Bellway aims to use timber frame construction in 30% of its housing projects by 2030, more than doubling its current 12% output.
The announcement follows successful trials of this MMC across the group in recent years, which the company claims resulted in faster build speed, reduced waste and improved construction quality.
The housebuilder said it will open a new 12,500 sq m timber frame production facility, Bellway Home Space, near Mansfield to help meet this target.
The £20m facility will operate using computer-driven robotic machinery. It will have the capability to manufacture open-panel and pre-insulated closed-panel systems, where both insulation and the inner sheath are assembled within the factory to reduce onsite waste.
Bellway has also appointed Chris Hagan as managing director for its timber frame operations.
Operational changes
Production of the first homes using Bellway Home Space is expected by mid-2026 with a gradual increase to full capacity of up to 3,000 homes annually by 2030.
“The full benefits of timber frame construction will require some operational changes to the business, including the redesign of our Artisan house-types to accommodate the requirements of timber frame and the Future Homes Standard,” Bellway’s group chief executive Jason Honeyman said in its year-end results to 31 July 2024, where the timber frame construction plans were announced.
“We expect this process to complete by the end of calendar year 2025,” he added.
”Overall, we are confident that our investment in timber frame in the years ahead will underpin the delivery of our strategic priorities, to drive long-term volume growth and an improvement in RoCE [return on capital employed], and help meet the targets set out in our Better with Bellway sustainability strategy.”
