A major collaboration between property developers, insurers, and technical experts has led to the launch of the “UK’s first Commercial Timber Guidebook”. The guide aims to promote the use of structural timber in office construction, and represents a key step toward broader adoption of sustainable timber construction practices within the commercial building sector.
The initiative is spearheaded by Elliott Wood, Waugh Thistleton Architects and OFR Consultants, working with specialist insurance consultants, Lignum Risk Partners, to engage the wider sector. The project, kickstarted with a €200,000 grant from the Built by Nature network and fund, also attracted co-funding and support from major developers Stanhope PLC, British Land, Lendlease, Related Argent, Derwent London, Landsec, MUSE, Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) and Great Portland Estates – all seeking to overcome existing barriers to mass timber adoption.
The Guidebook aims to drive the adoption of timber by demonstrating both its technical viability and its insurability. The project team worked directly with architects, developers, and engineers to create a consensus of good practice on how to incorporate structural timber into new office buildings.
By providing clear and agreed guidelines, the Guidebook helps developers, designers, and insurers align on risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that timber buildings can be constructed with confidence.
