Vertical construction opportunities

It’s no secret that there is a severe shortage of new homes in the UK. The demand for new homes continues to rise due to a growing population, people living longer, and the need to replace old and decaying housing stock.

With limited urban space and land prices at a premium, innovative property developers are starting to see the huge potential of building vertically on top of existing buildings to create new residential or commercial spaces.

Many established apartment blocks or commercial buildings have underutilised load-bearing capacity. This allows developers to add new floors to buildings without affecting the structural integrity.

Sky space timber frame apartments target timber

Building on top of buildings using structural timber frame

Timber frame is commonly used to add additional floors to existing buildings. This is sometimes referred to as ‘sky space’ or ‘top hat’ extensions.

One of the main reasons for its use is that timber frame is significantly lighter than steel or concrete, which reduces the load on the existing building.

Load-bearing calculations

A timber frame system for constructing additional floors is always specified by a structural engineer who will calculate the load-bearing capacity of the building. They will then specify the timber frames needed to structurally support the new floors and evenly distribute the weight.

The timber frames are manufactured off-site, ensuring that all components are precisely engineered. This also means that build times are quicker and less labour is required, making it a very cost-effective solution.

Building with timber frames is quicker, quieter and cleaner

In busy urban environments where the existing building is still in use, it’s vital that building work on top of the building is carried out safely, efficiently and with little impact on people and the environment.

Because timber frames are precision engineered offsite, noise and disruption is minimal on site. Also, less on site labour is required so again, there is less noise and fewer vehicles.

Less ground space is needed on site

Another great benefit of using timber frame is no storage space is need on the ground for materials.

The timber frames arrive at the site by lorry, and they are craned directly onto the rooftop where they are quickly assembled by expert erectors.

And, because prefabrication is off-site, there is less noise, dust, waste and disruption.

Timber frame can take urban design to a new level

When it comes to design, timber is one of the most flexible structural materials. In addition to being very strong, it’s light in weight and can be designed to blend with the architectural style of an existing building or the wider environment.

Timber frames can be used to seamlessly add additional floors to all types of buildings:

Additional office block floors
New floors to apartment blocks
Penthouse apartments
Adding new floors to hotels, schools, hospitals
Rooftop restaurants or hospitality suites

Sustainability and environmental benefits

Another great reason to build vertically is that obtaining planning permission is typically easier and quicker, especially when timber frame is the structural material.

Timber frame is a renewable, sustainable, and low-carbon building material which is always favoured by planners.

Timber is also easily recyclable and provides excellent natural insulation. Prefabricated insulated wall panels are designed to aid airtightness and optimise energy use. They also provide better soundproofing which is particularly important in apartments and busy urban environments.

Extending vertically is an innovative and cost-saving solution to creating more homes, and creating a more sustainable urban development.

Prefabricated timber frames allows developers to utilise the valuable space on top of buildings with low environmental impact, while creating architecturally compelling designs and habitats.

To find out more, please get in touch by calling 01403 782 600 or send us a message or details of your project via our online form.