Rider Levett Bucknall UK (RLB UK), has launched the industry’s first construction cost comparison report between timber frame and masonry in affordable housing.
Author of the report RLB Partner, Ian Dacre – a specialist in the residential sector who has delivered over 1,100 homes, said: “We were very pleased to be able to carry out this independent study. With the recent government announcement of the presumption in favour of offsite manufacture for all publicly funded projects from 2019, and the current drive for increased housing development, we wanted to evaluate what is the most economical build solution for affordable housing.
The adoption of offsite manufacturing will only increase throughout the construction industry and we will be undertaking further, similar, independent studies in the future.
I would like to convey my thanks to those who supported the project including the four contractors who helped price the models as well as the consultant architects and engineers and others who also added their expertise.
We hope the research will be of interest to many within the built environment industry.”
The report, with the support from other industry professionals, has answered the question and concludes:
- Timber frame construction is more economical
- The overall project costs are more economical
- The build programme is shorter
Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association (STA), said: “We welcome this report and the in-depth findings. The STA commends Ian Dacre and Rider Levett Bucknall UK for conducting this research which provides answers to questions that have been debated for many years. The Construction Cost Comparison Report for Affordable Housing will be of great interest to many members of the construction industry.
“Whilst cost saving and speed of build are vitally important to affordable housing providers, equally important is the enhanced quality that offsite timber frame construction brings, reducing on-going maintenance costs for social landlords and delivering energy savings for their tenants.”
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