The UK prefabricated frame and panel building systems market is estimated to be worth some £625million in 2007. Market growth in 2007 was particularly strong at around 13-14%, reflecting growing acceptance in key end use markets.

The UK prefabricated frame and panel building systems market comprises off-site manufactured load-bearing wall, floor and roof assemblies, which are erected on-site to form three-dimensional units. In terms of definition, the prefabricated frame and panel building systems market consists of four principal product sectors – timber frame (over 50% of the market), with light gauge steel framing systems, concrete and structural insulated panels also key sectors.

In overall terms, the UK frame and panel building systems market has experienced significant growth during the last two years reflecting positive growth in single living accommodation and cellular construction including hotels, prisons, student accommodation, apartment blocks and modernisation of MoD living accommodation, which has been the subject of high media attention over the last year. Government investment in health and education building programmes has also helped underpin market growth.

There is considerable overlap between the ‘frame / panel’ sector and the volumetric sector, and also the traditional building sector, with some manufacturers and building projects incorporating elements from all three construction methods. Pre-clad semi-finished flat pack panels are often favoured in inner city brownfield sites by minimising the building footprint and disruption, while waste minimisation is also a key benefit.

The trend to offsite manufacturing is set to continue in the medium term, driven by steady improvements in design and the need for greater accuracy and speed in the construction programme. Different applications will have vastly differing requirements in terms of materials and the level of prefabrication, but panellised systems offer significant advantages, which should help underpin specifier interest and underlying market growth.

Current forecasts indicate that the UK prefabricated frame and panel building systems market is likely to continue to grow strongly to 2012, reaching an estimated value of around £883 million.

AMA Research’s report “Prefabricated Frame and Panel Building Systems Market” is available in hard copy or electronic format for £625 and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 0871 3103450.