Timber frame has long been recognised in providing several key advantages - design flexibility, speed of construction, including the ability to start internal trade activity before brickwork is completed, and its benefits in building performance such as thermal efficiency.

It is for these reasons that timber frame is already the primary method of housebuilding across the globe, including USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In Scotland alone, timber frame already accounts for over 90 per cent of all new build housing, and indeed timber frame is used throughout Cala Homes in Scotland, which accounts for 40 percent of the homes we build.

The timber that is used in construction across Europe is sourced from purpose grown trees in managed woodlands, and whilst the supply of timber is already readily available, the renewability of the material is the key feature. Typically for every tree cut down, three or four more are replanted within well managed timber production woodlands - ensuring large scale reforestation and further aiding in the fight against climate change

The critical benefit of using timber in construction is carbon capture. As trees grow, and capture carbon in the air, known as sequestration, it turns into oxygen. The sequestered carbon is retained in the timber throughout its life as a structural building material, and even beyond if recycled.

Timber frame build systems have also been shown to have up to 20 percent less embodied carbon than a typical masonry build, which is key to achieving a reduction in embodied carbon as well as helping to reduce the carbon from the use of the building.

Reducing carbon through our design and construction activities is crucial, and this will be a major step forward. Having our houses designed in timber frame to accompany our traditional range in England will demonstrate our commitment to making significant changes in how we operate and will advance a key part of our sustainability strategy.

There are several benefits of timber frame construction to you, our customers, and we’ve listed some of these below:

• Excellent insulation and energy efficiency - Timber materials are natural insulators and so they help regulate the temperature in your home to maintain a comfortable living space. As they have natural thermal insulating properties, they limit the ability to conduct heat. It's for this reason that timber materials can boost the overall energy efficiency of your home as the energy consumption needed for heating and cooling is much lower.

• Natural material for sustainability benefits - Timber is ecological and sustainable as a renewable building material, meaning that it can be recycled and is therefore environmentally friendly. As a non-toxic, natural material, it doesn’t unleash chemicals into the air, compromise people’s health or negatively impact the environment. One of the best-known qualities of timber is its environmental benefits, so by choosing to live in a timber frame house you are making a positive contribution to tackling climate change.