A wide-ranging audience took part in an interesting and stimulating event exploring the possibilities of using local timber in construction in the Highlands in April at Horizon Scotland in Forres, Moray. The Horizon Scotland building itself was a very appropriate venue, using Scotlarch cladding supplied by one of the speakers’ companies, Russwood. The conference was timely with new building regulations coming into force from May 2007 specifying higher thermal and energy ratings, increased use of MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) as well as new systems of construction such as massive timber. In addition, public buildings will require to have a regular energy audit.
A series of presentations set the scene in the morning and gave an opportunity for discussion of various issues across the whole supply chain. Niel Barnard, a venture capitalist, chaired the conference and put the subject in the context of world markets and use of timber in construction in the UK. Neil Sutherland*, a local architect shared his experience and knowledge of working with timber in construction. Francis Wilbur, James Jones & Sons Ltd, addressed issues faced by the processing sector with regard to the timber supply for construction. John Russell of Russwood illustrated examples of opportunities for specialist timber such as Scotlarch for cladding. Dr Stephen Garvin of BRE compared the merits of different building materials and illustrated where timber could be used to advantage.
To build with wood, we need to understand the material! There is much knowledge and experience available, from Scandinavia as well as increasingly from Scotland. We should learn to design buildings to the material we have available in Scotland, i.e. C16 rather than C24 and make the most of what there is. For example, what size of buildings would suit C16 rather than C24 (imported timber). Correct detailing is important when specifying timber in a building, and using the most appropriate species for a particular element of the building, e.g. cladding – Scotlarch from Russwood is European larch heartwood. Specifiers – engineers, architects and designers need to know wood properties more fully so that appropriate material can be sourced. We should support local and sustainable industries and seek to reduce ‘carbon embodiment’ (total life cycle of product).
Creating understanding along the supply chain, from growth of quality trees to processors’ requirements, will help the sector to work together and to continue production levels into the future. However, to maintain levels for 20 years hence, more new planting/replanting of trees is required now.
As regulations over construction become ever more stringent, policy makers are encouraged to consult with industry on new regulations and work together to find appropriate solutions. It was noted that fire regulations may restrict much further expansion into timber construction in the UK.
As often happens, when there are people from different sectors in one room – there is much agreement in the industry that co-operative solutions can, and should be found to maximise efficiencies of products and systems across the supply chain to keep innovations moving forward. Innovations in the construction sector, such as MMC and off-site construction, can help to reduce on-site labour costs and address skills shortages.
In the afternoon, the participants were inspired to see the variety of design styles used in the Ecohomes at Findhorn as well as a new office building, for Forestry Commission Scotland, at Smithton on the outskirts of Inverness. The thermal/energy ratings of these buildings were illustrated by a comment that at Findhorn, some residents had only enquired about instructions for heating their houses after a year of occupation! The new FCS office demonstrated a modern timber construction, a light and airy working environment using a design with locally availably timber and which maximised solar radiation. The wood fuel boiler is supplied and maintained by the Scottish School of Forestry which is nearby.
Jean Finlayson
Co-ordinator, Scottish Forest Industries Cluster
* Please contact Cluster Co-ordinator if you wish a copy of this presentation.
