Timber frame continues to grow
Despite the current economic climate we recently completed our 400th Timber frame design project.
There is no doubt that timber frame construction is continuing to increase in popularity and many developers see benefits in using the system. Benefits include;
• Lighter foundation loads leading to savings in foundation costs
• offsite construction of superstructure elements
• Reduction in weather susceptible external wet trades
• Reduction in the use of internal wet finishes
• Increased speed of construction reducing funding costs and bringing a completed building earlier to the purchaser.
• A basic material that locks in greenhouse gases and can be easily insulated to the highest standards. The vast majority of our design services relate to modern timber frame panel buildings including those that are 4 storeys and above requiring compliance with disproportionate collapse regulations. Timber frame construction can comply with these regulations without the need for complex steel or reinforced concrete frames. Once erected, including the roof the building can be made effectively weatherproof for finishing trades to follow on. To be fully successful timber frame needs to be considered from the start of the design of the process. We can assist in the pre-planning and preliminary design process to ensure unnecessary and costly design features are avoided. We have also been involved in unique timber frame design solutions using both green-oak frames with infill panels and engineered timber portalised structures that do not rely upon the wall panels for structure. One of our engineered timber framed structures was recently completed and provides open office space with demountable wall partitions allowing for future modification of the structure. If you are considering timber frame as a building solution we will be pleased to discuss or experience with you. In addition to advising on the superstructure we can also provide contaminated lad, geotechnical and foundation design together with infrastructure design services including roads and sewers.
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