Timber frame industry responds to Peckham fire

A large timber frame structure destroyed by a major fire overnight in Peckham had been fully erected and handed over to the developer only last week, TTJ has been told.

The 39-unit apartment development was destroyed by fire, while nearby maisonettes and a pub were also damaged by the blaze, causing up to 300 people to be evacuated.

Target Timber Systems designed, engineered and manufactured the timber structure, while the developer was to complete the rest of the build. Target said it had not yet spoken to the developer, Greenacre Homes, and was relying on news reports for updates of the incident.

“The frame was erected and complied with all requirements and we handed it over to the client at the beginning of last week,” said Target MD Nick Whittle.

“The information at the moment seems to be the site was broken into and set alight. It appears there was arson.”

Mr Whittle said Target had worked on the project for about six months, with the structure erected up to five storeys using an open panel timber frame system. “The contractor is very experienced and had been using timber frame for 20 years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) issued a statement saying it had offered its support to assist investigations if required. “Clearly this is a very serious fire,” it said. “Thankfully, incidents of the sort are rare given the number of timber frame sites under construction at this time.”

It pointed out that completed timber frame buildings meet all current UK Building Regulations and fire standards.

“However, it is true that all sites under construction, whichever method of construction is used, are potentially vulnerable to criminal incidents, accidents or malicious acts of damage.”

The UKTFA stressed that all developers and contractors take action to ensure security of their sites, particularly in inner city areas vulnerable to vandalism or arson.

London Fire Brigade said the cause of the fire is not yet known.