TIMBER CONSTRUCTION NEWS
15% market drop for panelised modular building systems New figures from AMA Research are
work carried out on a production line, activity
intentions to substantially increase their use
forecasting that contractors’ output is
can be planned and monitored to ensure that
of offsite systems to build new homes.
expected to be down by 20% in 2020. As a
social distancing is adhered to.
“Timber frame systems is the largest
result of this downward turn, the panelised
“More importantly there is now a
sector, with a share estimated to be 70%,
modular building systems market will also
strong likelihood of an increase in the use
due to a larger supply base and extensive
experience a decline in 2020 as the two are
of volumetric and other types of offsite
usage in the Scottish housebuilding market
not mutually exclusive. This will result in a
construction method to help meet the
and self-build sector. Timber frame houses
drop of 15% decreasing the market value
chronic housing shortage, cope with the
can be built on average eight weeks faster
to £636 million. The panelised modular
lack of traditional construction skills within
when compared with traditional construction
building systems market in the UK was
the construction industry and help meet the
methods. A close eye will need to be kept
worth £753 million in 2019.
government’s pledge to be carbon neutral by
on how quickly the economy, and the
2050.
construction industry in particular recovers,
“Offsite manufacturing, including panelised modular building systems may
“Offsite construction, with open panel
however; there is now a glimmer of hope
recover faster as it is more conducive to
timber frame systems the most widely used
with the announcement from Pfizer of their
Covid-19 safety measures such as social
type, could very well be the solution to
successful initial vaccine trial. Over the next
distancing. The adaptation of the working
delivering much needed affordable homes
few years, the growth of this market will be
environment has been an easier transition
and to deliver them quickly. It is anticipated
greatly affected by how long the Covid-19
than a traditional construction setting, due
there will be a significant increase in offsite
pandemic lasts.”
to it being less labour intensive and requiring
production capacity with many leading
fewer personnel on-site. With all construction
housebuilders and RPRs declaring their
Timber Construction Magazine
Winter 2020
02
More at www.amaresearch.co.uk
www.timbermedia.co.uk
@Timber_Media
