Three new guidance documents on timber standards have been launched by the government’s head of building regulations at an important event attended by more than 50 housebuilders.
Paul Everall launched the Timber Frame 2000 guidance document; a lifecyle analysis report of timber in construction and a UK Timber Frame Association/Building Research Establishment (BRE) document on building regulations Parts L, J, and F. He also hinted sustainability could feature in future building regulations.
The ‘Timber Solutions’ event, at Stewart Milne Timber Systems in Witney, combined a masterclass, organised by the BRE and RIBA-linked Design for Homes; the UK Timber Frame Association’s (UKTFA) annual conference; and a BRE timber frame in construction session. Architects and specifiers also attended.
Dr Peter Bonfield, director of the Centre for Timber Technology and Construction at the BRE, said: “We were pleased to see senior government and industry representatives working together to make the day a success. I think this is a very good platform for future co-operation between industry, researchers and the government.”
The masterclass, which followed previous classes in steel and concrete/masonry, aimed to address planning, construction and design issues shaping the government’s agenda for new homes.
Speakers included Roger Fortune of the St James Group, who detailed the Ion development, a multi-storey timber frame development at Greenwich, while chief executive of the UKTFA Bryan Woodley advocated education, site quality and workmanship in its strategy for industry improvement.
Robin Davies, group business development manager of Westbury plc, spoke about the company’s Space4 modular home factory and said customisation was an important issue for the future.
People also had the chance to tour Stewart Milne’s Witney operation.
