Is Welsh timber suitable for use in construction?
|
| Modular beach hut designed by Design Research Unit Wales, drawn by Wayne Forster. |
The development of the building envelope using Welsh-grown timber: a study through prototyping.
By Steven Coombs. Published online on 25 January 2018 by Taylor & Francis Online.
[edit] How people can use this research
This research will help designers and contractors assess whether it is advisable or desirable to use Welsh timber for the construction of building envelopes. It explains the species that might be used, how they might be used and what the limitations are.
[edit] What people need to know
There are approximately 306,000 hectares of woodland in Wales covering 15% of the total land area, with an almost even split between broadleaf and coniferous woodland.
However, the crop is considered by many in the industry to have limited commercial value and use. 88% of softwood used by the secondary processing sector is imported, with Welsh-grown softwood used for fencing, pallet making, pulp for paper and as biomass fuel.
Species of Welsh-grown softwood and hardwood are appropriate to use as long as the species’ properties are understood and respected. There is an opportunity for low-tech engineering of short and small section timber (150×150×1200mm), as an output of continuous-cover forestry.
Sitka spruce (30%), larch (8%), Douglas fir (4%), oak (10%), sweet chestnut (<1%) and/or ash (7%) are Welsh-grown timber species with properties that have potential for use.
The current supply and production of Welsh-grown softwood is structurally graded at C16. Any innovations with Welsh-grown softwood must work within standard sawn sizes and C16 structural grade or involve innovation beyond these limitations.
Access the full research paper at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13602365.2018.1424394
--Designing Buildings 10:28, 22 May 2019 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.