Timber frame industry experts have pooled their knowledge to produce a technical guidance document to simplify compliance with Approved Document E (England and Wales) of the Building Regulations.

Published by the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), the document on the new Part E requirements is the second in what will become a series of UKTFA technical guidance leaflets providing a comprehensive guide to meeting Building Regulations using timber frame systems.

The latest publication addresses the requirements for residential properties and looks at floor and wall design, including party walls, party floors, internal walls and intermediate floors.

A range of different products has been identified, enabling architects to “pick and mix” materials to give a solution that suits both them and the project.

&#8220On-site testing to meet Scottish requirements has highlighted that, no matter how good the design, if workmanship is poor, then all forms of construction can yield poor acoustic performance”

UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley

UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley said: “This technical guidance document is designed to take the hassle out of complying with the new Part E requirements. The solutions it provides have been put together by experts in the timber frame industry and have all been proven by on-site testing which looked at their buildability as well as their ability to meet Part E.”

He added: “Experience over many years of on-site acoustic testing to meet Scottish requirements has highlighted that, no matter how good the design, if workmanship is poor, then all forms of construction can yield poor acoustic performance. We have therefore incorporated key workmanship advice into the document, together with checklists, which we consider to be an integral element.”

Copies of the document are available free of charge from UKTFA members whose details can be found at www.timber-frame.org.