Maple Timber Frame is to invest £1m on an automatic timber frame production line specifically designed for a new “refurb” panel designed to be fitted on the interior of older properties.
The Preston-based manufacturer is currently assessing about three technological solutions and will make a decision in the near future, with a target of starting full production of the SupaRefurb panel early next year.
Maple commercial manager Neil Middleton told TTJ that SupaRefurb, fixed to the internal side of exterior walls, was a further development of the company’s successful SupaWall closed panel, which now makes up more than 90% of Maple’s production.
He said the investment was a “big step forward” for Maple and represented a third production line at the Preston factory, but the first with “continuous” production capability.
“SupaRefurb is very easy to install – it can be a do-it-yourself job,” said Mr Middleton. “Quite a lot of old houses around the early 1900s have big rooms, so the panels won’t take up much space.
“What we have developed does not change the exterior appearance of the building and gives better energy-efficiency.”
Maple believes the solution is ideal for listed buildings and is a cost-effective and efficient way, in tandem with other energy-efficiency measures, to boost the thermal performance of the existing housing stock.
SupaRefurb is being produced in 90mm and 140mm deep sections and, like SupaWall, is factory filled with expanded urethane insulation, with Fermacell internal lining and a thin liner that is glued to existing plasterboard/plaster faced external walls. Panels slot together.
