Research and development at the heart of Russwood’s timber systems
In a market full of options, specification can feel overwhelming. Architects and contractors aren’t just choosing timber. They’re choosing performance, longevity, compliance and risk mitigation. Behind every product decision sits a bigger question. Will this work, and will it last? At Russwood, that question drives everything we do. That is why research and development isn’t an add-on. It is fundamental to how we operate.
Table of Contents
- Quality is proven through testing
- Designing solutions around real project needs
- Technical expertise built in-house
- Strengthened through industry partnerships
- Timber weather testing in Highland conditions
- A long-term commitment to better performance
- Are you looking to specify timber in your next project?
Quality is proven through testing
We have worked with timber for over 35 years. Throughout that time, one principle has remained constant. We don’t bring products to market unless we are confident in how they perform.
That confidence comes from structured testing, engineering assessments and continuous evaluation in real-world conditions.
As Gareth Davies, Head of Technical and R&D, explains:
“Timber is a natural material, so variability is inevitable. Grain structure, density and moisture behaviour all influence how it performs in service. The role of R&D is to understand those variables in detail, test them properly, and build systems that account for them. When an architect specifies one of our systems they shouldn’t have to guess how the timber will behave. Our job is to do the necessary work and have the evidence available to give specifiers full confidence in our products.”
Our approach to R&D is not about innovation for its own sake. It is about solving real challenges. That might mean reducing risk on site, improving buildability, increasing durability or simplifying installation.
Designing solutions around real project needs
Many of our R&D projects begin with conversations.
Architects highlight detailing frustrations. Contractors flag inefficiencies. Engineers raise compliance pressures. We listen, assess and then investigate.
Sometimes the result is a completely new product. Sometimes it is a refined system that removes complexity, cost or time from a build programme.
Recent examples include:
- Russwood FinFix® – An engineer-assessed secret-fix solution developed to provide a cleaner and more robust alternative to traditional fin fixing methods.
- Russwood Battening System – A Eurocode 5-compliant system designed as a safer and more sustainable alternative to pressure-treated battens.
- Panel System – A modular, prefabricated external cladding solution is currently in development in collaboration with off-site fabrication specialists and architects.
Technical expertise built in-house
Our R&D capability is driven by a multidisciplinary team with expertise across wood science, coatings, fire performance, fixings and advanced cladding systems.
Gareth Davies leads the department, supported by Founder John Russell, and brings a strong background in wood science with a focus on evidence-based specification. He works closely with David Ross, New Product Developer, whose design expertise helps translate research into practical, buildable solutions.
Ross McCormack, Cladding System Development Technician, develops detailed drawings and supports system development, ensuring solutions are robust in theory and workable in practice. Scott McNeill provides sales, technical and R&D support, bringing valuable hands-on knowledge and bridging the gap between specification and installation.
Together, the team combines scientific understanding with practical construction experience, allowing us to move confidently between research, design development and real-world detailing.
Strengthened through industry partnerships
Our R&D work is strengthened by close collaboration with suppliers and technical partners. We regularly share research findings and practical feedback to ensure our systems align with wider industry standards.
Our partnership with Austrian fixings specialist SIHGA is one example. Their precision-engineered fixing systems complement our cladding and decking products, allowing us to deliver integrated, performance-led solutions to the UK market.
This means the advice we provide is not based solely on internal testing, but informed by broader industry expertise.
Timber weather testing in Highland conditions
Our Newtonmore headquarters in the Scottish Highlands gives us something invaluable. Real-world weather exposure.
Outside our office, we maintain a dedicated testing area where cladding, decking and coatings are monitored over time in natural environmental conditions.
Here, timber is subjected to wind-driven rain, UV exposure, frost and seasonal change. Rather than relying solely on short-term testing, we observe how products perform on working buildings and display panels over months and years.
We monitor:
- Surface finish durability
- Colour change and weathering behaviour
- Fixings interaction and detailing performance
- Maintenance requirements over product lifespan
For architects and contractors, this means our advice is grounded in evidence.
Visitors can view façades and detailing at different stages of weathering, offering insight into how timber matures on a live building. It’s easy to book a consultation using this form. Maintaining this testing area represents a significant investment, but it gives us long-term confidence in the recommendations we make, which is extremely important.
A long-term commitment to better performance
Research and development is not a one-off exercise. It is an ongoing part of how we improve the performance of our timber systems.
By investing in R&D, we reduce uncertainty for our customers. We help simplify complex detailing and improve compliance confidence. We continue to refine timber systems in line with sustainability goals and performance standards.
As Gareth summarises, “Our role in R&D is to test and understand all aspects of the products and systems we offer. Architects can focus on design, knowing they can rely on our knowledge and advice, taking the guesswork out of timber specification.”
For Russwood, innovation is not about chasing trends. It is about building trust through evidence, technical rigour and continuous improvement.
Are you looking to specify timber in your next project?
Our sustainably sourced cladding, decking, and flooring ranges provide high-performance solutions with proven testing behind them. Get in touch to discuss sustainable timber options for your design.