The market share for timber frame construction has risen for the ninth consecutive year and now stands at just over 22% of all new housing, according to the Interim Market Report published for members of the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA).

In contrast to the overall decline in housing starts last year, timber frame home building is estimated to have grown by 3.3% in 2007.

Results from the survey conducted among UKTFA members earlier this year reveal that more than 54,400 timber frame homes and commercial units were built in 2007. Timber frame housing of up to two storeys increased by 11%, while there was a 28% increase in the market for timber frame commercial buildings.

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Stewart Dalgarno, Chairman of the UKTFA, said: "The timber frame industry in the UK has shown its strength, resilience and maturity in 2007.

"Despite a difficult time for homebuilding and the housing market, timber frame manufacturers - through the aggregation of their own forecasts - clearly believe that the market will continue to grow in 2008 and beyond.

"This confidence comes from timber frame's ability to comply with, and often exceed, the current and future requirements of Building Regulations and the low carbon aims of the Code for Sustainable Homes. We believe the popularity of timber frame will continue to grow because of this ability to offer home builders and developers cost-effective compliance with these requirements.

"At a time when costs are being slashed and margins squeezed tight, the highly integrated nature of the timber frame supply chain, its increased output for lower cost, and its ability to cut out inefficiencies and defects makes timber frame construction a very attractive option to housebuilders concerned about quality.

"I also think the OFT report due out later this year will put the spotlight firmly onto quality issues once again, and offsite construction methods like timber frame will get another boost in 2008."

(CD/JM)