STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 73
GRAB THE PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS OF LIGHTWEIGHT TIMBER SYSTEMS
Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) urges housebuilders to continue to invest in timber frames, exploring how the method can meet sustainability demands as well as those of effi ciency and productivity.
T
he UK housebuilding industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years – ranging from Brexit to a global pandemic – not to mention the economic challenges we are all facing today. Regardless, the structural timber industry has continued to grow and with the advantages timber brings to the construction table – from its environmental credentials and design eibility to reducing site time, vehicle movements, and relieving skill shortages – the increasing appetite for timber frame isn’t letting up. With productivity a 2023 watchword, the use of timber frames and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) construction is a way to move the industry forward.
LIGHTWEIGHT TIMBER SYSTEMS – THE DIFFERENCES & PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS Timber frame and SIPs are lightweight timber systems that are favoured for low and medium-rise buildings. The popularity of these systems in Scandinavia and even as close as Scotland, where 85% of homes are timber-framed, showcases the full adoption of timber as a renewable construction material. In comparison, timber comprises only around 10% of the market share in England. However, the UK market share for timber is slowly increasing, which is a positive development.
Offsite timber frame construction offers faster build times and higher sustainability standards compared with traditional construction methods. There are two types of timber frame systems – open and closed panel systems. The main difference between these systems lies in the amount of factory value added to the
closed panel timber frame.
Open panel systems are panels that are structurally engineered to serve as the load-bearing inner leaf of the external wall. They consist of studs, rails, and sheathing on one face, with a breather membrane. On the other hand, closed panel systems are pre-insulated, and some come with fi tted windows and internal service zone battens for easy installation and construction. The other popular lightweight timber system in the market is SIPs, which can be used for walls and roofs. This advanced method of construction uses composite panel techniques whereby an insulating foam core is sandwiched between two
structural facings, normally Oriented Strand Board (OSB). SIPs, like timber frame systems, are produced in factory settings and can fi t any building design. They provide a lightweight build system that is etremely robust, energyeffi cient, and quick to erect. This offers a greater opportunity to meet emissions targets while also achieving quick construction and completion.
DESIGNING FOR NET ZERO BRINGS ESG & COMMERCIAL BENEFITS
The recognition of the versatility and sustainability benefi ts of timber is now widespread. Timber offers the
WITH PRODUCTIVITY INCREASINGLY A WATCHWORD ACROSS THE SECTOR, THE USE OF TIMBER FRAMES AND STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS (SIPS) CONSTRUCTION IS A WAY TO MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
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