Timber frame buildings set to top 60,000 units this year

Timber frame houses are the new kids on the block in the construction industry. Historically, they have not been as popular as traditional builds in the UK, but the latest research suggests that there will be over 60,000 new timber units constructed by the end of 2018. In total, orders for timber frame houses are set to top £700m.

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According to the industry experts at Builders’ Merchants News, the demand for houses in the UK shows no sign of abating. Housebuilders are struggling to keep up with demand and there is a time-lag between demand and completion of houses, which leaves thousands of families without suitable homes.

A shift in market perceptions

Traditionally, timber frame houses have been thought of as an ‘alternative option’ and not the norm for house building. However, perceptions are changing thanks to technological advances.

When a timber frame construction company such as http://www.qtfhomes.co.uk/ provides a timber frame home, many of the usual concerns associated with housing are dismissed. They are quick to erect so there is no delay, they have a low environmental impact and they are energy efficient. They are also very cost-effective.

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Some timber frame homes are manufactured using renewable heat provided by biomass boilers. All of the panels are required to have outstanding performance characteristics. New timber-frame technologies include structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) and cross-laminated timber, which add to the attractiveness of the product.

An expanding market

The sector began to experience significant growth in 2015 when it was established that it was growing at a faster rate than the economy of the UK. The pre-recession peak for new timber frame houses was 51,000 in 2008 and that will be topped this year, when they will make up 27 per cent of all new houses built in this country.

The UK housing sector is dominated by a small number of companies who mainly build traditional houses. It is expected that smaller builders will embrace timber frame technology and that this will further stimulate the housing market.

However, it is not just the smaller builders who are likely to embrace timber frame construction, as larger construction companies are being squeezed by a shortage of skills and rising material costs triggered by the fall in the value of the pound.