Plans for the first prefabricated timber frame party wall system are among the first projects set to be developed via funding from the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre…
Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) launched in 2014 with the aim of developing and supporting innovation in the construction sector. It receives backing from a number of bodies including the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, as well as 12 universities in the nation.
The CSIC has given its support to six new projects, including the UK’s first patented prefabricated timber frame party wall system.
The project, which is being developed by Stewart Milne Group, is set to receive £100,000 funding to research, develop, and get the product into the market place.
The Aberdeen-based firm will also receive support from Glasgow Caledonian University and Edinburgh Napier University. The universities will work on the design of the product, as well as testing the performance to ensure it is safe. This will include testing the structural, acoustic, fire, and thermal capabilities of the system.
The project, which has a total value of more than £800,000, has managed to secure £230,000 of funding from the government’s innovation organisation: Innovate UK.
It is expected the project will create 24 new roles at Stewart Milne’s production plants in Scotland and England. There will be two production lines in place to manufacture the walls, which will be used in the construction of building such as housing, hotels, and student accommodation.
Managing director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems Alex Goodfellow, said: “We are looking forward to working to develop a new and exciting product to bring to market to add to our current portfolio of innovative and effective products.
“The market is growing and the increased interest in timber frame and off-site manufacture demonstrates the value that the industry increasingly places on new and cost effective ways to build.”
CSIC’s Head of Business Development Gillian Fleming said: “We are delighted to support this Stewart Milne Group project, which has the potential to deliver significant economic impact and help put Scotland firmly on the map in leading edge off-site construction.
“Our industry-led technical advisory group, which consists of leading figures from the construction sector and experts from our partner universities, have recommended four further projects for board approval that will commence soon.
“This, coupled with a healthy pipeline of over 40 diverse innovation project enquiries, suggests the construction industry in Scotland is ready to innovate and we predict exciting times ahead for our industry.”