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 previous month’s editions, he looked at how timber framed housing could help meet the UK Governments targets on new builds.
This month’s article was written by Chris, whilst researching into timber framed housing in Japan, in October 2024. He looks at how, for many years, the Japanese have successfully built timber framed buildings that not only make great homes but can also withstand earthquakes!
One of the fears with timber framed housing is longevity in use. Modern manufacturing methods and environmentally friendly treatment of the timber ensures this happens.
His recent Japanese experience showed that the buildings had a long life even if not made of modern timber construction methods and using modern materials, buildings were still made of wood. Houses and other buildings including shrines, still stand that were made in the 18th century and before.
One of the few buildings to remain in Tokyo, that survived the intense bombing of the second world war, is a Shrine made of timber.
The other major fear with timber framed houses is fire, as wood burns. 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 to take the weight of the snow in winter.”
The photo below shows a new timber framed house in Japan, under construction in Shirakawa, (an area that gets heavy snowfall in winter).
Timber framed housing looks like the only way to meet Government targets with regards to the number of houses needed in the UK and maintaining Carbon Neutrality. With the use of timber framed 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 Chris moved around Japan he 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 if your room by using your “smart phone”.
No article, written in Japan, even on timber framed housing, can go by without reference to the Japanese WC!
This high-tech multifunction device sets new standards in personal hygiene for basic bodily functions!!
And yes, it can be controlled by your smart phone! 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 framed 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.
For further information on all types and sizes of Industrial Woodburning equipment from 75kW upwards contact Ranheat on 01604 750005, [email protected] or www.ranheat.com.
Ranheat also make spares and service and repair other makes of woodburning boilers and heaters.
Next month Chris will complete his article on his research into the Japanese experience with timber framed houses.
