UK construction industry leaders ‘talk timber’ in Richmond

DuPont™ Tyvek® UK and Ireland recently welcomed major players from construction companies and organisations in the UK to the DuPont Global Building Knowledge Center in Richmond, Virginia to discuss various aspects of the timber frame industry. Guests included representatives from the Structural Timber Association (STA), Barratt Developments plc and Pinewood Structures.

The talks focused on four main areas:

• Raising the profile of membranes & the importance in protecting timber frames

• Improving the quality of fitting through improved competency and understanding

• Analysing market and economic trends to strengthen the industry’s future

• Highlighting the need for frames to perform for thermal efficiency and functionality

Other topics considered by the group were how to minimise the performance gap to achieve ‘design as built’ and how to share building practices in design, build and installation including flashing detailing. The group examined the importance of other trades involved in a project following initial construction -- plumbers, electricians, etc., and reflected on the significance of innovation in technology, design, product and application.

Leading the UK and Ireland team in the discussions was John Neill, Sales Manager, Building Envelope UK & Ireland, who was encouraged by the success of the discussions.

“It was an honour to facilitate transatlantic links in the timber frame and timber construction industries,” John said. “The meeting enabled leaders to share best practice, identify synergies and explore development opportunities. We discussed industry safety and how to achieve better results through technology and application to raise standards both on site and in the finished product.”