Timber frame house manufacturers need to ready themselves for when demand picks up, according to a new housing report.
The report on housebuilding trends by consultants HobsonFord Associates, in association with the NHBC, cites a return to traditional family houses and away from apartments in 2010 – with the former accounting for 54% of housing, up from 40% in 2008.
2010 also saw a swing towards brick and block, away from timber frame, according to the consultants.
“Changes in the mix have implications for current production, as the demand for timber frame has fallen recently, but it is also necessary to prepare for the future,” said Glen Ford, director of HobsonFord Associates, who says he has had exclusive access to previously unavailable NHBC data.
The share of timber frame in the English private housing sector (excluding London) was 19% in 2010, with masonry 70%. In the public housing sector timber frame was on top with 44%, compared to masonry’s 21%.
“But we are already hearing rumbles of discontent from the building trade – the return to traditional construction methods has caused problems in supply of both materials and skilled labour,” said Mr Ford.
“The big players are anxious to avoid a repeat – Persimmon is continuing to invest in Space4, its own timber frame system, with a view to being ready when housing demand takes off.”
For more information on the Market Insights report, Trends in the Mix of UK New Build Housing click here
