Oregon Timber

Oregon Supports "Hangar 17", A Unique Test Centre

4 March 2009

The Building Performance Assessment Centre (BPAC)- or "Hangar 17" as it is now affectionately known - was established a year ago at Glenrothes in Scotland as a stand-alone facility for product testing by all sectors of the construction industry.

Uniquely the BPAC brings together industry and academics, specifically Edinburgh Napier University's Building Performance Centre and key industry players such as Oregon Timber Frame Ltd. Managed by Construction Consultants C4Ci, who specialise in innovation and building performance, the aim of “Hangar 17” is to test existing product performance and develop and launch innovative products and processes.

The BPAC currently houses a number of test structures, including a standard timber frame, which was supplied by Oregon Timber Frame. Oregon’s Technical Director, Mr Robin Dodyk said:

"We have a serious interest in research & development and in bringing innovative processes to the marketplace. Because of this we have long standing links with Edinburgh Napier University, so we’re delighted to be involved in the BPAC."

Deputy Director and Professor of Construction Innovation for Edinburgh Napier University's Building Performance Centre, Prof. Sean Smith, comments

"We welcome Oregon's support as one of our industry partners; now more than ever, all sectors of the construction industry have to push the envelope of a product or system's performance; there is no space for redundant performance. The BPAC is not just about men in white coats – the people behind this facility have got their finger on the pulse of what the construction industry will demand in the future."

Most recently, Oregon has been working on a research project with Edinburgh Napier University, looking at optimising hybrid racking panels, which has included a prize-winning project, on the performance of dowel-type fasteners to connect the timber sole plate to a concrete substrate in timber frame construction.

Project evaluations currently underway at the BPAC include new thermal linings for housing, innovative structural closed wall panel and floor assemblies, new acoustic products and specialist B2B solutions to assist new MMC approaches.

For further information about Oregon's products and services, please call Elaine Wilson. Tel: 01750 724940; Fax: 01750 724940; or email info@oregon.co.uk.

For more information on BPAC Hangar 17, contact Lead Technician Mark Milne: m.milne@bpac.uk.com

For further information about this Release or any Press matters, please contact:

Anne McDonald AM Communications
Tel: 0131 445 7334
info@amcomms.co.uk