Chris Franklin MD at Ranheat Engineering Ltd. a leading UK manufacturer of wood combustion equipment-continues his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery Production. In previous month’s editions he looked at how timber framed housing could help meet the UK Governments targets on new builds.
This month’s article was written by Chris, whilst researching into timber framed housing in Japan, in October 2024. He looks at how, for many years, the Japanese have successfully built timber framed buildings that not only make great homes but can also withstand earthquakes!!
One of the fears with timber framed housing is longevity in use. Modern manufacturing methods and environmentally friendly treatment of the timber ensures this happens.

His recent Japanese experience showed that the buildings had a long life even if not made of modern timber construction methods and using modern materials, buildings were still made of wood. Houses and other buildings including shrines, still stand that were made in the 18th century and before.

One of the few buildings to remain in Tokyo, that survived the intense bombing of the second world war, is a Shrine made of timber.
The other major fear with timber framed houses is fire, as wood burns. However, there are fire retardant treatments available, and have been available in the UK for many years for treating roof trusses and other structural timber.
Also, timber has a natural protection when the outer surface becomes charred this protects the timber within and retains structural strength.
Timber framed housing looks like the only way to meet Government targets with regards to the number of houses needed in the UK and maintaining Carbon Neutrality. With the use of timber framed houses, housing can be erected quickly as well as being well insulated. They can be made in a quality-controlled environment using the latest in timber technology, including engineered sections. By embracing this new approach to housing (although others have used timber for centuries) the ambitious targets set by the new Government, and in the recent budget, could possibly be met.
For further information on all types and sizes of Industrial Woodburning equipment from 75 kW upwards contact Ranheat:
T: 01604 750005