2. What is “Timber FrameWhat is “Timber Frame
Construction”?Construction”?
Timber frame construction consists ofTimber frame construction consists of
prefabricated wooden wall panels, timberprefabricated wooden wall panels, timber
flooring and roof materials built upon a timberflooring and roof materials built upon a timber
framework. These timber components areframework. These timber components are
nailed to the framework to provide a sturdynailed to the framework to provide a sturdy
skeleton around which the external walls of askeleton around which the external walls of a
conventional building are built.conventional building are built.
3. What is “Timber FrameWhat is “Timber Frame
Construction”?Construction”?
Timber Frame Construction is a type ofTimber Frame Construction is a type of
ooff-site construction, which simply means “theff-site construction, which simply means “the
building of a structure or some element of thatbuilding of a structure or some element of that
structure, at a location which is not the samestructure, at a location which is not the same
site where the building will be permanentlysite where the building will be permanently
located for use.”located for use.”
Generally occurs within a manufacturingGenerally occurs within a manufacturing
or production plantor production plant
4. A Typical Timber Frame WallA Typical Timber Frame Wall
• The main difference between traditional build and timber
frame is that the inner shell is constructed from a timber structure
21. Timber Frame Construction –Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey HouseStandard Two Storey House
PHASE 1PHASE 1 – The Office– The Office
Engineer receives clients plans and carries outEngineer receives clients plans and carries out
structural calculations for the timber frame house.structural calculations for the timber frame house.
PHASE 2PHASE 2 – The Factory– The Factory
Floor joists, wall panels and roofFloor joists, wall panels and roof
trusses are manufactured accordingtrusses are manufactured according
to engineers specifications. The timberto engineers specifications. The timber
frame materials are loaded onto a lorryframe materials are loaded onto a lorry
and delivered to site.and delivered to site.
22. Timber Frame Construction –Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey HouseStandard Two Storey House
PHASE 3PHASE 3 – The Site –– The Site – DAY 1DAY 1
The base for the timber structure is marked out.The base for the timber structure is marked out.
The external walls are erected followed by theThe external walls are erected followed by the
internal partitions. The timber floor joists are theninternal partitions. The timber floor joists are then
lifted into position with the first floor wall panelslifted into position with the first floor wall panels
being installed on top of the floor joists.being installed on top of the floor joists.
23. Timber Frame Construction –Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey HouseStandard Two Storey House
PHASE 3PHASE 3 – The Site –– The Site – DAY 2DAY 2
The roof trusses are lifted by crane andThe roof trusses are lifted by crane and
laid into position on top of the first floorlaid into position on top of the first floor
wall panels.wall panels.
24. Timber Frame Construction –Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey HouseStandard Two Storey House
PHASE 3PHASE 3 – The Site –– The Site – DAYs 3-5DAYs 3-5
The timber frame is completed as follows:The timber frame is completed as follows:
fire stops and dpc’s are put in placefire stops and dpc’s are put in place
roof is felt and battenedroof is felt and battened
fascia is erectedfascia is erected
The Timber Frame House is now ready for the blocklayer,The Timber Frame House is now ready for the blocklayer,
glazing, roof tiller, electrician etc !!glazing, roof tiller, electrician etc !!
25. Advantages ofAdvantages of
Timber Frame ConstructionTimber Frame Construction
Speed of ConstructionSpeed of Construction
Quicker on site build time
Shorter programme
Execution of activities concurrently
Reduction in trades on site
Reduced preliminaries
Quicker return on investment
Manufactured in Factory ControlledManufactured in Factory Controlled
EnvironmentEnvironment
Dimensionally accurate
Reduced waste and better waste management
Reduction in defects not weather dependant
Factory controlled quality assurance
Increased health and safety
Greater efficiency in the use of transport and resources
26. Advantages ofAdvantages of
Timber Frame ConstructionTimber Frame Construction
Sustainable Method of ConstructionSustainable Method of Construction
Energy efficient & environmentally friendly
Has low embodied energy if constructed using local timber
Timber is recyclable
Fast heating due to low thermal mass
Low weightLow weight
Light weight construction requires less expensive foundations
Drying Out TimeDrying Out Time
Reduced drying out time for wet trades thus internal finishes
completed quicker
Flexibility of DesignFlexibility of Design ––
Extensions can be easily added and internal layouts can be
27. ConclusionConclusion
In recent years off-site construction has revolutionised the
way of thinking within the Irish industry when it comes to
how we design and build new structures
“Building better faster” has been adapted into the
thinking of Irish developers
As a result, timber frame construction has become more
and more popular through-out all sectors due to the
increase in speed of construction, cost savings and
increases in efficiency and sustainability
With more and more emphasis being place on
sustainability, the environment, and high energy rated
homes, timber frame construction is definitely the way
forward.
