Redrow Homes is carrying out a large scale trial of steel frame on a private housing scheme in South Wales.
The housebuilder has earmarked a 32-unit site in Ebbw Vale close to Corus' plant to test the technology.

"Because some of the benefits, like opening up the roofspace, are nebulous we decided that the only way to test it was to do it," said Paul Pedley, chief executive of Redrow. "We will then be able to go back and talk to buyers."

Steel frame is one of a number of technologies being tried and tested by the housebuilder. "We're looking at how we can build our homes and take out the inherent defects," added Pedley.