Explaining how dense materials, like masonry blocks, concrete and steel, capture the heat of daytime sunshine and store this up to give out during the hours of darkness, Professor Michael Benfield, MD of leading UK engineered timber structure specialists, Benfield ATT, said "Instinctively many Kuwaiti's already know this. It's one reason why timber is preferred to steel for scaffolding, and they all know how touching their walls can burn."
With building science having moved on considerably since the days when Kuwait was first learning to exploit its oil wealth, he argued that "With your country facing the need to increase electricity generation within the next year or so, the time has come for a radical re-thinking in your approach to construction. From what I am told it seems you should be going for a future of 'Cool Buildings', such as can be provided using the Advanced Timber Technologies now available in Canada and Europe."
Applying these technologies to the building of Schools, Hotels, Resorts, Hospitals, Clinics and Retail Centres as well as the full spectrum of housing demand, "Allows us to deliver 'Super Cool' and 'Highly Energy Efficient' structures that make people comfortable at the same time as they enjoy the natural beauty and harmony of wood both inside and outside their buildings." he said.
Linking the importance of growing and using more trees to 'lock-up' the harmful greenhouse gas, Carbon Dioxide, for the protection of the planet and future generations, he believes that "With the creation of your new city to the north of Kuwait and the renewal of the first oil town to the South, Kuwait has a unique opportunity to lead the rest of the gulf collaborative countries in creating functional and desirable buildings that will last for a thousand years."
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Press Release distributed: 11 February 2005. Click below to view on news sites.
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Information for Editors:
- Dr Michael Benfield – Leading Timber Frame Expert. Having built the UK’s first private development of Timber Frame homes back in the 1960s and 70s, Dr Benfield understands the importance of timber frame in the future of the industry. A practicing developer, builder and trainer, Dr Benfield has consulted and represented the industry at leading world-class committees and events and has worked with the New Homes Marketing Board, UK Timber Frame Association and Royal Town Planning Committees to riase the profile of Off Site Manufacture. He is a respected public figurehead, having consulted BBC Radio, BBC One, ITV and Discovery Home & Leisure. His Timber Frame Manufacturing company, Benfield ATT, is the only company of its type to be FSC-Certified and Business in the Community Awarded. More information at www.benfieldatt.co.uk/media/biographies/
