Chris Franklin, MD at Ranheat Engineering Ltd – a leading UK manufacturer of wood combustion equipment –continues his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery Production.
In our November issue, Chris looked at how timber framed housing could help meet the UK Government’s targets on new builds. This month’s article follows on from this, and was written by Chris whilst researching timber-framed housing in Japan, in October 2024.
The new Labour Government, in its first budget, has made further commitments to build more affordable housing. This again points to the use of timber framed housing.
Timber-framed housing looks like the only way to meet Government targets with regard to the number of houses needed in the UK and maintaining carbon neutrality. With the use of timber-framed houses, housing can be erected quickly, as well as being well insulated. They can be made in a quality-controlled environment using the latest in timber technology, including engineered sections.
By embracing this new approach to housing (although others have used timber for centuries), the ambitious targets set by the new Government have the potential to be met.
The use of timber-framed construction is not limited to domestic properties only. Timber is a strong material with engineered timber and laminated timber being used to replace steel frames.
With the drive to Carbon Neutral construction, the use of timber is a way this can be achieved. More and more architects are looking at new construction methods, and companies are increasingly keen to show their “Green Credentials” to customers, so a step towards this is to design and make their headquarters using timber-framed technology.
The other advantage of this technology is the insulation quality that a timber framed construction brings, giving lower heating costs and sustainability.
My experience in Japan showed what was possible to achieve, but on looking closer, I found that the use of timber as an industrial construction method was already right here on my doorstep.
The photo of the industrial offices was taken within 5 miles of where I live in Northamptonshire.
The use of timber in construction, as a construction method, can only be good for the UK woodworking industry.
Contact Ranheat for further information on all types and sizes of industrial wood-burning equipment from 75 kW upwards. Ranheat also makes spares and services and repairs other makes of woodburning boilers and heaters.
01604 750005
