"timber"

CJ Murfitt were asked to provide an alternative product to replace failing timber products at Castle Special School in Cambridge. The school, which has 165 children attending, was opened in 2006 to replace four existing special schools in Cambridge. The timber had been used to edge planting bays and due to the poor quality of the existing material, large areas are now unusable and unsafe. The recycled rectangular palisade which was used on this project is ideal for challenging outdoor environments. The existing timber had rotted very quickly, due to poor quality preservatives which have been used in timber since the legislation which stopped the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Recycled plastic products do not absorb moisture, do not rot and are resistant to vandalism. Rectangular palisades look great and their longevity is many times that of timber. There is a great variety of hanit palisades, suitable for creative design in any new development, reconstruction and modernisation project. Strong, durable and weatherproof, the palisades have a smooth splinter free finish. They have strong impact resistance and require little maintenance. The brown textured surface resembles the natural beauty of wood. These products can be easily nailed, cut and screwed. “The square palisades were very easy to install, allowing us to complete the work quickly and efficiently. As the product is maintenance free, we are confident that the project will remain aesthetically pleasing for a very long time.” David Coulson CJ Murfitt Limited - Contractor.

HR Installation on a new building providing fire stopping for a timber structure

This project was designed, manufactured and installed by David L Douglas. The design inspiration was Scandinavian; the client wanted something completely different from the traditional look of their main house. With the exterior of the building being cladded in Larch timber, their design team decided to use oak timber internally. The main items that were finished with Oil Plus 2C, was the oak flooring, wall panelling, doors, mock beams, the staircase, and even on the dartboard housing!

Modern timber seating provides a focal point in the grounds of this new build academy.

A modern timber canopy for a communal outdoor area was designed for residents at a flagship development.

Landscaped gardens at a retirement complex are enjoyed by the residents thanks to classic timber seating.

Curved steel and timber benches make a welcoming environment at a community sensory garden.

Green Square Accord constructed the first virtually plastic free homes in Europe in 2022. 12 Apartments were constructed on the site in Redditch. In-Design & LoCaL Homes worked to find innovative and practical ways to not only reduce plastic use in construction, but to virtually remove the use of plastic in the entire design. The homes feature innovative components including wiring made with mineral insulation and Graphenstone paint which will absorb 10kg of CO2 and does not give off Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be damaging to the environment and may have health implications. The homes are closed panel timber framed with a MVHR system using natural materials in kitchens and bathrooms including sisal flooring. Our closed panel timber frames reduce carbon used in manufacture and the timber comes from sustainable forests to reduce net carbon emissions. Our panels are also quick to install reducing emissions from construction. This, combined with our factory process which ensures that any waste is recycled where it can be, makes our houses as sustainable as possible. Arden Windows Ltd of Coventry were selected for the manufacture, supply and installation of the windows and doors for this project. Arden are fully certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 and were able to meet the high thermal and security specification requirements of this project with ease incorporating Triple Glazing, and their Secured By Design certified system. Arden were able to demonstrate their sustainability credentials and low embodied carbon throughout the production process. Arden only use sustainable FSC® timber in the manufacture of their windows and doors, meaning the timber used is fully traceable to the source forest and any harvested trees are replenished. Timber window frames are Carbon Neutral over their lifetime and are a great way to reduce carbon footprints in construction. Furthermore Arden offset carbon by burning waste wood and sawdust to create heat for their factory and all products are supplied fully finished using water based coating systems. 

As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction. The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city.Discover more about SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and its applications here: https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-airtightFind out more about Lowfield Timber Frames here: https://www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/Twitter: @LTFltd

Located in Surrey, this detached Victorian property needed its top floor timber windows replaced due to rotting. Maintaining the windows was proving costly for the homeowners but they needed a solution that would still look authentic next to their ground floor timber sash windows. After researching their options, the homeowners came across Roseview’s traditional timber alternative sash windows. The possibility of maintenance-free sash windows that are indistinguishable from the original box sashes, but while providing modern thermal efficiency and enhanced security, made Ultimate Rose the obvious choice. Using modern technology, Ultimate Rose is completely seamless with traditional joinery style mechanical joints and the slimmest 35mm mid rail on the market. When installed adjacent to the homeowner’s original windows it was almost impossible to see a difference. The home was finished with a single vertical astragal bar to match the home’s existing sightlines and allow for maximum natural light. Additionally, run through horns and a wood grain texture was added for a fully authentic finish. The result is truly indistinguishable, and the homeowners now have traditional and modern performing sash windows that will last for years to come. The owners are now planning to replace the timber windows on the ground floor with Ultimate Rose as well.

In May 2017, the Main Building which housed the lounge, dining, reception area, and the Taphuis Bar, was gutted in a fire. Only the walls were left standing and all of its contents were destroyed. Because of the historic significance of the building, the project team needed to move through a strenuous process of permissions and approvals to start the rebuild. Part of the brief, was to ensure that as far as possible, original materials would be used, that would reflect the previous look and feel, making the sourcing and availability of crucial importance. This building in particular, dates back to the early 1700's and finding timber for the roof structure was a challenge. They decided to use Spruce.The biggest drawback of using Spruce is that it is a very light and pale coloured timber. To achieve the aged look and feel of the original timber, they used Rubio Monocoat's Pre-Color Easy and Hybrid Wood Protector.

The ideal choice for specifiers looking for multi-functional wood protection, Sadolin Classic blends outstanding performance with a beautiful finish. Suitable for all exterior wood, Sadolin Classic delivers long-lasting protection for a wide range of timber, including decking, cladding and fencing. It features a high performance formulation which enables the product to absorb deep into the timber, providing exceptional protection against the elements. And as well as being a versatile choice, Sadolin Classic is also available in over 40 shades.

A single storey timber frame house, based on Passivhaus principals with specialised wheelchair access, situated in Fife, Scotland.

When work started on the Southern section of the HS2 line, they realised the site periemeters came very close to the curbline of the public footpath and in fact needed to step out into the road. SCS Rail needed a construction hoarding system that would protect the site and passers-by whilst also restricting visibility to the public. They also wanted to reuse and realign the hoarding system in question for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution over the traditional timber hoarding. After searching for an alternative to timber hoarding on our website, the FenceSafe Hoard was selected for the project.

100m2 flat roof on top of a school in was going to become an outside classroom. Access was severely restricted so it was not possible to consider traditional decking boards. Work was required at half term. Ipe timber decking tiles mounted onto adjustable pedestals were selected. The pedestals were delivered in boxes and the 500 x 500mm Ipe timber tiles could be carried by hand up all the flights of stairs to the roof area. The fall was accommodated with the adjustable pedestals and the hardwood decking was flat and durable. The roof was completed in three days.

Magly MGO board spray applied with Passive Purple for a MAGLPLY advert on Whitehaus bespoke timber frame build in london

Magly MGO board spray applied with Passive Purple for a MAGLPLY advert on Whitehaus bespoke timber frame build in london

Flagship of the University’s Science Central site...The building is a living laboratory dedicated to the aim of making urban centres more sustainable for future generations.We were contracted to supply & install various major acoustic elements required on this project. From the get go, our client and architect loved Soundis Absorb-R WoodTec range due to their versatility, and the fact we were able to manufacture the products exactly to the project specific specification. One of the Soundis products from the range were the Absorb-R Micro Perforated Timber Panels which were located and installed on the curved rear wall of the auditorium. The timber core panels were faced with Micro Perforated Formica and the client decided upon the colour red which contrasted the other products within the auditorium tremendously. Another major element of our acoustic package were the Absorb-R WoodTec Grooved Timber Panels which were installed within the main classrooms and smaller teaching spaces to provide excellent working spaces for the students by reducing reverberation times and enhancing the quality of Soundis within the areas. The panels in these areas were RAL painted to the colour chosen by the architect to provide the envisaged aesthetic look and feel of the spaces. Finally Soundis Absorb-R WoodTec Timber slats were installed not only on the walls of the corridors and staircases from ground level all the way to the third floor but they were also used as freestanding dividers in large open atrium and circulation spaces throughout the Learning and Teaching Centre. These timber slats were manufactured the exact specification of what the architect wanted to create a modern but sophisticated look within the newly constructed building. All installation carried out by our installation partner UK Acoustics.

Aluminium cladding that looks like real timber, quite simply put, but it is actually real timber. Chosen for its natural aesthetic and ultimate fire resistance, Technowood has rapidly become a “go-to” cladding facade for Architects and Designers.Considered as a sheltered social project, the two towers are located on a raised outdoor podium on a scale that doesn’t hide its presence. The well-developed landscaping area, which also serves as a central garden area, also includes a shopping centre with 150 stores and a cinema. It has a gallery space aligned with transparent oriental pools. These transparent pools, which form the centre of Next Level, illuminate the shopping centre with the sunlight breaking through the water, giving its guests a relaxing ambience. The 7500 sq. m of landscaping is a recipe for complete social togetherness. The public and private wellbeing have been transformed into an urban area. This also allows a diverse culture, entertainment, work and socialisation.This newly built-up area has also become a new living space for people adopting a modern lifestyle, where business and social life come together. Furthermore, Next Level is designed as a cutting edge mixed-use project of this area, it reflects the development of the region and this contemporary way of life has been well accepted by its new occupants.The mixed materials manufactured by Technowood is a testimony to the company. As well as its ability to work with the demands of the Architect. By having the expertise to deliver complex shaped materials in the same palette, colour and texture.Technowood is an FSC certified product; it uses only 2% of timber when compared to solid timber facades. It uses even less when compared to solid timber structures.Credits and Further informationArchitect: Brigitte Weber ArchitectsLocation: Ankara, TurkeyProject: Commercial, residential and shopping centreMaterials: Technowood CladdingCompletion: 2013

Dual finish wooden windows and doors were used in the renovation of this delightful 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property. The family chose from the Lomax + Wood made-to-order range of timber flush casements and doors. 42 Double glazed fully weather-stripped flush casement windows, French doors and entrance doors. Dual colour factory finished paint colour. White internally and Squirrel grey externally. Engineered timber for stability and durability. Espagnolette locking for security. Faceted bay windows. Polished chrome ironmongery.

A Selectaglaze secondary glazing treatment to a set of patio doors in a suburban home in Cockfosters, North London makes a living room warmer and more comfortable for a couple’s new born baby. A Series 10 2-pane horizontal sliding unit was installed to the patio doors. The opening was 2m x 2m and it was important that the treatment would match the existing sightlines. Timber grounds were fixed into the reveal, which had skirting boards. Installers scribed into the timber frame to create matching grooves and nuances to fit snug in the reveal and over the skirting.

Skerries Road Southway Campus in Plymouth comprises of 67 timber frame units supplied by local manufacturer and STA member Cornwall Timber Build. Originally a traditional block exterior, the architects changed the design to accommodate the innovative RendaClad façade. The programme was delivered 3 months ahead of schedule on the overall contract when utilising a form of modern methods of construction with the use of SPSenvirowall’s RendaClad. Whilst not satisfied with the BBA for a minimum 30-year service life, SPSenvirowall went into contract with BOPAS BLP and Lloyds Register to achieve a stand-alone assurance.

Silent Night, in Manchester, is the first showcase of Komfort's slimline Polar 54 system. Configured here as offset single glazed with timber doors.

This refurbishment project in Farringdon had timber decking and joists on the balcony floors, the development was unable to pass fire safety assessments and required remediation. 

From the Marley range of anti-slip timber decking products, Playscheme chose Marley CitiDeck as the product of choice for the Robert Wilkinson memorial project.

The owner of this charming period cottage needed to replace original timber sash windows that had deteriorated, and which were cold, drafty and lacking in security.

This creative design using our Topakustik Micro system shows the flexibility of our systems and the unique way timber panels can be designed and installed.

Secreted within the grounds of a Victorian villa these 2 new Mews properties and 3 new Townhouses replaces demolished 1980’s office facilities. A strong masonry base envelopes a timber clearstory and gables, aluminium dormers and a Zintek Mediterranean Blue zinc roof, to give a truly contemporary interpretation of a traditional mews building. The Townhouses are formed with complex twisted geometries. As with the adjacent mews, materials were selected incorporating a solid masonry base, timber cladding to the projecting cantilevered boxes, aluminium glazing systems, white render and topped with blue zinc mono-pitched roofs.

Alfresco Floors were commissioned to refurbish the external terrace of a top floor apartment located on Nile Street, London. The brand new GRAD invisible fixings clip system was supplied and installed by Alfresco Floors, their first ever GRAD installation in the UK. The unique clip and groove design at the heart of the GRAD system means that decks can be installed about 30% faster than competing products. The GRAD system can be retrofitted onto existing timber joists, installed from scratch on top of a new timber sub-frame, or mounted onto the bespoke rail system.

The M Bar and Grill Restaurant in Twickenham is the newest London location for entrepreneurial restaurateur Martin Williams and his rapidly-expanding M Restaurant group. Amtico provided the perfect choice to create a bespoke floor. With a key emphasis on maintaining the elements of a traditional British pub, interior designer René Dekker was keen to replicate the style of an oak parquet style timber floor, while bringing it up-to-date with 21st Century technology. To achieve the required look, he chose four types of timber finish from Amtico’s Signature collection in an intricate Basket Weave design.

This seven-storey buiding in Soho, West London claims some impressive history: dating from the 1930s, it was the former London headquarters of Paramount Studios. Now in a conservation area, its transition to 15 luxury apartments needed to be handled with sensitivity by TF Architecture, to preserve the building’s external appearance. We were delighted to design, manufacture and install 83 traditional box sash windows for the project, made from Accoya. This high-performance timber is created using a patented chemical process to dramatically increase its strength, stability, durability and insulation, while still maintaining the beauty and character of timber.

Lightweight but very strong mounting profileCHALLENGEStraight lines, maximum light and a unique, remarkable design. This is how independent architect Lieze Vandael saw her own home. Due to the numerous voids and imposing windows up to 9 meters high, a traditional construction method was certainly not an option. A suitable alternative had to be found. Moreover, Lieze Vandael wanted to see the elegant, minimalist architectural style with straight lines envelop the building: a roof and façade finish in the same material - preferably timber - and moreover, seamlessly blending into each other. To have the building completely wrapped in wood. Definitely a real challenge! A neat and watertight connection between roof and façade is not an easy job at all. Besides, timber is never completely waterproof. So, the challenge for Lieze Vandael was to combine the roof and the façade into one uniform surface, ensuring a perfectly watertight roof.SOLUTIONArchitect Vandael wanted to step away from the traditional lightframe wood structure, and opted for an alternative mass timber construction: a load-bearing construction formed from tongue and groove stacked solid wood beams. After all, this type of construction creates a lot of possibilities and is, besides, a more durable and ecological solution. For the exterior finish of the building the architect chose thermowood Ayous, a knot-free, clear-grade exotic hardwood providing excellent durability. The façade was finished with thermowood in a traditional way. Finishing the roof, however, was a more complex task. Cladding a roof with timber, particularly a highly sloped roof poses a substantial risk. How to achieve a watertight roof?

The original timber sleepers used for Manchester Royal Infirmary external areas had begun to rot away quite early in their lifespan. We were tasked with replicating the existing footprint of planters to replace them within the confines of the existing paving. All installation works were undertaken in a busy hospital with minimal impact on patients and workers. Using a typographical survey we created CAD outlines for each planter, a number of existing structures featured extremely tight angles, which meant we needed to modify our corner cuts to ensure a perfect match.Our components were all pre-cut ready for installation so there was no need to use any heavy machinery on site. WoodBlocX modular system is guaranteed for 15 years and because the structures are made up of a series of individual blocks, held together by strong dowels, they will not warp or distort, nor will they rot, thanks to the pressure treatment used.WoodBlocX components are manufactured in five different sizes and work in the same way as bricks, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste. With WoodBlocX you receive a guaranteed standard of material. From the planting of the trees to harvesting of timber all the way through to cutting the WoodBlocX components, we keep on top of every aspect of each process - maintaining the highest standards of timber quality. Using WoodBlocX, specifiers can be safe in the knowledge that the supply chain of their timber products is sustainable and reliable.

Aspex supplied - Internal timber doorsets in a durable, laminated finish and ironmongery Contractor - McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd Architect - Lewis & Hickey Client - Coventry University

Hale Brown Architects were appointed to redesign 6 Middle Street with the brief to redevelop it into a modern office space that incorporates new sustainable design elements.Set within the narrow cobbled streets along the eastern boundary of the Smithfields Conservation Area this refurbishment included demolition of existing roof structure and replacing it with a feature glazed roof, creation of a mezzanine floor and installation of a cantilevered staircase. The concept was to open up the space to create free-flowing natural light throughout all floors, open up views, create natural ventilation and maximise ceiling heights while incorporating a timber slatted raft concealing service.3v provided a full ironmongery service for this project which including a mixture of brass and matt black products. Black products were used on timber doors and bespoke textured brass pad handles on black frame glass doors, the pad handles were chosen to compliment the detailing in the timber slatted ceiling raft and wall panelling. We think they work seamlessly together! Photography: Neil Kenyon

Reflex removed and replaced the existing timber sports flooring. 1,600m2 Reflex Pulastic Classic was installed over underfloor heating. Bespoke logo and colours were provided.