PR 35016
7 May 2014

Wolf Systems' easi-joist solution to Grand Design
 
 
 

Wolf Systems' easi-joists have been chosen to support the suspended timber floors of a zero-carbon self-build in York (as featured in a series of Grand Designs).

Architect, Martin Walker, wanted a modern, spacious, low-energy house; his wife Kae wanted a cosy family home. The challenge was to satisfy both aspirations however conflicting they might seem.

Martin's design used a structural frame of sustainable glulam beams with modern highly-insulated panels supplied by Leeds-based timber-frame specialist, Shire Timber.

Meeting the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations was not difficult with this structure, yet Martin wanted to go further and build to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. That means zero-carbon.

Timber is a sustainable product and there was never any doubt that timber would provide all the structural elements of the building. Wolf Systems' easi-joists for the floors; these are lightweight metal-web joists, top-hung from the heavy-section glulam beams.

Shire Timber supplied all the timber components, from the glulam beams to the easi-joists. Technical director, Mike Onions, says that easi-joists were chosen over alternative solid timber joists and engineered-timber i-joists.

"With modern energy-efficient homes, the standard of air-tightness is very high and you need a controlled ventilation system to replace stale air with fresh" says Mike.

"That means a system of ductwork that has to be installed in the floorspace. Metal-web joists, with their open structure, allow for the installation of ductwork and other services, like water and electricity, very easily".

For further information, please visitwww.wolfsystem.co.ukor call 02476 602303.

-ends-

With compliments:
Philippa Worley
Taylor Alden
Unit 2 Temple Place
247 The Broadway
London SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
Fax: 020 8543 2841
email:philippa@tayloralden.co.uk
www.tayloralden.co.uk