Timber
frame construction 
Lowry Homes Plc - Lowry turns to timber frame for two new developments
Leading Manchester-based new homes builder,
Lowry Homes Plc, is to utilise advanced timber frame technology
in the construction of hundreds of new homes on two forthcoming
developments, in North Huyton, Merseyside and Manchester’s Moss
Side.
Lowry’s technical department chose a hybrid timber frame system
for these developments for a number of reasons:
The Government is encouraging house builders to use modern
methods of construction (MMC) to produce more affordable,
sustainable and energy efficient new homes – Lowry’s timber
frame system’s wall and floor panels feature integral, injected
insulation which virtually eliminates air gaps, enabling the
finished home to achieve high levels of heat retention, coupled
with very low CO2 emissions.
CAD-CAM production methods, combined with high specification
materials, ensures incredible accuracy of all components,
enabling a secure, weatherproof, new home shell to be
constructed in 1 to 2 days.
Complete roofs are constructed at ground level then craned into
position, leading to far less working at high level, with
obvious health and safety benefits for Lowry’s on site staff.
Speaking of the decision to employ timber frame construction,
John Booth, Lowry’s Technical Director said:
“Although the new homes we build using timber frame systems will
be indistinguishable externally from standard “block & brick”
construction, they will incorporate many benefits for home
owners. The overall quality of construction will be incredibly
high, as the system we shall use has been tested to satisfy or
exceed all current building regulations and the efficiency of
the homes, with regard to thermal performance and overall air
tightness, will lead to reduced running costs.”
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The North Huyton development will consist of 1,450 properties,
of which Lowry will build 20%, as part of a joint venture with
Gleesons, Keepmoat, Knowsley MBC and Knowsley Housing Trust. The
Lowry homes on offer will comprise 2 & 3 bedroom semi and mews
styles, plus 3 & 4 bedroom detached houses.
The second development, The Maine Place, will be on the site of
Manchester City FC’s former Maine Road Stadium, totalling over
400 one and 2 bedroom apartments, plus 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses,
semi and detached properties. The development is seen as a key
element in the regeneration of Moss Side and Rusholme, boosting
both housing quality and choice.
Email: john.booth@lowryhomes.com