Ecobuild – showcasing timber technology
Attracting construction professionals from across the globe, the Timber District at ecobuild 2018 has been hailed an overwhelming success by exhibitors and delegates alike. The Structural Timber Association (STA) played a key role in shaping the content and the STA board together with many members, were particularly active presenting in the Timber Talks seminars.
Reflecting the heightened interest, the Timber Talks sessions were packed to the gunnels with delegates keen to learn direct from pioneers of timber technology and discover more about the most sustainable of offsite structural solutions.
The first day focused on vertical markets including social housing, healthcare, retail, leisure and culminated in a showcase of UK construction projects which use structural timber systems to great effect to develop outstanding award-winning buildings.
On the second day, Andrew Carpenter Chief Executive of the STA kicked off proceedings with a programme featuring private housing, education and commercial developments together with self build and the recently emerging, custom build sector. The day finished with inspiring speakers focusing on low energy construction and how to exploit timber technology to maximum effect to create low carbon designs which reduce energy consumption across the lifecycle of the building.
Day three shone a spotlight on structural timber solutions - profiling the optimum systems to rapidly deliver sustainable, robust and energy efficient buildings. With experts in the fields discussing the specific benefits and optimising the use of structural insulated panels (SIPS), timber frame systems and solid wood solutions, including glulam and cross lamented timber.
But it was not only the seminars that attracted great attention, over 20 exhibitors from Europe and beyond, gathered in the Timber District to launch new products and present innovations in timber technology.
With a major presence in the Timber District, the STA used the event as a platform to launch and promote the Association’s latest initiates. One of the STA’s primary objective is to enhance quality through research and guidance, underpinned by a members’ quality standard assessment – the STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme. The independently audited STA Assure scheme,– was launched at EcoBuild. Developed to benefit construction professionals by promoting the differing levels of accreditations held by individual member companies - STA Assure has received formal recognition from six of the industry’s leading structural warranty and building control bodies.
Two major documents were also previewed at the event which have both been a year in the making –the recently published Site Check Pocket Guide and the forthcoming cost study report - the Timber and Masonry Costing Guide which is being carried out by Rider Levett Bucknall. As a leading organisation in cost management, quantity surveying and advisory services - Rider Levett Bucknall is conducting research across operators in both sectors. The Timber and Masonry Costing Guide is being developed to support quantity surveyors by making direct cost comparisons between for the same drawings and outline specification for a series of house designs.
Timber technology was also a focal point of the Offsite Awards which took place on the first evening of ecobuild. Sponsored by the Structural Timber Association, the Best Use of Timber Technology was awarded to Brooke Homes for the company’s Capstone Green project. With over 20 entries in the category, this was a hotly contested award - Brooke Homes was declared the winner due their pioneering approach to developing environmentally friendly, affordable, medium-rise sustainable homes, fit for the 21st century. Using cutting-edge construction method, Brooke Homes’ volumetric structural insulated panel modules include the complete requirements of a finished fitted-out house, including wall finish, M&E and bathroom and kitchen fit-out, with the desired goal being a full turn-key delivered residential solution.
To find out more about the Offsite Awards go to: www.offsiteawards.co.uk
To find out more about the Structural Timber Association go to: www.structuraltimber.co.uk
Go to the STA video vault and find out more about the STA's involvement with ecobuild 2018
