The UK timber sector has the capacity to deliver more than 100,000 homes annually, positioning timber frame construction as a key solution to help meet the government’s housing targets. According to Daniel Clarke, Senior Key Account Manager at West Fraser, timber frame offers a faster, more efficient and sustainable approach to housebuilding, with seven of the UK’s top ten housebuilders already investing in timber manufacturing facilities.
Homes built using timber frame can typically be completed in 13 to 15 weeks, compared with 25 to 30 weeks for traditional masonry construction. Earlier weathertightness allows internal works to start sooner, while off-site manufacturing and just-in-time deliveries improve efficiency, reduce site costs and minimise delays.
The method also significantly cuts waste, with concrete block waste reduced by up to 50% and timber waste by up to 90% compared with masonry construction. Timber’s environmental credentials are further strengthened by its ability to store carbon, helping reduce embodied carbon by between 20% and 60% versus traditional building methods.
Fire safety and quality standards are supported through independently tested systems and the industry’s STA Assure accreditation scheme, providing confidence in design, manufacturing and installation processes.
Although timber frame accounted for 12% of new homes in England in 2024, its widespread use in Scotland, where it is used in 92% of new homes, demonstrates its proven scalability. The article concludes that timber frame offers a compelling combination of speed, sustainability, reliability and capacity to support the delivery of more homes while helping achieve net zero goals.
Source: uk.westfraser.com
