Pictured: Premier Inn Hotel, York
Introduction:
Timber frame is not just for domestic builds.
Many commercial projects are now taking advantage of all the benefits timber frame offers. At OFP Timber Frame, we have had the pleasure of supporting architects and developers with commercial projects across the hospitality, education and healthcare sectors.
In this blog, we will look at our biggest commercial project and why timber frame is the best solution for your next commercial project.
Our Largest Commercial Project:
Timber frame is an excellent solution for several reasons for offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other commercial projects.
In 2023, OFP Timber Frame completed its largest timber frame hotel project to date – Premier Inn, York. OFP Sales Director Ken Mackenzie said, “This is by far the largest timber frame commercial hotel I have worked on or seen in 19 years in the industry.”
We are incredibly proud of the project and the benefits it brings, both during and after construction. Read the full project case study now.
There are several reasons why timber frame is an ideal choice for your upcoming commercial projects, including:
1: Speed of build
Timber frame buildings can be built at a speed much faster than traditional building materials. This is primarily due to modern methods of construction (MMC), particularly off-site manufacturing techniques. At OFP Timber Frame manufacturing facility, based in Sandwich, Kent, we utilise MMC. Through efficient processes and accurate technology, we can increase the speed of delivery of a project in comparison to traditional methods of construction. We recently shared that we can produce one house, including joists and trusses, in just 3 hours. Imagine the speed at which we can deliver for a commercial project!
2: Cost-effective
Timber frame projects that are built using off-site manufacturing help save labour costs, reduce waste, and reduce project delays due to adverse weather conditions. Off-site manufacturing also results in a more accurate and precise build, meaning fewer mistakes and defeats that can be costly to fix. All of this can positively impact project deadlines and your project budget.
3: Flexible & versatile
Timber is a lightweight natural material that can be easily adapted to different designs. This makes it an ideal choice for complex commercial projects that are unique and an architectural piece of art. Premier Inn, York, is a brilliant example of where a timber frame can work on larger projects when a lightweight structure is required.
4: Thermal Efficiency
Timber Frame has incredible thermal efficiency due to wood being a natural insulator. This means that your office, hotel or healthcare facility will stay cool in summer and retain heat in the winter. This also results in very efficient operating costs after the project is completed. This will appeal to landlords, building owners and tenants.
5. Sustainability
Timber frame buildings are among the most sustainable buildings in the industry. As we have said above, they help reduce waste, are thermally efficient, and are natural insulators. In addition to this, wood also has the lowest embodied carbon.
Using sustainably sourced timber can reduce the embodied carbon emissions in buildings while also storing CO2e out of the atmosphere. This is what we do at OFP Timber Frame.
All of our timber is sourced from FSC-certified or PEFC-certified forests. We are committed to responsible construction, and we are proud to have held the FSC certification in May 2007 and the PEFC certification in July 2008.
Read more about our ESG policy.
Our Hospitality, Education, and Other Commercial Timber Frame Projects.
Over the recent years, we have worked on a variety of commercial projects for industries including hospitality, education, healthcare and other industries. These projects include:
- Two schools in Glasgow
- Twelve schools in Kent
- A hotel on the Isle of Wight
- Four school extensions in Kent
- Two care homes in Kent.
Most recently, we have been working on an exciting project in Oxfordshire. The overall project is for 133 age-appropriate homes as well as impressive facilities including a restaurant, cafe, hairdressers, library and craft rooms. In addition to this, there will also be a wellness centre comprising a swimming pool, steam room, treatment rooms and a gym with a fitness studio.
OFP Timber Frame are delighted to deliver 26 apartments as part of this project consisting of 1 & 2 bedrooms over 4 blocks.
Conclusion:
Although timber frame is most commonly known for residential projects, it is also a fantastic choice for commercial projects. Our commercial project clients have benefited from speedy deliveries that are cost-effective and provide a range of sustainable benefits both during build and after.
If you have a commercial project, then why not consider Timber Frame?
Visit our website or contact us directly: ofptimberframe.com
Contact
T: 01304 613298
E: info@ofptimberframe.com