1st
December 2004
TV SELF-BUILD COUPLE CHOOSE
TO CO-STAR WITH ARBORDECK
Timber deck boards, joists and balustrades from
leading manufacturer Arbordeck were chosen for
a high profile TV project by a self-build couple
who required both a stylish finish and a resilient
system that would withstand harsh weather conditions.
‘How To Build A House’, a TV series
on a ‘green’ theme,
can be seen this winter on the Discovery Home & Leisure
channel and charts the progress of Ben and Wendy
Tuxworth and friends as they build their own home
in Cheltenham. Their challenge is to both project
manage and construct an attractive, contemporary ‘low
energy’ home, whilst using environmentally
friendly material such as timber. A main feature
of the house was a large timber deck at the first
floor level. The ‘Wood For Good’ campaign
and some of its member companies like the Timber
Decking Association (TDA) sponsored the supply
of timber products and offered impartial advice.
Over 1000sqm of decking was supplied for the construction
of the 3m high structure, which was installed with
the help of Mansfield-based Distinctive Landscapes
who overcame the challenge of a steep, uneven hill-side
location by fixing the deck to laminated ArbordeckTM
support posts set in concrete. Installed to three
sides of the property at first floor level, the
deck helps maximise space and light within the
main living room area, whilst providing stunning
views of Cheltenham below.
Smooth deck boards were specified for a stylish,
modern finish, which have been fitted diagonally
to provide extra strength due to the deck height.
Arbordeck’s contemporary timber handrail
system was fitted at the special height of 1100mm
to comply with TDA safety guidelines for decks
over 2m.
The result of the series is a stylish family home,
built almost exclusively from timber, featuring
external cladding from two green oaks felled in
the garden, newspaper derivative for insulation
and underground pipes that store heat captured
from the earth. All ArbordeckTM decking timber
is imported from properly managed sustainable forest
resources in northern Europe, which was also in-keeping
with the aims and choices of the Tuxworths for
their self-build home.
The UK Timber Decking Association (TDA) recommended
Arbordeck materials for the TV project because
they are approved fit for purpose under the Deck
MarkTM quality assurance scheme to give homeowners
maximum confidence in the timber landscaping materials
they choose. A decking system of the highest quality
was essential to the self-builders, as it must
be resilient enough to withstand the harsh elements
on the exposed hillside location. The couple will
also benefit from a 15-year performance guarantee
on their ArbordeckTM materials.
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