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Tim Crump describes Oakwrights houses as “country contemporary” – a modern design softened by the oak frame |
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Oakwrights’ “try before you buy” show home is an expensive luxury, but one that pays dividends |
In the frame
Green oak frame specialist Oakwrights combines traditional values with hi-tech production. Sally Spencer reports
Published: 19 February, 2010
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The elevations of the houses resemble tall town houses |
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Each block had to be stepped to accommodate the gradient |
Cultural exchange
Anne McDonald reports on a unique inner city redevelopment which successfully marries thoughtful design with the sustainability of timber frame, creating a RIBA Housing Design Award winning scheme
Published: 19 February, 2010
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The visitor centre was designed to give the feeling of an African-style lodge |
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Rope features between joints to form a theme with the handrails – and also to hide gaps |
Wild wood
An all-timber lodge provides the perfect vantage point for watching the biggest carnivores in Kent. Mike Jeffree reports
Published: 18 February, 2010
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TRADA can offer guidance on restarting work on a stalled timber frame project |
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Wind-damaged breather membrane has been torn away, exposing plywood to the elements |
Restarting timber frame projects
Robin Lancashire, Head of TRADA Technology’s Building Performance Section, discusses the options available to contractors when timber or timber-based products have wetted up during stalled builds
Published: 18 February, 2010
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Connection detail at Portcullis House, Westminster, London |
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3.8a N-truss with lapped members through-bolted |
Making the connection
TRADA president Peter Ross is co-author of Timber in Contemporary Architecture – a designer’s guide published last month to mark TRADA’s 75th anniversary. In this extract from the book, he examines metal connections
Published: 18 February, 2010
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The ceiling comprises 2,544 parts, each finished by hand, and weighs five tonnes |
Vaulting ambition
Hi-tech timber craftsmanship is adding a stunning finishing touch to England’s newest cathedral. Mike Jeffree reports
Published: 12 February, 2010
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Treatments, like Arch's Dricon FR, have been developed to minimise timber frame fire risk during the vulnerable construction stage when the wood is exposed |
Treatments take the heat out of fire risk concerns
Demand for fire retardants is growing. David Castle reports
Published: 12 February, 2010
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Arch’s Dricon is used on interior cladding at St Anne’s church in Belfast |
Treated to last
Evolving preservative treatments enable timber to be used in ever more challenging applications. David Castle reports
Published: 12 February, 2010
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The Comfort and Cost report is based on latest technical research for the timber industry by ESD and Buro Happold |
The cost of comfort
A new report commissioned by the UKTFA and wood for good provides guidance on CSH compliance. Liz Male reports
Published: 12 February, 2010
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Plato Wood is a thermally-treated hardwood |
Improving on nature?
Dr Andy Pitman, TRADA Technology’s head of construction technical services, reviews some of the advantages of using modified wood products over standard timber
Published: 11 February, 2010
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The Dawyck building features a simple post and beam structure |
Garden gateways
Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens has demonstrated two different approaches to building with timber. Peter Wilson, architect and director of business development for the Centre for Timber Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University reports
Published: 04 November, 2009
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The glulam creates a toroid, curving up and over |
Learning curves
The University of Reading’s new business school is a showcase for glulam. Keren Fallwell reports
Published: 22 October, 2009
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Existing pitch-roofed, brick-skinned SMTS timber frame houses are more likely to be the model for Sigma II designs than the ‘eco-home’ of the future look of the BRE test-bed building
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Fit & forget
After intensive research, Stewart Milne Timber Systems’ maxim for eco-housing success is keep it simple, stupid. Mike Jeffree reports
Published: 22 October, 2009
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Sleepers were reclaimed from Plymouth harbour |
Interactive eco luxury
Perched on a Cornish hillside overlooking the dramatic beach at Mawgan Porth, the new Scarlet Hotel is staking a claim to be the UK’s only truly eco hotel. Stephen Powney reports
Published: 21 October, 2009
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