Timber Expo: Framewise adds solid timber build solution

According to managing director Simon Orrells, the new product adds to its "package of timber frame solutions", which includes its single panel Wise Wall S and, TTJ Innovation Award-winning Wise Wall T closed panel twin-wall system.

"Wise Wall L complements the existing Wise Wall range, giving us three options under the same brand that can be used in isolation, or in hybrid structures with the others," he said.

Framewise, he added, had been looking for a solid timber frame system for sometime and has teamed up with Hutteman of Germany to develop Wise Wall L.

"They are a market leader and can also deliver on very short lead times, from building design to on the ground in six to eight weeks," he said. "They were also looking to enter the UK with a partner, so it was good timing for us both."

Wise Wall L comprises glulam panels consisting of 360-560mm wide, 100-140mm thick softwood sections up to 13.5m long, which can be jointed together in a range of formats and used for internal and external wall elements, floors and roof panels.

"It can be used in solid wood build, skeleton construction and timber frame, with a range of cladding," said Mr Orrells.

"The grooves in the connection joint can accommodate services, and window and door apertures can be prefabricated, with the advantage over CLT panels that you're not wasting cut out material, as the separate sections comprising a wall can be cut to different lengths prior to making the panel."

Wise Wall L boasts good acoustic and thermal performance, delivering a U-value of 0.13W/m2K. Mr Orrells saw the product appealing to a range of markets, including school construction and self-build.

"We expect to see the first buildings using the system at the turn of the year," he said.