Designing With Timber
The future of sustainable construction?
Earlier this month, Director Elly was invited to give a talk at the ICF Annual Conference. The 2023 conference focused on productivity and timber utilisation with the theme 'Growing Trees for Tomorrow's Needs'. Elly presented our experience on "Designing with Timber" and how this can support the delivery of healthy, low embodied and low operational carbon buildings. We thought that the subject was too important not to share more widely, so we have collated the following blog so you can understand the importance of using timber in architecture.
In the face of a climate crisis, the construction industry is being called to action. With staggering statistics revealing its significant contribution to carbon emissions, the time for business as usual is over. A radical shift to renewable, low embodied energy and healthy materials is critical. In the pursuit for sustainability, timber emerges as a promising solution to address both embodied and operational carbon concerns.
Understanding Carbon in Construction:
The carbon impact of construction involves both embodied and operational aspects. Embodied carbon encompasses the entire life cycle of a building, from material extraction to demolition. Operational carbon, on the other hand, refers to the ongoing energy consumption during the building's lifetime. To tackle carbon emissions effectively, a holistic understanding of materials is crucial.
From the Centre for Industrialised Architecture (CINARK) at the Royal Danish Academy
The Carbon Hierarchy:
A visual representation of the carbon hierarchy places high embodied carbon materials like steel and concrete at the top, while timber and other bio-based materials sit at the bottom, boasting negative carbon values. Timber not only minimizes environmental impact but also sequesters and locks up carbon, making it a sustainable choice.
Passivhaus Standard for Operational Carbon Reduction:
To address operational carbon, the Passivhaus (PH) standard, originating in Germany, is a game-changer. By applying principles akin to a thermos flask, the PH standard drastically reduces fabric heat losses. This substantially reduces energy demand and heating bills, often between 70-90% compared to traditional standards like Part L building regulations.
Timber as the Sustainable Answer:
Timber stands out as a key player in reducing both embodied and operational carbon in construction. As well as being inherently low carbon, timber frame construction offers ample opportunities to achieve the stringent airtightness and thermal performance requirements of the Passivhaus standard.
Opportunities Presented by Timber:
Timber products boast the lowest embodied carbon among mainstream building materials. For every cubic meter used, 0.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide are absorbed and stored for the product's entire lifespan. Responsibly sourced timber can contribute to expanding forests, offering a sustainable carbon capture and storage solution.
Timber's versatility facilitates modern offsite construction methods, allowing for lightweight, precision-engineered, and low-energy building practices, making it a front-runner for sustainable construction. The material's high quality and efficiency make it a frontrunner in sustainable construction.
The Health Aspect of Timber:
Timber interiors have been proven to enhance well-being, reducing stress levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Embracing biophilic design principles, timber offers opportunities to connect inhabitants with the natural environment. As we spend most of our time indoors, timber emerges as the ideal material to transform houses into healthy homes.
Despite its numerous advantages, the adoption of timber in construction at scale faces a number of challenges. Local supply chains of course, will need expansion; while this will be challenging, it does present potential opportunities for new jobs creation and green investment. There are also ongoing safety and durability concerns relating to fire risk and moisture risk, which means insurers often impose prohibitively high premiums on timber frame buildings. Further testing and research is required to address these challenges.
Timber's role in sustainable construction goes beyond being just a building material. It represents a shift in how we approach design, construction and the overall environmental impact of our built environment. As we navigate the current global climate challenges, the opportunities presented by timber in reducing carbon emissions and creating healthier living spaces cannot be overstated. Embracing timber is not just a choice; it's a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.