TRADA launches case studies with a difference

'Timber Solutions' will feature specific building elements and aim to provide solutions to challenges faced by designers, using a case study approach.

TRADA, the Timber Research and Development Association, has launched a new form of case study on its website.

As TRADA's Rupert Scott explained, the aims of the new feature are:.

* To encourage specifiers to use timber, where perhaps without this guidance they would have chosen another material.

* To show how common problems have been considered and solutions developed.

He said, 'They are based around real projects, with commentary on the issues considered, the reasons for the choices made and photographs and drawings which specifiers find so useful.' Timber Solutions can be found alongside the popular building cases studies at www.trada.co.uk/casestudies.

The first 'Timber Solutions' topic loaded onto the website last month features the external timber walkways and stairs of the Oxo Tower redevelopment, Southbank, London.

'This, we feel, offers good general guidance on designing timber walkways in public places.

It particularly focuses on minimising slipping, reducing the need for cleaning and the longevity of the timber, issues which were specific to the Oxo development but which will recur elsewhere'.

The solar shading at Anglesey Abbey visitor centre will be the subject of the second Timber Solutions feature, expected to be up on the website by the end of June.'Mr Scott added, 'Here the key issues will be controlling light and heat gain, as well as the longevity of timber and again minimising maintenance'.

Future topics may include connections for wide span structures, insulation and air tightness in timber frame.

TRADA members can benefit from downloading full PDF documents with drawings and photos.

Registered users can, however, access text and photographs.

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