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| Award for SupaWall – the future of timber frame construction  Building in timber frame has just taken a quantum leap by SupaWall being awarded a British Board of Agrément Certificate. The construction and use of buildings represents half the energy we consume and thus is a key issue in global warming and climate change. Similarly, with the rapid changes in Building Regulations, the Code for Sustainable Homes and Energy Performance Certificates, it is essential to consider future proofing all new homes, buildings and developments. One of the most important aspects is the thermal efficiency of the complete building envelope. The latest advances are so high performing that they can negate the need for conventional central heating providing exceptionally low fuel bills. And we all know fuel costs only ever seem to go in one direction – up!Bryan Woodley, former Chief Executive of the UK Timber Frame Association and now a Director of SupaWall Limited observes: "It is good news that a British invention and one of the most advanced timber frame systems in the world, SupaWall, has been awarded a British Board of Agrément Certificate. We decided to take this important step because the SupaWall high performance closed panel timber frame system is such a significant advance on the traditional open panel products currently in use." SupaWall is extremely thermally efficient and independent testing by the National Physical Laboratory has confirmed a u-value of less than 0.12 W/m2K for 140mm stud SupaWall - with external cladding the u-value is usually 0.11 W/m2K. With the many other advantages associated with modern off site construction as highlighted by Sir John Egan; SupaWall, SupaRoof and SupaFloor have been developed to provide the complete building envelope with this world class performance. The SupaWall System may also be used both for refurbishment projects and as infill panels in multi-storey building structures. The system can be used with any form of interior and exterior cladding, making it very flexible in terms of architecture, design and usage. Philip Price inventor and owner of the patents for the SupaWall System notes, "Our vision is to make SupaWall widely available as it has the potential to significantly reduce energy and carbon consumption in buildings and allow ordinary families to dramatically reduce their heating bills. Rather than just sell this commercially, I have decided to offer my concept on an attractive Licensing basis". Licensing arrangements are being developed so that SupaWall is available UK-wide and two of the leading timber frame manufacturers, Maple Timber Frame of Langley and Scotframe Timber Engineering have already signed up. World-wide options are now being considered. Already over 200 homes and buildings have been constructed proving the concept in practice. As well as self-builders and private developers, much interest is now also being expressed by Housing Associations as SupaWall can assist them in the fight against fuel poverty. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |