Chris Franklin, MD at Ranheat Engineering Ltd – a leading UK manufacturer of wood combustion equipment – continues his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery Production ... In a previous column, Chris looked at how timber frame housing could help meet the UK Government’s targets on new builds. This month’s article was written whilst he was researching timber frame housing in Japan, in October 2024. He looks at how, for many years, the Japanese have successfully built timber frame buildings that he claims not only make great homes but can also withstand earthquakes!
One of the fears with timber frame housing is longevity in use. Modern manufacturing methods and environmentally friendly treatment of the timber ensure this happens. My recent Japanese experience showed that the buildings had a long life even if not made using modern timber construction methods and using modern materials. Houses and other buildings, including shrines, still stand that were made in the 18th century and before. Indeed, a shrine made of timber is one of the few buildings to remain in Tokyo that survived the intense bombing of the Second World War.
The other major fear with timber frame houses is fire. However, there are fire retardant treatments available, and have been available in the UK for many years for treating roof trusses and other structural timber. Also, timber has a natural protection. When the outer surface becomes charred, this protects the timber within and retains structural strength.
During my research, I discovered modern methods (using timber) to construct safe, affordable housing. Many of these were in areas in Japan affected by heavy snow in winter, so good insulation, as well as structural strength, were needed to take the weight of the snow.
Timber frame housing looks like the only way to meet Government targets with regard to the number of houses needed in the UK and maintaining Carbon Neutrality. With the use of timber frame houses, housing can be erected quickly, as well as being well insulated. They can be made in a quality-controlled environment using the latest in timber technology, including engineered sections. By embracing this new approach to housing (although others have used timber for centuries), the ambitious targets set by the new Government could possibly be met.
Japan is a high-technology country. As I moved around Japan, I was bombarded with the use of the latest new technology. In hotels, you access the Wi-Fi using a QR code, you can then control the lighting, the room temperature and entertainment in your room by using your “smartphone”.
No article written in Japan, even on timber frame housing, can go by without reference to the Japanese WC! This high-tech multifunction device sets new standards in personal hygiene. And yes, it can be controlled by your smartphone! It also takes up less room than conventional toilets and bidet combinations.
In the cities, the Japanese are still building concrete tower blocks, but in urban areas, timber frame buildings have been and are being used more and more. Japan, like the UK, has a wealth of timber growing in the many mountainous areas that surround their cities.
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