Exteriors


The Future of CLT Construction


Buildings are the sum of many parts and we need a full portfolio of materials to achieve the best outcomes in terms of, performance, sustainability, safety, durability, efficiency and cost. Since the new Building Regulations came into force on 21 December 2018, much has been written about cross laminated timber (CLT) – here Andy Goodwin shares with ADF how B&K Structures have planned for such an event and have taken a pragmatic approach to embrace the new protocols


solutions – however, CLT is by far the most exciting revolutionary building material of the 21st century and will be significant in our future development plans. Only now are we truly realising the full capabilities of this strong, sustainable and technically advanced structural solution and the new regulations will not stifle innovation. The UK has a magnificent heritage of


B


timber architecture dating back to the thirteenth century. We are now building on this legacy using ground-breaking engineered timber systems. We develop high quality, low


&K Structures are not engineered timber purists. Our business model focuses on hybrid construction


carbon projects for a wide range of clients throughout the UK and through our robust, integrated supply-chain, B&K Structures are dedicated to finding the best solution.


Putting the changes in to perspective Changes in the Building Regulations have restricted the use of engineered timber in the external wall elements over 18m, that is circa six-storeys. To put the changes in to perspective, we have constructed in excess of 50 cross laminated timber projects over the past 15 years, of which only three would have felt the impact of the regulatory change and a cost neutral wall solution would have been simple to implement.


The engineered timber sector by its very


nature, is founded on innovation – we are pioneers of sustainable construction and with modifications, B&K Structures will ensure building highly sustainable CLT structures over six-storeys is not only possible but also highly practical. The restriction applies to the external


walls of residential accommodation, care homes, hospitals and school dormitories over 18m. The rest of the building including internal walls, floors and roof can therefore be formed in CLT. This equates to approximately 80-90 per cent of the overall structural frame. In anticipation of the government


1 www.buildingconstructiondesign.co.uk 6


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