Timber as a Building Material
Timber has been widely used across Europe, Asia and Canada as a primary building material for centuries. It has proved to be a strong, durable and practical means of construction. If you visit ancient temples, ski lodges or agricultural barns, you can see the craftsmanship used to create solid wooden structures that have stood the test of time.
Equally, many historic homes are supported by strong timbers, yet this traditional material fell out of favour. In its place, manmade materials including concrete, steel and brick were widely adopted. There is no doubt that these solutions expanded the architectural boundaries of what was possible. However, developments in timber technologies are seeing this natural material make a comeback.
Timber for the Future of Building
A return to timber is not a case of nostalgia. Equally, it’s not limited to one-off self-builds that aspire to blend in with their surroundings. This building material is what we need to realise a low-carbon future of construction.
The International Energy Agency suggests the built environment generates 40% of global CO2 emissions. This is not sustainable and a change in building methods and materials is key to reducing the industry’s environmental impact. Forward-thinking architects are keen to demonstrate that wood is a viable alternative to concrete and steel.
With this in mind, Timber Construction UK has published a downloadable resource created by Waugh Thistleton Architects. Timber Typologies aims to clear up misconceptions and provide valuable guidance in appropriate timber use.
Misinformation About The Suitability of Timber in Construction
The shift to concrete, brick and steel means that many builders lack the skills to construct in wood. What’s more, Building Regulations and Insurance companies are yet to view timber on the same level as manmade materials. Therefore, it is understandable that developers default to what they know can be achieved by their team without unnecessary complications.
Structural Integrity
When dense woods are used, timber has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel. Equally, products including Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) minimise the movement that can result from timbers exposed to changing moisture levels. London’s Black & White Building is a 6-storey office constructed entirely from timber. By using four different timbers the architects and builders created a structurally sound solution for each specific application in the build.
Fire Resistance
High-profile cases, such as the devastating fire in Grenfell Tower have made many wary of using timber. However, it has been proven that inferior quality cladding and poor installation methods were used. The companies supplying and fitting the material were at fault.
Not all cladding is the same. We supply tried and tested timbers, handcrafted with quality finishes. And, we advise buyers to use professional and experienced installation teams.
The fire performance of timber is defined under EN13501-1, which provides a Euro Class rating. To comply with Building Regulations, cladding timbers must be suitable for exterior use. In addition, it may be necessary to enhance with a flame retardant. This is a service that we provide for our Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber cladding.
The FPA provide further advice and information regarding compliant Cladding.
Moisture Resistance & Water Damage
The risk of water damage can be an issue for insurers. Again, professional building practices can reduce this risk. In most cases, timber is not the only building material used in a project. Therefore, the solution can be to use alternative materials in moisture-prone areas including shower rooms and kitchens.
Longevity Of Timber Buildings
In some cases, the longevity of timber buildings is called into question. Yet, select the right timber and you get a durable material. The Essex village of Greensted is home to Europe’s oldest church. It was built in the 9th Century and is still in use today. Timber can require maintenance to aid its longevity, but with minor input, it can stand the test of time.
By using the traditional preservation technique of charring timber, we offer a low maintenance cladding that is resilient to moisture, burrowing insects and UV light. This increases the longevity of the timbers. The yakisugi technique is seen on several historic Japanese temples that are still standing over a thousand years after they were built.
Timber-first Thinking
Timber is straightforward to shape and cut, which opens up the opportunity for innovative architectural design. What’s more, growing trees and building with timber supports carbon capture, which is key to reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. Equally, at the end of the building’s life, it can be recycled or reused.
In addition, timber is naturally insulating, enables efficient, off-site, modular construction and is aesthetically pleasing. For these reasons and more, the industry is being encouraged into timber-first thinking. Can significant parts of a project be achieved in timber and what specifications are the most suitable?
