Timber has a multitude of benefits that make it an ideal building material for use in construction projects.
From the speed of build, quality, performance and environmental benefits, it provides a perfect solution for self-builders, commercial developers and housebuilders alike.
But, whilst timber frame in construction is widely used in Scotland, with figures showing that in 2019, 92% of new-build homes were built from timber frame*, England has yet to embrace the material on the same scale.
So, why should you utilise timber frame construction for your self-build project, and what are the benefits of timber frame construction?
Design
For many, design is a hugely important part of building a home. Many homeowners decide to opt for a self-build project as they can design the home they’ve always dreamt of, offering the perfect layout for their family life.
And when deciding to build with timber frame, the material allows for greater flexibility when it comes to home design. Self-builders can easily modify a design to suit their lifestyle, customising everything from layout to size.
With its off-site construction capabilities, most of the build is undertaken in controlled factory settings, meaning the kit can be sent to site in a variety of locations – even rural spaces or far-flung locations that aren’t designed for high goods vehicles or heavy machinery. This is one of the reasons why self-builders in Scotland often opt for timber frame!
Energy efficiency
In recent years, the efficiency of a property has often been considered as an ‘add-on’, something introduced towards the end of the build. This is often included to meet the necessary building requirements. But more recently, with energy efficiency becoming more of a prevalent concern for self-builders, it has become a key area discussed right from the initial design stage.
It’s also become a particularly prevalent factor with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard, coming into full force in 2025. Timber frame construction is playing a vital part of the move towards this new standard, with heightened thermal insulation and airtightness a key benefit of timber frame construction.
Timber frame construction also utilises the ‘fabric first’ approach, ensuring that energy efficiency is prioritised from the design phase. This means that every element of a house build, from the walls, floors, windows and doors, considers its impact on the insulation of the property, helping to create an airtight structure, reducing the need for additional heating and ventilation systems at a later stage.
Sustainability
Alongside energy efficiency, today’s self-builders are often conscious of the materials they are using, and whether they have a detrimental impact on the environment. Timber frame is often referred to as one of the most sustainable forms of construction, being naturally renewable and carbon neutral.
Here at Scotframe, all the timber used in our timber frame kits is procured from responsible sources certified FSC® or PEFC, reassuring our customers that the timber is from a reliable source.
Alongside a long lifespan, timber frame is a great material for a more sustainable design choice.
Speed of the build
Many self-builders often opt for timber frame over traditional masonry methods due to the speed of construction. After years of planning, many want to get their dream home designed and built, which can often take years with traditional bricks and mortar homes.
There are many reasons timber frame construction is faster, but this is mainly due to its off-site method of construction. As mentioned earlier in this blog, timber frame designs are typically built ‘off-site’ in a controlled factory setting, and the kits are then delivered to site and ready to be erected, which can often take just a matter of days.
When it comes to the build itself, the site team also don’t need to consider weather conditions – construction can take place during rain, frost and even snow!
And the timber frame kit can usually be made wind and watertight in just a matter of days, allowing the self-builders see their dream home’s structure in less than a week.
Cost
Timber frame construction also provides huge benefits, cost-wise.
Of course, any self-builder knows that designing and building your own home comes with a price tag. But with fewer days on-site, due to the majority of work being undertaken off-site, and a shorter construction time over other build methods, this helps to greatly reduce costs in this area.
With prefabricated panels, timber frame kits also provide a higher level of quality control, meaning there’s less chance of call backs for any issues that have occurred during the construction process.
And to minimise issues on-site, it’s also worthwhile opting for an experienced, highly qualified team that can support you at every step of the build.
Here at Scotframe, our team has over 30 years of experience in timber frame builds, helping hundreds of self-builders to create the home of their dreams.
Valutherm+, our industry-leading, unique closed-panel solution for wall, roof and floor systems has been designed to provide exceptional thermal performance to ensure your home will be at a comfortable all year round.
With over 47 house types to choose from and configure to suit your desired requirements, our team can help you to design, plan and build the perfect home for you and your family, utilising the many benefits of timber frame construction.
So, if you’d like to discuss taking on a self-build project with us, get in touch with us today, or visit our website at www.scotframe.co.uk.
*Gov.uk, 2022