Timber frame: Re-engineering for affordable housing

As long as the population is growing, there will always be an increasing demand for a larger quantity of affordable housing. In the 1960s, it was recognised that the old, craft-based brick-built homes were no longer a viable option, and there was a need for a cheaper, more efficient option to solve housing problems.

Off-site, prefabricated systems were seen as the answer to this problem, and of the various building systems which were spawned as a result of this 1960s new thinking, timber frame is the only mainstream survivor.

Timber frame: Re-engineering for affordable housing outlines a timber frame design solution which could reduce time to completion on site, reduce site defects and save costs. Modular panels utilise non-modular junctions to achieve dimensional flexibility.

Contents:

• Core principles of a re-engineering strategy
  • Product design
  • Client/Customer development
  • Production and order fulfilment
• Re-engineering for affordable housing: concept ideas
  • Standardisation versus customisation
  • Consumer choice
  • Changes to Building Regulations
  • Right-first-time principle
• The re-engineered design solution
  • The frame
  • The wall
  • The floor
  • The roof
  • Service integration
• The details - Six key construction details to illustrate the main principles
  • Pre-cast foundation - Ground floor panel - Wall panel: Section
  • Storey height panel - Intermediate floor panel - Wall panel: Section
  • Special corner panel - Standard wall panels: plan
  • Upper wall panel - Roof eaves panel: Section
  • Ridge panel - Standard roof panels: Section
  • Upper wall panel/roof verge: Section