Construction World September 2016

WOOD CONSTRUCTION

• Name: Reddford House School, Northcliff • Date of completion: December 2015 • Architects: Michael Bishop, Century Property Developments • Main contractor: Murray & Dickson • Roofing supplier & erector: LCP Roofing

software we use under license from International Truss Systems for the design and fabrication of timber roof trusses,” notes Cotton, who adds, “Many factors, like the span of the building, the pitch of the roof, the type of covering required, and the type and location of ceilings to be installed, help determine the grade of timber required for a roof structure. According to a strict (and necessary) requirement imposed by the National Building Regulations, all timber used in this project was structural timber.” Specifically sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed plantations, all timber used by LCP Roofing is considered a renewable resource. “Through effective, responsibly managed and sustainable forestry, farming of structural timber enjoys great success in South Africa, ensuring us the availability of structural timber as a raw material well into the future,” says Guassardo. “The entire production process, from transforming a tree into usable timber, transportation thereof, fabrication and final erection to form a structure, requires less energy in comparison to readying other structural materials for the same applica- tion, and has a much lighter impact on the environment.” In an effort to reduce the energy embodied in erecting the timber roof trusses, apart from the erection of the roof trusses in the main hall, the entire school’s roof structure was responsibly erected and handled manually, negating the continuous use of expensive and energy-hungry lifting equipment and machinery. In addition, solar geysers and panels were installed, which will go a long way to reduce electricity usage and associated costs for the school into the future, enhancing the struc- ture’s continued sustainability. “Reddford House School is a well-respected institution with the highest standards in all regards. Having been appointed as a sub-con- tractor for this project represented a unique opportunity for our team and while the project requirements were challenging, they were refreshingly stimulating and pushed the LCP Roofing team to dig deep for elegant solutions to complex requirements,” says Cotton. He concludes, “The end result is an impressive, expansive roof structure that will house the school for many years to come and, on the underside, exquisite timber roof trusses that are worthy of being exposed and that pay tribute to an institution committed to educa- tional excellence.”

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2016