Timber Expo set to address safety and quality in buildings

Timber Expo, the UK’s only event dedicated exclusively to Timber, announces its return to Birmingham NEC from 10 – 12 October 2017. Supported by Confor, Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI), Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA), and the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), the show will cover a wide range of timber applications, from timber frame through to plywood, CLT and timber cladding, while exploring the latest developments across the industry as well as new products and innovations from around Europe.

With thousands of new products on offer from a wide range of exhibitors, Timber Expo is one of the leading events for self-builders. Exhibitors confirmed to attend already include fastenings and fixings provider, Schmid Scrauben Hainfield; manufacturer and leader in fire containment technology, Intumescent Systems; Czech distributor of plywood and packing, Orlimex; Latvian sawmill, Vudlande Sawmill, which will showcase the newest form of sawmilling technology at the show, and Gaujas Koks Ltd, which has 25 years of CLT manufacturing and will operate two major sawmills with a total output of 300,000m3 of finished products. These are just a few of the top quality products not to be missed.

In addition to new products on offer, there is also plenty of scope to learn and pick up tips. This year, in collaboration with TRADA, the leading authority dedicated to informing best practice design, specification and use of wood and timber in the built environment, the Timber Focus Theatre will welcome speakers onto the stage to discuss how the industry is pushing the boundaries on the use of wood, wood for good health, technical timber, and also how designers are working directly with fabricators.

Students from the Emergent Technologies and Design Programme at the Architectural Association are also developing an innovative timber installation. Co-ordinated by TRADA and sponsored by Hanson Plywood, the design derives from extensive research on plywood composite material systems, focused on the integration of doubly curved plywood forms and tensile cables. The design is a development from an initial understanding of ‘tensegrity’ (or floating compression) systems and departs from a pure tensegrity through a three-dimensional structure, where doubly-curved plywood members coexist in equilibrium.

Whether a construction professional or self-builder, there has never been a more important time to learn about building materials and regulations, which is why the Timber Expo has introduced a series of free CPDs bringing together leading authorities to deliver advice and guidance on key issues including:

  • Essential guidance on safety and fire prevention in buildings
  • Guidance on sprinklers, fire doors and dampening
  • Latest advice on cladding and other flammable building materials
  • Health & Safety – responsibilities in the construction process and protecting you and your employees
  • Improving safety through technology

Offsite construction is a trend that grows stronger every year, and it seems inevitable that the future of the building industry will include a significant element of prefabrication, offsite assembly, volumetric modular building and automation. There will be a dedicated Offsite Theatre, and it has also earned a special category at the exhibition awards. The theme is being supported by the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) and Structural Timber Association (STA), organisations heavily involved in promoting the benefits and advantages of offsite and volumetric modular construction. Jackie Maginnis, CEO of MPBA commented:

“Timber Expo 2017 represents a massive opportunity for the MPBA to educate the wider industry in the significant advantages of volumetric modular construction.”

There are more exhibitors specialising in this area of construction at the show than any other, including Wernick Group, Portakabin, GTX Containex, Tufeco and Modularize. It’s also likely that many of the breakout products to be found on the Innovation Trail will be aimed at this fast-developing area of construction

Holistic – UK Construction Week

Timber Expo will seek to educate and inform the wide variety of construction professionals who will be visiting the show in the key design and build considerations, ongoing and future challenges and the quality of products and components that all contribute to the success of the industry.

Must-attend seminars and talks will be given on volumetric construction, with several keynote speeches concerning the residential sector, plus insights into the training and skills shortages faced by the housebuilding industry.

Nathan Garnett, Event Director at Media 10, which runs the show, said:

“In addition to showcasing the latest products and innovations across the timber sector, the Timber Expo will deliver the latest information on safety and quality in buildings for all in the built environment, from architects, contractors, local housing authorities, and developers. This is crucial in the current climate and only by coming together, through shared knowledge and learning, will we be able to tackle the issues surrounding building safety head on.”

Consisting of Build Show, sponsored by Easy-Trim, Civils Expo, Plant & Machinery Live, Energy 2017, Smart Buildings 2017, Surface & Materials Show (featuring Kitchens & Bathrooms Live), HVAC 2017 and Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week caters for the entire spectrum of the industry from builders, architects, innovators and consultants, each show provides exhibitors with the opportunity to network alongside decision makers and purchasers while showcasing their services and products to thousands of visitors.

For more information and free registration, please visit: www.timber-expo.co.uk