The STA’s first external conference for the architect community “Navigating Structural Timber Construction to Address Net Zero” took place on Tuesday 2 July at RIBA, London. Chaired by Andrew Carpenter, who set the scene of the event outlining key actions and opportunities within the Timber in Construction roadmap. A series of presentations followed covering insights and guidance to designing and building in structural timber, supported by case study examples, as well as content on carbon calculations and the 2030 RIBA climate challenge.

Jerry Tate, Director at Tate+Co Architects –  As UK leaders in regenerative design, Jerry spoke about his practice’s journey through timber design, creating environments that are sustainable, healthy and connect with nature. He commented that although they favour timber due to all its inherent benefits, they also recognise the value on of hybrid solutions, stating they are low carbon architects with a predilection towards timber.

Chris Gaze, Sustainability Consultant at the STA  – Chris’s presentation focussed on whole life carbon calculation as set out in the RICS document “Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment”, stating that sequestration is not included (he/we feel it should be!) and whether the assumption of 60 year building life was acceptable. Chris suggested designers looked to reduce carbon wherever possible and use the Future Homes Hub as a benchmark.

Rory Bergin, Partner at HTA Designs – Rory showcased a number of developments focusing on all aspects of housing, from the performance and spatial quality of individual housing typologies, through to large urban buildings, and the comprehensive masterplanning of new suburban settlements and the regeneration of urban areas. He also stated that timber frame is definitely growing in the low-rise housing sector, and that there was plenty of room for growth and adoption.

Professor Alex De Rijke, Founding Director at dRMM Studio – Alex highlighted all the benefits of using structural timber in their projects, stating its versatility and huge potential – we know the benefits but how we use it is still a big open territory. He focused on the combination of using timber  with daylight for maximum benefit and also the carbon reduction aspect. He also posed the question “what is the true cost” is it the cost of the actual building, or the true cost to the environment.

Anthony Thistleton, Founder & Director of Waugh Thistleton Architects – Anthony looked at a number of their high profile mass timber projects including the Black & White Building, highlighting the reduction in carbon by using timber. He also advocated that designing for dis-assembly is a key factor in their projects. He finished by stating firmly that if you want to build in timber you have to design in timber and collaboration is key.

Jess Hrivnak, Technical Advisor Sustainability at RIBA – Jess spoke about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, which focuses on operational energy. embodied carbon, potable water use and health and wellbeing. Her focus is to improve climate literacy, align design targets, strategies and processes,  focusing on design guidance to improve planetary and human health outcomes.

To view and/or download the presentations – Click Here

We are delighted to welcome Paul Newman to STA as Technical Director. Paul has amassed over 30 years’ experience within the timber and construction industries with most of that time in senior technical and leadership roles.

After completing his education with the award of a PhD from Imperial College, and spending a short period of time lecturing at London Guildhall University, he joined what is now BM TRADA and spent 12 years working on a wide range of timber related research and consultancy projects.

Paul has spent the last 17 years working in the timber frame and SIPS businesses of the Kingspan Group and led the company’s involvement in pioneering projects that delivered high performance homes at scale and pace. For most of the last decade Paul’s main focus has shifted towards the self build sector where he has gained experience of working closely with this demanding customer base and providing a wide range of architectural, planning, building regulation and construction services.

Paul joins the Structural Timber Association at a critical time for the sector where there is a clear opportunity for growth in the use of timber-based methods of construction with strong sustainability credentials but also significant technical challenges.

Earlier this year we wrote to members explaining the move within STA Assure to supply only fire safe structural elements.  This was to be introduced in July 2024 but not become a part of STA Assure until 2025.

Due to a number of un-intended consequences that have been brought to the attention of STA there will be a delay in the introduction of this programme.  We will communicate directly with all manufacturing members in due course on the new time lines and any changes that may be required. That said we would naturally encourage members to supply only proven fire resilient elements in the meantime.

Should you require more information this stage, please do not hesitate to contact Andrew Orriss via email Andrew.orriss@structuraltimber.co.uk 

STA has undertaken the “soft” launch of the new Time for Timber website www.timefortimber.org. The platform that was formerly used as a response mechanism to campaigns has been totally remodeled and reworked. We are now working to introduce it to the widest audience so we can start to generate traffic. 

Here we ask for your help… 

First: LinkedIn is an important channel for STA and we need to increase our following while generating website traffic. Can I ask you to copy and paste the post below and post it on your LinkedIn. That will help us to reach your networks and in turn, over time, their networks. 

The Structural Timber Association has invested in this new information portal, in response to the growing demand for structural timber.  Designed to provide guidance and insights, it is aimed at those taking the first step in building in timber.  With growing demand for more sustainable construction and changing building regulations, the portal will facilitate those seeking support for first structural timber projects. www.timefortimber.org

Second: Can we ask you to ask your employees to repost and share your post so that it reaches even more LinkedIn users. 

A new manifesto from the timber industries calls for the next Government to unlock a wave of sustainable timber construction.

The timber industry in the UK contributes more than £10bn to the economy, is home to more than 51,000 businesses, and directly employs more than 300,000 people in green jobs. A few small policy changes could provide a pathway for rapid growth, according to the Timber in Construction Manifesto.

Published by the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), an alliance of associations from across the UK timber supply chain including the Structural Timber Association, the manifesto outlines the quick policy wins which could help support the rapid growth of a low-carbon built environment.

Download the CTI Manifesto here.

A UK first, taking place from 16 – 20 September 2024, Offsite Construction Week (OCW) is a multifaceted showcase that revolves around three major industry events – OFFSITE EXPO, the OFFSITE SUMMIT and OFFSITE AWARDS, with a wide range of parallel activities taking place in the UK and overseas.

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION WEEK (OCW) offers unrivalled access to leading industry pioneers, demonstrators, dynamic factory tours, thought provoking roundtable discussions, CPD accredited masterclasses, award celebrations and an international summit.

OCW Advisory Group

Andrew Orriss was invited to join the OCW Advisory Group, who have curated the free to access programme providing a comprehensive and balanced perspective on this rapidly emerging sector from a host of renowned architects, engineers and offsite manufacturing pioneers. Offsite Construction Week presents an opportunity to get ‘behind the headlines’ and experience first-hand the speed, safety and sustainability benefits of modern methods of construction.

OFFSITE EXPO will be held at the Coventry Building Society Arena from 17 – 18 September 2024. There are five stands still available, which as an STA member we are able to negotiate a discounted rate, and we would urge members to take part in this innovative event.

Please email andrew.orriss@structuraltimber.co.uk for more information and to get involved. It would be great to see more structural timber on the floorplan!

The week-long event also includes the prestigious Offsite Awards, for which STA is a lead sponsor and judge, which celebrates projects – large and small – making transformational changes to how we design, build and deliver structures. Recognition as an Offsite Awards finalist positions companies at the forefront of the offsite construction industry, helping to demonstrate and drive the benefits of prefabrication and factory-based methods, products, systems and disciplines to the wider market.

Click here to find out more about Offsite Construction Week!

Structural Timber Association Ltd
The e-Centre, Cooperage Way Business Village, Alloa, FK10 3LP

Tel: 01259 272140
Email: office@structuraltimber.co.uk

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