Building value of Irish-grown timber

May 1998

A NOVEL office building was officially opened at Newtownmountkennedy last Friday by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Michael Woods.

The new building will serve as Coillte’s regional HQ complex and is constructed entirely from timber.

‘ This unique building demonstrates to all involved in design and construction the potential of Irish-grown timber as the complete building material,’ said Dr Woods, compliamenting Coillte and all involved in the project.

‘Native and exotic timbers are combined with modern construction techniques and ageold skills to produce a stunning promotional statement about the versatility and quality of Irish-grown timber.’

Irish-grown European larch, lodgepole and Scots pine, Douglas fir, oak, ash, beech and elm are the basic ingredients in a blend of indigenous and exotic softwoods with native and naturalised broadleaves.

‘It is a showcase for all that is best in high-quality Irish timber and, at the same time, is a fully-functional, ultra-modern workplace. Using one of the oldest natural resources and traditional craftsmanship to create an extremely effective setting for high-tech contemporary business activity is a novel approach to product promotion,’ according to the Minister.

He emphasised that for timber and timber-based products to compete effectively in the marketplace, it is essential that design and construction professionals have a comprehensive and up-to-the-minute timber specification manual.

Grant assistance of £187,500 from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has already been approved to enable the Wood Marketing Federation of produce an ‘Irish Specifiers Timber Guide’.

This initiative is designed to promote the greater use of Irish timber as a durable, versatile and energy-efficient building material.