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.”
(More)
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