Haus takes prefabrication to next level

Wyckham Blackwell's timber frame business is taking a lead from Germany and Austria by expanding into fully-finished wall sections complete with services.

The WB Timber Innovations Ltd operation at Solihull says the launch of WB Haus will meet the needs of a specialised market.

The move builds on the company's relationship with Wolf Systems, which designs and manufactures the fully-finished Wolf Haus product in Germany and Austria. Wyckham Blackwell manufactures Wolf-designed easijoists and trussed rafters and, together with Wolf, invented the smartroof system.

"We've had a lot of enquiries from people who are inspired by projects they've seen on programmes like Grand Designs and are interested in the Continental prefabricated systems that are often used," said Wyckham Blackwell director David Himmons.

Wyckham Blackwell's existing timber frame systems are closed panels featuring factoryfitted insulation, with cladding and finishing taking place on site.

The new WB Haus range will take prefabrication levels to a different level - with wall sections featuring windows and doors, exterior rendering, interior drylining and even plumbing and electrical services installed. "It's a different concept and one that definitely has an un-met demand in the UK,"

added Mr Himmons. "It certainly gives us a second string to our bow."

Mr Himmons said the engineering and energy-efficiency standards capable with Passivhaus standards had a strong appeal to UK self-builders.

He also believes the speed, efficiency and design flexibility of WB Haus will attract attention from housing associations. At the end of last year, a team from Wyckham Blackwell visited the Wolf Haus operation in Germany, where wall panels are fully finished in the factory.

"We saw the opportunity to bring in Wolf Haus panels and marry them up with our floors, roof panels and design," said Mr Himmons. "A number of potential customers we were talking to were going over to Germany to look at timber frame suppliers there. People perceive there is a benefit because the Germans are ahead of us."

Wyckham Blackwell launched the WB Timber Innovations business about three years ago to service the self-build sector.

The move was strategic as self-build is predicted to be one of the best performers in the construction market in the next five years. "It's definitely more profitable [than standard volume timber frame work] but it's a lot more involved. There's a massive surge in self-build in general," said Mr Himmons.

"Self-build is the country's largest national housebuilder.