WoodBUILD 2024 was an absolute game-changer, and if you missed it, don’t worry. We’ve distilled the highlights from this year’s event to give you a quick hit of the latest in timber construction from the perspective of design and architecture. From fire safety to innovative timber products, here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
“The Welsh forest industries have the potential to deliver the low-carbon buildings that people in Wales need. What might seem like a series of complex and at times overwhelming challenges can be resolved when we come together to discuss, debate and find a way forward. WoodBUILD and other WKW events provide the fertile ground for these solutions to emerge.” James Moxey, Business Development & Delivery, Woodknowledge Wales
Hosted by Woodknowledge Wales and sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, this year’s event was held on 2-3 July at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), IQ Campus in Swansea.
Advancing Timber Frame Construction in Wales
Steve Cranston from Delivering Net Zero (DNZ) hosted one of five participant-led, small group discussions within the day one plenary, where participants shared insights on timber frame construction in Wales. This group highlighted the success of the Highfield terraces project and discussed the DNZ pattern book, material availability, and up-to-date specifications. Discussion emphasised efficient choices in wall and timber types, integrating heat pumps and smart membranes, and evaluating composite materials. With goals set to finalise 13 house types by the end of 2024, the session underscored the importance of buildability feedback, waste management, and effective placemaking through collaboration with housing associations and contractors.
Fire Safety in Timber Construction
Seb Laan Lomas from Architype also proposed and led a crucial discussion within the day one plenary that focused on fire safety in timber construction. This group discussion focused on the need for comprehensive fire testing, establishing treatment standards, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including insurers. Key actions included forming a working group, securing funding for fire testing, and publishing success stories. The workshop highlighted the importance of sharing accurate fire safety information and continuous dialogue to advance safety measures in timber construction.
The Shift from Circular to Regenerative Construction
Morgan Sindall Construction’s headline sponsor workshop, led by Christiane Lellig from Woodknowledge Wales, explored the shift from circular to regenerative construction. The Regenerative Twin project emphasised a holistic approach that includes not just carbon metrics but also biodiversity, social justice, and capital expenditure. Participants discussed knowledge sharing, traditional roles, and insurance barriers, stressing the need to clearly define “regenerative” and integrate holistic metrics like the Doughnut for Urban Development. The workshop underscored the need for a broad perspective on sustainability and collaborative efforts in design and construction.
Natural Fibre Insulation
The “Performance of Natural Fibre Insulation” workshop, led by Richard Broad of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP), examined the benefits and challenges of natural fibre insulation (NFI). Speakers Jasper Meade from PYC Construction and Martin Twamley from Steico discussed NFI’s thermal performance, moisture control, and indoor air quality benefits while contributing to lower embodied carbon. Challenges such as limited UK manufacturing and industry awareness were highlighted. Overcoming these barriers is essential for scaling up NFI adoption, requiring improved communication and regulation.
Transforming the Social Housing Sector in Wales
The “Delivery of Affordable Homes – Wood Works” workshop, hosted by Steve Cranston and chaired by David Emery, explored strategies for transforming the social housing sector in Wales. The session, with contributions from Mark Davies of CEWales, Rob Wheaton of Stride Treglown, and Steve Cranston, highlighted the need for trust, early engagement, and transparency in delivering affordable, Net Zero homes. Discussions covered balancing build costs with land prices, addressing operational and embodied carbon, and the potential of Welsh timber. The workshop stressed skills development, local material use, and fostering collaboration to overcome industry challenges.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Schools
The “Circular Economy and the Sustainable Schools’ Challenge” workshop, led by Dr. Diana Waldron and chaired by Seb Laan-Lomas, examined integrating circular economy principles into school construction. Insights from Katherine Adams, Richard Farmer, Sionned Hughes, and Duncan Baker-Brown focused on reusing timber from existing structures and overcoming challenges. Key points included the need for standards and facilities for timber re-manufacture, innovative salvage storage networks, and incorporating circularity into training and policy. The workshop highlighted creating markets for reused materials and setting ambitious targets for embodied carbon.
Embodied Carbon and Footprint Assessment
The “Development of Embodied Carbon and Footprint Assessment Tools” workshop, hosted by the ASBP and led by Clara Koehler from Woodknowledge Wales. Katherine Adams chaired the session, and Toby Maclean, Richard Broad and Flavie Lawres presented the Embodied Carbon Tools under development as part of the Home-Grown Homes 2 project. This session showcased the ‘Early-Stage Embodied Carbon Tool’ and the ‘Carbon Footprint Assessment Tool for Timber Framers and Sawmills.’ The session stressed the tools’ importance for early project planning and the challenge of balancing simplicity with detailed accuracy. Discussions covered the rising availability of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and complexities in accounting for biogenic carbon. The workshop highlighted the need for future regulations and cross-checking tools against detailed calculations to enhance their effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions.
Wrapping It Up
WoodBUILD 2024 was a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in timber construction and design. From embodied carbon measurements to new timber products and manufacturing techniques, the event provided a comprehensive look at how timber is shaping the future of architecture.
WoodBUILD 2024 presentations can now be downloaded from the event page. For more information on how to become a member of Woodknowledge Wales and join this critical ongoing conversation, please contact Rachel Cook or visit woodknowledge.wales
Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out if you have questions about how to implement these insights in your own work. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of timber together. Here’s to a more sustainable and creative future in architecture and design! 🌳✨
