Timber frame is currently the most popular self-build method in the UK. Although recent turbulence in the construction industry has dented production, timber frame continues to make impressive claims at being the number one build method in the country.
This is due to the many advantages that have been long associated with timber construction. Advantages such as speed, efficiency, quality and most importantly sustainability have ensured continual growth in the construction market since its inception as a popular building method.
Having been associated with the industry since its acceptance as a mainstream build method, Fleming Homes Ltd is a company that claims to know a thing or two about timber construction. For more than 25 years, Fleming Homes have specialized in the design, manufacture and supply of bespoke timber frame homes, utilizing the many advantages of this most natural of building products.
Managing Director Hayden Martin explains, “right now is without doubt a challenging period for the timber frame industry. But it is also an exciting one. Timber construction is at the forefront of the sustainable objectives set by government. And it leads the construction industry as a modern build method which is supremely flexible, continuously innovative and forever dedicated to the ‘self-build’ element of home building. And to complement such benefits, timber frame construction has remained an extremely cost effective construction method”.
And right now, cost effectiveness is as close to the top of the list for the new home builder as it will ever be. The widespread changes witnessed in the country’s political landscape together with rising inflation, a rise in VAT and the eminent rise in interest rates has made us all a little weary as consumers. But as Hayden explains there is a silver lining for the wannabe self-builder thinking about building a timber frame home; “Consumer confidence is understandably low. Therefore the common goal of businesses has to be to focus on the positives to help reinstall confidence and stimulate growth. And in terms of building your own home there is the very positive argument which suggests there is no better time to do so than now. The self build market is extremely competitive with designers, manufacturers and erectors alike bending over backwards to provide a service which supports building your new home right now. The bottom line is that right now you can build your new home for less and really maximise value for money.”
And when it comes to maximising value for money there is no substitute for quality; quality design, quality materials and quality workmanship. Over the years Fleming Homes have developed a strong reputation for quality based on the product they supply and the service they provide. “We work with a quality building material in timber. The many advantages associated with timber construction provide the perfect platform for a quality service. We truly believe in our method and in our product and we work hard to provide a service which facilitates those aspects which make self-building so appealing. Our service is totally bespoke. Our initial design service is free of charge and we provide a comprehensive planning and building warrant service if required. If not, we can provide a timber frame based on your architects drawings. Our specification is comprehensive but like our chosen building fabric, it is totally flexible. Our entire set up is to suit the needs of an individual client”.
Right alongside cost effectiveness in the current self-build agenda is the element of sustainability which is readily associated with timber frame construction. Timber contains less embodied energy than comparable building materials and is arguably the only truly renewable structural building material available today. This makes timber the leader in an industry that is continually promoting the need for higher levels of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Hayden explains “there are many aspects of a new dwelling which can contribute to the sustainability of the finished product. We believe the road to maximising sustainability starts with the fabric of the building. And we believe there are few comparisons when compared with the natural resource of timber. The timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests and is perfectly adaptable to facilitate the thermal requirements of a modern home. There is a large number of high performance insulating products on the market that are often reliant on timber frame to provide the flexibility of design to ensure efficiency is maximised. As a result, timber frame is capable of producing supreme U-value performance and there are number of insulation details which support this fact. True to our bespoke service we provide a variety of insulating details which can be matched to the specific requirements of the individual client.”
Timber frame construction is at the forefront of modern construction design. Hayden concludes, “Timber frame has proven itself within the UK industry like it has all over the developed world. We certainly believe that the benefits associated with this form of construction ensure it is the number one build method for today and the number one build method for the future”.
For more information visit www.fleminghomes.co.uk or telephone 01361 883785
