The growth of timber-framed homes is not only good for the environment, but it could also be the solution to the current housing crisis.
There was a big spike in the number of timber-framed homes built in 2018, which is expected to continue for the rest of 2019 and beyond.
As well as being safe, secure and meeting building regulations, timber-framed houses also benefit from low C02 emissions and having short build times. They could be the future of housing in the UK.
It’s estimated that, last year, there were more than 60,000 timber-framed houses built in the UK with orders exceeding £700m in value.
In 2015, a report from MTW Research using data from 80 per cent of the timber-frame market in the UK, found that the sector was growing at a faster rate than the UK economy.
Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) is working with a number of developers across Derbyshire which are building timber-framed houses, including Nightingale Quarter on the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (DRI) site. This landmark development, which is being developed by Wavensmere Homes, will offer a range of up to 500 one, two and three-bedroom houses and apartments.
DBCP is also working with Woodhead, a construction company based in Edwinstowe, and Sheffield-based Oakworth Homes – a specialist in timber-frames. Both companies are advocates for timber-frame homes and extensions and construct high-quality buildings across the UK.
David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP commented: “Modern timber-frame construction is gradually changing long-established practices within housebuilding in Derbyshire, as the construction industry increasingly embraces the idea of off-site manufacture. More and more of our building control surveyors are being called on to advise and inspect timber-frame construction for residential developments. We’re increasingly impressed with what we are seeing in terms of design, build quality and energy efficiency.”
The benefits of timber-framed homes are numerous and include:
- Better for the environment – concrete is responsible for 4-8% of the world’s C02 emissions. A timber building weighs around 20% of a concrete building, so there is less concrete and steel needed to support the structure of the building.
- Quick to build – timber buildings take less time to construct and often the manufacture of the frame is done off site, meaning minimal disruption to the surrounding residential areas during the construction stage.
- Can exceed building regulations – using timber as the frame for a house fully complies with building regulations, but it’s still crucial you get your local team of building control experts to inspect your building at the planning stage.
- Reduced costs – there is the perception that timber buildings cost more than brick and block. However, as the build time is reduced significantly, the cost to build a timber-frame structure is actually less compared to a brick and block.
- Flexibility – you can do a lot with wood, quickly and easily. Including altering the sizes of the rooms and the position of the doors etc. Timber-frame construction gives larger house builders the opportunity to offer customisation relatively cost effectively and easily.
If you’re planning a build or are currently in the construction phase of a development, please get in touch with us for more information on how we can ensure your build fully complies with building regulations.