Detractors of timber frame, usually with vested interests in other construction systems, seize on any opportunity to create uncertainty amongst specifiers, builders, politicians and consumers. As an industry, we have become accustomed to this, but of late the intensity of verbal attacks on timber frame has increased. The tactics smack of desperation, a mixture of half truths and sensationalism, never taking into account the potential damage they are doing to the newbuild sector. Most housebuilders use a variety of construction methods and my experience is that they find this, usually one-way, war of words quite tiresome.
However, the desperation can be understood in light of the recently published UKTFA figures putting the 2005 market share of timber frame in new UK housing at a record 19.7%.
The sector’s growth has been achieved by steady development of a well-trained, customer-focused supply chain. At the centre of the development is the UKTFA, giving the platform for growth the industry requires.
Social, political, environmental and economic factors continue to drive UK construction to consider timber frame as a mainstream building method. As a consequence we see market share increasing. Nevertheless, we don’t just sit back and expect these factors to continue to drive our growth. UKTFA members benefit from the development of a variety of technical, training and marketing initiatives. The focus is on continual improvements in efficiency and quality, in the factory and on site.
Support for the association is increasing and broadening. This success is not only quantified in member numbers, but in the invaluable addition of varied expertise and experience to our many committees.
Something to leave you with, the UKTFA has targeted market share of 30% of UK new housing by 2010, a further 50% rise. Every 1% of growth in timber frame market share translates to about £25m of sales, with raw materials (timber, wood panels, I-joists etc) representing around 40% of this value.
Joe Martoccia is a director of the UK Timber Frame Association.
