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End grain tiles - a new use for small native timber |
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27 Jan 2010, 5:03 PM
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A design specialist based in Wales has been appointed to lead an exciting project to develop a new flooring system that uses end grain tiles from sustainable hardwood or softwood in Powys, Wales. Dylan Jones, 39, from Caersws, will head up the two-and-a-half year Coed Cymru project that has secured funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and European Union under the Supply Chain Efficiency Scheme, which is part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales.
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The end grain floor tiling system is the latest innovation by Coed Cymru, based in Tregynon, near Newtown, following initial talks with Powys County Council around two years ago, when the idea was first mooted to develop this hand-crafted product to industrial levels of manufacture.
The tiles are ideally suited to the small dimension timber that is abundant in Wales. Several different types of wood, including birch, alder, sycamore, cherry and oak, can be used for the tiles.
Mr Jones' mission is to develop the supply chain for end grain tiles. His work will involve identifying the amount of suitable timber available in Powys for the project over the next five to 10 years. He will also project manage the design and development of machinery to manufacture the tiles as well as a heat treatment process and drying racks.
The project will be launched at a presentation to potential partners at Coed Cymru's headquarters on March 10.
"The ultimate aim of this project is to show that end grain tiles are a feasible product to manufacture," said Mr Jones. "By adding value to a very poor woodland material, we aim to show that you can end up with a high quality product.
"The opportunity to lead this project came at the perfect time for me, as I was looking to further my career by finding a way to use all the skills that I have acquired to date. I like the fact that there is a research and development aspect to the role and that we are using the sustainable resources around us to their best ability.
"This project ticks all the boxes for me and I think it will take the timber industry forward."
Originally from Ceredigion, Mr Jones graduated from Loughborough University with a first class degree in furniture design before working as a forester on a private estate. He went on to work for joinery and furniture companies, most notably for Trannon Furniture where he became design assistant for David Colwell. For the last six years, he has been a self-employed carpenter and furniture maker.
Coed Cymru is probably best known for its development work on Ty Unnos (house built in one night), a multi award-winning modular building system for affordable housing that also uses sustainable Welsh wood.
Established in 1985 as a public sector partnership, the company promotes the management of broadleaf woodlands and the use of locally grown hardwood timber in Wales.
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| Positive review of this story |
ShoutGreen  |
21 May 2010, 3:34 PM |
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contact details for dylan jones Can anyone give me the contact details for dylan jones please?
Please contact me; matt [at] shoutgreen dot com
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