The New Model Building
Building net zero homes
In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy a review and subsequent changes in Part B of building regulations, intended to prohibit the use of potentially dangerous external cladding systems in residential buildings, has created hesitancy around the use of engineered timber within construction. Since it is widely accepted that the use of structural timber is one of the primary ways in which we can hope to reduce the carbon emissions produced by construction, this lack of confidence poses a threat not only to our ability to meet emerging embodied carbon targets but also to avert the global crisis of climate change.
The New Model Building, explains how engineered timber can be used to construct multistorey residential buildings, in full compliance with UK building regulations. Focusing on the key areas of fire strategy and moisture management, the document draws attention to primary considerations, and proposes design principles that should be adhered to, showcasing an exemplar methodology for building residential developments in a climate emergency.
The New Model Building also illustrates how through substituting a traditionally constructed superstructure with engineered timber we can reduce the whole life carbon footprint by 74% and achieves a LETI A+ rating (A-C).
Engineered timber is the only net zero carbon structural material currently available, and is fundamental to achieving these targets. Complying with UK statutory guidance, The New Model Building utilises a low carbon engineered timber structure coupled with a non-combustible façade, demonstrating a way of building that responds to the challenge of meeting net zero carbon.
The New Model Building has been published as a suite of three booklets:
- An overview Guide describes why we need the New Model Building and what it includes.
- A Detail handbook describes the technical standards on which the New Model Building is predicated, and contains a suite of details, checklists and performance specifications which describe how to design using the New Model Building principles.
- The Evidence book contains all the pre-assessed documents submitted to NHBC by Waugh Thistleton Architects, UCL and Buro Happold.
which can be downloaded free of charge from the TDUK website.
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the New Model Building please email info@waughthistleton.com.