The Irish market for timberframe housing has certainly developed since 1984 when David Hawthorne started to make roof trusses in Northern Ireland and deliver them on a trailer towed by his old Bedford van.

Today he runs a timber frame factory producing 1,500 units per annum, close to the Republic of Ireland border at Newtownhamilton. With this roof truss production, he expects a turnover of £17 million next year.

“Everyone thought I was foolish to enter the timberframe market but I could see the advantages of the superior build method and the control element,” said David. This belief has paid off as Hawthorne Timber Fabrication is now one of the leading manufacturers in this sector in Northern Ireland.

“The public are aware of the benefits of timberframe construction and are really driving the market. In fact, I know of a timberframe house that was manufactured, erected and ready for decorating in just four weeks. Compare that with a traditional build property of around 16/20 weeks and the cash flow advantages to the developer are obvious” he added.

Hawthorne Timber Fabrication Ltd is an important end user for Norbord’s Sterling OSB3 and is supplied by Haldane Fisher, Norbord’s main distributor in Northern Ireland.

Andrew Cully, a Director of Haldane Fisher confirms that the demand for timberframe housing is rapidly growing throughout Ireland and there is real opportunity for further growth particularly in Northern Ireland. “The housing market in Northern Ireland differs from other regions of the UK as around 30% of the 12,000 new builds each year are self-build – the advantages of timber frame ‘kit houses’ are especially attractive to this sector,” he said.

The housing market in the Republic remains buoyant. The ‘tiger economy’ is still roaring away and driving the demand for new homes. It is estimated that timber frame construction accounts for over 30% of new builds and proposed changes in building control regulations will favour this type of construction for the higher insulation values they can incorporate in their designs compared with traditional built structures.

Norbord has been supplying Sterling OSB3 to Haldane Fisher for the past five years and has helped to support the growing demand for timber frame housing – even in difficult times.

“I remember around 2003 when there was a worldwide shortage of OSB Norbord and Haldane Fisher were still able to guarantee continuity of supply,” said David.

“The main reasons we continue to source from Norbord is because they can guarantee delivery and maintain a high standard of quality. With our supplier Haldane Fisher and Norbord, we make a three-way partnership. As we are all in it for the long haul, these strong relationships make it easier for all of us to manage and grow our businesses.”

For further information, please call 01786 812 921 or visit www.norbord.com.