On this project, Kirkwood Timber Frame worked with CHAP Construction - one of Scotland’s leading privately owned construction companies - on the delivery of 87 new council properties in Aberdeen.
The project:
Described as Aberdeen’s most ambitious social housing programme in more than 50 years, this landmark development at Craighill, Kincorth - for Aberdeen City Council - saw the creation of 87 modern, energy-efficient new council homes.
The development, part of Aberdeen City Council’s “Gold Standard” housing initiative, provided adaptable, sustainable and dementia-friendly homes that integrated with the surrounding community. Designed to meet the council’s target of reducing carbon emissions by at least 27% and supplying over half of hot water needs via renewable energy, the project also prioritised year-round comfort for residents.
Designs ensured that energy efficiency and build quality translated directly into long-term benefits for residents and the wider community.
How Kirkwood Timber Frame supported the project:
Kirkwood Timber Frame’s FastBuild® OpenPanel timber frame systems, with pre-fitted windows and extra-long panels, were integral to the project.
Precision engineering in a factory environment delivered a tighter fit, better airtightness properties (and as a result), more thermally efficient living spaces.
Fabrication also involved the installation of fully glazed and finished windows (from our windows supply partner Pinefield Glass) into the timber frame wall panels, as part of the factory production process, using Eurocell's InSite system - comprising a specialist hinge, sealant, and fire rated cavity barrier.
Complementing the exceptional thermal performance of Kirkwood Timber Frame's products, the windows delivered excellent U-value performance (1.0 W/m²K*), again, helping to deliver even warmer and more energy efficient homes for the end user.
Speeding up the build programme:
Once delivered to site, the panels were craned into position vertically - as the weight of the window is within the panel - making siting easy and convenient. This method of delivery and assembly reduced risk and potential damage to windows and the associated cost of repairs. It also reduced on-site disruption and labour costs, whilst speeding up build programme schedules.
The whole panel assembly process enabled the buildings to be wind and watertight on day one, meaning internal follow on trades could start work immediately. No waiting for window installation. No worries about scaffolding obstructing window installation. Preparing the windows for external cladding and internal boarding could all be done from the inside of the building – it was as simple as pushing the window out on the specially designed hinge and into the locked position.
Client comment:
Fraser Taylor, Operations Director with CHAP, said: “Kirkwood Timber Frame engaged from early tender stages to look at value engineered off site solutions. Their 10-meter panels reduced erect times, and we worked together with Kirkwood to get all windows pre-fitted in the factory - which accelerated wind & water tightness dates, bringing our internal trades onto site much earlier than planned. On a scheme of this scale, where daily trade costs can be in the region of £1,800 to £2,000, those savings quickly add up. I would have no issues recommending Kirkwood Timber Frame to potential customers."
Malcolm Thomson, Managing Director at Kirkwood Timber Frame, added: “This was a fantastic project to be involved in and perfectly showcases how timber frame can play a huge role in delivering greener, warmer and more sustainable homes at pace - and reduced cost.”
You can read more about how pre-fitted windows can be a gamechanger in terms of speed and delivery of projects, here.
*Watts per square metre Kelvin.
