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.

Brettstaple

Interlocking Log / Machine Profile Log

Brettstaple Interlocking Log / Machine Profile Log Cross Laminated Timber

Brettstaple Interlocking Log / Machine Profile Log Cross Laminated Timber 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.

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.

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.

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

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Well Done! Cross Laminated Timber, Brettstaple and Machine Profile Log are all types of 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. TrueTrue or FalseFalse

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Well Done! Timber can be 100% reused or recycled.

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

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

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

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Well Done! Timber can be 100% reused or recycled.

Solid timber construction involves tightly fixed timbers which minimise infiltration routes

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

Solid timber construction involves tightly fixed timbers which minimise infiltration routes Timber buildings with timber on interior and exterior can reduce infiltration further MPL with appropriate breather membranes can achieve <1m3/hr at 50Pa

Solid timber construction involves tightly fixed timbers which minimise infiltration routes Timber buildings with timber on interior and exterior can reduce infiltration further MPL with appropriate breather membranes can achieve <1m3/hr at 50Pa MPL buildings can achieve Carbon Positive with air tightness at <3m3/hr at 50Pa & a solar array.

Image Courtesy of Cabinco

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

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

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

Labour costs are reduced

Solid timber panels or logs are precision engineered off-site and pieced together to create a rapid construction process Labour costs are reduced No Drying/Curing times waiting for concrete/cement/plaster or paint

Solid timber panels or logs are precision engineered off-site and pieced together to create a rapid construction process Labour costs are reduced No Drying/Curing times waiting for 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

Less waste = reduced costs of disposal

WRAP state that offsite manufacture generates up to 80% less waste than traditional construction Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site

WRAP state that offsite manufacture generates up to 80% less waste than traditional construction Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No wet trades reduces COSHH waste

WRAP state that offsite manufacture generates up to 80% less waste than traditional construction Less waste = reduced costs of disposal Reduced traffic to/from site No wet trades reduces COSHH waste Neater, tidier and more environmentally friendly sites

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

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

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

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

Precision Engineering Less waste Less on site machinery / power tools Lower co2 emissions Less noise Safer working conditions

Precision Engineering Less waste Less on site machinery / power tools Lower co2 emissions Less noise Safer working conditions Rapid Construction

Precision Engineering Less waste Less on site machinery / power tools Lower co2 emissions Less noise Safer working conditions Rapid Construction

Image shows external larch cladding

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

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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.

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;

No wasted time curing/drying/proving

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; No wasted time curing/drying/proving No weather delays

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

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; 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

Laminated timbers reduce shakes and splits associated with natural timber finish

Where internal finish is also timber ie; MPL or exposed Brettstapel then a high quality finish is provided with further advantages Laminated timbers reduce shakes and splits associated with natural timber finish Therefore no plasterboard required and site waste further reduced

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

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

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)

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 W/(m.K).

High quality insulation material further reduces U vales

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

Timber has highest thermal resistance of traditional construction materials with conductivity of W/(m.K). High quality insulation further reduces U values 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 Air tightness (as discussed earlier) improving efficiency further

Timber is the most thermal efficient of all traditional construction materials with conductivity of W/(m.K) True or False TrueFalse

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

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

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

Some solid timber buildings including MPL offer a fully recyclable building envelope. In addition enable efficient dismantling at end of the buildings life. Salvaged materials can be re-used, recycled or re-manufactured

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

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

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.

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 TrueFalse

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

Brettstaple Suitable for multi-storey buildings

Brettstaple Suitable for multi-storey buildings Potential for use of low grade local timber where manufacturing facilities available

Brettstaple Suitable for multi-storey buildings Potential for use of low grade local timber where manufacturing facilities available Options for industrial grade finish

Machine Profile Log Logs can be carried manually or mechanically making ideal for sites with restricted access.

Machine Profile Log Logs can be carried manually or mechanically making ideal for sites with restricted access. Minimal mechanical handling makes MPL ideal for sites where quiet construction important.

Machine Profile Log Logs can be carried manually or mechanically making ideal for sites with restricted access. Minimal mechanical handling makes MPL ideal for sites where quiet construction important. Exposed internal wall log makes ideal where quality internal finish is required.

Machine Profile Log Logs can be carried manually or mechanically making ideal for sites with restricted access. Minimal mechanical handling makes MPL ideal for 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

Cross Laminated Timber Suitable for multi-storey construction

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

A quick summary of the points we have learned.

Brettstaple Interlocking Log / Machine Profile Log Cross Laminated Timber 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

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

Solid timber construction involves tightly fixed timbers which minimise infiltration routes Timber buildings with timber on interior and exterior can reduce infiltration further MPL with appropriate breather membranes can achieve <1m3/hr at 50Pa MPL buildings can achieve Carbon Positive with air tightness at <3m3/hr at 50Pa & a solar array.

Solid timber panels or logs are precision engineered off-site and pieced together to create a rapid construction process Labour costs are reduced No Drying/Curing times waiting for concrete/cement/plaster or paint Inconvenience to neighbours reduced as a result

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

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.

Precision Engineering Less waste Less on site machinery / power tools Lower co2 emissions Less noise Safer working conditions Rapid Construction

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; 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 Laminated timbers reduce shakes and splits associated with natural timber finish Therefore no plasterboard required and site waste further reduced Positive ambience

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 W/(m.K). High quality insulation further reduces U values 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 Air tightness (as discussed earlier) improving efficiency further

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

Brettstaple Suitable for multi-storey buildings Potential for use of low grade local timber where manufacturing facilities available Options for industrial grade finish

Machine Profile Log Logs can be carried manually or mechanically making ideal for sites with restricted access. Minimal mechanical handling makes MPL ideal for 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.

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

References Library images courtesy of Cabinco Ltd Section drawings courtesy of Cabinco Ltd