18 May ’07 - Updated 16/11/07

Having developed the revolutionary Complete Connector Solution for I-joist floors, using unique fixing connections, Cullen have, as part of our overall strategic aim, turned our attention to developing innovative details for the roof-truss and timber frame industry. 

To launch our New Product Development programme for roof-truss and timber frame connections we are asking the industry to challenge Cullen by giving us your problems and connection issues you would like resolved, or details that you think we need to consider for the future.  Anyone across the British or Irish timber engineering industry, is invited to get involved and the one with the best idea will win a one week holiday for 2 to Canada and the opportunity to visit Cullen’s brand new Canadian facility, where they will be presented with the prototype before we begin to manufacture the product.

Aim = To develop new connection solutions for the roof-truss and timber frame industry, to strengthen industry relationships and develop winning partnerships for the benefit of timber construction.

As with the new solutions for I-Joist floors the intention is to develop a roof-truss and timber frame connection system that will have the following advantages over traditional details:

1. Faster construction
2. Reduced overall costs
3. Reduced risk of accidents during construction.
4. Improved performance to meet ever-tightening building regulations

In keeping with Sir John Egan’s report, Rethinking Construction, the Cullen Connector Challenge is an attempt to substantially improve the quality and efficiency in offsite construction through working together to provide a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved.  It primarily focuses on the end customer’s requirements through an integrated process.
                  
Doug Cullen explains,

“During the past few years we have been developing innovative connection details through in-house creativity and in conjunction with close industry partners.  We do not have a monopoly on good ideas, just the in-house capabilities to design out issues that are brought to us, and that is why we are throwing this competition open to the industry and challenging them to challenge us.”

The Cullen Connector Challenge is open to everyone in the roof-truss and timber frame construction industry, from roofing systems, to structural engineers, to end-users.

The Competition

Entering the competition couldn’t be simpler, just download the application and e-mail completed forms back to challenge@cullen-bp.com or call Cullen’s Marketing Department on 01592 771132 to get an application form posted out.

When filling out the application form make sure to provide all the information you can about the problem/or opportunity for roof-truss connections and if possible any drawings of the early thoughts you have had.  A member of Cullen’s Technical Team will contact you within 4 weeks of receipt of your application.

To ensure that the competition is judged fairly, all entries will be handled by Cullen’s Marketing & Technical Departments simultaneously and the final decision will be taken by an independent jury panel comprising of:

• Doug Cullen (Cullen Building Products Ltd)
• Dr Sean Smith (Building Performance Centre)
• Dr Luke Whale (Timbersolve Ltd)

Application forms must be received by November 15th 2007.

The winning entry will be announced on January 14th 2008.

The Connector Challenge is now finished. We would like to thank all the participants. The winner will be announced on 14th January 2008.