A patented, intelligent panel timber build system called 'Pi' featuring Masonite engineered timber I-Joists, has been used to construct an exclusive, small development of new homes at Burford in Oxfordshire. Pi is produced exclusively in the UK by BSW Timber, Britain's largest sawmiller.

'Pi' comprises an insulated laminated ply ring beam system, insulated to prevent cold bridging and insulated panels, including unique 'slider' panels, which link the main panels, moving left or right to take up any tolerance. Because they sit slightly proud of the main panels they house the service voids within the wall and also provide the option to add extra insulation. Pi can be easily assembled and is commercially competitive.

Graham Nield of BSW Timber says of the system:

“The tried and tested benefits of 'Pi' are hard to ignore. It is a cost-effective timber build system which is quick to build and easy to use. 'Pi' provides site specific solutions and can be built off site in panellised walls, onsite in modular form and assembled in satellite factories in the heart of regeneration zones. It's got infinite possibilities, making it ideal for housing associations, local authorities and regional housebuilders.

“From a product specification point of view, Pi offers superb thermal and sound performance, while being flexible, robust and structurally sound. It can be manufactured on or off-site and is extremely adaptable in using different insulants for different markets. We're at a U-value of about 0.19 at present, but potentially we can go from Building Regulation-compliant to a U-value of 0.1, depending on what we do.”

Masonite engineered timber I-Joists are comprised of slow-grown high grade whitewood flanges combined with Masonite K40 structural board for the web. Manufactured in Sweden since 1974, Masonite I-Joists carry both BBA and ETA certification and CE marking, together with FSC chain of custody certification. They are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and the environmental standard ISO 14001.