What are Ecoframes self build timber frames?
What is an Ecoframes timber frame?
Efficiency
Timber frame is a far more efficient building method than conventional methods. This is mainly because:
- Panel fabrication is carried out under controlled factory conditions, which means that onsite works are greatly reduced (on a well organized site, an Ecoframes house can be wind and watertight within a week of delivery to site).
Self Build Timber Frame
- All components are manufactured to a high degree of engineering accuracy (millimetres) and delivered on-site in kit form for erection on prepared foundations. Unforeseen snags are therefore minimized with little or no need for post-construction remedial work.
- Fewer on-site workers are required to erect the building.
- Internally, the question of “drying out” does not arise. All internal trades (plumbing, electrical, flooring, dry lining, plastering, painting and decorating) can proceed immediately.
- Timber frame is a ‘right first time’ construction system (unexpected hidden mistakes or oversights cannot appear at a later date).
- A significant factor is the ease with which a high quality finish can be consistently achieved throughout the building, both internally and externally.
- Speed of erection dramatically reduces the influence of weather and seasonal considerations when planning to build (the interval between pouring foundations and moving in can be as short as 10 weeks).
- The foregoing factors combined are important to both client and builder in eliminating many of the elements of the drawbacks of traditional construction (delays, cost overruns, disputes etc.).
Design Flexibility
Timber frame is a highly flexible system that allows for imaginative design options. This flexibility emanates from the manner in which the building is constructed around a structural, load-bearing framework to which fabricated components (walls etc.) are attached. Architects and designers who seek something different can exploit features such as:
- High and vaulted ceilings
- Two-story atriums or other height features
- Larger rooms
- Extra large windows (e.g. double height)
- Split level rooms or other areas
- External and internal balconies
- Overhangs, colonnades, etc.
- Exposed structural timbers, with modern finish or recycled antique beams
- Wide choice of wall surfaces, interior and exterior
- Unique roof character
- Choice of thermal and acoustic performance ratings
Energy Saving
Timber frame homes achieve up to 50% better energy performance than do their conventional counterparts (it is no coincidence that timber frame dominates colder climates such as that of Canada and Scandinavia). In the UK, energy saving is now one of the priority considerations for house buyers and is a significant reason for the growth of timber frame in the UK.
Ecoframes offers thermal insulation options from a standard specification (which exceeds Building Regulation requirements) up to the highest levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes or PassivHaus. We encourage the use of natural fibre insulants including recycled newspaper, hemp, wood fibre and wool.. All wall insulation options include a choice of thickness for better thermal performance (the critically important attic insulation can be 400mm thick or more).
Sound Proofing
Ecoframes timber frame solutions achieve high levels of acoustic performance that can be varied to suit individual client requirements. We build in standard acoustic insulation that far exceeds the Building Regulation requirements. Upgrading of standard sound-proofing at the construction stage is regarded as a good investment by many clients (who may for example have music performers in the household).
