England’s woodlands put forward as a national construction asset
A UK collaborative project has shown how English-grown timber can be used efficiently and safely in construction.
The report, Building from England’s Woodlands, draws on experts from Britain’s foresters and wood researchers, as well as the manufacturing and construction industries.
The guidance examines the potential of hardwoods like ash, oak, birch and beech where appropriately designed and specified.
It draws on insights from the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, Edinburgh Napier University, the Glasgow-based Built Environment-Smarter Transformation, Ecosystems Technologies, and dRMM Architects in London.
The experts discuss the challenges with supply chain gaps, skills shortages and material availability and present some engineered products that make effective use of diverse hardwood resources.
This includes hybrid systems that offer performance advantages when combining species.
The report also explores material testing and features demonstration projects.
