Written by Wood Campus
Environmental | Industry | News
Net-zero ambition for Timber Square in London
As reported by Ramtech, Timber Square is an ambitious project by Landsec aimed at achieving net-zero in London.
The site, which spans over 370,000 sq ft, is safeguarded by Ramtech’s WES3 wireless fire alarm system, installed by Wingate.
The development is conveniently located near London Bridge and Waterloo stations and features state-of-the-art facilities that promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The project aims to retain 85% of the existing structure and utilise cross-laminated timber, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
Timber Square will also incorporate air source heat pumps as the primary heat source to lower its carbon footprint.
Fire safety concerns with timber construction
Timber Square presents unique challenges and risks, particularly concerning fire safety due to its timber construction.
Timber, while sustainable and eco-friendly, is also combustible.
During construction, the risk is heightened because of exposed timber and other combustible materials on-site.
Key fire safety risks include rapid fire spread, compromised structural integrity in the event of a fire, and increased vulnerability during construction before fire protection measures are fully in place.
Installation of WES3 and REACT systems
Wingate installed over 400 WES3 devices on-site to address these fire safety risks.
The WES3 system, a fully customisable temporary wireless system, provides a simple and secure method for communicating fire and medical emergencies in complex environments.
The REACT Emergency Notification System enhances this by offering 24-hour coverage through a cloud-based platform that sends real-time alerts via a mobile app.
Steve Hemmington, Contracts Manager from Wingate, said: “Installing the WES3 system was incredibly straightforward thanks to its completely wireless design.
It’s easy to install and reposition the units as the site grows.
The added benefit of the REACT system is that it notifies us of any maintenance issues with the WES3 system, ensuring we can address them promptly and keep the site secure.”
Commitment to sustainability and safety
Timber Square aims to set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in construction while ensuring safety through innovative fire detection and emergency communication systems.
Ramtech’s Sales Manager, Adam Jurka, stated: “Timber Square is a landmark project in sustainability, and we’re proud to support it with our WES3 and REACT systems.
“These technologies provide reliable and rapid fire detection and emergency communication, ensuring that the site remains safe as it progresses towards its ambitious environmental goals.”
READ MORE: Orginal Article: IFSJ
More News
FSC awareness doubled since pre-lockdown
Awareness of the FSC logo in the UK has increased 45% since 2019[1], and the proportion of those claiming both good and rough knowledge of the logo has more than doubled. With data from the Office for National Statistics revealing that nature had supported people’s...
Persimmon gets green light for timber frame factory
Planning approval has been granted by Charnwood Borough Council for Persimmon to build its new Space4 timber frame factory near Loughborough. The factory is believed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK and will produce timber frame units for up to 7,000 homes a...
BWF research shows homeowners positive over timber
New research from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) reveals signs that timber windows and doors are viewed positively by homeowners, but that misunderstandings over their performance persist. The survey of 1,500 homeowners unearthed the main factors guiding...
Asia’s largest timber building
‘Like entering a forest’: Inside Asia’s largest timber building Singapore CNN — Singapore has long billed itself as a “garden city,” a term coined in the 1960s by the country’s founding father and former prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew. In the decades since, the island...
Call for Entries live for Wood Awards 2023
The call for entries for the Wood Awards 2023 is now live! Enter your wood-centric building, furniture or product before 23 June 2023 and have your work recognised as the best in the UK. Architects, engineers, installers, furniture makers, product designers – or...
Timber Shortages Ease
The timber shortage has brought price hikes and delays, but there is good news as supply increases. A timber shortage which has frustrated homebuilders all year is “highly likely” to be over, according to the Timber Trade Federation (TTF). This, the TTF says, is...
Grand Entrance For UC4 Glulam
A new school auditorium for Horris Hill Preparatory School on its rural campus near Newbury, Berkshire, has been transformed using structural engineered timber and a Use Class 4 (UC4) treated glulam portico. The choice of materials for the new David Brownlow theatre...
Use Wood With A Clear Conscience
Sara Kulturhus in Skellefteå has made it to the final of the International Award for Wood Architecture, the winner of which will be announced on 7 April. “It’s vital to make construction climate-neutral, and wood is a natural material. With Sara Kulturhus, we’ve shown...
Australian architects declare net zero carbon for national building code
AUSTRALIAN architect members of the global organisation Architects Declare are having their say on the National Construction Code updates to make sure every new home – without costing more – will raise the required standards of sustainability. Submissions to the...
The 2021 wood awards winners announced
Six structures and two product designs have been announced as the Wood Awards 2021 winners at a ceremony on 25 November held at the Building Centre, London. Established in 1971, the Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product...