The Structural Timber Association (STA) represents the UK’s leading Structural Timber manufacturers and processors. It collaborates with many fire-related organisations, including the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA), to ensure that safer working practices are continually evolved to minimise the risk of fire on timber frame construction sites.
The Structural Timber Association (STA) represents the UK’s leading Structural Timber manufacturers and processors. It collaborates with many fire-related organisations, including the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA), to ensure that safer working practices are continually evolved to minimise the risk of fire on timber frame construction sites.
Timber frame construction is the fastest growing method of construction in the UK; it accounts for one in four new homes and as much as 75% of the self build market. It is also popular in the social housing, healthcare and schools sector.
Structural Timber is classed as a Modern Method of Construction (MMC). It is an engineered, offsite manufactured solution, built to factory-precise dimensions and measurements. Structural Timber Systems are then erected on site. This is highly efficient, creates very little waste on site, minimises labour costs and is fast to build while achieving a high-performing air tight envelope.
Structural Timber Systems have been cited by many authorities, such as the Zero Carbon Hub and BRE, as a key part of the carbon-free future. It is a leading example of a ‘Fabric First’ approach, used to describe the critical make up of a building envelope in the delivery of high levels of thermal performance. As the industry ventures further towards Zero Carbon, Structural Timber Systems will emerge as the dominant method of construction. Manufacturers and processors will continue to develop highly evolved solutions which result in significant material and manpower savings.