Collaborative Success in Achieving Enhanced Fire Performance with Y-Wall and Timber Innovations’ Larsen System
About Timber Innovations
Timber Innovations, specialists in timber frame manufacturing based in the West Midlands, provide comprehensive services including the design, manufacture, and installation of Timber Frame, SIPS, and Glulam / CLT structures for residential buildings nationwide. Their innovative Larsen System addresses the current and future demands for low-energy buildings by offering a tested, systemised ‘kit of parts’ to enable architects, developers, and contractors to create complete insulated superstructures with ease.
Partnering for Performance
Timber Innovations approached Benx to collaborate on a load-bearing wall fire test, adhering to the stringent standards of BS EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1365-1:2012. The goal was to integrate our Y-Wall product into their Larsen System and test its fire resistance capabilities.
Our Contribution
Y-Wall, our market-leading A1 fire-rated calcium silicate sheathing board, was selected by Timber Innovations to serve as the racking board for their A1 Larsen System. This collaboration aimed to enhance the fire performance of their system while maintaining structural integrity and insulation efficiency.
David Himmons, Managing Director at Timber Innovations, said, “Benx partnered with us to develop and fire test our A1 Larsen System – their knowledge and expertise was invaluable and we continue to work closely with them to develop this growing market.”
Fire Tested Solution
Exceeding Expectations
The fire test aimed to achieve a 60-minute fire performance. Remarkably, the test results showed an impressive 100-minute fire performance, significantly exceeding the initial expectations. This achievement underscores the superior quality and reliability of the combined solution.
- Tested in accordance with BS EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1365-1:2012
- Fire Test Report: EUI-22-B-00315 – Load Bearing Test
- 100-minute performance
- A1 Insulation Fill – Range of U-values to Passiv levels
Educational Impact
Benefits for Educational Projects
Educational projects, in particular, stand to benefit greatly from the Larsen System. These projects are driven by DfE requirements to achieve a minimum REI 60 fire rating and the use of non-combustible insulation. A notable example is the recent project by Tilbury Douglas.
Case Study: Wednesfield Technology Primary School
Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering, and fit-out company, recently completed a new Passivhaus primary school—Wednesfield Technology Primary School. This new educational facility will provide nearly 450 new primary school places.
Meeting Sustainability Goals
The City of Wolverhampton Council aimed to improve air quality in schools and reduce energy usage. The Passivhaus Classic design was specified to ensure building performance, utilising sustainable materials with low embodied carbon.
Passivhaus Performance
Leading the Way in Low Energy Buildings
Passivhaus has become the leading standard for low-energy buildings. The low thermal and air permeability requirements are integrated from the initial design stages and maintained through every build stage to project completion. This discipline is crucial for achieving low or net-zero energy buildings, which offer exceptional thermal comfort and lower running costs throughout the building’s life.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Benx and Timber Innovations has not only proven the effectiveness of Y-Wall in enhancing the fire performance of the Larsen System but also demonstrated the system’s applicability in sustainable and low-energy educational buildings. This partnership highlights the potential for future projects that prioritise safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Contact Us
For more information about how Y-Wall and the Larsen System can benefit your projects, please contact:
Benx: 0845 519 8641 or visit www.benx.co.uk
Timber Innovations: 0121 314 7735 or visit www.timberinnovations.co.uk or www.timberframe.co.uk
