Timber Frame Construction – The Sustainable, Flexible Choice For Building Contractors:

Timber Frame Construction – The Sustainable, Flexible Choice For Building Contractors

Timber framed buildings are strong, durable, and cost effective – and also boast an impressive array of green credentials. Here are a few of the surprising benefits of timber frame construction for property developments, refurbishments, and conversions.

1) Capture Carbon

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the environment, safely locking it away. The average tree takes in around 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of CO2 per year, and multiple trees contribute towards the building of a timber structured property, so this can make a very positive impact. In contrast, creating one masonry newbuild usually emits between 50 and 80 tonnes of CO2, making breeze-block homes significant contributors to the carbon crisis.

2) Speedy Builds

Due to its naturally lightweight structure and tensile properties, timber is a very versatile building material to work with. Timber panels can be manufactured in as little as a week and are often prefabricated off-site, so with carefully co-ordinated groundworks the superstructure can begin at once. Stick builds can be rapidly assembled on-site, and most builds can be rendered weathertight in under a week.

3) Excellent Properties

Organic materials such as wood have properties that are impossible to mimic with synthetic options. Timber is valued for its strength, durability, and shock-absorbing qualities. Wood has the same ‘stiffness’ strength as steel, meaning both can withstand the same stresses before breaking. However, steel is vulnerable to metal fatigue, which is the cracking, gradual weakening, and eventual failure caused by vibrations. In contrast, wood’s natural fibres mean that timber frames can continue to absorb shocks and vibrations for hundreds – sometimes even thousands – of years.

4) A Natural Insulator

The reason that many homes in colder and temperate climates are manufactured from timber – from Alaska to Switzerland to Japan – is the exceptional thermal qualities of wood, which is formed of billions of interconnected fibres that capture and retain heat. As energy prices increase, architects and builders can reassure clients that there are simple, cost-effective, and highly effective methods for improving insulation and heat retention long term.

5) The Freedom To Choose

One of the delights of timber is its flexibility. If you can dream it, you can build it. This flexibility begins at the design phase and continues to the final finish. Wood can be treated to alter the warmth of its colour, its reflectiveness, its texture, and its tone. In a statement of versatility, timber can even be shaped into graceful curves. Many timber treatments involve natural oils, which are highly sustainable.

6) Financially Sound

When implemented by a recognised contractor such as SC4 Carpentry, timber frame construction represents an excellent financial choice for multi-unit residential developments. Timber construction projects using prefabricated designs can be classed as ‘standard’ properties for both planning and funding purposes, making them straightforward to risk assess and therefore finance.

Next Steps

SC4 Carpentry are skilled and experienced timber frame construction contractors, serving the commercial and residential house building market. We produce high-quality, beautiful builds that combine all the natural benefits of wood with professional expertise and cost-effective project delivery. For more information, please get in touch today by calling 0330 120 0776.

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