home · about · news · portfolio · blogs · resources · contact
|
I see that Martin Clarke, CE of British Precast is calling for a moratorium on the use of timber frame in multi-storey construction. Anyone would think he had a vested interest!
He was responding to the recent fire at a multi-storey site in Hatfield built using small section softwood now commonly used in the mass construction market. It?s at times like this I wish people could readily differentiate between our industry and the high volume, softwood framing market and industry leaders would show more foresight with regard to the use of sustainable materials in construction.
It is confusing that timber framing is used to describe two very different construction methods. The first, as in the Hatfield fire, uses small section (typically 50mm x 100mm) softwood for the mass production of panel systems that can be quickly erected on site. This approach has been used on the continent for years but only relatively recently adopted in the UK in any numbers. It has a number of advantages for the mass development market and of course uses a sustainable material. By comparison our industry uses large section (typically 200mm x 200mm) green timber, often hardwood, to manufacture unique timber frames for the primary building structure. As an aside these frames actually perform well in fire conditions because once the outer layer has charred it takes prolonged exposure to fire to have any further effect.
On the second point I find frustrating that in this day and age when we have to look at every possible way of reducing our impact on the environment, the likes of Martin Clark grab at opportunities like this to nurture bad press for the industry in general. Whilst the incident itself needs to be treated very seriously we have to quickly learn from other parts of the world where they have more experience than us and not call for a halt in its use.
More blogs by Andy Parker
This annual event held at the National Arboretum at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire is one of those rare occasions when you really can see artists and craftsman at work. I so rarely go to 'craft' shows or shops these days because inevitably they comprise a collection of objects of questionable quality bought from the same wholesale supplier as every other 'craft' shop in the country.
The Festival of the Tree is different. The organisers clearly take care in selecting the exhibitors for the trade stands. In addition there is a really interesting array of wood related demonstrations including on site milling, chair making and turning on a pole lathe, many of which visitors are encouraged to have a go at.
However the centre piece for me is whiling away the time watching sculptors from around the world create the most magnificent large scale carvings from huge chunks of tree. At the outset this isn't a peaceful pastime as the first stages are carried out with a range of chainsaws but none the less it's fascinating to watch. This particular part of the event is known as Sculptree and runs for eight days, at the end of which the sculptures are auctioned off in support of Tree Aid.
All in all, well worth a visit.
More blogs by Andy Parker
Working with green timber is incredibly rewarding but finding the right timber for each job can present its challenges. We have to be particularly vigilant over the next couple of months to ensure that what we receive from suppliers meets the criteria we set for timber specification.
At this time of year the timber yards throughout Europe are running down their stocks of green timber. The cutting season starts towards the end of September / early October so right now last years green stock is significantly depleted and the timber suppliers have less to select from when fulfilling an order for us.
This is especially true if we are trying to source long lengths of curved timber for use in sling brace trusses and cruck frames. Lead times for projects incorporating this type of timber can be pushed out and whilst some companies might claim to be able to source the right timber, in reality they are very likely to be using lower quality stock. This may of course not be evident to most people for another 12 to 18 months as the frame dries and unsightly cracks make it apparent.
Timber is the only sustainable material currently available for use as a primary structure for buildings and the only heterogeneous one. We?re depending on nature to provide us with a material in her own good time and when she does to some extent we have to work with what she gives us but the wait is, in our view, always worth it.
More blogs by Andy Parker
Copyright © 1993–2008 Carpenter Oak & Woodland Limited · site map · legal notices · accessibility |