A strategy aimed at increasing the use of timber in UK construction has received backing from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Stora Enso and others.
The news follows a successful conference at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in June when the draft document ‘Timber in construction 2010: a strategy for increasing the use of wood in UK construction’ was unveiled.
The BRE‘s director of timber engineering and construction Dr Vahik Enjily, the strategy author, said the Forestry Commission, Stora Enso, the DTI and the UKTFA had all expressed an interest in becoming partners in the initiative.
He said: “The reaction has been very positive from both industry and the government.”
Dr Enjily said the DTI regards the strategy as complementary to its own recent report called ‘Re-thinking construction, innovation and research’ written by Sir John Fairclough.
He hopes the strategy, which will involve demonstration projects and design guidance, will be formally launched by a minister in October/November when the funding partners will be confirmed.
The strategy, which will cost “millions” to deliver, aims to serve as a basis for an integrated long-term initiative between the UK timber industry, government, overseas timber suppliers, research providers and users of construction products.
The BRE also plans to release its TF(timber frame)2000 design and construction guide on the launch date, detailing how to design and build multi-storey timber frame buildings.
Dr Enjily said: “This will be an authoritative guide. Building control officials, architects and designers can all base their designs on the document.”
