Project’s joists offer extra support to the environment

May 29 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A TYNESIDE builder is championing a new type of environmentally friendly joist on an £8.4m project in Newcastle.

Whelan Construction is using Ecojoists as it builds 42 flats and a care home at Great North Park. The joists, made by Hebburn firm Truss Systems, combine wood and steel webs so they are stronger than regular versions but smaller so less timber is used and they are thus kinder to the environment.

Gosforth-based Whelan says it has used up to 60% less timber on the project than would have been used with standard floor joists. On a job of this size, normally 896m cubed of timber would have been used, but it has been reduced to 256m cubed.

Site manager Terry Routledge said: “The use of Ecojoists is relatively new in the region but they will grow in popularity for a number of reasons – they are environmentally sound, cost effective and most importantly, give a better performance for the end user of a building. Even better is that they can be introduced to a scheme after planning and design has been done, as they are compatible with solid floor joists.

“As a company Whelan takes responsibility for the environment as well as the customer, and this particular case, the Ecojoists were the best option all round.”

Director of Truss Systems, Trevor Bailey said: “There are only three large sites in the region using this technique , as well as a number of small scale projects, but the Whelan one is the largest without doubt.

“Ecojoists have only been available in the region for a short few years, but they are really starting to take off in popularity.”