TRADA president Peter Ross is co-author of Timber in Contemporary Architecture – a designer’s guide published last month to mark TRADA’s 75th anniversary. In this extract from the book, he examines metal connections

Demand for fire retardants is growing. David Castle reports

Evolving preservative treatments enable timber to be used in ever more challenging applications. David Castle reports

A new report commissioned by the UKTFA and wood for good provides guidance on CSH compliance. Liz Male reports

Dr Andy Pitman, TRADA Technology’s head of construction technical services, reviews some of the advantages of using modified wood products over standard timber

Wood finish and paint suppliers say specifiers should not avoid their products on environmental grounds. Mike Jeffree reports

TRADA consultant architect Patrick Hislop RIBA discusses the pros and cons of applying a finish to wood cladding or leaving the wood to weather naturally

Peter Barker, head of consultancy at TRADA sister company Chiltern International Fire, discusses the particular fire safety issues posed by heritage buildings

The timber industry has taken important steps to develop fire protection systems. David Pittman reports

With proper repair and maintenance historic wood windows can have a long life. TRADA consultant architect Patrick Hislop RIBA explains

A project to conserve the world’s last surviving tea clipper has had some interesting twists. Andy Pitman, manager of the Site-based Services Group at TRADA Technology reports

TRADA flooring expert Peter Kaczmar discusses the advantages of wooden flooring over underfloor heating

Dr John Williams, senior technical consultant with TRADA Technology, looks at how timber heritage structures can be repaired and restored

TRADA Technology Ltd consultant engineer Arnold Page, looks at Eurocode 5, the new rulebook for designing in timber

UK housebuilders could learn from the German/Austrian PassivHaus standard, says TRADA codes and regulations consultant Rupert Scott

Timbmet has developed a range of engineered components for joinery. David Pittman reports

TRADA senior consultant architect Patrick Hislop RIBA discusses the practical advantages of metal cladding for timber windows

Huel Twist, manager of the frameCHECK team at TRADA Technology, discusses best practice for timber frame construction, based on his presentation at TRADA’s recent In Touch with Timber conference

Rupert Scott, regulations & codes consultant for TRADA, discusses the Code for Sustainable Homes and what it means for designing in timber

Timber frame still has a place in a 1,000-unit development, thanks to a scheme to reduce the risk of fire during construction. Sally Spencer reports

Timber frame structures will have no difficulty in meeting the new Approved Document B: Fire Safety of the Building Regulations which comes into force in April. TRADA frameCHECK engineer Rob Attwater explains

TRADA senior consultant architect Patrick Hislop RIBA discusses the growing popularity of green oak framing

Student Om Harris won the Scottish Timber Trade Association’s prize for the Best Timber Related Final Year Project at the Centre for Timber Engineering for his work on designing a medium-rise timber frame structure to Eurocode 5. Anne McDonald reports

TRADA frameCHECK engineer Robin Lancashire discusses what to do – and what not to do – to pass the air tightness test for new buildings

Timber decking continues to be popular in public and private applications. TRADA consultant architect Patrick Hislop RIBA examines trends and highlights points of good practice for design, installation and maintenance

TRADA’s flooring specialist Peter Kaczmar advises against an over-simplistic approach to moisture content when a wood floor has been specified

The TRADA Helpline often deals with questions about fire doors. Andrew Forecast and Peter Barker respond to specifiers' Frequently Asked Questions about timber-based fire doorsets

The British Fenestration Rating Council has devised a simplified scheme to assess a window's energy rating. Andy Sumner, technical consultant at BM TRADA Certification, explains

Modified wood – using heat or chemicals – can provide new guarantees for the material’s performance. David Castle reports

Paul Newman, site-based services manager of TRADA Technology, examines The Old Woodyard – an innovative timber frame building with rainscreen cladding – for technical merit and staying power

TRADA’s flooring specialist Peter Kaczmar discusses the fine balance between past and present in restoration and remedial work in historic buildings

TRADA Technology’s technical consultants are often called upon to inspect purpose-made joinery which is not performing to expectations. Paul Sharphouse highlights common problems noted on site inspections

Mike Handley of Chiltern Dynamics explains that it is by no means difficult to pass the airtightness testing demanded by new Part L requirements – but good design is paramount

Peter Wilson, director of business development at the Centre for Timber Engineering at Napier University, summarises a new publication designed to provide architects, specifiers and engineers with more user-friendly information on the appearance   grading of UK-grown hardwood

TRADA frameCHECK consultant Robin Lancashire discusses common problems that occur on site and how to avoid them

Timbers in old, derelict buildings do not necessarily need to be replaced. TRADA Technology consultant Dr John Williams explains how to assess old timbers in situ and how best to preserve them

SIPs are being heralded as the next generation of timber building systems, principally because of their thermal performance. Stephen Powney reports on this emerging technology

Timber frame companies are tooling up to keep pace with demand, as Mike Jeffree discovered at a machine supplier’s open day