Donaldson Timber Systems

Leading UK offsite timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), has appointed Frank O’Reilly as manufacturing director of its UK-wide operations.

Frank began his career 23 years ago working in both Ireland and Australia on major civil infrastructure works, before focusing on timber frame, truss and pre-hung door set manufacturing. He moved to Scotland in 2011 to join what was then Stewart Milne Timber Systems in Westhill, and transferred to the Witney, Oxfordshire factory four years later.

In his new role, Frank will join DTS’ management board and will take a greater lead on continuing to develop the business’ customer offering, including the creation of future strategies for DTS’ manufacturing facilities. He will also provide support in developing processes across the wider business and assist other departments in building strong working relationships with customers.

Rod Allan, managing director of DTS, said: “Frank joined our business 12 years ago and across his various roles, has always approached them with dedication and a commitment to help support our growth plans.

“As we progress with our investment programme, manufacturing is an area that deserves the best of attention. Frank has been instrumental in the design and the ongoing refit of the Witney factory over the last two years. We look forward to Frank having greater influence and input into the ongoing development of our systems and services in what is a highly competitive marketplace.”

Currently led by the sixth generation of Donaldson, the 162-year-old Donaldson Group comprises a total of 17 specialist timber and building product businesses and brands, operating throughout the UK from 46 locations employing over 1,700 people. The businesses that make up the Group trade and operate independently, sharing best practice, innovation, purchasing synergies, and market analysis.

Leading UK timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), has been appointed to the Building Better dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for MMC category 2 construction systems.

Building Better is an alliance of 30 housing associations and councils supported by the National Housing Federation. The objective of the alliance is to ensure its members have access to a variety of MMC solutions to provide suitable, trustworthy and high-quality solutions for every type of site they develop. The DPS was launched in May 2022 following its original volumetric framework in 2021 and aims to produce approximately 5,000 MMC properties by 2026.

In England, there is a total housing backlog of four million homes across the country. With new house build completions hitting just 175,390 in 2021, there was a shortfall of 164,610 completed homes that year – and the trend is expected to be similar for 2022. To address the overall shortfall, 340,000 homes need to be built every year until 2031. DTS’ appointment to the Building Better DPS will support this objective by increasing the number of timber frame homes constructed.

 Mike Perry, business development director of Donaldson Timber Systems, said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed to Building Better’s DPS and to have the opportunity to work with its members. With over 215,000 homes managed by the member organisations, it provides a great opportunity for us to increase our presence in the affordable housing market.

“MMC systems are an increasingly important consideration for developers of all kinds, and our offsite timber frame systems can play a leading role in housing associations and local authorities meeting the energy requirements of new homes. By demonstrating our quality and experience to Building Better, we are now a trustworthy resource for these members and look forward to working in partnership with its members.”

Trina Chakravarti, project director at Building Better also commented: “We are pleased to welcome Donaldson Timber Systems into our group of category 2 offsite manufacturing partners. Building Better is aggregating demand in the affordable sector so our members can procure high quality, sustainable offsite homes at the right price. We’re confident that Donaldson Timber Systems will be able to work with us and our members in delivering the sector’s housing ambitions over the next three years.”

DTS prides itself on being highly sustainable, innovative and efficient. With unrivalled experience and knowledge in offsite construction, DTS has an established history of bringing new commercial and operational innovations to the market. One example is the Sigma II closed panel system, offering near-passivhaus standards of performance and sustainability. The system is being widely used with housing developers, particularly with those driven by whole life costs and fabric performance, contributing positively to fuel poverty challenges.

Read more about Building Better here: https://buildingbetter.org.uk/

We are delighted to announce that Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has secured a position on the Off-Site Homes Alliance (OSHA) national construction framework for volumetric (CAT 1) and panelised (CAT 2) Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The framework is valued at £2 billion. DTS will deliver offsite timber panelised system build for Category 2 housing over four years.

Working closely with 23 local authorities and housing associations nationally, DTS will design, manufacture and install timber frame wall panel building systems that meet build speed, fabric performance, building design and cost requirements. With a fabric-first approach that achieves net zero operational carbon, housing providers can use DTS’ timber systems to create sustainable, resilient, and affordable homes that meet the Future Homes Standard.

Earlier this year, DTS became one of the first manufacturers to achieve Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme Plus (BOPAS Plus) in recognition of the quality and durability of its offsite build systems. With DTS’ state-of-the-art open and closed panelised systems – Alpha, Delta or Sigma ll – works can still be carried out on site, ensuring that social value potential is reached within the communities served.

Mike Perry, Business Development Director, Donaldson Timber Systems, said: “By securing a position on the OSHA MMC Cat 1 and Cat 2 Framework, we can build upon our strong relationship with affordable housing providers nationally and bring them along on DTS’ timber frame, fabric-first journey.

“We look forward to facilitating greater efficiency and value for clients who procure via this framework, and supporting OSHA’s mission to deliver 20,000 homes with MMC technology.”

Matthew Harrison, Chief Executive of OSHA member Great Places Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Donaldson Timber Systems on the new OSHA framework. We’re confident they will be able to work with us and the OSHA clients in delivering the sector’s extensive development ambitions. We were pleased with the positive response from the market and received high quality proposals and substantial social value pledges for our communities. We are now looking forward to mobilising the framework and working together on new projects to realise our ambitions of delivering much-needed affordable homes.”

Housebuilder Bellway has teamed up with supply partner Donaldson Timber Systems to build The Future Home – an experimental eco house which has been designed to test low-carbon technologies.

Leading UK timber frame manufacturer Donaldson Timber Systems, based in Witney, Oxfordshire, has provided the timber frame system used by Bellway to construct the three-bedroom property at the University of Salford’s research facility Energy House 2.0. This forms part of a £16m research project run by the university, which is being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The detached house features innovations including three heating systems, two air source heat pumps, double and triple glazing and mechanical ventilation. The home will be tested in temperatures ranging from -20C to +40C and in differing climate conditions including wind, rain and snow.

University researchers will capture and analyse data from the home, which features sensors located around the house designed to measure the difference between the energy it generates and the energy it loses in different climates.

The research team will begin testing next month after an official launch of the home on Thursday 12 January 2023. The team will test different technologies in turn and then in combination.

Jamie Bursnell, Group Technical and Innovation Manager for Bellway, said: “Donaldson Timber Systems is the UK’s leading off-site timber systems manufacturer and as such has the expertise and reliability required for this research project – so we were pleased to be able to partner with them to build this exciting eco house.

“Every element of The Future Home has been specially selected to test and to represent the best of green technology which will be used in the industry moving forward. Timber is a more sustainable resource, and timber frames are more cost-effective and energy-efficient than other options. Timber is considered a key pillar of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

“The aim of this project is to find a balance between lowering carbon emissions while still keeping running costs as low as possible. We hope the data collected will enable the industry as a whole to find a solution to identify the optimum way forward for the construction of new homes in the future.”

In the construction of The Future Home, Donaldson Timber Systems installed its open panel Alpha 3 system walls in conjunction with a chipboard clad floor cassette, utilising 300mm deep joists to accommodate service run. The U value of the external walls will be increased part way through the life of the home to allow two sets of comparable data to be collected.

John Smith, Technical Director at Donaldson Timber Systems said: “Bellway were fantastic to work with all the way through the project. Their technical knowledge made the pre-construction phase straightforward. We’re looking forward to the data Energy House 2.0 will capture, as well as the feedback from the construction phase which will be used to inform the Design for Manufacture and Site Assembly strategy for our build systems in future homes.

“This type of project is crucial for the housebuilding sector to be able to demonstrate, in real life circumstances, that the products they are producing work as they should. Moreover, it’s crucial that the technologies used in The Future Home are understood and welcomed by the installation teams, as the incorporation of these technologies will become much more frequent in the near future, and reliable installation is essential.”

To find out more about The Future Home see http://www.bellway.co.uk/the-future-home.

For more information on Energy House 2.0 see http://www.energyhouse2.com/.

As the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturer, here at Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) we are providing offsite timber frame training workshops after being awarded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation.

We are the only timber frame company to secure CPD accreditation, which allows DTS to enable current and potential clients to expand their skillset and keep up to date with industry developments. Online workshops include a range of topics, from construction and technical aspects, to commercial skills and client sales.

Upon completion, participants achieve a certificate which can be logged towards CPD study or used to build career progression.

Rod Allan, Managing Director of Donaldson Timber Systems, said: “We are proud to have achieved CPD accreditation for our offsite timber frame training, which has already received overwhelmingly positive feedback and referrals.

“This marks a huge step for the timber industry and construction sector. Businesses have the opportunity to share their expertise to upskill staff, improve retention, and advance professional growth. By committing to lifelong learning and development, the industry as a whole can benefit.”

DTS prides itself on being highly sustainable, innovative and efficient. With unrivalled experience and knowledge in offsite construction, DTS has an established history of bringing new commercial and operational innovations to the market. One example is the Sigma II closed panel system, offering near-Passivhaus standards of insulation and sustainability. The system is being widely used with housing developers, particularly with those driven by whole life costs and fabric performance, contributing positively to fuel poverty challenges.

To sign up for DTS’ offsite timber frame training, visit https://www.donaldsontimbersystems.com/our-services/training/

As the UK Construction industry is working to reduce its carbon emissions, our technical director, John Smith, gives an insight into why embodied carbon is critical in ensuring this succeeds.

The journey to Net Zero Carbon homes is well underway, with the first Building Regulations changes already in effect as we work towards the Future Homes Standard. From 2025, newly built homes will need to be ‘zero carbon ready’, with a 75% reduction in carbon emissions to 2021 levels in England and Wales, and a 57% reduction in Scotland.

At Donaldson Timber Systems, we’ve been advocating for this build method for over 15 years. Our BOPAS Plus accredited and BBA certified Sigma® II Build System is designed to achieve superior levels of fabric performance, suitable for projects which are seeking to achieve the very highest fabric efficiency and airtightness standards.

For us, the most crucial factor when it comes to reaching true zero carbon, is embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the total greenhouse gas emissions generated in production and manufacturing of an asset. It can be calculated in two separate elements: from raw material extraction through to construction of the building on site, including fuel and power for transport, factories and plant; and end-of-life emissions from demolition, transport from site and recycling / landfill.

In a new home completed to 2021 standards, embodied carbon from the construction and end of life demolition and disposal is around 15% of the whole life carbon emissions, with the rest from the operational heating and power. With a target to reduce emissions by 75% through operational carbon reductions, the embodied carbon becomes much more significant at up to 60% of the whole life emissions.

It is therefore crucial that the embodied carbon of new building fabrics designed for 2025 standards are understood, to ensure that any savings in operational carbon are not offset by the introduction of a building fabric with high embodied carbon.

When we factor embodied carbon into the zero-carbon journey, timber really comes into its own. As the only naturally renewable building material, timber build solutions are undeniably the most sustainable form of construction. Using a timber frame build system for a 2021 new-build home reduces the embodied carbon by around five tonnes, compared to a masonry construction home of the same fabric performance. This carbon saving will undoubtedly increase as the building fabric performance is increased to achieve 2025 levels.

Timber frame homes are more environmentally friendly during the build, when the building is in use and throughout its lifetime. Timber can also lower or offset its embodied carbon thanks to sequestration – absorbing atmospheric CO2 while the tree is growing and storing it until the timber is incinerated or goes to landfill at the end of its use. Around one tonne of CO2 is stored in every m³ of timber.

While we’ll continue to campaign for the legislation of embodied carbon, many organisations will reach the conclusion that they need to consider the full process to meet their corporate sustainability goals. In recognition of this, we’re working with our customers to help measure the sequestered and embodied carbon for all our build systems.

Through experience, measurement, and science, we can demonstrate that timber offers an ideal solution to achieve true net zero carbon targets. One day, every home will be built this way.

Offsite Expo 2022, taking place from 20^th-21^st September at Coventry Building Society Arena, brings together those who are driving change in the construction sector, and we are delighted to confirm that we will be exhibiting at stand E10 for the duration of the show.

And not only that, but our very own Technical Director, John Smith, will be speaking in the ‘Explore Offsite’ at Offsite Expo Masterclasses on 21st September at 12:10 – 13:30 as part of the Structural Timber session. John will be focussing the discussion on the Journey to the Future Homes Standard, which aims to reduce energy usage and greenhouse emissions of new buildings. A prominent topic in the housebuilding industry at the moment.

The event will play host to the leading UK and international offsite manufacturers and component suppliers over two days showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised, volumetric modular solutions, pod and prefabricated MEP solutions, as well as the latest in Digital and BIM technology.

Throughout the two days, the show will welcome over 4,000 visitors, host over 100 exhibition stands, hear from 100 speakers and facilitate over 300 meetings in the buyers and specifiers lounge.

You can visit us at stand E10 where we will be showcasing our leading timber frame systems, and our expert team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Gemma Darroch, Key Account Manager at Donaldson Timber Systems, chats to George Sell, at Showhouse Magazine to discuss bringing the latest residential MMC techniques to the public sector.

Her career in the construction industry started with a timber-based residential volumetric manufacturer and gave her a solid grounding in the sector. “As it was a start-up in the modular industry, I had the opportunity to oversee the whole process. From laying down the chalk lines on the empty factory floor, to specifying the interior of the very first show house to come off the factory line,” says Darroch.

“I then moved on to a well-established, steel-based cross sector volumetric manufacturer, and after a short time with the company I decided to go freelance until I found the right role that was a good fit for me and matched my values. My goal was to find a socially responsible and sustainable business that truly wanted to make a difference in how we build homes. I joined Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), formally Stewart Milne Timber Systems, in 2021,” she says.

“DTS is the leading offsite timber systems manufacturer, specialising in the supply and construction of sustainable, state-of-the-art open and closed panel offsite timber frames. I found the company’s approach to people, place and product aligned with my own values on helping to combat the housing crisis we face, through partnerships, knowledge sharing and collaboration – all the while reflecting the government’s construction playbook in involving the supply chain early in the project lifecycle to reduce downstream issues and help deliver clear, outcome-focused designs and specifications.”

“We believe that the three-fold benefits of using offsite timber frame – low energy demand, carbon-neutral raw material, and a proven, reliable, cost-effective mainstream way of building high quality energy efficient homes – are vital to creating sustainable, resilient, and affordable developments for the future,” Darroch adds.

“The company has a long history in the housebuilding sector, delivering more than 150,000 homes since inception, and with a capacity to build 10,000 homes per year across the UK. It works with some of the UK’s largest housebuilders, such as Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes.”

Darroch’s focus is on the public sector. She says: “In recent times, we have developed strong collaborative relationships in the affordable housing sector, working with housing associations such as L&Q, Clarion, Orbit and Sanctuary. We recognise the need for the public sector to work collaboratively with the supply chain, ensuring early engagement to ensure value for money every step of the way. Early engagement allows for standardisation and the use of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) to take full effect and essentially provide value engineering early on.”

“I have been brought in by the company to build on the company’s existing relationships with a particular focus on the north. We launched our Levelling up the North with MMC campaign back in February, which saw us take the northern affordable housing providers on a journey of discovery from concept to completion of our offsite panelised systems offering, kicking off with a webinar and then following up with site and factory visits. This was designed to show – rather than tell – the story of offsite. I feel this gives the ability to make informed choices when exploring offsite solutions through knowledge sharing. This in turn provides an understanding of what is needed to see the full benefits of offsite.”

The sustainability agenda is a high priority for every element of the new homes supply chain, and DTS is no different. Darroch says: “Environmentally speaking, timber is a natural, renewable material with significant thermal efficiency that helps to lower energy bills for social tenants whilst helping to ensure low-carbon compliance for the housing provider. Fundamentally, for UK housing associations and affordable housing developers, we believe that a timber frame, fabric-first approach to homes must now be considered the go-to solution of choice.”

“In recent times, I have seen the shift in modern methods of construction moving towards panelised systems of CAT2 of the MMC definition framework. While there’s not really a ‘one size fits all’ solution, there is a definite move towards a more flexible way of building while still utilising the benefits of offsite manufacturing. The recently launched Building Better DPS from the National Housing Federation is testament to the shift, as affordable housing providers seek to broaden their range of modern methods of construction,” she adds.

Darroch believes Imminent legislative changes have only strengthened DTS’ position: “The government’s recent announcement of the overhaul of The Procurement Bill will look to establish a single digital platform for supplier registration and set out objectives for public procurement. These include delivering value for money, maximising public benefit, treating suppliers equally and acting with integrity. There is also a strong emphasis on delivering social value.”

“The benefits of using our open and closed panelised systems – Alpha, Delta or Sigma ll – mean that works can still be carried out on site, ensuring that social value potential is reached within the communities served. Our network of subcontractor installers are typically employed in their own regions, and around 90 per cent of their work comes from us, meaning we have a national reach of social value impact – coupled with our national network of factories across the country from the merger with the Donaldson Group of companies.”

“With the government’s forthcoming changes in regulation – an uplift to standards of Part L of the Building Regulations and changes to Part F – which are the first step in achieving the Future Homes Standards, there has never been a more important time for affordable providers to make the switch to offsite construction to achieve the standards required. The Future Homes Standard will require new-build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency. It will be introduced by 2025, and already our Sigma II closed panel system achieves these standards. That being said, we are constantly evolving and improving our offering through research and development,” concludes Darroch.

Leading UK timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS) has become one of the first manufacturers to achieve Buildoffsite Property Assurance Scheme Plus (BOPAS plus), a durability assessment for advanced, offsite build systems.

Building on the original BOPAS scheme, BOPAS plus has been developed to introduce a greater focus on the preparedness of the offsite sector to drive digitisation and collaboration in the construction industry.

Donaldson Timber Systems is one of only three businesses in the UK to hold the new accreditation. The DTS Sigma® II system, was one of the first offsite build systems originally to be accredited by BOPAS in 2013.

BOPAS is the industry benchmark to demonstrate quality and durability to funders, lenders, valuers and purchasers, giving them the confidence that homes built using offsite construction will have a life of at least 60 years.

The accreditation process involves a rigorous assessment, including a two-stage review; a detailed interview with Lloyds Register and a full day audit, where the business is required to provide tangible evidence on the plans in place to deliver on its five-year plan.

Rod Allan, Managing Director, Donaldson Timber Systems said: “BOPAS plus is a fantastic achievement for the business, and will help to ensure that we have a clear differentiator when promoting our Sigma® II build system to the market.

“An increased use of our Sigma® II system will reduce the energy required by customers to run their homes, as well as very low embodied carbon from the construction of the home. BOPAS plus will help to provide our clients and the industry with the confidence that our system has been thoroughly assessed and is highly durable.”

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the Donaldson Group added: “We expect to see a much greater uptake in modern methods of construction in the coming years and anticipate the demand for offsite construction will continue to increase to help address the housing crisis and the drive for net zero. This accreditation further demonstrates the integrity of the offsite method and its longevity. It’s not just a positive for Donaldson Timber Systems and the wider Donaldson Group, but for the offsite sector as a whole.”

BOPAS is recognised by the principal mortgage lenders as providing the necessary assurance underpinned by a warranty provision, that the property will be readily mortgageable for at least 60 years.

We are delighted to announce that Donaldson Timber Systems has achieved the 2022 OUTSTANDING AWARD for customer satisfaction.  This has been awarded to us by In-House Research Ltd, our survey partner, who work with many of the national housebuilders in capturing feedback from customers.

The Outstanding Award is accredited to companies that achieved a Net Promoter Score of 70 or above, based on feedback from customers during 2021.  In-House Research have advised that this award recognises ‘the very best in the industry with world leading customer service and a brand enhancing NPS position’.

Donaldson Timber Systems achieved an NPS of 76.9.