Bellway gives students insight into timber frame housebuilding

By Danny BallPublished On: October 14th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Nine construction students from New College Durham have visited Bellway’s The Green at DH1 development at Sniperley Park to gain practical experience of housebuilding on a live construction site.

The students, who are studying for Level 1 or Level 2 Diplomas in Carpentry and Joinery, toured the development to learn about the construction process and how timber frame methods are being used to build new homes.

The visit included homes at different stages of construction, giving students an opportunity to see how the various elements of a house come together on site.

Timber frames used on 147 homes at Durham development

Of the 189 homes being built at The Green at DH1, 147 are being constructed using timber frames.

The method can reduce on-site installation times compared with some traditional construction approaches and offers potential embodied carbon benefits.

Bellway opened its Bellway Home Space timber frame facility in Mansfield earlier in 2026, as the housebuilder expands its use of timber frame construction.

Simon Muschamp, head of school for construction, automotive and plumbing at New College Durham, said the visit had given students valuable experience of a working site.

“The students had a great time and they came back buzzing from the visit. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and came back talking to their classmates about it.

“They enjoyed looking around the construction site, which they hadn’t done before, and seeing everything in person will give them that bit of knowledge and confidence when they’re putting themselves forward for jobs or apprenticeships in the future.”

Site visits provide insight into construction careers

The visit was intended to help students connect their college training with construction practices and gain a better understanding of the work involved in residential development.

Victoria Dry, sales manager for Bellway Durham, said: “The visit gave students who are interested in a career in construction the chance to tour a live site, learn more about how homes are constructed and gain insights from the team.

“We were able to show them how timber frames – which offer embodied carbon benefits as well as being quicker to install on site – are being used to build some of the homes at The Green at DH1.

“The students were also shown behind the scenes of homes at different stages of construction so they could see the various elements which go into the build process for themselves. We hope this first-hand experience will help them progress with their studies back at the college.”