From the June issue of 'Benefits of timber frame'

“Finally the construction industry is in receipt of the Government’s definition of zero carbon and while it only takes effect on houses built from 2016 it gives clear guidance and direction and points to one thing – getting the fabric of the home working as efficiently as possible will be critical to achieving zero carbon,” says Frame Wise MD Simon Orrells.

There’s no doubt for timber frame manufacturer Frame Wise this enlightened position of central Government plays very much into the hands of the hands of the timber frame industry.  Simon says: “Airtightness and thermal performance is critical in any building but when it comes to really embracing the benefits of factory precision, off site manufacturing the social housing sector is certainly one step ahead in achieving zero carbon homes.  This new direction from the Housing Minister will ensure that greater emphasis is placed on achieving fabric efficiency first.  You can have any number of renewable technologies working harmoniously but if the fabric of the building is leaky and badly constructed then it simply negates any real advantages presented by bolt-on technologies.”

Frame Wise has over a decade of experience working with social housing providers and has developed a twin frame system that is ideally suited to meet homes constructed beyond 2016 under the new zero carbon definition.  Simons continues: “we are continually evolving ways of building timber frame structures that use all the benefits of factory precision to ensure that all the on-site labour is kept to an absolute minimum.  Our factory fitted system is just one example of the incredible U values that can be achieved by manufacturing off site.  With the use of factory fitted semi rigid insulation we are able to achieve a U value of 0.15W/m2K, with the benefit of increased Air Tightness of 2m3/h/m2 , our latest Twin Frame is even better at a U value of less than 0.1W/m2K and with an unbelievable Air Tightness of 1m3/h/m2 .  Improving air tightness will continue to play a critical role in achieving zero carbon communities and I am in no doubt that that the emphasis in the social housing sector will continue to be fabric first.  This new impetus from Government to reaffirm its position on building zero carbon homes is fantastic news for Frame Wise.  We’re ahead of the race it seems.”

For more information please contact Frame Wise Ltd on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 01544 260125, we look forward to speaking to you….