Framing Your Build Phase 2
design, optimising the performance of the
building envelope. There is a vast array of options
within the timber technology portfolio that can
deliver high performance building envelopes.
By choosing a structural timber system that
provides optimum thermal performance, on-
going energy consumption costs can be reduced
significantly over traditional building methods,
offering considerable savings over the lifetime
of the home.
Pay Attention to Assured
‘as-designed’ Aerformance
The thermal performance of the building
envelope makes a significant contribution to
reducing the overall building energy usage,
however lower U-values in walls, floors and
roofs need to be accompanied by correct
specification, installation and detailing to
avoid the ‘performance gap’ between those
predicted at the design stage to the actual in-
use performance. The ‘Fabric First’ approach
is the most reliable route to achieving
exceptional building performance. Architects
are increasingly recognising the importance of
good building detailing and the specification
of high-performance insulation materials on
in-use energy performance. Whilst renewable
technology has its place, there is no doubt that
optimising the external fabric is the most cost-
effective and reliable route to define and optimise
the energy performance of the building.
Use innovative Techniques
The construction industry is evolving and
moving away from traditional site-based
brick and block techniques and is increasingly
adopting design for manufacture and assembly
approaches. This means that homes are designed
to be factory manufactured and then rapidly
assembled onsite. Innovative techniques such
as the factory fitting of insulation, doors and
windows deliver enhanced quality together with
considerable time savings, offering both cost
and programme certainty. Manufacturing is not
just about building performance. Engineered
systems such as cross laminated timber panels
and glue laminated beams, used predominately
by the commercial construction industry, are
now being specified by architects and adopted
by self builders to unlock architectural freedom
and enable large open plan spaces, that are not
achievable using traditional building methods.
Consider Design Adaptability
The design possibilities of building in timber
are limitless, from traditional farm houses clad
in stone to contemporary homes with curves and
slick white render finishes, structural timber
systems can meet any design aspiration and
individual requirement. Lifestyles are changing,
and the demands made on our living space
are challenging the traditional layout of the
family home. Configurations need to be adapted
to meet the changing needs - removing stud
walls and developing extensions is not an issue- timber construction allows great flexibility
to suit different budgets and meet the design
requirements of the most challenging building
plots, including those on a steep incline.
Use an STA Assured Member
With assurances being of primary importance- there are a host of reasons why self-builders
should partner with one of our members.
Our STA Assure assessment creates a clear
distinction in the expected performance levels
of STA members and non-members. Only STA
members undergo the rigorous independent
audit, providing transparency, credibility and
accountability, thereby safeguarding the interests
of end users and enabling them to partner with
reputable member companies to harness the
multitude of inherent benefits that structural
timber offers. Working with an STA member
means you can build with confidence knowing
that your main project partner achieves the
highest levels of quality across a range of
industry standards.http://www.structuraltimber.co.uk
@STAtimber