Leading UK offsite timber frame manufacturer, Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), has been appointed to the Communities and Housing Investment Consortium’s (CHIC) Newbuild Development Framework.
As part of CHIC’s new eight-year framework, DTS will sit on the ‘MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) Manufacturer — Frame & Panel’ workstream, delivering timber frame and panels across the UK to create modular new-build homes. The design, manufacture, and installation of timber frame wall panel building systems will meet build speed, fabric performance, building design, and cost requirements.
With a fabric first approach that achieves net zero operational carbon, DTS’ timber systems will create sustainable, resilient homes that meet the Future Homes Standard 2025.
The CHIC Newbuild Development Framework aspires to establish a new Gold Standard development framework to offer solutions for development and regeneration schemes of all types and sizes across the UK. As well as a route to market for members, CHIC intends to establish a ‘Framework Core Group’ that shares learning, understanding and ideas and promotes standardisation and collaboration.
DTS was involved in competitive tenders based on CHIC’s standard house types and a wide range of rates for all other work. In total, the CHIC framework totals £3.16bn.
Gemma Darroch, National Partnerships Manager from Donaldson Timber Systems said: “We’re really pleased to have been named as one of the long-term contracts on the CHIC Newbuild Development Framework. For decades we have been championing offsite timber frame systems, which use innovative and sustainable technologies and play a key role in meeting the energy requirements of new homes. We’re proud to be promoting this further via this framework over the coming years.”
Sarah Davey, CHIC’s Head of Development added: “We are excited to have Donaldson Timber Systems on CHIC’s Newbuild Framework. They will be an instrumental part in helping our members deliver their new-build development efficiently setting a gold standard for the industry.”
As part of the Donaldson Group’s Offsite division, 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.
Last 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, and Sigma ll — works can still be carried out on site, ensuring that social value potential is reached within the communities served.
The Sigma II closed panel systems offers 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.
