ASK THE EXPERT
Why timber needs to be in the frame
Malcolm Thomson of Scotframe explains why he believes timber frame is the ‘gold standard’ for modern construction and why we should all be thinking about fabric-first approaches
O
ffsite timber frame construction allows homes to be built faster and to a higher sustainability standard compared with traditional construction methods, making them more cost-effective to build and live in.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TIMBER FRAME?
It’s fast. Timber frame kits are prefabricated offsite so the weather won’t delay delivery and construction. Average build times range from 14-26 weeks.
They’re versatile too. The kits are precision engineered to your individual design, and there are no limits to what you can design and build. They are strong and durable, able to withstand the worst weather.
You also get quality. The timber frame
kits and components are factory- constructed, which ensures increased accuracy and reliability.
Energy efficiency is a key advantage and saves money in the long term, plus good acoustic properties means you hear less noise from neighbours.
OK, WHERE DO I START?
The world is your oyster when it comes to design! There are timber frame house styles to suit every budget, lifestyle and location, from compact bungalows to large family homes. Kit providers usually provide a range of properties to inspire you, and then offer a customisation service to suit your exact requirements. For those who feel daunted by the prospect of creating a dream home from scratch, there’s plenty of expert help around. Technology has come a long way
and offers a wealth of benefits to support your decision making – it’s never been easier to design a timber frame home. For example, 3D images and ‘walk through’ visualisations can give you a feel for how a design would translate into living space.
WHAT IS THE ‘FABRIC FIRST’ APPROACH I KEEP HEARING ABOUT?
Fabric first refers to the practice of designing homes with long-term efficiency measures built in from the start. By fabric we mean the external walls, floors and roofs.
A fabric first approach prioritises the insulation and airtightness of the building, using insulation and high- performance doors and windows to create an airtight structure that prevents drafts and retains heat. This reduces the need for costly ‘add-ons’ such as renewable energy or heating systems, as the building does all the hard the work for you.
For example, we have developed our own unique system to create an energy efficient fabric. The wall, roof and floor panels are designed to last for the life of the building and to be durable for a minimum 60 years.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
‘CLOSED’ AND ‘OPEN’ PANELS? Closed panel building systems refer to wall, floor and roof panels where high performance insulation has been fitted in the factory prior to delivery.
The more sophisticated closed panel systems can factory-fit windows, external doors and even patio doors before the panels are transported to your site. They can be erected extremely quickly, thereby reducing timescales and speeding up the build programme. Open panel systems refer to a structural frame that arrives on site without insulation or vapour control layers – it’s an ‘open’ format, hence the name. Once the building is weather- tight and the services have been installed, the insulation is then manually fitted between the studs before a vapour-proof barrier is placed on top. The final step is lining with plasterboard. This takes longer, as you can imagine.
WHAT ABOUT THE GREEN
CREDENTIALS OF TIMBER FRAME? Timber frame homes offer high thermal efficiency and require a lot less energy to
november/december 2019
www.sbhonline.co.uk 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
