Timber Frame Construction
Timber frame construction in Ireland, though growing, still has plenty of growth potential in comparison with other countries and regions. For example, in the USA and Scandinavian countries over 70% of low rise buildings use timber frame construction.
Choosing timber frame as a construction method for your home can depend on many different considerations:
For example, design requirements, location and specifics of the plot, and whether or not there is flexibility in the schedule.
Typically timber frame construction is quicker on site (than brick and block) therefore it is less dependant on weather considerations. The building will attain a watertight status more quickly. It is common practice to construct an outer leaf using a variety of materials…e.g. stone, brick etc.
There are 2 key approaches to constructing a timber frame structure:
1) Platform Frame
2) Balloon Frame
1) Platform Frame is most commonly used and this method is based around erecting each storey separately. The ground floor is constructed as the platform for the next floor i.e. the first floor is superimposed on the floor below.
2)Using the Balloon Frame method, the walls are built as a continuous structure – 2 storeys high
Most timber frame construction will use some form of pre-fabrication or kit built homes.
The most commonly used methods are:
Open Panel Timber Frames
Closed Panel Timber Frames
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Open Panel is the most widely used; it is easy to construct on site from pre-fabricated parts. When the frames arrive on site, one side is open/un-boarded. This allows for the services and insulation to be inserted on site – once the building is weathertight.
This open side of the panel can then be closed over. This method allows for small changes once on site.
When choosing Closed Panel timber frame as the construction method, it is important to have significant pre-planning of all aspects of the design. The entire panels - with insulation, electrical wiring etc are constructed at the factory. The advantage of this method, is that assembly on site can be very fast. However, there is very limited room for making changes once the panels are on site.
Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) use timber panels instead of timber frame. SIPs use timber-based boards with rigid foam insulation in between. These panels are said to be stronger than traditional timber frame. Their thin nature also allows them to save on internal space.
There are various advantages to choosing timber-frame construction. Some of the key factors are:
Quality
The timber framed panels/frames are engineered at the factory under controlled conditions. Therefore accuracy and quality are key considerations.
Once onsite, quality during construction is also a requirement. Timber frame construction is less forgiving than the brick and block method!
Speed
Using a pre-fabricated timber frame structure is generally quicker to construct than a masonry building. As it is partly constructed off-site – under factory conditions – the frame/panels can be erected quickly once on site.
Warmth
Timber does not absorb heat in the same way as masonry, therefore it can heat up (and cool down) much faster.
Environmental Considerations
It is important that the timber used is sourced from sustainable forests, where new trees are planted to replace the trees that are cut down.
During their lifetime, trees absorb CO2 into the wood, therefore helping to reduce the level of global warming.
The costs of timber frame construction can seem more expensive than traditional masonry, due to the factory assembly requirements etc. However, when considering the option of choosing this method, it is important to weigh up the factory costs against the on-site costs for masonry construction (including potential delays for weather conditions).
Many factors, along with cost, such as schedule, location limitations etc. can be used to help make the decision on which construction method to choose.