One in nine residential new builds in Northern Ireland is now a timber frame home.

The most recent statistics, say manufacturer Tyrone Timber Frames Ltd, prove that the popularity of this eco-friendly building method has risen sharply in the past five years.

In 2002 only 2% of start new build homes were timber frame. By 2006 the figure jumped to 12%. The method is even more popular in RoI where it is believed that all new builds will soon be subject to grading on an eco-friendly points system.

Self-builders and developers are discovering that the construction of natural timber frame buildings has benefits for the environment in cutting Carbon Dioxide footprint, results in lower heating costs for the home owner and there is a faster build time at little or no cost differential. Omagh based company Tyrone Timberframes Ltd supply and erect timber frames homes across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and the Mainland UK.

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Director of Timber Frame Homes David Maxwell said: “There is definitely a growing interest in timber frame homes. Timber Frames enable a much faster build. Recent research by the Irish Timber Frame Manufacturing Association shows that manufacturing and living in just 10 per cent more timber frame houses in the EU could provide 25% of the target Co2 emissions required of the Kyoto Protocol! Using timber also helps to save energy over the life of a building as it provides excellent thermal insulation. In fact, timber is up to 40% more heat efficient than a traditional block build.”

Self developers John and Alan Duffy are currently constructing a two house development near Killea in Co. Donegal. Both houses have been supplied by Tyrone Timber Frame Homes.

“I have worked on many houses over the past forty years and believe that Timber Frame Houses are far superior to block builds. Because the shell of the house is constructed so quickly early on in the build the site is less prone to weather related hold ups! Also with no block interior walls owners find that the layouts can be more flexible and renovations at a later date are easier.”

Traditional construction materials such as block also build create wastage problems - waste material produced on-site needs to be transported to landfills, where as timber frame waste does not leave the manufacturers facility.

Timber waste can be used in the manufacture of chipboard and as a biodegradable and combustible biomass, any other waste can be disposed of easily.

It is thought that EU legislation may soon be introduced to ensure that old materials from derelict buildings be recycled before any new building commences.

(JM/SP)