As one of the world’s oldest building materials, timber has been undergoing an evolution which looks set to have far reaching implications for construction. Nic Clark, Board Member of the Structural Timber Association and Director of KLH UK, gives the ‘lowdown’ on engineered timber solutions.

Contrary to general assumptions, the design process for industrial wood construction can be high quality and fast. The advantages of modular design are clear: dimensionally-accurate wood elements can help improve both the technical design process and collaboration between partners.

Peter Thompson, General Manager UK of ISO-CHEMIE, considers the role of high-performance foam sealing tapes used to drive faster installation in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

3D laser scanning and CAD modelling offer an important resource for design and construction teams. Where complex geometries are involved, more traditional techniques such as dimensional control may be more appropriate advises Peter Field, Managing Director of Warner Surveys.

Fintan Wallace from Ecological Building Systems discusses the importance of wind tightness in ensuring a roof build-up delivers its designed thermal performance.