Why Timber Frame?
Timber frame is becoming increasingly popular as a house building method in the UK due to its many advantages over masonry construction.
Speed and Accuracy of Construction
Timber framed buildings are prefabricated in the workshop to high tolerances (typically +/- 2mm). This allows the structural frame to be erected on site in a matter of days providing a watertight shell for the finishing trades to complete. Using fewer wet trades minimises drying out times and cracks in the finish due to shrinkage.
As soon as the frame is erected the follow on trades can get going on the external cladding and internal fitting out simultaneously cutting down on overall build time, weather holdups and most importantly cost!.
Environmental Benefits
Timber is a sustainable building material and has a minimal impact on the environment compared to traditional masonry construction. High levels of insulation including natural materials such as sheep's wool can be incorporated into the timber frame reducing heating requirements. It is not unfeasible to have a heating demand of only 2kw/hour due to the heat loss through the fabric of the building for a four bedroom house. This not only provides a comfortable environment in which to live but reduces carbon emissions and heating bills.
Cladding Options
Timber framed buildings lend themselves to light weight cladding solutions such as timber, tile hanging or modern render systems on calcium silicate backing board. All of these claddings are directly fixed to the frame cutting down on weight and foundation costs.
Alternatively a brick skin can be constructed once the frame has been erected, taking the masonry work off of the critical path. A timber framed house with masonry cladding is indistinguishable from traditional masonry construction.
Speed and Accuracy of Construction
Timber framed buildings are prefabricated in the workshop to high tolerances (typically +/- 2mm). This allows the structural frame to be erected on site in a matter of days providing a watertight shell for the finishing trades to complete. Using fewer wet trades minimises drying out times and cracks in the finish due to shrinkage.
As soon as the frame is erected the follow on trades can get going on the external cladding and internal fitting out simultaneously cutting down on overall build time, weather holdups and most importantly cost!.
Environmental Benefits
Timber is a sustainable building material and has a minimal impact on the environment compared to traditional masonry construction. High levels of insulation including natural materials such as sheep's wool can be incorporated into the timber frame reducing heating requirements. It is not unfeasible to have a heating demand of only 2kw/hour due to the heat loss through the fabric of the building for a four bedroom house. This not only provides a comfortable environment in which to live but reduces carbon emissions and heating bills.
Cladding Options
Timber framed buildings lend themselves to light weight cladding solutions such as timber, tile hanging or modern render systems on calcium silicate backing board. All of these claddings are directly fixed to the frame cutting down on weight and foundation costs.
Alternatively a brick skin can be constructed once the frame has been erected, taking the masonry work off of the critical path. A timber framed house with masonry cladding is indistinguishable from traditional masonry construction.
