Homes Scheme Pioneers Sustainable Alternative to Timber

Homes in North Manchester are benefiting from Envirowood fencing, an environmentally friendly alternative to timber.  The material, supplied by Darwen based Octaveward, is made from high density recycled styrene.  New fencing has revitalised a neighbourhood of 600 homes in Newton Heath and promises a long-term, zero maintenance life for picket fences, gates and yard enclosures.

The Newton Heath scheme is part of 13,000 public sector houses managed by Northwards Housing.  In addition to routine maintenance, they also run programmes for wholesale external refurbishment to revitalise whole neighbourhoods.

In many building projects, softwood and hardwood external timber is subject to wear and tear, weathering and requires treatment with preservatives that may be harsh and harmful to the environment.  These problems were evident at Newton Heath and warping of yard gates meant that they could not be closed causing concern to residents.  

Octaveward provided the perfect replacement.  The extruded sections replicate standard wood sections and contain up to seventy percent recycled styrene from sources such as waste packaging.  The sections share many similarities with hardwood.  A hard and dense material, Envirowood can be sawn, drilled and will take screws and fittings in exactly the same way as wood.  

Self-coloured and unaffected by sunlight, the material can simulate the rich and distinctive appearance of oak, ash, teak, cedar or any hardwood.  The material does not require periodic treatment; saving time and expense and avoiding the release to the environment from preservatives of volatile organic compounds (a contributor to global warming).   

Significantly, Envirowood is stable over the whole range of temperatures and humidity found in the UK.  It does not rot, warp, delaminate, discolour or harbour insects as timber does.  In any construction project, time and cost of installation is always a concern.  To speed site work many of the elements were fabricated off site by Octaveward.  

The completed scheme meets the needs of householders and Northwards Housing.  Private space is properly defined and householders can secure their yards with gates that fit properly and feel secure.  Northwards Housing will benefit from lower lifetime cost when reduced maintenance and longer lifespan is taken into account.  

Even at the end of an extended working life, the Octaveward material can be granulated and reused as filler in new Envirowood sections.  It is therefore a sustainable product that addresses the need to respect the environment.  In addition to fences and gates, Envirowood can be used for door frames, bin shelters, garden furniture, planters and any application where softwood or hardwood is normally be used.  


More information: 
Trevor Williams, Octaveward Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1254 773300 Fax. +44 (0)1254 773950
info@octaveward.com Web: www.octaveward.com

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/oc222/4208oc1a.htm

July 19, 2006