in factory-controlled conditions away from the site. In turn, this helps those utilising the technique to achieve better quality on their finished projects. Finally, structural timber can contribute to those wishing to exceed current Building Regulations on thermal insulation and acoustic performance.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN
CONSTRUCTION METHODS? There are a lot of ways to utilise the latest structural timber technologies, but for self-builders, the most popular methods tend to be open panel timber frame, closed panel timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPs). All types of structural timber construction methods offer self-builders excellent insulation levels, despite having thinner walls than those associated with traditional construction. What’s more, structural timber construction methods deliver exceptional construction speed onsite. In fact, many timber frame kits can be typically erected in under two weeks.
Each of the aforementioned methods is slightly different. In open panel timber frame developments, the open panel system provides the structural frame, to which site installed insulation, services and plasterboard elements are added. In closed panel timber frame buildings, the structural frame is the same as an ‘open panel’ construction, but includes factory-fitted insulation and inner sheathing boards to close off the panel.
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Finally, the SIPs building method utilises timber panels, which are bonded to insulation and combine to provide structural strength. If these options don’t seem suited to your build’s needs, there are other methods which may be useful. For example, glue-laminated timber can be integrated into the structural design of any construction technology, and helps when looking to form large openings and spaces.
WHAT ABOUT THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT? Structural timber construction delivers the lowest carbon emissions of any construction material. As well as helping to reduce the construction sector’s dependence on finite raw materials, structural timber can be extracted from nature sustainably. Most notably, for every tree the structural timber sector fells, it plants five more. Furthermore, it should be noted that all timber used by STA members comes from well-managed sources and does not use any timber from tropical deforestation. Moreover, because trees absorb CO2 as they grow, structural timber buildings contribute to the de-carbonisation of the environment. What’s more, with structural timber homes able to achieve high levels of thermal efficiency, running costs are also lowered, through reduced energy consumption for the finished building. Currently, the construction industry represents around 10 per cent of total
UK carbon emissions and directly contributes to a further 47 per cent. In looking to improve these figures, the sector must be willing to begin adopting more sustainable, low-carbon solutions, such as timber. In fact, when used instead of other building materials, a single cubic metre of timber will save around 0.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, structural timber represents an effective and reliable way to ensure that properties are built in an environmentally conscious manner.
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I’M
GETTING GOOD QUALITY? As with any other material, it’s paramount that self-builders only source structural timber solutions from reputable suppliers. The Structural Timber Association is committed to making sure this process is as simple as possible, which is why it has developed the STA Assure Scheme. Members of the scheme are committed to the highest quality standards on all structural timber. To this end, the scheme is designed to benefit both clients and members by ensuring the highest quality standards maintained by the individual STA member companies. This scheme offers reassurances to the construction community that the organisation’s members meet or even exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements.
Andrew Orriss is Assure director at the Structural Timber Association (STA)
issue 02 2021
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