Homes designed to meet Code level 3 or above of the Code for Sustainable Homes are 2-5% cheaper to build in timber frame than masonry, according to a new report.
The “Comfort and Cost” report, published by the UK Timber Frame Association and wood for good, says housebuilders should budget for 8-24% higher costs to deliver a Code level 5 timber frame home, compared with 10-30% higher costs in masonry.
The study says additional costs for higher code level compliance are lowest with timber frame in detached and end-of-terrace homes, while overall carbon dioxide emissions for timber construction are said to be up to six times lower than masonry.
Other findings include certified timber scoring the highest responsible sourcing credits, with specification falling largely in the A+ or A-rated category in the material credits section of the code.
Thermal modelling showed the difference in thermal mass between the two build methods would “never be a significant factor affecting the occupant’s home energy consumption within a 60-year lifetime, even considering the temperature changes likely within that time”.
In extreme conditions, double plasterboarding or double cement board to walls could be used to increase specific areas of thermal mass in a timber frame building.
UKTFA technical manager Steven Streets said achieving higher code levels was more expensive whatever the build method, but was always higher for masonry than timber frame.
The research findings will underpin the UKTFA’s latest campaign – Fabric First – which highlights the “critical need” for a high-performance building fabric as the ideal base for low and zero carbon homes.
