Client: Bellway Wessex
Architects: HGP Architects
Timber frame suppliers / contractors: Stewart Milne Timber Systems
Timber frame engineers: W.A. Fairhurst and Partners
Structural engineers: Jubb Consulting Engineers

• 7 storey timber frame structure
• Largest timber frame development in the UK

Stewart Milne Timber Systems were commissioned by Bellway Wessex to design, manufacture and erect the timber frame for a private flatted development in the Bedminster area of Bristol.

The project consists of three blocks of flats ranging from 4 to 7 storeys, built on a very challenging brownfield site close to the centre of the city. The first two blocks are 4 and 5 storeys tall and comprise 77 units over a total floor area of 5,700m2. The third block comprises a total of 179 flats over 12,500m2 floor area. Together the buildings represent the largest single timber frame development in the UK.

Timber frame was specified, rather than concrete or steel, for financial, environmental, and practical reasons. As flats had to be affordable for a mix of private and housing authority buyers, the building had to be highly cost-effective.

The timber frame system offered benefits in terms of speed of build, as well. This, coupled with the reduced time needed for remedial works, led to the framing works finishing 2 weeks ahead of schedule, in just 14 weeks, within the total project build time of just 9 months. As a result, developers saw a faster return on their investment.

The timber frame structure represented a big CO2 saving on steel and concrete and its lighter weight reduced the amount of energy used in foundation construction.