SCOTLAND’S HOUSING EXPO 2010: Use of Home Grown Timber in Construction

sharply detailed larch cladding by MAKAR Ltd.

My entry ticket included the excellent CPD seminar, 'Use of Home Grown Timber in Construction'. Informed by their own direct experience, speakers presented an overview of current research into the timber quality of home-grown conifers, developing import-substitution opportunities for Scottish forestry. We also heard that practical experience has confirmed the suitability of locally grown softwood for timber-frame manufacture. We were then offered a summary of recent results from ongoing research into timber durability and fire performance with particular reference to timber cladding.

The seminar concluded with a presentation by architect Neil Sutherland whose holistic approach to the design, supply and use of quality home-grown timber in construction is exceptional. Neil proposed sharing knowledge and experience among architects, foresters, timber processors, carpenters, manufacturers and builders, to extend, develop and exploit the opportunities for home-grown construction timber.

Such co-operation would seem to offer a practical strategy for the transformation and rapid re-skilling needed if Scotland's construction industry is to deliver the sustainable buildings of tomorrow.

Seminar