Timber frame construction is in the news in a big way this week with reports of skyrocketing demand in the UK. Last year, a report by MTW Research predicted that timber frame architecture would see a 60% increase in sales volume and an 80% increase in value. Now, so many home builders are inquiring about the building style in Britain that a timber association is offering a free RIBA-acredited seminar and factory tour.
Stewart Milne Timber Systems reports a “surge in demand for timber frame and a rising interest in the benefits of offsite construction”, with group managing director Alex Goodfelow saying, “We’ve seen a significant increase in enquiries from housebuilders looking to capitalize on the current market upturn through improved cost efficiencies and speed of build.”
Meanwhile, timber frame architecture will form the backbone of the UK’s first carbon zero eco town, called North West Bicester. The same firm offering the seminar has been awarded the design order to build an initial phase of 393 homes, with the timber systems prefabricated off-site for better environmental performance and a faster build.
“Timber frame is the most energy-efficient building material available and therefore is a perfect fit for NW Bicester’s design as the UK’s first eco town,” says Goodfellow.
