STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 73
HIGH PERFORMANCE IN THE FRAME WITH OSB
With the need for more sustainable building materials currently critical, Rebecca Goldsmith of MEDITE SMARTPLY explains why OSB structural panels can streamline the fabric-fi rst approach for high performance building envelopes
T
he updated Part F and Part L requirements of the Building Regulations are considered a crucial stepping-stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025, which will see a new build house have 75% lower CO2
emissions than one built to today’s
standards. To meet these requirements, timber frame construction provides distinct sustainability benefi ts. Timber is a natural, renewable and low carbon material which along with its versatility, fl exibility, and rapid build times make it a highly attractive option for new residential projects.
key area will be addressing the thermal performance and the design of a building’s envelope. This heightened focus on the building fabric presents both challenges and opportunities. As a route to more thermally-effi cient building
envelopes, it will become critical to ensure buildings are airtight. Timber frame manufacturers that can provide high-performance, airtight envelope solutions will be well-positioned to meet these changing regulations and capitalise on the move towards low-energy construction.
A THERMAL ENVELOPE SOLUTION To meet the evolving energy effi ciency standards, there is an innovative solution to simplify the path to airtight building envelopes. The increasing demand for double sheathed timber frames in both structural applications and the development of offsite closed pan ls, led to innovation for producing two certifi ed airtight OSB/3 panels with airtightness engineered into the panel substrate.
As a solution for walls and ceilings, an airtight panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier can be used as the airtight layer on the warm side of the insulation in timber frame construction systems, helping to create an airtight building envelope. Each panel features alternating layers of wood strands coated with a formaldehyde- free resin and wax binder system to deliver outstanding levels of airtightness. A specialist coating is then applied to ensure vapour resistance and provide a high performance OSB solution for super-insulated and passive buildings, and thereby enabling the elimination of a traditional additional vapour control membrane from the construction. By seamlessly integrating air and vapour barriers into high-performance OSB panels, this streamlines the
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