The landscape of English housebuilding is standing at a structural crossroads. While traditional masonry has long dominated the southern skyline, a coordinated effort led by the Structural Timber Association (STA) is gaining momentum to flip the script. The mission is unambiguous: double the market share of timber frame construction in England from its current 12% to 25% by the year 2030. This isn’t just a target for the sake of growth; it is a vital component of the UK’s broader decarbonisation strategy. With the Future Homes Standard coming into full effect in 2025, the pressure is on developers to deliver homes that are “zero-carbon ready.” Timber frame construction—a proven, scalable, and high-performance solution—is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge.

To overcome decades of “brick-and-block” tradition in England, the STA has moved beyond theoretical advocacy. In October 2025, the association launched the Timber Frame Learning Journey, an immersive, hands-on program designed to dismantle the barriers of perception.

The journey takes a diverse group of stakeholders—including important homebuilders, representatives from Homes England, lenders, and architects—across the border to Scotland. Why Scotland? Because the region serves as a living proof of concept, where over 92% of new homes are already constructed using timber frame systems.
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Source: woodandpanel.com