The Structural Timber Association (STA), working with Future Homes Hub, has introduced a new programme called the Timber Frame Learning Journey, designed to demonstrate to developers how they can deliver homes that are faster to build and more sustainable.
With the UK government targeting the construction of 1.5 million homes over the next five years, industry leaders are urging the adoption of established methods that can speed up the rollout of low-carbon housing.
Debuting in Scotland and delivered by the STA in collaboration with Future Homes Hub, the initiative is supported by major sponsors such as West Fraser, PEFC UK, Hundegger, Swedish Wood, along with several additional partners. The Learning Journey provides developers with direct insight into Scotland’s mature timber frame housing sector, where more than 92% of homes are already built using this method.
Andrew Orriss, CEO of the Structural Timber Association, said:
“Scotland is years ahead when it comes to building homes that are low-carbon, efficient and delivered at pace. The learning journey was about showing that it’s possible and already happening. We wanted home builders to see for themselves how timber frame isn’t a theory, it’s already the backbone of faster, greener house building elsewhere in the UK.”
Across two days, participants toured each stage of the timber supply chain—from sustainably managed forests and sawmills to engineered timber manufacturing sites and active housing developments. The programme highlighted how timber frame supports the Future Home Standard and offers a practical, scalable solution for boosting housing delivery while maintaining quality and meeting climate commitments.
Why timber frame makes sense now:
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Faster construction: Timber frame homes can reach weather-tight status in around half the time required for masonry builds.
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Less on-site waste: Compared with masonry construction, timber frame can reduce concrete block waste by up to 50% and timber waste by up to 90%.
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A mature supply chain: UK production of key materials—from OSB to engineered I-joists—is already established and expanding.
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Proven at scale: Timber frame is widely used across Scotland, showing its capability in mainstream housing delivery.
Future Homes Hub Programme Director, Richard Lankshear, said:
“The Future Homes Standard can only be delivered successfully by sharing knowledge and lessons learned. These learning journeys showcase all electric, low carbon homes and the techniques to build them at scale.”
Simon Woods, Sales, Marketing and Logistics Director for West Fraser Europe Limited, said:
“Manufacturing OSB for over 40 years in Inverness, Scotland, SterlingOSB Zero plays an integral part as a structural panel within timber frame construction as well as being certified net carbon negative ensuring our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We’re delighted to support this initiative.”
John Kirby, Executive Director at PEFC UK, said:
“Using timber sourced from a responsibly managed forest, such as a PEFC-certified woodland, helps to maximise carbon storage and support climate goals. Certified timber is central to sustainable construction. This learning journey shows how responsible sourcing underpins the whole timber frame approach.”
Chris Osborne, Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Hundegger, said:
“Advanced timber processing unlocks quality and scale. We’re backing the Timber Frame Learning Journey to show SME builders the technology making it possible.”
Stephen King, UK Project Manager at Swedish Wood, said:
“Timber construction is not just sustainable, it’s efficient and modern. Sweden’s commitment is mirrored in Scotland, and we’re excited to support UK progress.”
The initiative also receives support from Forestry & Land Scotland, John Gordon & Son, James Jones & Sons, Kirkwood Timber Frame, Kirkwood Homes, Bancon Construction and Cala Homes—representing the full breadth of the timber supply chain.
Additional Timber Frame Learning Journey events are scheduled, and developers committed to building more sustainable homes are invited to register their interest with the Structural Timber Association.
