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Timber Frame Housing

Background
 Development of Standards
On-Site Quality Assurance
Amendment of National Building Regulations
Procurement of Social Housing
Timber Frame Housing Report

Background



The Timber Frame Housing Construction Report was published by the then Minister (Mr. Martin Cullen TD) in December 2003 and public/industry comments were invited, prior to the making of decisions on the implementation of 36 recommendations contained in the TFHC Report.

A total of 18 submissions were received by an extended deadline of April 2004- extension requested by Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers Association (ITFMA). The submissions were taken into account in progressing implementation of the TFHC Report's recommendations. The Minister (Mr. Dick Roche TD) met the ITFMA in January 2005 and outlined  proposals for implementation of the TFHC Report's Recommendation-which were broadly accepted by the ITFMA. The 36 recommendations covered:

  • Development of standards;
  • On-site quality assurance;
  • Amendments of national Building Regulations; and
  • Procurement of Social Housing


Development of Standards:


Under the aegis of an NSAI Steering Group, which included representatives of both the Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers Association (ITFMA) and DEHLG an Irish Standard for Timber Frame dwellings was developed. It was published as an Irish Standard and came into effect on 22 May 2009 under the designation IS 440: 2009.(Available from the NSAI) This standard specifies requirements for materials, design, manufacturer, construction details, site work and quality control for platform timber frame construction. The standard relates to timber frame dwellings.


On-Site Quality Assurance

  • Timber Frame Erection Supervisors Course for qualified Carpenters

    NSAI in partnership with FAS and ITFMA, developed the Timber Frame Erection Supervisors course for qualified Carpenters. The Pilot training course took place in NSAI (Glasnevin) in May 2006 and included a competency based multiple choice test and site based practical assessment. The course was refined in the light of feedback from the pilot and was handed over to FAS for future ongoing delivery and certification by FETAC. To date 3 training courses have taken place.

  • National Registration Scheme for Timber Frame Site Erection Crews

    NSAI have developed the National Register and plan to introduce it in the near future subject to economic demand. This will require each registered crew to follow the new IS: 440 standard, complete Check Lists on every timber frame building erected, and have a certified timber frame supervisor who will be responsible for compliance with the requirements of an NSAI site quality control scheme.

  • NSAI Services for Local Housing Authorities

    NSAI provide a 1 day training course for local authority personnel who are involved in timber frame construction projects- Timber Frame Construction- Good Site Practice; and are developing new training courses. These courses focus on specification, constructional detailing, design issues and site supervision.

  • Quality Control

    NSAI can provide an onsite quality control inspection service for timber frame homes to aid local authority housing schemes.


Amendment of National Building Regulations


The Department has committed to reviewing relevant Parts of the Building Regulations, and the related Technical Guidance Documents, to more explicitly cater for timber frame construction. Part A/TGD A dealing with structure is due to be reviewed in 2010 and the amended text will recognise and take account of the recently published IS 440. 


Procurement of Social Housing


An evaluation of timber frame housing as an option was carried out on 12 pilot Social Housing schemes in 2005 comprising:

  • 6 new housing schemes: where the contractor could quote for timber frame housing construction, as an  alternative to masonry construction cited in Tender Specification;
  • 6 new housing schemes: where  procurement was on a Design and Build basis; and where DB consortium was free to use timber frame construction, if that was their preferred method of construction

Of the 6 tendered projects 3 Local Authorities have completed 4 schemes in Timber Frame to date while a further scheme is under construction. Of the 6 Design and Build projects again 3 Local Authorities have 4 sites completed in Timber Frame. Several other Local Authorities are currently reviewing proposals for Timber Frame Schemes.



Timber Frame Housing Report

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