timber frame

Timber frame construction is a method of building which relies on a timber frame as a basic means of structural support - eliminating the need for the internal walls to do the job.

During construction, open-panel timber frame is covered internally by insulation-filled plasterboard.  Moisture/vapour barriers are incoporated and the exterior of the wall completes the structure. The exterior is typically stone, brick, render or timber in line with planning.  It can therefore be difficult to tell whether or not a building is actually timber frame.

Timber frames account for about 25% of the English, Northern Irish and Welsh construction markets but enjoy about 70% market share in Scotland.  In North America, timber frame accounts for about 90% of low-rise buildings.

The key benefits of self-building using timber frames include the fact that they tend to be quicker to erect on site (often offset by longer lead-in times for the frame to be delivered), they can accommodate high levels of insulation and the fact that they are prefabricated, margin for error on site is reduced.

Timber frames cannot allow for solid first floors; hence IHS recommend of Lewis Plates which will accommodate the installation of underfloor heating with heat pumps and provide increased accoustic insulation.