How Timber Frame Can Help Developers Achieve Their Goals

The use of timber frame as an MMC is growing across the UK, yet excitingly, England still has huge growth potential for further adoption. The National House Building Council (NHBC) statistics show that timber frame was used in around 9% of newly built homes in England compared to 22% in Wales, 30% in Northern Ireland and a staggering 92% in Scotland.

With that in mind, along with the government’s new roadmap to timber in construction, it is clear that developers are increasingly considering timber frame for their upcoming projects. Check out our latest article for more information on the UK Government’s Road Map to Timber Construction.

For decades, at OFP, we have seen developers across Kent, East Sussex, and nationally reap the benefits of utilising timber frame in their developments. All you need is the right timber frame partner to work alongside you. 

Why should developers choose timber frame?

Timber frame has a lot of benefits for all those involved, from the contractor with the speed of delivery all the way to the homeowner enjoying the benefits of an energy-efficient home.

One key stakeholder that also benefits from utilising timber frame in their project is the property developer. 

The property developer is at the heart of the project. Once they have purchased land, they are responsible for managing the full project from planning permission to completion, to ensure the building is technically compliant and financially feasible. 

Timber frames could be the answer to achieving both these goals. Some of the key benefits of timber frames for property developers are:

1. Sustainable & environmentally friendly – As we know, timber frames offer many environmental benefits. Not only is it a renewable material, but it also has the lowest embodied carbon compared to other traditional building materials. Trees sequester and store carbon from the atmosphere, meaning that timber has a negative carbon impact throughout its lifecycle. Timber also has some of the best insulation properties, which can reduce the pressure on the UK’s electricity grid. 
2. Speed of delivery – Timber frame is typically built using MMC, meaning that most components, such as panels, joists, trusses, etc., are manufactured offsite and simply assembled onsite. The NHBC estimates that using timber frames can save up to 3 months of your build time on a 24 unit scheme.
3. Cost-effective – Timber frame homes built using MMC help save labour costs and reduce project delays due to adverse weather conditions. This can positively impact project deadlines and, ultimately, your bottom line. 
4. Accuracy and precision – As timber frame is manufactured in a factory, it means the components are more accurate and precise with fewer defects or mistakes. Through the use of innovative technology at OFP, we can automate processes and procedures to exceed levels of accuracy and efficiency.