Timber Test Cells > Articles > Construction

Construction - June 26

Though three days were lost to rain in the last week, the frame for each building is in place, and the first cell has been wrapped.

The wall frames were prefabricated by sponsor Beck's Span Truss and delivered to site on when the concrete was being poured.

Since then the sub-floor frame has been assembled on the post, the frames and roof stood, squared and, importantly, tied down.

A vitally important task with a light weight building is wrapping and this has started on Cell 1. To ensure that heat loss in the corners is minimised, the corner were are insulated before the building is wrapped.
Figure 1: From the left, test cells 1, 2 and 3
Figure 1: From the left, test cells 1, 2 and 3

Figure 2: Test cell 1 wrapped
Figure 2: Test cell 1 wrapped

Figure 3: Test cells 2. Timber and sheet material supplied by Carter Holt Harvey, fabrication supplied by Beck's Span Truss, and insulation wrap provided by CSR Bradford.
Figure 3: Test cells 2. Timber and sheet material supplied by Carter Holt Harvey, fabrication supplied by Beck's Span Truss, and insulation wrap provided by CSR Bradford.

Figure 4: Slab floor to test cells 3
Figure 4: Slab floor to test cells 3

Figure 5: Insulation between the corner studs
Figure 5: Insulation between the corner studs



Construction complete - August 1
The construction of three thermal performance test cells at the University of Tasmania's Launceston campus is now complete. Special thanks for this go to postgraduate student, Mark Dewsbury and the builder cb&m design pty ltd, for mobilising the subcontractor team and supervising work.
Construction - July 11
All cells are now effectively complete. They are all insulated and lined and brickwork is finished. Final detailing is in progress with door trims, painting, and carpeting to come.
Construction - July 8
Even allowing for some unkind winter weather, completion of the test cells is now in sight. They are all insulated and lined and cladding is well advanced.
Construction - June 15
With most services roughed in and the footings inspected, concreting has begun.
Preparation of footings - June 8
Treated posts are the footings for both Test Cells 1 and 2.
Construction - June 7
Construction is underway with the excavator preparing the foundations
Construction is now under way
The test cells are being built by contracted local builders using standard building material and construction systems. Construction began in early June and is scheduled to be completed by mid-July.





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