FEATURE STA
A State of Positivity Andrew Carpenter, CEO of the Structural Timber Association (STA), explores the recent development of the structural timber sector with an eye on progress in 2024 and beyond.
A
s the construction industry
out as the most developed market within the
from 2022 shows that in Scotland it is now very
continues the journey towards
UK for timber frame usage, boasting a long
rare to see any form of production other than
net zero, the pressures of
tradition of employing this material.
timber frame. However, the same data from
climate change have prompted
According to a 2019 NHBC HMI Report,
2022 has shown no significant uplift in timber
a remarkable evolution in recent years.
a remarkable 92% of homes in Scotland are
frame in England and Wales as yet, despite the
With the need to adopt more sustainable
constructed using timber frame, amounting
desire to see this from across the industry.
building materials, timber has emerged as a
to approximately 23,000 units. While the
viable alternative to traditional construction
percentage is considerably lower in England
there are encouraging developments in the
materials – and the structural timber sector
at 9%, the volume of units is substantial, with
timber frame sector. Earlier in the year, Taylor
is well placed to serve this growing demand.
almost 14,000 homes built using timber frame.
Wimpey announced an investment in its
The market for the structural timber sector
A more recent NHBC HMI Report based on data
own timber frame manufacturing facility in
Despite a decline in overall housebuilding,
is incredibly promising. The global construction industry’s increasing focus on sustainable practices, along with the rising adoption of timber-friendly construction methods, is anticipated to drive market growth. In the UK, where governments and organisations are embracing stricter environmental regulations, the demand for sustainable construction materials like timber is on the rise.
Changing the way we build There is a very real opportunity for timber frame construction to gain a larger share of the housing market in the UK. Scotland stands Timber Construction Magazine
Autumn/Winter 2023
18
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