Timber Association Presents Timber Hub at Offsite Expo Event
The Structural Timber Association (STA) has launched a new initiative, the Time for Timber Hub, at Offsite Expo, aiming to accelerate the adoption of timber technologies in offsite construction. This move is in line with the UK government's goal of building 1.5 million homes using offsite manufacture and low-carbon structural timber, which could meet up to 30% of the government's housing pledge.
The Time for Timber Hub serves as a central resource and educational platform, providing answers on how to build more sustainable timber frame homes. It informs and engages stakeholders about the benefits and practicalities of structural timber in construction, particularly in offsite manufacturing. This education is crucial for the widespread adoption of timber technologies, essential to meeting housing targets.
The Hub promotes sustainable, low-carbon building materials, aligning with government ambitions for decarbonization in construction and the delivery of new homes through innovative, environmentally friendly methods. It facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration to address challenges in timber supply chains, compliance, and design, which are critical for scaling timber frame housing efficiently.
Moreover, the Hub supports the transition to circular economy models such as cross-laminated secondary timber (CLST), which can enhance the supply of structural timber by integrating reuse and recycling strategies without compromising performance or design standards.
Donaldson Timber Systems contributes to this sustainability drive by offering a published, third-party accredited environmental product declaration (EPD) for its Alpha product. This EPD demonstrates the sustainability credentials of building with timber.
Kirkwood Timber Frame has introduced FastBuild®, a new product that can cut construction times by up to eight weeks. FastBuild® is a comprehensive timber frame system including wall panels, floors, roofs, windows, and insulation, boosting sustainability and energy efficiency in construction.
In addition, KLH offers a water management solution for timber frame buildings. This solution comprises factory-applied membranes for weather resistance during installation, contributing to the overall water management solution.
Andrew Carpenter, CEO of the STA, stated, "The Time for Timber Hub provides answers on how to build more sustainable timber frame homes." As the Hub continues to grow and evolve, it is set to become a catalyst for widespread adoption of timber technologies in offsite construction, thereby directly contributing to the government's target via education, advocacy, and facilitation of sustainable construction practices.
For more information about the Structural Timber Association (STA) and the Time for Timber Hub, visit their website.
The Time for Timber Hub, as an educational platform, informs stakeholders about the benefits and practicalities of using environmental-friendly structural timber technology in construction, particularly in offsite manufacturing, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of timber technologies and the achievement of housing targets. The Hub also supports the transition to circular economy models, such as cross-laminated secondary timber (CLST), which not only enhances the supply of structural timber but also promotes sustainability and aligns with government ambitions for decarbonization in construction.
