Introduction to Timber Frame

Timber Frame is one of the oldest forms of construction in the world dating back through ancient history.
Modern day timber frame is precision engineered, durable and strong.

The idea of timber frame is to provide the structural shell of your project ready for all following trades to carry out their works.

The timber frame structure is engineered to withstand all elements and loads it will be exposed to, as one complete structural unit, allowing for more efficient and effective structural solutions.

First of all, timber frame sole plates are fitted to the structural slab. They are levelled and fitted with a string line to ensure they are straight and square.

The timber frame panels are then stood and braced plumb.

As the external timber frame walls begin to take shape, the internal timber partitions are moved into position to be fixed.

Internal timber partitions are fitted and braced and a head binder timber is fitted to the top of the external panels to tie them together and brace them straight.

All panels, including gable panels are fitted, and the breather membrane flaps are stapled overlapping their neighboring panels and any minor tears are repaired.

The roof trusses are lifted into position ready to be stood and braced.

Any structural feature work is lifted into position and fixed accordingly.

Roof Trusses are stood and braced progressively.

Once the timber frame structure is erected, it is common place for the roofer and the window fitters to work on site at the same time, ensuring that the structure is water tight. It took approximately 12 days to get to this stage on this project. From here it is possible to have trades working on the structure both internally and externally. This strcture can be cladded with timber, hanging tiles, render, brick/stone and any other type of cladding subject to the U values required.

The 3d model above shows a standard 140mm panel. The green face you see is the external ( outside )face of the panel. You will see if you rotate the panel that the internal face is effectively a timber stud wall. This wall then has a 9mm osb fitted to the external face, this closes off the external face of the panel but also braces the panel, ensuring it will stand up against natural elements such as wind loads. Then fixed on the 9mm osb
(the green layer) is what is know as a breather membrane. This keeps the moisture from the panel whilst it is being erected but also allows the panel to breathe once it is erected and in the cavity. You will also notice vertical line on the external of the panel. These are stud indicators. We staple plastic strapping on the external of the panels down the center line of the studs. This provides two functions; Assisting in keeping the breather membrane in place during the erect, and ensuring following trades know where the studs are to fix their brick ties of cladding battens.