At least one in seven of all new houses built in the UK are now modern timber frame, according to the first nationwide performance check for the industry.

The UK Timber Frame Association‘s (UKTFA) “state of the industry” figures for 2001, reveals timber frame’s market share increased by 2% in 2001 to 14.1% of all new homes built.

The industry’s turnover soared 24.5% to £306m (£246m in 2000), while the number of units manufactured rose by 21.4% to 29,272 (24,115 in 2000).

Timber frame use still remains relatively low in England but its share of all new housing increased to 9% (6.8% in 2000). And for the first time in many years, more timber frame units were built in England than in Scotland.

Scotland remains far more pro-timber frame, with penetration reaching 55% (50% in 2000). In Wales, industry market share was 8.3% (6.9% in 2000).

&#8220The message that timber frame construction offers sound economic, environmental and lifestyle advantages is clearly being accepted by both the construction industry and the public.”

Bryan Woodley, UKTFA chief executive.

The most popular modern timber frame buildings remain domestic, traditional low-rise houses but mid-rise dwellings (over two storeys) are now taking 23.3% of the timber frame market (16.3% in 2000), while commercial projects account for 7.7% (6.6% in 2000).

Bryan Woodley, chief executive of the UKTFA, said: “The message that timber frame construction offers sound economic, environmental and lifestyle advantages is clearly being accepted by both the construction industry and the public, with one in seven new houses now being built in modern timber frame.”