We need a lot of new housing here in the UK. The demand is high and it will no doubt increase in the coming years due to a perfect storm of a growing population, people living longer, and 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 on top of existing buildings to create new residential or commercial spaces.

Established apartment blocks or commercial buildings often have significant underutilised load-bearing capacity, allowing 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.

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

The timber frame is manufactured off-site, ensuring that all components are precisely engineered. The accuracy of prefabricated timber frames 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, and 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.

One major benefit of using timber frames for building vertical extensions is that they are quick to make and build. The prefabricated timber frames 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

Timber is one of the most flexible structural materials. In addition to being strong yet light in weight, it can be designed to blend with the architectural style of an existing building or the wider environment.

Timber frame can be used to seamlessly add additional floors to commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools or to add new apartments on top of existing apartment blocks.

Typical uses of timber frame vertical extensions include:

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

Sustainability and environmental benefits

Obtaining planning permission is typically easier and quicker when applying to add floors to the top of an existing building, especially when timber frame is the structural material.

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

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

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

Prefabricated timber frame 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.