The use of timber in construction has lots of desirable, practical, aesthetic and eco-friendly qualities. Indeed, new developments in engineered timber means it has become the latest go-to material for both residential and commercial buildings, including innovative skyscrapers.
Leading some of the major advantages of using timber in construction is carbon capture. According to research by The Economist, skyscrapers could reduce their carbon footprint by almost 75% when using responsibly sourced wood.
As a material, timber also allows for faster build times and lighter overall structures. Its robust fire resistance – initially an area of some concern – has also been proven, quashing sceptical remarks around timber-framed buildings coming down quicker than they went up!
Around the world, we are seeing more and more cities adopt the use of timber in their construction plans. Last year in Toronto, Google’s parent company Alphabet, through its urban city technology subsidiary Sidewalk Labs, and a tri-Government organisation Waterfront Toronto, jointly presented a blueprint of an official ‘City of the Future’ which is to be built using sustainable domestic Canadian timber.
In Tokyo, Architects Nikken Sekkei unveiled plans for a 70-storey timber skyscraper. A $5.5bn project which when completed in 2041, at 350m will be the highest wooden structure in the world. Almost four times the size of the current tallest timber structure, the impressive concept drawings are part of a nationwide drive to return to timber construction.
Closer to home, in Manchester, The Pavillion, due for completion Winter 2018, boasts four timber-made floors with an inviting living wall exterior, making it the city’s largest timber-framed building.
Due to the development of the design and build procurement process, insurance cover for contractors undertaking and having responsibility for design work to include the use of timber has developed and flourished.
Championing innovation
At CNA Hardy, we are big supporters of innovation within this space and our policy reflects this. Our Design and Construct policy is aimed at specialist timber frame contractors, providing full peace of mind with market leading coverage and a free collateral warranty service as standard.
While we know the task of purchasing the right kind of cover can occasionally find itself near the bottom of the to-do list, nearly all contractual requirements will include a provision around professional indemnity which can’t be ignored.
The construction industry has been under immense scrutiny of late from a compliance point of view, with several high profile examples dominating our headlines. As with all these things, it’s better to be safe, than sorry!
By Rhiannon Lewis, Senior Underwriter - Professional Indemnity, CNA Hardy