New Welsh construction system to challenge building techniques
Published: 29 February, 2008
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Ty Unnos: adding value to local timber |
A new building system, developed by Wood Knowledge Wales, is to be unveiled that uses locally produced timber to create hollow beams, bolted together to create modular buildings
A radical new building system which could change the face of construction across Wales and mean cheaper, sustainable homes built using Welsh timber is set to be launched at the Greener Homes Show on March 7/8.
Ty Unnos is the first of a string of new developments from Wood Knowledge Wales the newly set up industry group committed to adding value to the Welsh timber market.
The new system developed by a partnership including Coed Cymru, Bangor University, and the Welsh School of Architecture with support from Cowley Timber Engineering uses standard size, locally produced timber to create hollow beams which are simply bolted together to create modular buildings.
And the process will be on show to the public at Builth Wells with a full scale section of the build which is currently being completed with funding from Robinwood a Forestry Commission Wales European project which also aims to identify new ways of increasing the value of timber.
This brilliant new concept is an excellent example of how the Welsh timber sector can work together to produce truly world class products, and boost prices for Welsh timber, said Nick Tune of Wood Knowledge Wales.
David Jenkins of Coed Cymru says the aim is to provide an affordable, energy efficient and sustainable building technique which is simple and can provide not only added value to locally produced timber, but also local jobs as well.
Using standard section local timber which currently goes into pallets or fencing - we have come up with a way of creating strong open beams which can be put together to make buildings of almost any size, said David.
Named after the traditional Ty Unnos - story has it that if a Welsh family could build a house in a day and night and have smoke coming from the chimney by morning then they could live in it and take the land around it the system promises to be quick to build and very flexible.
Not only will this system make it possible to build modular units, so that people can cheaply and easily increase the size of their homes, it will also add to the value of our own timber, said Mr Jenkins.
The modular building under construction now will be used to demonstrate the building technique and system - originally requested by the Countryside Council for Wales who are the main sponsor - across the country. The 2.4 metre square structure will be built using Welsh softwood.
