Launched in Scotland and led by the Structural Timber Association (STA) in partnership with the Future Homes Hub, the Timber Frame Learning Journey initiative is backed by West Fraser, PEFC UK, Hundegger, Swedish Wood and other supporting partners. It brings developers face-to-face with Scotland’s timber frame housing sector, which currently builds more than 92% of Scottish homes.
STA CEO Andrew Orriss says: “Scotland is years ahead when it comes to building homes that are low-carbon, efficient and delivered at pace. The learning journey was about showing that it’s possible and already happening. We wanted housebuilders to see how timber frame is already the backbone of faster, greener house building elsewhere in the UK.”
Over two days, delegates visited the entire timber supply chain, from sustainably managed forests and sawmills to engineered timber factories and live housing sites. The journey demonstrated how timber frame supports the Future Home Standard and offers a credible route to scaling up housing delivery without compromising on quality or climate goals.
WHY TIMBER FRAME?
Timber frame offers faster build times, with homes made weather-tight in half the time of masonry builds. It also reduces concrete block waste by up to 50% and timber waste by up to 90% compared to masonry.
Future Homes Hub Programme Director, Richard Lankshear, says: “The Future Homes Standard can only be delivered by sharing knowledge and lessons learned. These journeys showcase all-electric, low-carbon homes and the techniques to build them at scale.
Simon Woods, Sales, Marketing and Logistics Director for West Fraser Europe, says: “Manufacturing OSB for over 40 years in Inverness, Scotland, SterlingOSB Zero plays an integral part as a structural panel within timber frame construction as well as being certified net carbon negative ensuring our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.”
“Using timber sourced from a responsibly managed forest, such as a PEFCcertified woodland, helps to maximise carbon storage and support climate goals. Certified timber is central to sustainable construction. This learning journey shows how responsible sourcing underpins the whole timber frame approach,” says John Kirby, Executive Director at PEFC UK.
The Timber Frame Learning Journey initiative is also supported by Forestry & Land Scotland, John Gordon & Son, James Jones & Sons, Kirkwood Timber Frame, Kirkwood Homes, Bancon Construction and Cala Homes across the full supply chain. Further trips are planned, and developers are encouraged to register their interest.
www.structuraltimber.co.uk