Options for sustainable construction. This module will describe the generic benefits of solid timber construction. The advantages of these construction

Solid Timber Construction

Options for sustainable construction

This module will describe the generic benefits of solid timber construction. The advantages of these construction styles when seeking a sustainable solution.We will also look at the particular advantages of each style to individual projects.

Overview

Brettstaple

Types of Solid Timber Construction

Brettstaple

Interlocking Log / Machine Profile Log


Brettstaple


Cross Laminated Timber


Brettstaple



Each system has its own particular advantages which make it more suited to an individual project. This module is intended to provide the generic benefits of solid timber construction.


Sometimes known as Dowelam. Brettstaple Construction consists of creating a solid wood panel by layering sections of timber and connecting by use of a hardwood dowel (or alternative) to create a locked solid timber section. These sections are fixed together on site to create a structural shell.

Brettstapel

Interlocking Log buildings are created by layering logs on site and fixing with a combination of dowels and threaded bar. These logs are locked together on site to create the structural shell. Interlocking logs can be supplied in a variety of profiles, the most popular being Machine Profiled Logs (MPL). This is the system we will refer to for the purpose of this module.

Interlocking / Machine Profile Log

Example wall section for MPL Building

Cross-laminated boards are glued together and used to build walls and joists. Panels are machined in a factory to fine tolerances by computer controlled equipment. The panels arrive on site with apertures for doors and windows, and wiring and plumbing channels already prepared.

CLT – Cross Laminated Timber

Cross Laminated Timber, Brettstaple and Machine Profile Log are all types of solid timber construction.

True or False

Question

Are you sure? Would you like to try again?

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False?

Well Done!

Cross Laminated Timber, Brettstaple and Machine Profile Log are all types of solid timber construction.

True

Sustainability of materials

Why Choose solid timber Construction

Sustainability of materials Air tightness


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades”


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades” Quality of internal finish


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades” Quality of internal finish Improvement of internal air quality


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades” Quality of internal finish Improvement of internal air quality Energy Efficiency


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades” Quality of internal finish Improvement of internal air quality Energy Efficiency Designing for De-Construction


Solid Timber Construction can provide a rapid, sustainable and safe construction process and result in a high quality, low maintenance, energy efficient building.

True or False

Question


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False?

Well Done!

Timber can be 100% reused or recycled.

True

Established Independent protocols for verification of material and supply chain sustainability through FSC® or PEFC® certification.

Sustainable Materials


Continuous forest renewal improves global air quality as a result of Carbon Sequestration




Suitability of timber for recycling/re-use means that there is no waste to landfill


When using Timber as a construction material it reduces site waste. This is because it can be re-used and re-cycled and does not need to go to landfil.

True or False?

Question


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False?

Well Done!

Timber can be 100% reused or recycled.

True

Solid timber construction involves tightly fixed timbers which minimise infiltration routes

Air Tightness


Timber buildings with timber on interior and exterior can reduce infiltration further

Air Tightness



MPL with appropriate breather membranes can achieve <1m3/hr at 50Pa

Air Tightness




MPL buildings can achieve “Carbon Positive” with air tightness at <3m3/hr at 50Pa & a solar array.

Air Tightness

Image Courtesy of Cabinco

Solid timber construction – including MPL can achieve air tightness of <1m3/hr at 50Pa

True or False

Question


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False?

Well Done – Solid Timber construction, including MPL can achieve air tightness of <1m3/hr at 50Pa

True!

Solid timber panels or logs are precision engineered off-site and pieced together to create a rapid construction process

Speed of Construction


Labour costs are reduced



Labour costs are reduced No Drying/Curing times waiting for

concrete/cement/plaster or paint




concrete/cement/plaster or paint Inconvenience to neighbours reduced as a

result


Just 17 days into construction of this 120sqm mpl nursery, the building is watertight and weatherproof with all first fixes complete.

WRAP state that offsite manufacture generates up to 80% less waste than traditional construction

Low Site Waste


Less waste = reduced costs of disposal

Low Site Waste


Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site

Low Site Waste


Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No “wet trades” reduces COSHH waste

Low Site Waste


Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No “wet trades” reduces COSHH waste Neater, tidier and more environmentally

friendly sites

Low Site Waste


Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No “wet trades” reduces COSHH waste Neater, tidier and more environmentally friendly

sites MPL have recorded as little as 0.3 tonnes to

landfill per 100m2 of new build.

Low Site Waste

WRAP states that off-site manufactured construction can produce 80% less waste than traditional construciton

True or False

Question


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False?

Well Done! Off site manufacture produces as little as 80% less waste than traditional construction.

True!

Pre-fabricated panels or logs can be transported around site on a tele-handler or side loader (depending on size)

Sites with Restricted Access

Pre-fabricated panels or logs can be transported around site on a tele-handler or side loader (depending on size)

Machine profile logs and smaller panels can even be manually carried where access is particularly difficult


Precision Engineering◦ Less waste

Off-Site Fabrication


Less on site machinery / power tools◦ Lower co2 emissions◦ Less noise◦ Safer working conditions




Rapid Construction




Rapid Construction


Image shows external larch cladding

Solid timber construction – alongside off site manufacture can result in a safer, healthier and cleaner site.

True or False

Question


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False?

Solid Timber Construction which is usually combined with off-site manufacture reduces site waste, reduces use of machinery/power tools, reduces site CO2 emissions and results in a cleaner, healthier and safer site than traditional construction.

True!

There is no need for cement /plaster /paint to be used on site where exposed timber is final finish on both internal and external walls. Therefore;

Potential to loose all “wet trades”


No wasted time curing/drying/proving



No wasted time curing/drying/proving No weather delays



No wasted time curing/drying/proving No weather delays Reduced Site Waste including COSHH waste



No wasted time curing/drying/proving No weather delays Reduced Site Waste including COSHH waste Improved Health and Safety


Where internal finish is also timber ie; MPL or exposed Brettstapel then a high quality finish is provided with further advantages

Quality of Internal Finish


Laminated timbers reduce shakes and splits associated with natural timber finish




Therefore no plasterboard required and site waste further reduced





Positive ambience


True or False

Question

Moisture Mass - natural cell structure of untreated timber absorbs and releases excessive internal moisture.

Improved Internal air quality

Moisture Mass (natural cell structure of untreated timber absorbs and releases excessive internal moisture

High thermal resistance (thermal conductivity of timber is 0.12 to 0.16 W/m.K)




Timber does not retain any electro-static charge. This is of benefit in particular to allergy sufferers which account for approximately 1:4 of the population.


Timber has highest thermal resistance of traditional construction materials with conductivity of 0.12 - 0.16 W/(m.K).

Energy Efficiency


High quality insulation material further reduces U vales

Energy Efficiency


High quality insulation further reduces U vales Combination results in thinner wall thickness to

create more energy efficient walls than traditional construction eg; MPL with 150mm Kingspan insulation gives U value of 0.14 with wall thickness of 290mm

Energy Efficiency


High quality insulation further reduces U values Combination results in thinner wall thickness to


Air tightness (as discussed earlier) improving efficiency further

Energy Efficiency

Timber is the most thermal efficient of all traditional construction materials with conductivity of 0.12 - 0.16 W/(m.K)

True or False

Question


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False?

Timber is the most thermal efficient of all traditional construction materials with conductivity of 0.12 - 0.16 W/(m.K)

True!

Some solid timber buildings including MPL offer a fully recyclable building envelope.

Designing for De-Construction


In addition enable efficient dismantling at end of the buildings life.




Salvaged materials can be re-used, recycled or re-manufactured





Recovering some of their inherent value.





Recovering some of their inherent value. Reducing future waste to landfil


Carbon Sequestration◦ During its growth each kg of timber will sequester

carbon from 1.8kg of CO2 of which approx 75% is released as Oxygen back into the atmosphere

Additional Benefits of Solid Timber Construction

Carbon Sequestration◦ During its growth each kg of timber will sequester

carbon from 1.8kg of CO2 of which approx 75% is released as Oxygen back into the atmosphere

Fire Resistance◦ Solid timber maintains structural integrity better

than bare steel or concrete in a fire.

Additional Benefits of Solid Timber Construction

◦ During its growth each kg of timber will sequester carbon from 1.8kg of CO2 of which approx 75% is released as Oxygen back into the atmosphere

True or False

Question


Try again

False?

In Each 1kg of timber within a building there is a sequestered carbon value of 1.8 CO2

True!

Brettstaple ◦ Suitable for multi-storey buildings

Individual Benefits

Brettstaple ◦ Suitable for multi-storey buildings◦ Potential for use of low grade local timber where

manufacturing facilities available

Individual Benefits


manufacturing facilities available◦ Options for industrial grade finish

Individual Benefits

Machine Profile Log◦ Logs can be carried manually or mechanically

making ideal for sites with restricted access.

Individual Benefits


making ideal for sites with restricted access.◦ Minimal mechanical handling makes MPL ideal for

sites where quiet construction important.

Individual Benefits



sites where quiet construction important.◦ Exposed internal wall log makes ideal where

quality internal finish is required.

Individual Benefits



sites where quiet construction important.◦ Exposed internal wall log make ideal where

quality internal finish is required.◦ Low cost/quality solution for single or two storey

buildings.◦ Popular in educational settings

Individual Benefits

Cross Laminated Timber◦ Suitable for multi-storey construction

Individual Benefits

Cross Laminated Timber◦ Suitable for multi-storey construction◦ Can be specified for industrial/low grade internal

finish

Individual Benefits

A quick summary of the points we have learned.

Quick Revision

Brettstaple



Each system has its own particular advantages which make it more suited to an individual project.


Sustainability of materials Air tightness Speed of construction Low site waste Suitability for sites with restricted access Off Site Pre-Fabrication Potential to loose all “wet trades” Quality of internal finish Improvement of internal air quality Energy Efficiency Designing for De-Construction




Suitability of timber for recycling/re-use means that there is no waste to landfill





MPL buildings can achieve “Carbon Positive” with air tightness at <3m3/hr at 50Pa & a solar array.

Air Tightness



concrete/cement/plaster or paint Inconvenience to neighbours reduced as a

result



Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No “wet trades” reduces COSHH waste Neater, tidier and more environmentally friendly

sites MPL have recorded as little as 0.3 tonnes to

landfill per 100m2 of new build.

Low Site Waste

Pre-fabricated panels or logs can be transported to site on a tele-handler or side loader (depending on size)

Machine profile logs and smaller panels can even be manually carried where access is particularly difficult


With a little trackway and a sideloader – this narrow access was suitable for an MPL project.



Rapid Construction



No wasted time curing/drying/proving No weather delays Reduced Site Waste including COSHH waste Improved Health and Safety





Positive ambience




Timber does not retain any electro-static charge. This is of benefit in particular to allergy sufferers which account for approximately 1:4 of the population.



High quality insulation further reduces U values Combination results in thinner wall thickness to


Air tightness (as discussed earlier) improving efficiency further

Energy Efficiency




Recovering some of their inherent value. Reducing future waste to landfil


Carbon Sequestration◦ Each kg of timber locks up 1.8kg of CO2

Fire Resistance◦ Solid timber maintains structural integrity better

than bare steel or concrete in a fire.

Benefits of Solid Timber Construction over Timber Frame


manufacturing facilities available◦ Options for industrial grade finish

Individual Benefits



sites where quiet construction important.◦ Exposed internal wall log make ideal where

quality internal finish is required.◦ Low cost/quality solution for single or two storey

buildings.

Individual Benefits

Cross Laminated Timber◦ Suitable for multi-storey construction◦ Can use low grade timbers◦ Various grades of finish including exposed

Individual Benefits

References www.cabinco.co.uk Library images courtesy of Cabinco Ltd Section drawings courtesy of Cabinco Ltd http://www.brettstapel.org.uk/ http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/projects/low_impact_materials/IP17_11.pdf http://jp.europeanwood.org/en/building-with-wood/building-systems/solid-wood-panels/ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mid-rise http://www.foam-insulation.co.uk/insulation/thermal-conductivity.htm

Solid Timber Construction

http://www.cabinco.co.uk/

http://www.cabinco.co.uk/

http://www.brettstapel.org.uk/

http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/projects/low_impact_materials/IP17_11.pdf

http://jp.europeanwood.org/en/building-with-wood/building-systems/solid-wood-panels/

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mid-rise

http://www.foam-insulation.co.uk/insulation/thermal-conductivity.htm

Documents

Options for sustainable construction. This module will describe the generic benefits of solid timber construction. The advantages of these construction