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                                                                  TIMBER FRAME
                                                 
As its name implies, timber frame construction is a method of building which relies on a timber frame as a basic means of structural support.  Framed buildings are often referred to as ‘lightweight construction’, but don’t be misled – like the skeleton in your body, it’s a precision engineered structure that is remarkably strong and durable.

During construction, open panel timber frame is covered internally by plasterboard, filled with high performance insulation. Moisture/vapour barriers are incorporated and the outer leaf of the wall completes the structure. The outer leaf is typically stone, brick, render or timber to suit the local vernacular and planning requirements. There are many other forms of timber frame, including advanced and closed panel systems, volumetric and hybrid systems.

Timber frame is an engineered, quality assured, tried and tested building method that is the norm in most parts of the developed world. A truly ‘modern method of construction’, today’s factory-manufactured timber frame:

Is engineered to the highest level of accuracy and quality;

1.Significantly simplifies on-site construction;

2.Promotes greater efficiency and supply chain integration;

3.Brings predictability and greater control to the construction process;

4.Meets and often exceeds all current building regulations;

5.Performs well in terms of fire and flood resistance;

6.Improves construction health and safety;

7.Has fewer defects and high customer satisfaction;

8.Is by far the most environmentally friendly way to build.

UK market statistics*

Timber frame housing grew by 18% in 2004, compared to a 7.4% increase for all other methods of construction. Timber frame housing now has a 17% market share in the UK.

One in six new homes is now timber frame.  Over 65% of new homes in Scotland are built using timber frame, up from 63% in 2003. For the first time in UKTFA’s records, the share of timber frame housing construction in England and Wales has reached double figures – 10.8% in England and 10.9% in Wales. In Northern Ireland, market share increased from 4.9% to 7% in 2004.  England provides the largest market for timber frame housing and has seen the greatest growth, year-on-year. Over half of all new social housing in the UK is timber frame.  Growth of timber frame was achieved in all building categories, including housing up to two storeys (up 14%), housing over two storeys (up 27%) and other buildings such as hotels, schools, nursing homes etc. (up almost 18%).

* Figures taken from UKTFA market report 2004, based on independently collected and analysed data from members.

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