I am writing following the letter last week regarding the development in Hitchin. There are a number of reasons for adopting timber frame construction, not least of which are the greater levels of insulation possible in this type of construction, in turn

I am writing following the letter last week regarding the development in Hitchin.

There are a number of reasons for adopting timber frame construction, not least of which are the greater levels of insulation possible in this type of construction, in turn leading to lower bills for the occupants and consequently lower demand on fossil fuels. In addition the method has benefits in terms of speed and precision of construction as many of the structural elements are pre-assembeled prior to delivery to site.

The correspondent can also be assured that the buildings meet all statutory requirments for safety and stability. Rather than 'flimsy partitions' the timber elements are actually designed and engineered structural components.

The case for durability is also illustrated if one remembers that some of the oldest medieval buildings still standing in this country are of timber frame construction.

John Welch, Property Services Director, Howard Cottage Housing Association, Letchworth GC