The UK timber frame sector has been congratulated on its technical achievements by visiting Austrian representatives of the European Federation of Prefabricated Building (EFPB).
The UK Timber Frame Association organised the EFPB delegation’s trip and said it heralded a closer relationship with the European timber frame industries.
The fact-finding tour included a visit to Pace Timber Systems’ Milton Keynes plant and to Stewart Milne‘s Whitney factory. The delegates also went to two of the companies’ current construction projects.
According to the EFPB visitors, UK companies are among the leading European exponents of medium-rise timber frame construction. They are also in the forefront in timber frame social housing and acoustic technology.
UKTFA chief executive Bryan Woodley said the EFPB trip had been an opportunity for both visitors and hosts to “share knowledge and expertise in design technology, manufacturing, construction and marketing”.
He added that the UK timber frame sector also had a lot to learn from its counterparts in the rest of Europe. He pointed out that the UK still lagged behind other “developed countries” in terms of timber frame’s market share of new build low rise housing (15% against 70%).
“Another area where the industry elsewhere in Europe is making great strides is in marketing,” he said. “For example, the Blaue Lagune show centre in Austria contains over 80 factory-manufactured houses from 48 manufacturers and gets 350,000 visitors a year.”
