An introduction to systemised offsite manufactured and engineered timber dwelling typologies from Welsh and UK forestry supply chains, enabling transition to nearly zero carbon homes in Wales

Abstract

This paper discusses a Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship two (KESS2) doctoral project co-funded in collaboration with Woodknowledge Wales, to be undertaken by the first author under the guidance of the other authors. The KESS2 project supports the larger Home Grown Homes project, which is spearheading the use of Welsh timber in construction, undertaken by the four organisations authoring this paper. In 2018, there is an increased need to drive efficiencies in housing supply and also performance with the current and future skills shortages in construction (as articulated in the Farmer Review – Modernise or Die) and is helping to encourage a shift to offsite construction, known as OffSite Manufacturing (OSM). The Welsh Government’s £10 Million Innovative Housing Programme introduced in 2017 is helping to massively incentivise the shift to OSM in Wales. The move to OSM and increased systemisation is requiring a profound re-think of how the UK conceives and delivers housing. This PhD will explore the architectural technology detailing of the building fabric and synergy with manufacturing detailing through the use of timber, particularly home-grown timber, for engineered timber solutions, and erection on site; developing typologies for a range of housing markets in wales. The challenges include creating a better understanding of the key technological features required to deliver high-performance systemised timber solutions, with an aspiration to achieve nearly zero carbon homes from 2020 in Wales, and that also provide a healthy environment for their occupants, with zero energy costs. Building on the SuRBe group’s expertise in building performance evaluation, particularly in fire and thermal parameter assessment this project will instigate a monitoring programme during manufacture, construction and post occupancy. This paper will be useful for academics, architects, building contractors, housing developers and financial institutions and government agencies evaluating Welsh timber as a construction material.