Timber frame has continued to take a bigger slice of the new home market despite severe trading conditions in the construction sector.
New figures show timber frame had 25% of all new housing in 2008, up for the 10th consecutive year since the 8% recorded in 1998. In Scotland the figure is 75%.
The report by the UK Timber Frame Association said while non-timber frame methods of construction were down 40% in the 139,000 housing starts last year, timber frame units declined by 29%.
UKTFA chairman Geoff Arnold said: “The timber frame industry in the UK has continued to show its strength, resilience and maturity despite these difficult times. When the economic upturn comes and the urgent need for fast, sustainable building becomes even more critical, timber frame looks set to be the number one choice.”
TTJ’s timber frame special feature will be published on May 30.
