Smith and Wallwork are implementing four different approaches to structural materials on four of their current projects.

The projects involve steel re-use (for a new education centre), norfolk oak (for a new events centre), re-cycled plastic (for a new foot bridge) and parafin wax (for a melting house).

The process required to implement structural use has involved testing at Cambridge University labs, not a straight forward process when issues such as moisture content, creep and temperature have to be considered.

Along the way we have uncovered a few surprises, including oak and wax with a lower than expected stiffness. Below are some photos from the lab and a summary of results.