When engineered timber is used for the primary structure of a building, it can compete with the strength and stability of other methods of building, including reinforced concrete, masonry and steel. Certainly, the case for engineered timber structures is significant, considering their enhanced ability to sequester carbon dioxide and superior environmental benefits.
Engineered timber structures may require alternative approaches to construction. While these methods produce attractive, durable and highly energy-efficient buildings, developers might be discouraged for reasons such as a lack of familiarity or working knowledge – and specifiers must advocate for its use.
TRADA addresses this with its latest publication, “Procuring engineered timber buildings – a client’s guide”, which is a collection of realistic, frequently asked questions and answers intended for developers who are considering engineered timber solutions for the structure of their building – providing a handy starting point.
“Engineered timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material, particularly as designers seek to make their valuable contribution to the climate crisis,” said Rupert Scott, TRADA’s membership and marketing manager.
“The guide provides developers toying with the idea of using the material, who are hesitant or unsure of its particular requirements and benefits, with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
“At face value, for example, it’s difficult to see how an engineered timber building can cost a developer less when the materials cost the same. Someone unfamiliar with the material might not realise the very real cost savings that can be made because it requires fewer deliveries and can shorten build time by 10-20%.
“However, they also won’t know that non-standard sizes used in a design incur additional costs. It’s impossible to know all the things you don’t know from the outset, which is why this resource is so important.”
The questions in the client’s guide have been compiled, answered and signposted by leading industry members, including members of TRADA’s Advisory Committee and technical team of experts (Cullinan Studio, Gardiner and Theobald, Hybrid Structures [William Hare], KLH UK, Sheppard Robson, Entuitive, Stora Enso, Ramboll, dRMM, and Argent LLP).
It sets out to demystify crucial areas of interest, including cost and value, and provides pertinent guidance on fire, moisture and acoustics – all of which will impact upon a developer’s decision to choose an engineered timber structure over another form of construction.
The guide is also a useful aid to specifiers engaging with clients on the use of engineered timber and the document can be downloaded and shared with clients when they are initially considering the use of engineered timber. Suggestions for further reading and prompts for further consideration are provided throughout, enabling the client to make an independent, informed decision.
The guide covers a range of engineered timber-related issues such as cost and value; insurance; programme and speed; technical design parameters; knowledge, skills, competence and experience; supply; planning; maintenance, durability, service life and adaptability; sustainability and wellness; and marketability and reputation.
“The guide is an attempt to bridge the gap to clients who might be struggling to find the necessary information to make independent decisions around using engineered timber,” said TRADA’s publication manager, Jacquie Shanahan.
“While we want people to use more engineered timber, for all its holistic and environmental benefits, we also want people to return to timber again and again – with confidence that it’s the right material for their project.”
“It’s great to see this guide making a good case for timber buildings but also providing an honest appraisal of the challenges that accompany the benefits,” said Toby Maclean, of Entuitive.
Cullinen Studio partner Alex Abbey, who is also a member of TRADA’s advisory committee, will share his views on how to maximise value from this guide at TRADA’s Better Timber Buildings conference on November 27.
