Glanffrwd Development
Glanffrwd Development
About this Project
Client
Tai Calon Community Housing
Contractor
Willis Construction
Units
23
Wall system
Advanced
Joists
Metal web
Location
Ebbw Vale
Glanffrwd Development is Tai Calon Community Housing’s very first residential development project. The new homes are designed to promote independence and enhance the quality of life for tenants with unique needs.
Taylor Lane Timber Frame was appointed by principal contractor, Willis Construction Ltd., to supply and build timber frames for 15 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, four two-bedroom bungalows, and four one-bedroom walk-up flats.
Nyron Wood, Contracts Manager for Willis Construction, said:
“We have used timber frame on a number of projects; however, this was our first time working with Taylor Lane Timber Frame, and it was a really good experience from design stage to completion.”
Local timber frame supplier
As a community anchor organisation, Tai Calon was pleased to see that Willis Construction chose a local supplier with Taylor Lane Timber Frame manufacturing and supplying products from its factory in Nantyglo.
The Advanced wall system includes factory-fitted external reflective breather paper, 9mm OSB external sheathing and 100mm stud insulation. Metal web joists were also supplied as part of the timber frame kit. The MMC Category 2 timber frame was made using PEFC certified timber.
Sustainability and efficiency were key drivers of the project with all homes achieving an EPC A rating. The energy-saving and thermal performance of timber frame positively contribute to this, with residents feeling the impact with warmer, efficient homes.
Timber frame solutions
There are many advantages associated with timber frame not least the ability to design-out issues at the design stage. Taylor Lane’s in-house timber frame designers made several adjustments to both the bungalows and walk-up flats to improve buildability.
The bungalows proved particularly challenging, especially the flat roof and front gable. The overhang was originally designed with steel support posts which would have needed to be in-situ before the roof could be installed. Timber frame designer, Krzysztof Konieczny designed out the posts by designing the trusses with a cantilever. Additional loadings were added to the joists to bear the weight of the sedum roof.
The walk-up flats posed another challenge. The first-floor recessed balconies required extra masonry support with steel in the floor zone and a steel beam in the roof. To reduce the weight and negate the need for additional masonry support, Taylor Lane recommended switching to a lightweight cladding with a render finish which could be fixed straight onto the timber frame. Willis Construction welcomed the alternative solution – one which reduced time onsite and cost.
Alleviate local housing shortage
The development aims to alleviate the local housing shortage, providing much-needed new energy efficient housing for residents of Blaenau Gwent. It is supported by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant and the Strategic Housing Team at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.
This is the first development of many, as Tai Calon’s new development programme will deliver up to 100 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership per annum by 2030.
Glanffrwd Development was awarded ‘Bronze’ in the 2024 Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards. Willis Construction also excelled in inspections carried out by the CCS, receiving an ‘Excellent’ score.
???? credit: Tai Calon and Willis Construction
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