Timber frame construction has been given a “big boost” by housing minister Gavin Shapps’ announcement on zero carbon housing, according to the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA).
UKTFA chairman Geoff Arnold said Mr Shapps’ confirmation that future Building Regulations will concentrate on getting the fabric of the building right was great news for timber frame.
“The minister is essentially saying that leaky, poorly-built homes with fancy renewable energy systems will, in time, no longer be acceptable – the emphasis should be on putting the fabric first.
“We only need to look at the social housing market to appreciate this point – social housing regularly achieves Code 4 and it’s no surprise that these homes achieving Code levels 5 and 6 are timber frame.
“The future of housebuilding is firmly in the hands of local decision making and local delivery and this is a very positive move. It gives developers much greater flexibility to try and achieve the 2016 [zero carbon] target.
“It’s all well and good central government setting the standards but it’s a positive step to see government accept that delivery has to be led by local decision makers if zero carbon homes are to be a reality.”
