Andrew Goodwin - Managing Director, B&K Structures
www.bkstructures.co.uk
Q: The proposed Part Z Building Regulation will focus minds on embodied and whole-life carbon across the built environment – is this a long overdue addition to construction and design thinking?
AG: Yes. Part Z is long overdue, and the winds of change are here, there is no tomorrow and the construction industry has a huge responsibility to fundamentally change the environmental impact of the buildings we design, construct and operate, so Part Z will be an essential part of the governance, that will be required to deliver the future net zero ambitions.
Q: The debate surrounding structural timber and 18m usage is seemingly only a UK-only one. With tall timber flourishing internationally – is the UK approach likely to change any time soon?
AG: The UK timber industry has undertaken a considerable amount of research, development, and testing of engineered timber solutions over the last five years, and there is clear guidance and expertise that exists within the industry to deliver safe, compliant engineered timber schemes now. B&K Structures has developed a significant number of commercial, education and leisure schemes using this compliance route, several of which are above the 18m threshold. But yes, for sure, the future development of high-rise engineered timber buildings will only increase over time, through the education, guidance, and delivery of compliant engineered timber schemes. Perhaps of greater significance is the drive toward net zero and the natural environmental benefits that engineered timber schemes will undoubtedly deliver.
Q: Timber is a mainstay of housebuilding in Scotland – what can be done to raise the levels of structural understanding and use of timber in residential projects elsewhere in the UK?
AG: We believe we are at the start of a natural shift away from the traditional methods of construction to more modern approaches such as panelised engineered timber and volumetric solutions, driven by a skills shortage, the need for rapid construction programmes together with client and government-set carbon targets. This is being led by forward thinking developers, specialist sub-contractors, architects and engineers who are undertaking their own research and development programmes into engineered timber construction methods. Key to the success of any timber scheme is the early engagement with a specialist contractor such as B&K Structures, to ensure an efficient and compliant timber engineered outcome.
