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Timber Frame method outstrips competition

Posted: 25/04/2007

The market share for timber frame construction has more than doubled since 1999 and now stands at 20.5% of all new housing in 2006, although that still only represents around one in five new builds. The figures are from the recently released Interim Market Report published for members of the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA).

Against overall growth in all housing starts of about 3.5% last year, timber frame is estimated to have increased by 7.5%.

Bryan Woodley, Chief Executive of the UKTFA, says: “When you match our industry figures to the Government’s housing starts and official construction output data, it’s clear that timber frame's share of the market has grown in recent years".

“We expect timber frame housing to expand at about twice the rate of the average for the market, leading to further increases in market share in each of the years to 2009. I think we’ll see the highest growth in the social housing sector where timber frame is still expected to continue to outperform all other methods of construction.

“The recent huge surge in interest from the private housebuilders in low risk, cost effective ways of building zero carbon homes is also likely to enhance the timber frame industry’s prospects in coming years.”

UKTFA interim figures show that more than 51,700 timber frame housing and commercial units were built in 2006, realising a growth of 8.1% on 2005. The value of the timber frame industry is also expected to have grown by 11% in 2006, rising to £542 million.

A full market report will be available in the autumn. This will include more detailed information on the performances by country and region, with details on the trend of private and social housing and developments by type of dwelling.

Green Building Press  
 

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