Andrew Orriss of the Structural Timber Association (STA) looks at timber as a sustainable, low-carbon building choice, increasingly popular among UK self-builders for its environmental and practical benefits.

In recent years, structural timber has emerged as the material of choice for an increasing number of self-builders across the UK. There are lots of reasons behind this surge in popularity, not least the fact that this is one of the most environmentally responsible ways of building a house. 

With its low embodied carbon and being a sustainable material, not to mention its carbon capture properties, timber frame construction is most definitely a great choice for those after a method of building that has minimal impact on the world around us. 

As we see timber construction methods being used in over a quarter of all new homes nationally, there’s never been a better time to consider the benefits this versatile material can bring to your self-build project.

THE TIMBER ADVANTAGE

Building with structural timber offers multiple advantages that align perfectly with the needs and aspirations of today’s self-builders. Firstly, timber construction delivers exceptional environmental credentials. As a renewable resource (with typically five trees being planted for every tree farmed) that actively stores carbon, timber helps reduce the carbon footprint of your build significantly. For every cubic metre of timber used instead of alternative materials, you’ll save approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide emissions.

Structural timber solutions make highly energy efficient buildings easier by placing larger amounts of insulation into the timber structural elements. This means your home will require less energy to heat, reducing both your environmental impact and your energy bills for decades to come.

Speed is another compelling advantage. With much of the fabrication taking place in factory-controlled conditions, structural timber frames can typically be erected onsite in under two weeks. This significantly reduces overall project timelines and minimises the disruption often associated with traditional construction methods.

Any structural method created in a factory away from the building site
comes under the bracket of offsite manufacture. It is a broad term covering a number of options, namely timber frame, Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs) and oak frame, all benefiting from short construction timescales and guaranteed build quality. 

OFFSITE MANUFACTURE EXPLAINED

Intelligent, integrated construction systems such as closed panel timber frame and SIPs are now driving innovation in the timber industry, giving you more choice.

Fundamentally, offsite construction describes structural systems that are factory-manufactured to an advanced level to allow for onsite assembly (as opposed to construction) via controlled installation processes. Exact levels of prefabrication can vary, from factory-fitted insulation and pre-cut service channels through to panels that come complete with windows and doors already installed. Even
internal finishes and external cladding can be pre-applied.

CUSTOM-BUILD: A GROWING OPPORTUNITY

While full self-builds remain popular, we’re seeing significant growth in the custom-build sector, where small and medium-sized developers are creating schemes of five to 40 units. These developments allow individuals to customise their homes without taking on the full responsibility of a traditional self-build.

This approach is gaining momentum partly due to recent legislation requiring local authorities to meet demand from self-build registers, which has improved planning prospects for custom-build developments. Additionally, these projects often benefit from exemptions such as the Community Infrastructure Levy, making them financially attractive for both developers and buyers.

FINANCING YOUR TIMBER FRAME PROJECT

One persistent myth is that securing mortgages for timber frame construction is difficult. To be absolutely clear, this is no longer the case. Mainstream lenders now readily provide mortgages for timber frame homes, recognising the material’s proven performance and longevity.

The mortgage landscape has evolved significantly to accommodate modern construction methods. Specialist providers like BuildStore now offer innovative mortgage products specifically designed for self-builders using structural timber systems. These include ‘accelerator mortgages’ which release funds before build stages are completed – a crucial advantage when working with offsite construction methods that require upfront payments.

Perhaps most encouragingly, these specialised finance options are increasingly available to first-time buyers. With products offering up to 95% finance for both land and build costs, timber frame construction has become accessible to a much wider audience.

QUALITY IS GUARANTEED 

Manufacturing sites have stringent quality control processes and procedures in place which ensures the precision manufacture of the structural elements, making sure you get a modern, high-performance structural envelope for your new home.

The STA’s Assure scheme also plays an important role in providing confidence to lenders and insurers. Our Bronze, Silver, and Gold accreditation levels offer reassurance regarding the quality and standards maintained by our member companies, further streamlining the finance process for self-builders choosing timber.

EARLY COLLABORATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned from successful timber projects is the importance of early collaboration. Engaging with architects, suppliers, and potential lenders from the very beginning of your journey delivers significant benefits.

When timber construction is integrated into the design from the outset, rather than being retrofitted into plans originally conceived for masonry construction, the result is a more efficient and cost-effective build. Early decisions about the structural system influence everything from foundation design to insulation strategy, so making informed choices at the beginning can prevent costly changes later.

Early engagement also helps align your design aspirations with practical considerations such as budget constraints and lender requirements. Different timber systems – whether open panel, closed panel, SIPs – offer different benefits, and the optimal choice depends on your specific priorities regarding thermal performance, speed of construction, and design flexibility.

Scheduling and costing are more predictable with offsite construction as the design and planning are all carried out with precision before any systems reach site. Onsite installation of panels is a prepared process making it more timely than traditional building methods. 

THE FUTURE IS TIMBER

Looking ahead, we expect to see continued growth in structural timber usage across both self-build and volume housebuilding sectors. This growth will be driven by increasing environmental awareness, the Government’s fabric-first agenda, and the proven performance benefits of modern timber construction methods.

The evidence from Scotland, where timber frame construction dominates the market despite challenging weather conditions, demonstrates the material’s versatility and durability. As the rest of the UK catches up, self-builders are ideally positioned to benefit from the ongoing innovations in structural timber systems.

By choosing timber for your self-build project, you’re not just creating a home that’s energy-efficient, sustainable, and quick to construct – you’re also joining a growing movement that’s transforming how we build in the UK, creating healthier, more sustainable homes for generations to come.

Andrew Orriss is CEO at the Structural Timber Association (STA)