Alternatives to Timber Frame Construction

Timber framed construction enjoys 95% of the single unit dwelling construction market and about 50% of the multiresidential market. Concrete and masonry systems are predicted in the US in 2001 to have reached 18.3% of the single unit dwelling market, whereas in New Zealand this share is likely to be about 2% for the same period. This trend in the United States indicates that concrete and masonry systems will increase their market share in New Zealand to the detriment of timber framed construction. The timber industry in New Zealand requires a unified research and marketing approach in order to maintain its market share and to enable expansion into different markets. With a worldwide increasing timber resource, market expansion, not only geographic but also by market type will be essential, or the value of the resource will decline.