John Watson, Chief Executive, Bellway plc (Prelims, October 2006) says…
“With the new Part A building regulations imposing additional design criteria on buildings over four storeys and above, we have introduced more timber frame construction which represents a cost saving against concrete or steel construction. This system brings a greater standardisation of floor design and has economy of scale benefits. As a highly insulated system, it helps to reduce CO2 emissions, an item high on the Governments list of priorities, and as a consequence use [of timber frame construction] may well increase in the future. These measures … have helped to support Bellways operating margin.”
The Absolutely Essential Health & Safety Toolkit includes a message of support from the HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction, who commends the guide:
“It is gratifying that the UKTFA, working in partnership with the HSE, has produced this toolkit not as an end result, but as the first of three stages of information to be provided to those who work on members’ sites. By working together we can make the construction industry a healthier and safer place to work.”
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has stated:
“People should not worry that timber frame presents significantly more danger from this type of fire than buildings of other construction types.”
However the UKTFA points out that:
“Poor workmanship and faulty design will jeopardise the performance of any home, including brick and block homes, steel frame and timber frame.”
Timber Frame construction is recognised by the NHBC and Zurich Municipal for guarantee purposes. Steve Birt of the Association of British Insurers says:
“Insurance companies generally draw no distinction between modern Timber Frame and brick and block construction…”
Phil Hope, Minister responsible for Building Regulations had this to say on the Technical Notes offered by the UKTFA:
“I welcome the publication of these Technical Guidance Notes on how to comply with Part E of the Building Regulations, using timber frame construction. These Notes offer a range of solutions and will simplify the process of compliance for specifiers and designers. The Government encourages the use of sustainable, off-site construction methods and timber frame makes a significant contribution to the success of such construction in the UK.”
Following the UKTFA’s creation of a technical guidance document:
“Experience over many years of on-site acoustic testing to meet Scottish requirements has highlighted that, no matter how good the design, if workmanship is poor, then all forms of construction can yield poor acoustic performance.”
It’s no surprise that the most popular buildings in Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’ series were timber frame homes. Kevin McCloud, the shows presenter said:
“The audience is always biggest when we have a timber building.”
The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP Minister has this to say on timber frame Building Regulations:
“Timber frame construction is contributing to the drive to provide people with good, modern homes of proven sustainability and efficient construction. It also serves my Government’s aims of reducing CO2 emissions.”
Patrick Sawdon, Head of Professional Services at the Halifax Valuation and Surveying Services said this about mortgages:
“Halifax takes the view that properly constructed Timber Frame housing with a suitable external cladding is equally as good as housing which is built in brick or block and we make no differentiation in the lending terms offered on either form of construction.”
Charles Grant of the UKTFA offers straightforward advice on what’s important in a new house. He says :
“People should ask questions when they are buying their new home – and if the home they are buying is timber frame, they will find it has a lot of the right answers.”
Dr Sean Smith, a research scientist working for Napier University in Edinburgh, says:
“Our research shows that timber frame party walls are the best performing in the industry – for current and future Regulations. Most timber frame separating walls will not have to change to meet the new Regulations, they are already so good!”
Dr David Bellamy the colourful environmentalist and broadcaster says:
“If you have to build something – and theres going to be 1 billion people on earth one day they will all want nice houses to live in – theyve got to be built in timber frame.”
Upon joining the Sustainable Buildings Task Group, Bryan Woodley added:
“As the world’s only truly renewable standard construction material, timber has a vital role to play in delivering homes fit for the 21st century.”
Independent scientific research undertaken by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) state:
“If all dwellings had sound insulation as good as that measured in party walls of timber frame dwellings, the problems of noise from neighbours would be greatly reduced.”
The UKTFA Q-Mark Scheme has also been welcomed by the Government. The Minister for Construction, Mr Brian Wilson, MP has said:
“The importance of quality in the construction industry cannot be overestimated. As an engineered product, manufactured under quality-controlled factory conditions, timber frame construction has an important role to play in raising quality standards in construction. The introduction by the UKTFA of an independently monitored Quality Scheme is to be welcomed. This will give confidence to consumers considering timber frame construction. ”
Kevin Myers, chief inspector of construction, HSE, has this to say about the UKTFA’s new Health & Safety Toolkit:
“The UKTFA’s publication provides a ready checklist for health and safety problems on small construction sites. Too many people in the construction industry are injured or suffer health problems. The unacceptably high levels of injuries and ill health can be reduced by simple precautions. Make use of this toolkit. If we can all work together, we can make the construction industry a healthier and safer place to work in.”
