Dr Michael Benfield, Managing Director of timber frame company Benfield ATT, will join the University’s School of Computing and Engineering in a role which will enable him to mentor students undertaking doctorates, degrees and NVQ qualifications. He will also promote research relevant to low cost housing, sustainable development, lifetime costs, and long term durability of buildings.
Professor Benfield (left) with Alan Hayes, Dean of the School of Computing & Engineering
“I am completely taken aback and delighted to be honoured in this way,� commented Dr Benfield. �Ongoing research, education and training are vital if we are to continue up-skilling the nations rapidly changing construction industry. It is to their credit that the University of Wales, Newport, recognise and are acting to address this need.�
Benfield ATT design, manufacture and build timber frame houses, schools, hospitals, hotels and holiday parks in the UK and overseas. Having built some of the UK’s first private developments of timber frame homes back in the 1960s and 1970s, Professor Benfield has addressed European and International symposia on low cost housing, human ecology, town planning, and construction industry training, as well as writing for prominent publications, presenting conference papers, and addressing professional audiences on life-time costing, sustainable engineering, property development and planning systems.
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome Dr Benfield as a Visiting Professor,� said Alan Hayes, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering. “His skill and expertise will prove invaluable to the students on our civil engineering degree courses.�
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Press Release distributed: 07 February 2005. Click below to view on news sites.
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Information for Editors:
- Dr Michael Benfield – Leading Timber Frame Expert. Having built the UK’s first private development of Timber Frame homes back in the 1960s and 70s, Dr Benfield understands the importance of timber frame in the future of the industry. A practicing developer, builder and trainer, Dr Benfield has consulted and represented the industry at leading world-class committees and events and has worked with the New Homes Marketing Board, UK Timber Frame Association and Royal Town Planning Committees to riase the profile of Off Site Manufacture. He is a respected public figurehead, having consulted BBC Radio, BBC One, ITV and Discovery Home & Leisure. His Timber Frame Manufacturing company, Benfield ATT, is the only company of its type to be FSC-Certified and Business in the Community Awarded. More information at www.benfieldatt.co.uk/media/biographies/
