First time to timber frame
Greener, faster, better.
Introducing timber frame construction
Taking on a timber frame project for the first time can feel like a big step.
New methods. New processes. New decisions.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we’ve been building in timber frame for over 50 years, delivering more than 150,000 homes, along with hundreds of schools, hotels, and commercial buildings.
We’ve helped countless housebuilders, developers, and housing providers make the switch to modern methods of construction (MMC) successfully, and we’re here to help you do the same.
Why timber frame, why now?
The UK housing sector is facing unprecedented pressure.
Rising demand, skills shortages, and the need for low-carbon, energy-efficient, and regulation-compliant homes mean traditional construction simply can’t keep up.
That’s why more and more organisations, from national housebuilders to local councils are turning to timber frame construction and offsite manufacture.
The key drivers:
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Speed: Timber frame homes can be built up to 30% faster than traditional methods.
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Quality: Factory precision reduces defects and ensures consistent, high-performance results.
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Certainty: Costs, timelines, and performance outcomes are more predictable.
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Sustainability: Timber is renewable, low-carbon, and aligned to Future Homes Standard and net-zero requirements.
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Reduced risk: Less reliance on site labour and weather-sensitive work.
Timber frame isn’t just faster and greener, it’s more dependable.
Why Donaldson Timber Systems?
As the UK’s most experienced timber frame manufacturer, we provide the knowledge, systems, and support that first-time timber frame users need to succeed.
For over five decades, we’ve partnered with housebuilders, contractors, and affordable-housing providers to deliver homes at scale using offsite construction and Category 2 MMC technology.
When you work with us, you get:
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Proven closed-panel (Sigma® II) and open-panel timber frame systems.
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Full design, engineering, and technical support from concept to completion.
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Local installation teams trained and accredited for quality and safety.
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Access to our GRASSP timber frame training programme to develop your team’s knowledge.
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Guidance on PMV (Pre-Manufactured Value) and compliance with low-carbon and net-zero frameworks.
The timber frame advantage
By moving more construction offsite, timber frame systems, both closed-panel and open-panel, deliver measurable improvements in performance and productivity.
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High-performance building fabric: Factory-fitted insulation ensures superior thermal efficiency.
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Simplified site management: Panels arrive ready to install, reducing trades and materials on site.
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Better compliance: Built-in quality helps meet building regulations and the Future Homes Standard with ease.
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Reduced carbon footprint: Structural timber locks in carbon and supports sustainable housebuilding.
With timber frame, you gain faster delivery, better quality, and greater confidence, all while meeting your sustainability and compliance goals.
How we support you
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Step-by-step guidance from enquiry to installation.
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Proactive reminders ahead of every project milestone.
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Templates and checklists to simplify documentation and information exchange.
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Dedicated account management to ensure smooth coordination.
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Training and resources to build your team’s confidence in using timber frame successfully.
Our aim is simple: to give you the clarity and confidence to move forward and make the change to timber frame.
Meeting today’s housing challenges
Speed of delivery: With government ambitions to build 1.5 million new homes, timber frame enables rapid, repeatable delivery while maintaining high quality.
Skills shortages: By shifting work into controlled factory conditions, offsite manufacture reduces dependence on scarce onsite trades.
Sustainability and compliance: Timber frame naturally supports low-carbon, Future Homes Standard, and net-zero housing strategies, helping you meet ESG goals and funding criteria.
Let’s build the future together
With over five decades of innovation, Donaldson Timber Systems gives you the expertise, reliability, and reassurance you need to build with timber frame confidently.
We’ll guide you through every stage of your first project, helping you deliver homes faster, smarter, and more sustainably.
Contact our team today to discuss your first timber frame development and discover why now is the right time to make the change.
