Introduction to timber frame construction

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Timber frame construction of some description is a method which has been around for millennia; however over time it has become a tremendously refined practice to the point that - as buildings of up to six storeys become widely used in England and Wales - timber frame constructions of today are unrecognisable next to their ancestors.

Modern methods of timber frame construction were introduced into the UK in the 1960s and are a fully accepted method of building. Whilst not suitable for every construction situation, timber frame construction has its own range of strengths compared to alternative materials the most appealing being the quick assembly time due to the ability to prefabricate elements.

This Wood Information Sheet will give readers a solid understanding of timber frame construction and contains information on the benefits of its use, as well as the ways in which it can work with other construction materials such as external cladding on brick walls.

This WIS serves as a starting point for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of timber framed construction and contains a list of other useful references and reading examples.

 

Contents:

  • Benefits of timber frame construction
  • Related publications
  • Method of construction
  • Other structural elements
  • Services
  • Preservative treatment

Suggested Reading

Green oak - back in the framenavigation-arrow

Senior Architect Patrick Hislop RIBA discusses the surge in interest in green oak framing and offers points of good practice based on a new TRADA Wood Information Sheet, Principles of Green Oak Construction.

Article from the TRADA Timber Industry Yearbook 2012

01/01/2012 |  Magazine Article  

Improving thermal performance of existing timber frame buildingsnavigation-arrow

As fuel prices rise, fossil fuel supplies become more unpredictable and we strive to reduce our CO2 emissions, every Watt saved now counts.

This Wood Information Sheet (WIS) outlines the options for improving the thermal performance of existing timber frame buildings and summarises the important issues that specifiers...

06/04/2015 |  Wood Information Sheet  

Living in a modern timber frame homenavigation-arrow

This publication will help timber frame companies and insurance organisations encourage homeowners to look after their homes by understanding better how they are built. This document covers a number of key topics including how to check if the house is timber frame, how the house was built and also some...

01/01/2011 |  Info from other organisation