How is timber frame construction shaping the future of housebuilding at Bellway?

As part of Bellway’s commitment to reducing waste, improving build quality and supporting more sustainable construction, the business is transitioning more of its developments to timber frame construction, with an ambitious target of reaching 30% by 2030.

In this episode of Bricking It with Bellway, Laura is joined by Chris Hagan, Managing Director of Bellway Home Space, to explore what this shift means for the way Bellway designs and delivers its homes and how off-site manufacturing is helping future proof the business for new regulations, skills challenges and net zero targets.

Chris shares insight into the launch of Bellway Home Space, the new timber frame facility in Mansfield, and how manufacturing-led construction improves quality, consistency, speed and sustainability. The conversation also looks at the role of automation and robotics, the environmental benefits of timber, and the exciting career opportunities emerging as construction increasingly blends with manufacturing and technology.

Chris joined Bellway just over 18 months ago to lead the creation of Bellway Home Space. With a background in aviation, automotive and construction manufacturing, he brings extensive experience in high-volume, high-quality, just-in-time production. He has previously set up and scaled multiple manufacturing businesses and now leads Bellway’s move into large-scale off-site timber frame manufacturing.

Let’s start Bricking It!

Careers at Bellway: https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/

Better with Bellway (sustainability): https://www.bellwayplc.co.uk/sustainability

Timber in Construction Roadmap (UK Government): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timber-in-construction-roadmap

Every Bellway development relies on the people on the ground getting the details right, day after day. From leading teams and keeping work on track to meeting quality checks and new standards, there’s a lot that goes into building homes customers can feel confident in.

In this episode of Bricking It, Laura Cooper is joined by James Griffin, Group Construction Director, and Adam Hawkes, Project Manager and the National House Building Council’s ‘Pride in the Job Quality’ Award winner, to talk about what ‘quality’ looks like in real terms.

James explains how he drives consistency across the country through Bellway’s Customer First programme, while also pushing major changes such as the move towards the Future Homes Standard, timber frame construction and the shift to low-carbon technologies. He also shares how his time at NHBC shaped his view of what great quality looks like across the industry, and how that feeds into the standards Bellway expects on every site.

Adam shares what a typical day on site actually involves, managing trades, keeping standards high, handling inspections and paperwork and making fast decisions when things change. He also reflects on what winning ‘Pride in the Job’ for his work at Sapphire Fields in Essex meant to him and why it matters for site teams who put the work in every day.

Together, they discuss how new requirements are changing the way homes are built, what adapting to new technologies looks like on site, why training and support are essential as things change and why bringing more apprentices into the industry is so important.

Let’s start Bricking It!

More about careers at Bellway: www.bellwaycareers.co.uk

More on Bellway's Customer First programme: https://sustainability.bellwayplc.co.uk/customers-community

What will new homes look like in 10 years?

As the Future Homes Standard approaches, the housebuilding industry is entering a period of rapid change. From low-carbon heating and improved energy efficiency to future-proofed design, the homes we build today must be ready for tomorrow.

In this episode of Bricking It with Bellway, host Laura is joined by Jamie Bursnell, Group Technical and Innovations Manager, to explore what homes of the future will look like and how Bellway is preparing for this next chapter.

Jamie shares his journey from a trade background to leading technical innovation, before discussing what the Future Homes Standard means in practice, including the move to all-electric homes, the role of heat pumps, improved fabric performance and renewable energy generation.

The conversation also covers Bellway’s sustainability commitments, lessons from the Future Homes Hub in Manchester, insights from testing at Salford University’s Energy House 2.0, and how skills, training and customer education are key to making low-carbon homes successful.

Together, they reflect on how customer expectations are changing, why simplicity and comfort matter, and how sustainable features are becoming the standard rather than a sale extra.

Let’s start Bricking It!

More about careers at Bellway: www.bellwaycareers.co.uk

More about the Future Homes Standard: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/ebook/future-homes-standard-december-2025/157459/

Sustainability Commitments at Bellway: https://sustainability.bellwayplc.co.uk/