Reflecting on LFA 2024: exploring timber’s role in modular construction

Russwood had the privilege of attending the London Festival of Architecture 2024 on its 20^th anniversary, where we co-hosted an engaging panel discussion titled ‘Inside the box: timber’s role in modular construction’. This year’s festival, known for bringing together the brightest minds in architecture and urban design, was an inspiring and educational experience for everyone involved.

The event, held in the buzzing atmosphere of the Arcola Theatre in London, saw an impressive turnout, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable construction practices. Attendees included architects, designers and students, all eager to explore new ways to tackle urban challenges. Our discussion centred on how timber can revolutionalise modern construction and how we can rethink traditional methods to come up with innovative solutions that promote sustainability, cost-efficiency and design flexibility.

A heartfelt thank you

Firstly, we would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended. This was our first time hosting a panel like this, and your presence and participation made the discussion vibrant and insightful. A special thanks also to our amazing panelists: Russwood’s own Gareth Davies; Jon Stevenson (formerly of James Jones & Sons Ltd), Rebecca Sawcer of Waugh Thistleton Architects; and Matt Stevenson of Ecosystems Technologies. Your expertise and insights were invaluable, and it’s safe to say we all learnt a lot.  

Key takeaways from ‘Inside the box: timber’s role in modular construction’

The theme of LFA 2024 was ‘reimagine’, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing urban challenges. Our panel discussion explored how timber can transform modular construction, highlighting its sustainability benefits, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Here are some main summaries from the discussion on timber’s role in modular construction:

The rise of prefabrication and modular systems

• Gareth Davies highlighted the increasing trend towards prefabrication in the construction industry. Russwood is developing a new assembly line to produce modular systemised cladding panels, which can be supplied as finished units to offsite fabricators. This approach allows for production in a controlled environment, enhancing efficiency and quality.

Sustainability and environmental impact of using timber

• Gareth emphasised timber’s sustainability benefits, crucial for moving towards net-zero emissions. Timber’s ability to capture carbon and its lower environmental footprint compared to traditional materials like concrete make it a vital component in sustainable construction.
• Rebecca Sawcer noted the need to rethink design standards, which are largely based on concrete, to integrate timber effectively. To quote, “we are so used to building and designing in concrete that a lot of our standards are what they are because concrete was taken as the baseline, and now these things need to be re-thought. For us, it’s a low carbon journey.”
• Matt Stevenson pointed out the historical durability of timber buildings, which have lasted for centuries. Timber’s regenerative nature makes it a solution to material scarcity, promoting a circular economy by allowing materials to be reused and repurposed.

Working with timber, for all the sustainability benefits it brings, it’s really got a lot going for it as we are moving towards net zero as a country and global.

Gareth Davies, Head of Technical R&D

Efficiency and industry standards

• Rebecca and Jon Stevenson highlighted timber as the only truly sustainable mainstream building material due to its ability to regenerate. The processing of timber has a much lower carbon impact compared to materials like steel and concrete, which are extractive and finite.
• Gareth mentioned Russwood’s eco-conscious practices, such as using sawmill waste for biomass heating and transitioning to electric forklifts, saying that “we are constantly driving to waste nothing and reuse everything.”

Durability and longevity of timber

• Gareth stressed that if timber is kept dry, it can last indefinitely, locking carbon into the built environment for a long time. This makes timber a key material for reducing the global carbon footprint.
• Rebecca discussed the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in providing data for life cycle assessments, aiding in the design of low-carbon buildings.

Advantages of UK-Sourced Timber

• Matt and Rebecca emphasised the benefits of using locally sourced timber, which supports local economies and reduces transportation emissions. Understanding the specific characteristics and uses of different timber species is crucial for effective application.
• Rebecca pointed out the need for better knowledge and standards in the UK regarding timber use, advocating for government policies that support the timber industry and sustainability initiatives.

Health and well-being benefits to using timber

• Rebecca and Matt discussed timber’s low toxicity and biophilic benefits, which help regulate moisture and create pleasant environments. Studies show that timber-rich spaces can improve behaviour and reduce stress, particularly in schools.

Overcoming barriers to timber use in modular construction

• Rebecca identified several barriers to the widespread adoption of timber, including commercial viability and regulatory challenges. She called for policy changes to remove these obstacles and promote sustainable building practices.
  
  These key takeaways highlight the potential of timber to revolutionise modular construction by promoting sustainability, efficiency, and well-being. The discussion underscored the importance of continued innovation and collaboration in the industry to address urban challenges and build a more sustainable future.

Looking ahead…

Russwood is thrilled to have been part of the London Festival of Architecture this year and we are looking forward to participating in more events like this in the future. We are excited for more opportunities to engage with industry leaders and the public on the topic of sustainable construction practices.  

Thank you once again to everyone who made this event a success. Here’s to reimagining and building a more sustainable future together!

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