Taylor Lane Timber Frame has constructed 49 homes using its Classic wall system at Shackleton Heights in Lockleaze, Bristol, a development by housing provider Abri.
The Hereford-based timber frame manufacturer was appointed by main contractor Speller Metcalfe on the known quality of its services and competitive rate.
Timber frame was the build method of choice for the houses on the site and brick and block work was implemented on the traditional flats.
Chloe Burke, senior quantity surveyor at Speller Metcalfe commented: “Timber frame is a quicker construction method than building the houses from traditional masonry. It also allows us to achieve greater air tightness for SAPS and Building Regulations.”
Taylor Lane’s Classic wall system is categorised as MMC Category 2 and includes factory-fitted breather paper, external sheathing and stud insulation. For this scheme Taylor Lane recommended 100mm PIR insulation. Once fitted, the wall system achieves a U-value of 0.19 W/M2K.
Several types of rusticated brick were selected for the external finish. On some house types the brickwork is toothed for added interest. This had to be factored into the timber frame design as the stepped course impacted the cavity depth. Where the toothed detail occurs, the bricks step out to create a 60mm cavity, ensuring the minimum 50mm clear cavity is maintained.
Sustainability is a focus of the new development, and the use of timber frame is a contributing factor. Timber is a natural insulator and is the ultimate low-carbon building material. These advantages, coupled with the air source heat pumps installed throughout the development, lower the carbon footprint of the EPC B rated homes and cut energy bills for residents.
Chloe Burke added: “We have a good working relationship with Taylor Lane and have worked with them on several previous projects. They responded very quickly to queries and we had a good experience with everyone we dealt with at the company. We were very impressed with their work.”
Shackleton Heights is situated along Crome and Constable Road in the northern suburb of Bristol. The new homes have helped revitalise land that had been derelict for over ten years. The development is part of the wider Lockleaze regeneration project which is seeing over 760 homes being built in the area.
Shackleton Heights comprises 74 homes and a mix of house types, these include two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Two bungalows have also been built which are wheelchair accessible and can be adapted with lower light switches and window openers.
The mixed tenure site has been built by Speller Metcalfe and includes 37 affordable homes. Abri has helped make 50% of the homes affordable through its own funding and with grant support from Homes England.
The Lockleaze local lettings policy, developed by Bristol City Council, means that members of the existing Lockleaze community will be given priority for the new homes for social rent.
Alongside Speller Metcalfe, Abri employed Emmett Russel Architects, Welling Partnership and Jubb Engineers on the scheme.
