BDC Magazine - Online version December 2015 Issue - 216 | Page 63
Timberworks.qxp_feature 2 22/10/2015 11:10 Page 61
BUILDING WITH WOOD: TIMBERWORKS EUROPE
which Timberworks Europe is able to establish a fully-functioning structure, which is both ergonomic and fulfils an individual's
brief. Looking to extend its nursery facilities, the school entrusted
the timber specialists with the design and build of a new nursery
to house its growing numbers, with a view to opening in April
2015. Having secured the contract, work began in Estonia to
manufacture the panelling of which the structure would be composed. From superstructure delivery to occupation, the total build
time was an outstanding 13 weeks. The out-sourcing of the timber also had a cost impact, as Marriott explains, “By manufacturing the panels off-site, we were able to bring the whole building
over in 64 panels, which reduced the cost of transportation, and
then assembled it on-site.”
“Our timber alternative to
standard construction has been
popular with schools, village halls
and residential developments,
each looking to capitalise on
what the material can offer”
Thanks to Timberworks Europe's use of highly energy efficient
materials, the new nursery classroom delivers an optimum u-value
of around 0.18w/m2k, and an impressive 2.47 m3/m2/hr at 50pa
air permeability, which is over 60% better than that required by current government regulation. And it's down to the keen sourcing of
suppliers that the company is able to offer those assurances. As
Marriott illustrates, “We make use of a supplier which manufactures products for both Japan – who demand the highest level of
accuracy, and Norway, Sweden and Finland – where weather conditions dictate the need for thermally-efficient buildings to be erected in the shortest possible time. It's safe to say, then, that we have a
quality product which people don't need to be frightened of using.”
Similarly, boasting the latest in sustainable practice, including
an air source heat pump, the building will incur significantly less
than running costs than an equivalent structure built in the normal fashion, ensuring it is commercially viable for the future as
energy costs rise.
Primarily looking to retain those meticulously high standards
of construction and quick build-times evident across its project
portfolio, Timberworks Europe is looking at a more organic and
conscientious approach to growth. Marriott clarifies, “Every time
we do a build, we're changing things and making subtle differences
to improve the design or energy efficiency, all as a result of technological advances or bettered expertise. It's that, and the feedback
we receive from customers which will determine how we grow.”
www.timberworkseurope.com
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