The construction industry is under unprecedented pressure to deliver more homes and faster, but as Tristin Willis, Managing Director of Ultrapanel Building Technologies argues, structural timber solutions are ready to break through the long-standing barriers of speed, cost and sustainability.
Rising housebuilding targets, the urgent need to decarbonise combined with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard demand solutions that are faster, cleaner and smarter. At the heart of this challenge lies structural timber, a material that is not only renewable and low carbon but also capable of delivering high-performance buildings at scale when coupled with the right technology. At Ultrapanel Building Technologies, we believe the future of housebuilding rests on rethinking how we use timber. This is the principle that led us to develop Ultrapanel – a next-generation Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) system. It is this innovation that has seen us land on the Structural Timber Awards 2025 shortlist in the Product Innovation category.
Rethinking SIP technology
Traditional SIP systems have long been valued for their energy performance, but they often require compromises in adaptability, cost or buildability. Our aim was to create a product that not only enhanced these benefits but also addressed the operational, environmental and financial pressures developers face today. The result is Ultrapanel, a patented engineered timber solution that combines structural support and insulation in a single precision-manufactured panel. Up to 70% lighter than blockwork and 50% lighter than traditional timber frame, Ultrapanel is simple to transport, handle and assemble – reducing both costs and carbon along the way.
Panels are joined by a unique steel connector system, enabling rapid on-site assembly and delivering weathertight structures up to 40% faster than traditional methods. The system integrates seamlessly with timber joists and trusses, allowing developers to create entire superstructures with one consistent approach.
Sustainability at every stage
For Ultrapanel, sustainability is not a by-product but a founding principle. Every panel is manufactured from FSC or PEFC certified timber. Embodied carbon is significantly lower than traditional methods. With fewer deliveries and minimal reliance on heavy plant, the system further reduces site-based emissions. Performance in use is equally compelling. Ultrapanel achieves average U-values around 0.16 W/m²K and airtightness of at least 5 m³/h.m², with the ability to meet Passivhaus standards. For homeowners, this translates into reduced energy bills and improved comfort. For developers and housing providers, it supports compliance with the Future Homes Standard and advances broader net zero goals. Importantly, Ultrapanel is also designed with circularity in mind. Panels can be disassembled at the end of their lifecycle for reuse or recycling, aligning with modern principles of resource efficiency and waste minimisation.
Redefining retrofit
While Ultrapanel is transforming newbuild delivery, its potential extends further into retrofit. As part of the Mayor of London’s Retrofit Accelerator – Homes Innovation Partnership, our Ultrapanel External Wall Insulation (EWI) system has been piloted in Barking and Dagenham. Here, Ultrapanel delivered rapid, low-disruption upgrades that improved thermal performance and reduced energy bills during the yearlong trial. This project demonstrates how timber innovation can also play a leading role in tackling the UK’s existing housing stock.
Building confidence in timber
Despite its advantages, timber still faces hesitancy in some corners of the market. Concerns around scalability, compliance, or perception often hold back adoption. We aim to change that. By combining industrialised manufacturing processes with certified safety and performance credentials, we are showing that structural timber systems can meet – and exceed – the standards demanded by developers, regulators and end-users. Our position within the Ultraframe Group also brings confidence. With a 40-year track record in precision manufacturing, producing over 25,000 roofing systems annually, we are applying proven high-volume expertise to timber construction – ensuring consistent quality and robust supply at scale.
Reaching the shortlist of the Structural Timber Awards is a proud moment for Ultrapanel Building Technologies. But more importantly, it signals something bigger: that the industry is ready to embrace next generation timber innovation. For developers, housing associations, and policymakers alike, the message is clear – with the right innovations, structural timber is not only part of the solution – it is central to it.
