SMARTPLY OSB panels have been used on an innovative project to help combat London’s housing crisis. Modular SHEDs (taken from the word SHarED), which are manufactured offsite and can be installed in the space of a day, allow for self-contained living within vacant buildings such as disused warehouses or office spaces.

The SHED Project makes use of environmentally sound SMARTPLY OSB panels to create individual ‘U-Build’ modules which are insulated and soundproof and can provide a unique living space for the growing ‘property guardians’ market. These guardians tend to be young professionals, key workers and creatives who pay reduced rent to live in empty properties in order to keep out squatters.

The OSB panels are manufactured in a fully sustainable way from FSC® certified forests and are CNC’d (Computer Numeric Cutting) to help reduce wastage. Zero added formaldehyde during manufacturing ensures the panels also contribute to healthier and less toxic living conditions. Both the materials and methods of construction have thus created an environmentally conscious solution to meet the demand for quality and affordable housing in London.

Wilf Meynell, Director at Studio Bark, said:"The SMARTPLY panels are an affordable and environmentally conscious material. Manufactured from the thinnings of fast-growing timber, the product will also sequester carbon over its lifespan, helping to reduce the effects of global warming. We were drawn to the material not only for its environmental credentials but also because of its smooth, pressed finish which can be left exposed for the interior of the modules.”