Social Housing Project of the Year winners.
Maes Gwenallt development in Aberystwyth recognised at the Structural Timber Awards for its sustainable approach to delivering high-quality homes.
Lowfield Timber Frames, alongside sister company SJ Roberts Construction and housing association Barcud, is celebrating a major industry achievement after the Maes Gwenallt development in Penparcau, Aberystwyth, was named Social Housing Project of the Year at the Structural Timber Awards 2026.
The award recognises the collaborative work behind the Piercefield Lane development, which is transforming a former site in Aberystwyth into a high-quality residential community, providing much-needed homes for local people.
Phase One, known as Maes Gwenallt, comprises 33 new homes, with a further 16 properties planned for Phase Two. The development offers a diverse mix of one-bedroom apartments, family houses and bungalows, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of residents and support a thriving, inclusive community.
Sustainability and energy efficiency have been central to the project’s design, with all homes designed to achieve EPC A ratings. The properties incorporate modern timber frame construction alongside air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and high-performance building fabric to reduce energy demand, lower running costs and improve resident comfort.
Lowfield Timber Frames supplied the engineered timber frame system, using off-site manufacturing to support consistent build quality, reduce construction waste and accelerate installation. The timber-led approach also helped address the site’s challenging topography and varying ground levels, with close collaboration between the client, design team, engineers and construction partners playing a key role in overcoming complex engineering requirements.
Kate Curran, Barcud Group Director of Finance, Governance and Investment, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the success of the Maes Gwenallt development in Penparcau, Aberystwyth, which has been awarded Social Housing Project of the Year at the Structural Timber Awards. This award recognises the collaborative partnership between Barcud, SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, whose shared commitment, expertise and hard work have helped bring this development to life.
“This project, which is nearing completion of phase one, has seen the transformation of the former Piercefield Lane site in Aberystwyth to deliver a high quality residential development that will provide much needed homes for the local community and will give more people the opportunity to put down roots in their community. We are both proud that these 33 new homes will meet the highest standards of quality and energy efficiency.”
The project also demonstrates the wider community benefits that can be achieved through construction. SJ Roberts Construction has supported local education through health and safety sessions at Ysgol Llwyn-Yr-Oes, introducing pupils to the development and explaining how the homes are being built. The company has also funded the 2B Enterprising programme at the school for two years, helping children develop enterprise, employability and life skills.
For Lowfield Timber Frames, the award reinforces the role of modern timber construction in delivering sustainable, energy-efficient housing at scale. By combining precision off-site manufacture with high-performance building design, timber frame construction can help address the demand for quality homes while supporting lower-carbon construction and more predictable project delivery.
The success of Maes Gwenallt highlights what can be achieved when experienced construction partners work together towards a shared vision: delivering homes that benefit residents, strengthen communities and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
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