About the Future Framing Initiative (FFI)
Leading the way to a smarter, more sustainable timber framing future
With Australia’s housing shortage demanding urgent solutions and productivity gains essential for economic growth, the Future Framing Initiative (FFI) emerges as the blueprint for transformation. This landmark collaboration harnesses Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to revolutionise how we build, combining off-site precision manufacturing with enhanced on-site productivity to deliver buildings faster, smarter, and more sustainably than ever before.
The FFI unites the entire building ecosystem—from lightweight timber suppliers and fixings manufacturers to designers, fabricators, educators, builders, and installers—in a coordinated effort to future-proof timber framing through innovation and shared national standards. By addressing critical challenges, including simplified compliance, supply reliability, performance expectations, and sustainability, while embracing modern materials and advanced building systems, the Initiative paves the way for a construction revolution that meets both our immediate building needs and long-term environmental goals.
The FFI Purpose
✅ National Coordination
The Future Framing Initiative creates a consistent, unified approach across states, manufacturers, and specifiers.
✅ Industry-led and Backed by Data
Developed through industry-wide collaboration and informed by research, market analysis, and supply chain insights.
✅ Focused on Sustainability and Efficiency
The FFI ensures that timber framing remains a resilient, low-carbon, and high-performance choice for the homes of tomorrow.
✅ Streamlined Compliance Pathways
Streamline compliance pathways to facilitate the seamless selection of lightweight timber-framed construction utilising modern methods of construction across all building classes.
✅ Faster Build Times
Increase housing supply through the adoption NCC compliant, modern methods of construction, leading to faster build times, lower costs, and reduced on-site labour demands across all classes of buildings.
The FFI encompasses four key components
The focus of the FFI is to develop a new industry standard that streamlines the specification of lightweight timber-framed construction across all midrise building classes, helping to reduce build times and boost housing supply.
- Development of new Industry Standard
- Research to underpin the development of the standard
- Extension of the scope of the Industry Standard with further research
- Building technical capacity
Further FFI Objectives
The next phase of Future Framing includes two key developments:
1. A New Industry Standard for Mid-Rise Timber Framing
FFI will lead the development of a new FWPA industry standard for Design & Construction of Mid-Rise Buildings with Lightweight Timber Framing, targeting adoption in the 2028 National Construction Code (NCC).
This standard will expand timber’s use across a broad range of building types:
- Detached homes
- Townhouses
- Schools
- Aged care facilities
- Apartments
2. Succession Planning Through Technical Capacity Building
- Transfer essential timber framing expertise to the next generation of technical representatives
- Ensure continuity of industry capability and leadership
Meet the FFI – Join us at these events
Stay connected with the Future Framing Initiative as we engage with the industry at key events across Australia. Hear the latest updates, ask questions, and get involved in shaping the future of lightweight timber construction.
FTMA NZ Conference – Thursday 17th July in Rotorua
FTMA Victoria State Seminar Tuesday 5th August at RACV Healesville Country Club and Resort
FTMA Western Australia State Seminar – Thursday 28th August at Crown Perth
Timber Queensland 2025 Conference – Wednesday 3rd September, Brisbane
Timber Construct – Monday 13th – Tuesday 14th October at Rydges Melbourne
A Collective Commitment
The FFI is supported by major timber framing suppliers in Australia. Together, we’re working to build trust in timber, improve consistency, and strengthen timber’s role in delivering homes that are affordable, efficient, and sustainable.
