The 73-home timber frame housing complex at Ilford Wharf in Essex will be the first complete project that can lay claim to more than 50% of the timber used in its construction originating from environmentally and socially sustainable forestry sources.

Integral to the development are UltraJoists from Perth-based Glenalmond Timber Company.

“This is one of the most exciting projects we have ever been involved with,” said Glenalmond managing director Fraser Steel.

“We have been FSC certified since 2001, using specially processed timbers from Scottish forests and, more recently, from a specialist sawmill at Kurekss in Latvia. But this is the first time we have been able to ensure totally provable chain of custody supply through every link in the chain of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.”

The five-storey development is being carried out by husband and wife partnership Hollybrook Homes for housing association Tower Homes.