Housebuilders, architects, structural engineers and housing associations nationwide are to be asked their views on the use of timber in housebuilding, focusing on timber frame construction, timber prefabrication and interiors.
The survey, to be conducted by Building Homes and backed by the Wood for Good campaign and the Housing Forum, was prompted by changes in building regulations and energy efficiency ratings.
The top 100 housebuilders, 20 architectural practices, 10 structural engineers and 20 housing associations will all be canvassed by telephone, paper or on-line questionnaires. Results will begin to cone through in July.
Charles Trevor, managing director of Wood for Good, said research undertaken by his organisation earlier this year showed consumers prefer natural materials. He added: ‘This new research will tell us to what level housebuilders currently use timber and how that use will change over the coming years, following the introduction of more onerous building regulations and the requirement for housebuilders to tell buyers the energy rating of their new home.’
Housing Forum chairman David Crewe said his organisation had set up working groups to look at issues arising from the need to increase off-site manufacture and standardisation of housing components, and to look at the skills shortage in the industry.
