What types of buildings can timber frame be used for?

Timber is one of the oldest known methods of building which can be traced back thousands of years. Both here in the UK, and across Europe, many early timber frame or half-timber frame buildings are still standing today, a testament to the strength and resilience of wood.

Today, wood is seen as a vital and sustainable commodity that we all use and enjoy every day. As a building material, it is the most versatile, sustainable and cost-effective material for housebuilding and property development.

Timber frame systems are increasingly becoming the structural material of choice for architects, property developers and self-builders, and for some very good reasons:

Architectural versatility – wood lends itself well to both design flexibility, strength and for adding bespoke features such as exposed timbers.

Thermal efficiency – as a naturally warm material, timber panels offer high levels of insultation that meet building regulations.

Low cost of construction – timber frame systems are built off-site with lead times as little as 12 weeks and a typical house can be constructed and watertight in under a week. The high speed of construction, along with the elimination of prelims, can reduce build costs by up to 20%.

Eco-friendly and sustainable – Timber naturally sequesters high levels of carbon which remains trapped inside the timber for life, and as a source material, the forests of European softwood used for timber frame grown by 3,500 miles per year.

What other types of projects can timber frame be used for?

Timber frame systems are commonly used for new house builds, however, they are also used for a wide range of other construction projects for the same reasons as outlined above, and for other good reasons:

• Being light in weight, a timber frame structure increases the flexibility of design on many projects, particularly where the groundworks limit deep foundations.
• Timber frame systems can be used to help preserve and protect buildings – adding a timber frame extension avoids the need to demolish buildings which can release carbon into the atmosphere.
• Wood can also be quickly and efficiency formed into modules that are ideal where space is limited or to create additional work places or add more storeys.

Here are some examples of building projects that timber frame systems are ideal for:

Multi-storey buildings – offices, apartment blocks, schools, colleges hotels, medical centres

Building extensions – single storey to four storey extensions, house extensions, extensions to heritage or listed buildings, extensions on commercial buildings

Modular buildings – additional school classrooms, additional medical or treatment centres, sports halls, storage facilities, modern offices, outbuildings, garden rooms

Temporary modules – a cost efficient solution for short to medium term insulated housing accommodation or temporary facilities during larger construction projects.

Timber frame systems offer so much flexibility, as well as time and cost-saving opportunities.

Our timber frame specialists can help you with every aspect of your project; expert advice, design, drawings, bespoke off-site manufacturing, on-site construction and a host of other specialist services that are designed to save you time and money.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team – we are here to help you.