2016 RIBA London Awards.

All wood products are PEFC or FSC certified.

For more information please email Joe Hall at j.hall@g-frame.co.uk, call us on 01525 288022 or visit www.g-frame.co.uk.

G-frame Structures will be at VISION 2016 at Earl’s Court on 7 & 8 June – come and see us on Stand Number 105
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Mythbusting the three little pigs

We are all familiar with the fairy tale of the three little pigs; a moral-laden fable about three pigs that construct three houses from different materials. The big bad wolf blows down the first two pigs’ houses, made of straw and sticks respectively, but is unable to destroy the third pig’s house, made of bricks. The story has been told and retold for hundreds of years. However, I think that things have changed…

There have been a multitude of innovations in modern construction techniques of late, so I have decided to take a second look at how affective the pigs’ methods actually were; would the straw and stick homes still fall to huffing and puffing today?

Straw house

With shortages of materials, lack of skills, an ever increasing population and subsequent carbon footprint, there is understandably an enormous demand for a housing solution that won’t cost the earth, both financially and environmentally.

Straw bale construction is one such material that could help achieve this goal. Indeed, a house built from straw goes one step further than helping to alleviate a housing crisis – it can even help the very occupants within that house keep the modern enemy of fuel poverty at bay. Straw bale buildings are so efficiently insulated that they require very little heating, even in the dead of winter.

Where timescales are an issue, straw bale building can also prove to be a worthwhile consideration. Last year saw the first ever straw bale houses hit the market in Bristol. The housing development consisted of seven homes that were erected on site in just nine days, thanks to their precision factory-made panels which slot together perfectly. This speedy turnaround adds to their affordability, of course.

Social Landlord Martin Connolly, responsible for the development, commented on the Bristol homes: “We got into straw bale housing to explore how we could make housing more affordable. What was behind it was concern about homelessness and the environment.”

“In the first instance, we wanted to achieve natural non-toxic house building which sequesters carbon. Hugely insulated and air-tight, the homes produce virtually all the energy they need to run. We are installing rain water harvesting to cut down water and sewage bills, and LED lights, solar panels and an air-source heat pump to reduce light and heating costs. Bath University research shows the running costs can be reduced by as much as 90%. And, as volume of sales increase, we can strive to make the house purchase price even more affordable.”

So, was the first little piggy really that foolish to choose straw over other available materials? Let’s consider the facts; just shy of 4m tonnes straw is produced as a by-product each year by British agriculture. It only takes around 7 tonnes of straw to build a three-bedroom house similar to the Bristol developments. This means that theoretically it would be possible to grow enough straw to build more than half a million new homes each year using straw grown exclusively in British fields. Perhaps not so foolish!?

Stick house

Was the second piggy wrong to build his house from wood? I think absolutely not. Perhaps, considering that the structure fell merely at the exhaling of a wolf, it is his construction skills (or lack thereof) that should be questioned rather than his choice of material. Timber frame buildings are inherently strong, durable and sustainable. Readily available and relatively low in cost, structural timber offers a competitive advantage over many other materials.

Studies suggest that by moving more towards offsite construction techniques, the reputation of the construction industry will improve in the eyes of the younger generation, who above all have a keen interest in innovation, technology and environmental issues. This means that a career within the sector would become a more viable and attractive option, which in turn will help to alleviate the chronic skills shortage currently blighting the industry. Even the second piggy could brush up on his abilities by enrolling in an apprenticeship scheme.

The government report, Construction 2025, highlighted that the poor public image of construction was having a detrimental effect on companies’ abilities to recruit and retain the best talent. The cleaner, safer and more professional setting of a modular construction factory could definitely help attract prospective apprentices and graduates into this relatively new and exciting area of our industry.

Timber is the perfect choice for specifiers who want a precision engineered material that is both cost effective AND sustainable. Structural timber is a low-carbon alternative that offers high structural strength, airtight construction and a traceable supply chain. Therefore it is the perfect choice of material for little piggies with a passion for sustainability and style.

Brick house

Although the hero of the fairy tale is the pig that chose brick above all other materials, the truth of the matter is that there are pro’s and con’s to every material and brick is no exception. Brick homes require very little maintenance and never require painting, caulking or staining. However, this does have a trade-off. Changing the appearance of a brick exterior can be somewhat difficult and expensive.

Homes made of brick are highly energy efficient and therefore remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whilst this in itself is good for the environment, there are caveats and sadly the manufacturing process of bricks almost nullifies this benefit. The manufacturing processes used to create building materials such as cement and bricks are currently accountable for roughly 12% of all emissions of carbon dioxide in the world.

Brick manufacturing especially is very energy-intensive due to the kilns that are used requiring firing for up to three days in order for the bricks within to become hard and strong. Brick kilns operate at about 1100°C and are often kept hot even when not in use. This immense heat is generated using fossil fuels, which emit significant CO2 when combusted.

Houses constructed using brick are durable, energy efficient, highly fire-resistant and low maintenance. This means that they tend to have a higher resale value than their timber beam counterparts. Homeowner insurance is also a lot lower for these very reasons. So whilst savings can be made in the long term, the initial outlay will be much higher if using brick in your project.

Bricks are much more expensive as a building material than timber or straw. Also, whilst largely low maintenance for the most part, when repairs do need to be made they can be difficult, time consuming, highly invasive and expensive. This renders brick a non-cost-effective option for many home builders, regardless of savings that will be made at a later date.

Summary

It is clear to see that each method of construction has both benefits and draw backs. This means that no one method is a perfect solution to meet 21st century housebuilding demands. If the housing crisis, combined with materials shortages and the skills gap are the modern day “wolf at the door”, then it is only through a multifaceted approach that utilises all of the tools and knowledge in our arsenal that we can succeed and thrive as an industry. It’s impossible to tell which material will come up trumps in the end – but one thing we can all agree on is that modular technologies, offsite methods and alternative material usage will play increasingly larger roles in construction as we go forward as an industry. Expect to see a lot more on the topic!

So in summary, does a fairy tale that was first committed to print in the 1840’s still offer worthy advice to the wise and considerate specifier who wishes to keep the wolves at bay? I say “no, no, not by the hair on my chinny chin chin!”

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Avoid hoarding up problems by sourcing all timber on site responsibly

Just because construction site hoarding is temporary doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have to be considered as part of a responsible sourcing strategy. Despite the fact that many clients and contractors are now insisting on greater levels of sustainability across all aspects of projects, this is one area that is being overlooked when it comes to timber sourcing.

The European Timber Regulation (EUTR) stipulates that all timber used on construction sites needs to be legally sourced. This means ALL timber, from that used in construction of the building to the hoardings used to shield the site from prying eyes. Timber hoardings may also be used to convey an appropriate message to the outside world. This might include a project’s sustainability credentials as part of promotional information about the developers’ and contractors’ CSR efforts, all designed to give the local and wider community a feel good factor about the project.

However trumpeting a project as a leading example of sustainability on hoardings which breach regulations on responsible sourcing, no matter how temporary they are or how good the rest of the site is, is an irony which might lead some to seriously doubt the integrity of the project’s other claims. Cheap Chinese plywood accounts for a large chunk of the problem. A recent report by the National Measurement Office found that only two of the 16 companies investigated which import Chinese timber met the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation for due diligence in the sourcing of legally harvested timber.

The issues around imported plywood extend far beyond variable quality to mislabelling of products as certain species which they subsequently turn out not to be. Greenpeace has campaigned to end the use of illegal and destructive rainforest plywood since 2000. It found evidence that a large quantity of Chinese plywood was faced with veneers from slow growing tropical species sourced from endangered rainforests. By contrast SmartPly, part of Coillte the Irish forestry company, has access to sustainable, well managed fast growing softwood timber. OSB, unlike plywood, uses forest thinnings which are smaller diameter logs unsuited for use by the sawmills, therefore maximising the overall resource.

The concerns over illegal timber extend beyond the actual material itself to the pay, reward and working conditions for those harvesting timber or laying out the plies of material for plywood production. Sustainability is not just about protecting vulnerable resources but also ensuring the preservation of community and individual economic sustainability.

The big problem in the UK construction industry is making sure that timber hoardings are seen as part of the whole construction project when it comes to product specification and timber sourcing. On the whole, focus is concentrated on the building, and protection of the site perimeter during construction is left to the contractor who has a lot of other priorities. With one or two exceptions in the form of more enlightened firms, poorer quality and potentially illegal plywood is the dominant choice for hoarding applications, but one which can undermine a project’s sustainability credentials and wider image.

SmartPly SiteProtect OSB offers the answer to the problem, a high quality hoarding solution with a pre-primed smooth finish ready for painting. Manufactured under factory controlled conditions to European standards, dependable product performance is ensured for long lasting looks with no delamination. With raw material supplied from our own well managed local forests we have not only security of supply but also we know exactly what timber we are using, ensuring a robust chain of custody for FSC Certification. This enables clients to have confidence that their sites are compliant with binding UK and European responsible sourcing regulations, and that they are not contributing to the illegal timber trade or unsustainable practices.

To find out more about SmartPly, please visit www.discoversmartply.com.

 

Mike Harrison, Marketing Manager, Coillte Panel Products
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Top marks for Mumford & Wood Conservation™ timber windows and doors

High performance timber windows and doors from the Mumford & Wood Conservation™ range have been specified in an historical property refurbishment in the beautiful village of Clifton, Bristol. In Tudor-Gothic style this stunning collection of seven luxury-living properties offers outstanding accommodation enhanced with space and light.

The sympathetically converted Grade II listed school building has been revived by Kersfield Developments, Bath, together with contractor Construction Total Solutions, Bath, to form a walled boutique development that encloses five houses and two mews properties. The building is recognised locally for its iconic diaper patterned roof.

Double glazed casement windows from the coordinated Conservation™ range have been specified by architects Nash Partnership, also of Bath, and designed to work in harmony with the traditional stone surrounds and other architectural features typical of the region. Solid planked entrance doors with decorative overhead fanlights provide like-for-like replacement and Conservation™ bi-folding doors are featured in several of the properties adding yet more drama to the internal space. These doors have an open-out configuration and are available up to 5.9m wide and 3m high to achieve maximum impact. Both entrance and bi-folding doors are Secured by Design accredited within the Conservation Secure™ collection and meet Approved Document Q – Security of Building Regulations, which applies to the new build housing sector.

The architectural preservation of this much-loved building has been sensitively considered throughout the design process. Purpose built in 1850 the original Church of England School building was saved from demolition in the 1960s and remained in use as a school until 1979 in response to public outcry. Bristol City Council became the new owner using it as a district office with much of the original architecture hidden from view. In stripping back the building to its original timber trusses and classrooms, the building’s classic origins of spacious dimensions have been recreated.

“This building has had new life breathed into it,” says Frank Buckley, managing director, Mumford & Wood Limited, “and we are proud that our award-winning windows and doors have helped to recreate its historic charm. Our products have worked beautifully with the sweeping, open spaces of the building which offers generous open plan living so popular in today’s family living style.”

Double glazed Conservation™ windows and doors are made to the exacting standards of the British Woodworking Federation’s Wood Window Alliance (WWA) scheme and are BRE A+ rated offering outstanding levels of thermal and acoustic performance. They are manufactured from premium grade Siberian Larch which is engineered for maximum strength and stability to help ensure long lasting aesthetics and performance, while achieving a perfect factory-finished, paint-ready surface typical of fine joinery. Independent research carried out by the WWA on behalf of its members identifies that timber as a frame material offers the most sustainable and cost effective material with a life cycle of up to 65 years and more.

More information about Conservation™ and Conservation Secure™ products is available from the sales team on 01621 818155, email: sales@mumfordwood.com or visit the website: www.mumfordwood.com. Follow us on Twitter @mumfordwood and facebook.com/mumfordwood.

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BM TRADA Scaffold Board Scheme promotes construction site safety

Scaffold boards are used in their thousands on construction sites across the UK, enabling workers to operate safely at height. However, BM TRADA, part of the Exova Group, warns recent incidents have highlighted that the failure of a timber scaffold board can result in serious injury or even death and leave contractors facing prosecution and significant fines.

With failures often the result of used scaffold boards being inadequately checked after having been stored or used inappropriately, BM TRADA has launched its Q Mark Used Timber Scaffold Board Inspection Scheme, to enable certified companies to demonstrate that their inspectors are competent to determine if boards should remain in use.

While there is no legislative requirement for used timber scaffold boards to be regularly inspected, to ensure safety on site, scaffold boards should be checked and assessed on a regular basis when in use and each time they are re-issued or supplied to site. It is also important that boards which have been checked are stored separately to those that have not.

With major contractors recognising the dangers, they are starting to ask how scaffold board issuing companies can demonstrate the competency of those inspecting boards. The BM TRADA Q-Mark Used Timber Scaffold Board Inspection Scheme provides a means of verifying that inspectors are suitably qualified.

While most scaffolding companies will ensure their employees complete a scaffolders’ training course, the BM TRADA Scheme provides added confidence to contractors, since the competence of board inspectors is regularly checked by an independent third party body. This enables contractors to specify their hire with confidence and demonstrate due diligence if required.

To achieve certification under the scheme, the scaffolding company must nominate individual employees who will be covered. Each is required to demonstrate their competence to identify damage which is likely to reduce the strength of used timber scaffold boards. Every nominated inspector is required to complete scheme-specific training, pass an examination and complete a competence assessment at the company’s premises.

BM TRADA will also undertake an initial audit of the company to ensure that a documented inspection process is in place. This process must demonstrate that only approved inspectors carry out inspections, only approved boards are released for use and all rejected boards are segregated.

Companies who meet the scheme’s requirements will be issued with a certificate and certification marks to enable them to demonstrate and promote their certification. Certification is valid for two years and following this is maintained through a programme of annual surveillance audits, with a recertification audit required in the second year before the certification expires.

In addition to offering confidence to contractors, the scheme enables certified companies to demonstrate their competence and highlight their commitment to quality. This offers them a competitive advantage when tendering and can increase repeat business as contractors increasingly recognise the benefit of specifying used timber scaffold boards which are regularly inspected by third party certified competent inspectors.

For further information on the BM TRADA Q-Mark Used Timber Scaffold Board Inspection Scheme, visit www.bmtrada.com, email: sbeer@bmtrada.com; or call: 01494 569821.

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Iconic Butlins’ chalets come to life with contemporary new look… thanks to Cedral weatherboard!

Its speed and ease of installation, low maintenance benefits, fresh and modern aesthetic and varied colour options, have seen Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard specified to play a central role in the contemporary re-creation of the iconic Butlins’ chalets at a new £16 million development in Minehead.

West Lakes Village at Butlins’ Minehead resort has been created ahead of the company’s 80th birthday, with the construction of 117 colourful brand new holiday homes inspired by the original chalets created by Billy Butlin in the 1930s.

Architects Allison Pike were actively involved in the project since inception, helping Butlins to evolve the chalet concept to meet the needs of 21st century families. Multi award winning Principal Contractors McGoff & Byrne were appointed for the construction phase of the development.

McGoff & Byrne specified Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard to create the colourful timber aesthetic synonymous with the facades of the original Butlins chalets, but with the longevity and simple installation offered by the fibre cement cladding.

Harry Galloway, Construction Director from McGoff & Byrne, explains: “The original West Lakes Village design utilised timber for the chalets’ cladding. We amended the specification to Cedral as it provided us with a wide colour palette to choose from and would ensure the striking looks of the chalets’ exteriors lasted with minimal maintenance.

“The seaside location of the development means the chalets have to withstand exposure to salt, so we needed a cladding material that could stand-up to this challenge without requiring significant maintenance to keep the look fresh.

“The different pastel colours of the chalets are a key feature and help recreate the original Butlins 1930s’ feel. By using Cedral, we were able to obtain all of the colours we needed from the factory without having to paint on site, including a special made to order colour manufactured specifically for the project.

“The fibre cement cladding helped us to achieve Butlins’ sustainability aspirations with its A+ rating and responsible sourcing accreditation*. Everyone is delighted with the end result; the redesign is very impressive, contemporary with just the right hint of nostalgia.”

Marley Eternit’s Cedral Lap weatherboard has been used as external cladding on all of the one and two storey lakeside, lake view and park view chalets clustered in landscaped parkland around two newly created lakes.

Jayne Arkell, national sales manager – Cedral at Marley Eternit, comments: “We are delighted to be able to help the iconic 1930s’ Butlins’ chalets make a fun and fresh comeback, with high specifications for 21st century families. By using fibre cement weatherboard, rather than timber, the chalets will still be looking this good for many years to come while still paying homage to the original Butlins aesthetic, with the pastel shades and timber effect detailing.”

Fibre cement Cedral weatherboard is a low maintenance, rot free alternative to traditional timber weatherboarding with a life expectancy of 50 years and can be supplied in a standard range of 21 factory applied solid colours and two woodstain finishes. Cedral Lap is specially designed so the planks are overlapped when installed creating a traditional, clapper-board aesthetic. Or to create a more unusual aesthetic, Cedral Click planks are fitted together flush, creating a striking modern and contemporary facade.

The new West Lakes Village development was completed on time and in budget, with the chalets welcoming their first guests in April 2015.

For more information about Cedral, please visit www.cedral.co.uk

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