Timber structural engineering refers to the structural engineering of buildings constructed using hard or soft wood frames; traditional oak frames; engineered wood (also known as Glulam); and cross laminated timber.
AWA Engineers are specialists in Oak and Glue Laminated timber design as well as undertaking a pivotal role as part of the team pioneering the open-source WikiHouse system.
Thanks to its sustainable credentials, good thermal properties and aesthetic benefits, timber is an increasingly popular material for use in a wider range of buildings including school, leisure facilities and homes.
AWA Engineer’s award-winning in-house team of engineers and technicians draw on their extensive experience to deliver surveying and design services from which we specify proprietary products for structural timbers including metal web joists, timber members and timber trusses.
Our timber structural engineering specialists advise on conservation aspects of historic timber buildings and innovative self-build design options including modular construction methods, in addition to working with Passivhaus design specialists to deliver sustainable building solutions.
AWA Engineers are proud to have worked alongside Edinburgh University on the testing and development of the WikiHouse open-source building system to achieve certification of products.
Our goal is to create practical solutions which achieve your goals in an environmentally responsible manner.
Timber structural engineering of soft wood products such as timber floor joists or rafters ensures that the products specified for your building are suitable for the intended use and load.
Cross laminated timber and glulam engineered wood (often made from soft wood such as pine or larch) can achieve greater spans than hard or soft wood which is restricted by the size of the original tree.
Timber construction is lighter which places less load on the foundation and substructure of a building and is more stable in moist or humid environments where steel may be prone to rusting. This all combines to make CLT and glulam compelling alternatives to steel and concrete frames.
Benefits include:
There are design benefits to using timber as it is a more aesthetically pleasing material which means it is often left exposed.
When it comes to the longevity of timber buildings, they have historically had a bad reputation for being susceptible to degradation. However, with well planned maintenance, this needn’t be a problem for most modern buildings.
When you choose AWA Engineers for your timber and oak engineering and design needs, you benefit from decades of experience delivering timber structural design and specification services across a number of award-winning projects.
If you are planning a traditional oak frame building, engineered timber structure or require structural timber elements, you will need to engage the services of a suitably qualified and experienced structural engineer. They will work with your architect to ensure the timbers specified are suitable for the demands being placed upon them.
Comprehensive structural design and calculations will ensure that your finished building achieves the required quality standards, is safe and fit for purpose.
If you are involved in the restoration or conservation of an historical timber building, our knowledgeable structural engineers can carry out surveys and provide some advice related to necessary repairs.
"AWA were brilliant - really responsive and made sure the process went smoothly working with our architect."
Amelia Stead, Client
Client: Salisbury Diocesan Board of Finance / Wiltshire County Council
Value: approx. £1.8m
Architect: Michael Lyons Architecture
Provision of a brand new purpose built secondary school in rural Wiltshire. Constructed of glulaminated roof beams and timber framed throughout.
Winner of New Project Award – Salisbury Civic Society
Client: Sandford St Martin’s Primary School
Value: Approx. £3.5m
Architect: Michael Lyons Architecture
Construction of a new primary school to replace existing school buildings.
Client: Private Client
Architect: Studio Four Architects
Conversion of two connected 1820s barns, open cart-shed and earlier staddle-stone barn into living accommodation.
AWA is a structural engineering and civil engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has chartered engineers in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA can help with your project, get in touch today. Call 01794 524447 (Romsey) or 01225 251498 (Bath) to speak to a member of our team. Alternatively, email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch.
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