Out of the woods

In scotland timber frame is the norm for housing construction up to seven storeys and it is arguable that the industry here is far more aware of the need for care during the building process than has been evident at the recent fires at both Peckham and Colindale.

In the latter, the fire took place on a Friday afternoon when the site was unoccupied and the fire services, unable to ascertain whether gas canisters had been left within, elected to let it burn itself out. Inevitably the heat radiated to adjacent buildings, causing substantial damage. It would appear that a similar condition manifested itself at Peckham. Webb refers to this as “disproportionate” but it is arguable that any uncontrolled fire would have a similar impact.

Given that in the two examples above the timber frame sub-contractors had apparently completed their roles and left the sites, it is all too apparent how limited general contractor knowledge in timber frame construction and fire safety is in those areas where this method of building has not been the norm.

Webb may disagree, but when the industry does pick up again, it will be methods such as timber frame that will best respond to the demand for speed of erection and higher standards of sound and thermal insulation. As for his red herring of how much carbon is released by combustion — this would be true of most materials in a fire situation, but timber unquestionably has a very substantial edge when it comes to the amount of carbon that can be sequestrated in the construction itself.

The real issue, however, is the lack of knowledge among contractors — and some architects — about the contemporary use of timber in construction. I would invite any readers of BD who have doubts in this area to contact the Centre for Timber Engineering for guidance.

Peter Wilson, Centre for Timber Engineering, Edinburgh Napier University