Amazing Timber Frame Homes – 40 of the UK’s Best Timber Frame Houses

6. Contemporary Passivhaus Self Build Home

Beattie Passive teamed up with Mole Architects to design and deliver this fantastic Passivhaus overlooking the Cambridgeshire Fens. The home’s structure was created using Beattie Passive’s Passivhaus-certified build system – a timber frame solution that allows a continuous layer of insulation to pass from floor to wall and wall to roof, resulting in a complete thermal envelope that’s free from cold bridges.

Photo: Matthew Smith

The sympathetic build has been finished with larch timber cladding and features an overhanging butterfly roof for shade, plus solar PV panels to generate renewable energy. An upside-down layout, with the living areas on the second floor, allows the homeowners to make the most of the incredible views over the countryside.

7. Barn-Style Timber Frame Home in Aberdeenshire

Winner of the Best Timber Frame Home at the Build It Awards 2022, this project has been built in an exposed location so it was imperative for the building envelope to go up super-fast. Using timber frame meant the house shell was complete in just four weeks.

Photo: David Barbour

Fiddes architects designed the home and enlisted Angus Homes to supply the shell. They worked collaboratively to provide value-for-money for the client while achieving the desired finish inside and out.

The building uses a 140mm-thick timber frame with full fill mineral wool insulation, plus an additional 30mm layer of PIR insulation internally to achieve the planned energy performance. The house is clad in heat-treated Thermopine from Russwood, which delivers enhanced stability and durability.

8. Barn Conversion with New Timber Frame Structure

The Barn is a converted agricultural barn and certified Passivhaus in Somerset, designed by Shu Architects.

Photo: Brett Charles Photography

A timber frame structure, insulated with Warmcel, has been placed within the existing barn’s steel frame, with overhangs on the south and west sides to prevent overheating, and triple glazing.

9. Contemporary Timber Passivhaus Self Build

A green ethos lies at the heart of this eye-catching modern scheme, the design of which was developed by Gresford Architects. The highly insulated skeleton manufactured offsite by MBC Timber Frame, was key to achieving its certified Passivhaus standards of energy performance.

Photo: Quentin Lake

The structure was erected in just three weeks, with the swift construction speed minimising the amount of labour required on site. Recycled paper insulation and sustainably-sourced wood cladding were also chosen to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the project.

10. New England-Style Timber Frame House

Living in a two-bed Berkshire apartment, Simon and Julie Gibson realised they’d downsized a step too far. “With grumbles of our children coming back to live with us, we realised we’d need more space,” says Simon.

After seeing the property, they knew it was the one. “The land came with planning permission, but we weren’t keen on the design,” says Simon.

The couple enlisted timber frame specialist Potton to design their home, who incorporated their wishes into a house plan and submitted it to the local council. The process went smoothly with permission granted in eight weeks.

The Gibsons now have a cosy, comfortable home, which has plenty of space for their grown-up children and an open-plan kitchen-diner for sociable living.

11. Modern Timber Frame Self Build on Garden Plot

With the help of Fiddes Architects, Jim and Barbara Hewson have created a modern timber frame home in a section of their steading’s garden, where they had lived for 35 years.

Photo: David Barbour

The couple were coming close to retirement and had been debating whether to move or stay. However, they decided that their local area was just too perfect so looked towards the convenient plot of land in their back garden.

The couple wanted to create something that would echo their original home and ended up choosing a timber frame build from Scotframe with Siberian larch cladding and Corten roof.

12. Sympathetic Timber-Clad Eco House

Designed by Kirsty Maguire Architects, this sensitive eco home was built to Passivhaus principles and with low-carbon living in mind. Virtually no concrete was used during the house’s construction and the build sits on steel screw piles, preventing any damage to tree roots.

Photo: David Barbour

The timber frame structure is heated via an air source heat pump and insulated with a sustainable blend of recycled paper and timber insulation boards.

Photo: David Barbour

Outside, the barn-like exterior has been finished with Russwood’s high-performance Scotlarch cladding, specified in two different widths to create visual interest. This is carried inside with finishes such as timber and clay plaster, connecting the house with its woodland setting.

13. Timber Turnkey Home with Glazed Gable

Having found a suitable plot in West Sussex, this couple contacted Scandia-Hus to develop the plans which would become their new home. The couple opted for a turnkey building route, which meant that Scandia-Hus managed the project and took the scheme through planning to the completed build, while the couple were able to choose the finishing touches.

The property took the team just under 12 months to complete and enjoys all the energy-saving efficiencies that come standard with an airtight and highly-insulated timber frame construction, while also benefiting from an air source heat pump.

The four-bedroom property is 2,000 square foot and arranged over two storeys. The exterior comprises a unique mix of materials, including timber cladding and black render that provides the building with a sympathetic yet contemporary look, perfect for its woodland setting.

14. Striking & Contemporary Timber Self Build Project

English Brothers provided the structural components for this striking modern home. The kit comprised factory insulated panels with insulation liner board, with a cavity for services on the inner face of each panel.

As the owner wanted a high level of thermal performance, timber frame was key to the success of this bespoke project. An excellent level of airtightness was also required to maximise the efficiency of the heat pump ventilation system. The sleek, modern house is clad in timber, render and wall tiles.

15. Modern Timber Frame Self Build on Garden Plot

Freddie and Katie Pack saved up to build this contemporary and efficient house on their family’s Romney Marsh farm after living in a small cabin a few fields away.

Photo: Richard Gadsby

They set out to renovate an existing 1950s brick house on the plot, but soon realised it would be easier to knock down and self build a new home, recreating the farm-style design with a modern twist. The beautiful new home is clad in two types of Siberian larch, and the stunning interior features a bright open plan kitchen-living-diner.

16. Award-Winning Efficient Timber Frame Home

Jan and Philip used MBC Timber Frame’s sustainable, Passivhaus-standard timber house shell and foundation system to guarantee a continuously insulated and airtight fabric for their self build home, which ended up taking home the Build It Award for Best Eco Home 2022.

Some 50m² of south-facing triple glazing delivers free heat gain in winter, with a substantial roof overhang to prevent summer overheating. Low-energy features include a 5.5kW air source heat pump, Paul mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, and 3.5kW of solar PV backed up with a Tesla battery. The couple spends just £5 per week on space heating and hot water.

17. Striking Self Build in National Park Woodland

Dene and Debbie Happell have created this contemporary timber frame home in the Trossachs National Park, which pleased local planners following its sympathetic materials and striking design.

Photo: Douglas Gibb

The couple, who have gained ample experience through their own their design and build company Nest , were after somewhere to call their holiday home. Debbie’s parents had purchased a property looking over Loch Venachar and soon suggested that the couple build over a large rundown shed that existed on the site. Luckily, local planners had been looking to promote modern architecture to attract tourism to the area.

Photo: Douglas Gibb

So, what came next was their remarkable new home, completed alongside Cameron Webster Architects and using Fleming Homes’ timber frame shell that arrived on site with insulation already installed. “We chose this build method for speed and price,” says Dene.

18. Sympathetic Self Build Bungalow

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Kent, this sustainable timber frame bungalow by Scandia-Hus sits seamlessly within a wooded hollow. Local planning restrictions meant the height of the roofline and the scale of the house had to be reined in.

Lying low, it features a green roof that complements the surrounding forest, while its angular finish reflects the undulating ground. The exterior cedar cladding is a nod to the woodland, providing a contemporary finish.

19. Timber Frame and SIPs Self Build on the Coast

Trudy and Rupert Avis moved into their coastal Suffolk home over 20 years ago, and had hoped to build a bespoke property on their nine-acre plot of land ever since. The time finally came after the couple had settled into life in the house and welcomed two children.

Their brand new self build home has been constructed with a combination of timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPs), and finished with a blend of brickwork, Accoya wood and zinc cladding. The eco-friendly home invites plentiful natural light through its glazed gable during the day, and makes use of an efficient Kensa ground source heat pump.

20. Hands-On Timber Frame Self Build

The owners of this house were motivated by their desire to create a home that required little to no heating, which is why they chose a super-insulated passive structural system from MBC Timber Frame.

Once MBC had manufactured and erected the frame, as well as constructing the raft foundation, the owners rolled up their sleeves and tackled an array of construction tasks themselves in a bid to keep costs down. This cottage-style, one-and-a-half storey home is the result.

21. Self Build Home with Striking Exterior 

Timber Innovations provided the superstructure to this striking self build home designed by Hudson Architects. Metal and stone cladding make a statement alongside a fully-glazed corner area.

The external walls are made from the company’s Passiv Innovations walling system. And, with Larsen stud panels packed with Warmcell insulation for exemplar performance whilst avoiding thermal bridging.

22. Spacious Timber Frame Self Build

Keen to create a warm, energy-efficient dwelling, the owners of this Scandia-Hus home chose timber frame for its impressive insulation qualities, set price for the main build and the quick schedule on offer.

Gaining planning was a challenge, but Scandia-Hus offered invaluable support that meant the end result still incorporates everything the couple wanted.

23. High-Performance Timber Frame House

Dan-Wood supplied the structure for this high-performance, low-energy house. The owners were attracted to timber framing thanks to the speed of construction, as well as the fact that they could source everything they needed via one supplier by opting for Dan-Wood’s turnkey package.

The 18cm timber stud frame has been finished with render and timber cladding, and is packed with mineral wool insulation to achieve the owners’ performance goals. Once the structure was delivered to site, the envelope reached wind and watertight in only a few days.

24. Woodland Timber Frame Home

RX Architects designed this stunning angular home that fully maximises the difficult wedged-shaped plot. The uniquely structured timber frame home is finished in a soft wood tone, and with its rigid shape resembles a cluster of agricultural buildings, helping it to blend with the local vernacular.

Surrounded by woodland to the east and views across open countryside to the west, large glazed openings make the most of both views, with light pouring from all directions allowing the house to benefit from solar gain all year round.

25. Fabric First Approach for a Timber Frame Home

Energy efficiency is at the heart of this modern self build. Using their unique TechVantage S timber frame system, Frame Technologies was able to meet the couple’s high insulation and airtightness standards, with the finished build achieving a SAP rating of 99.

TechVantage S is a breathable closed panel system fully filled with 140mm 035 timber rafter batt in the factory. The system is lined on the inside with a 50mm PIR Liner and service batten and plasterboard with a Thermo breather paper on the outside.

26. Rural Timber Frame Farmhouse

Richard and Beth Wilson’s self build was less about meeting local authority stipulations and more towards safeguarding the identity of their village. Having purchased a plot with no real expectations, the couple were able to gain planning consent for their new home thanks to a low level of local housing stock.

The design of the six-bedroom, 526m² abode is a lot like a traditional farmhouse that has been extended over time. It sits well in the rural vernacular, with two distinctly different volumes – an older-looking, Georgian-style farmhouse at the front, with a contemporary timber-clad form at the rear.

The couple chose a timber frame kit from Fleming Homes for the excellent U-values, insulation levels and the speedy build times. The whole house was erected in just four weeks, and the couple were able to move in just twelve months later.

27. Turnkey Timber Frame House on the Coast

Dan-Wood’s Point 120 design was adapted to suit this seaside plot in Anglesey. The timber frame structure went up in just two days, with panels coming to site on tractors rather than lorries due to tight access.

The turnkey abode was completed in just six weeks and makes use of a contemporary monochrome exterior with expansive glazing throughout.

28. Treetop Timber Frame Home

This timber frame abode is nestled in a Devon treeline. The property uses concrete corkscrew foundations with a timber frame superstructure that’s packed with Celotex and sheep’s wool insulation.

The striking home makes a creative and beautifully scenic place to live.  And, as it blends in with the surrounding landscape its planning process and consent was made fairly easy.

29. Split Level Hilltop Dwelling

Sat peacefully on this hillside is this bold family home with a blackened timber facade. Designed by Cassell Tarring, the house features a series of split-level spaces that allows the homeowners to be separate yet connected at all times.

Photo: Daniel Fisher

Timber frame was chosen as the lightweight construction could be easily brought to the tight and steeply sloping site and built without requiring extensive foundations.

30. Modern-Look Timber Frame Package Home

When this couple came across Baufritz, they were impressed with the level of customisation they could offer, enabling them to create a truly unique home, whilst keeping within a pre-agreed budget and schedule.

“Both my husband and I were working full time and we just didn’t have time to waste with unclear budgets or timelines. And from all the prefabricated house builders, choosing Baufritz was quite simple.”

The resulting structure is a striking modern home set across four levels with plenty of space for the family of five. Building upwards makes the most of the plot, without compromising on outdoor space. At the front, rooms are private and enclosed, opening up into a social open-plan zone towards the rear.

31. Low-Cost Agricultural Style Self Build

Designed by 2020 Architects, this timber frame cottage is clad in a cost-effective black corrugated metal panels.

The agricultural-look home blends into the rural Irish landscape, but with glazed gables for a modern twist. The low-energy home features triple glazing and excellent insulation levels.

32. Cottage-Style Timber Frame Passivhaus in Nottinghamshire

The drive to live in a thermally-efficient property was one of the main driving forces behind Dominic and Shamim Byrne’s search for a new home.

Photo: Katie Lee

Although, after six months of house hunting, Dominic and Shamim were unable to find a property that ticked the right boxes. “We’d always been drawn to the idea of self building. When a garden plot came up for sale, on the edge of the town where we were looking, it made sense to check it out,” says Dominic.

Photo: Katie Lee

The couple bought the plot and 9 months later their new home was finished, complete with an upside-down layout. The MBC timber frame structure is clad in a brick skin, with clay pantiles on the roof that harmonise with the local vernacular. The home features solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and an air source heat pump (ASHP). The heat pump provides the hot water and powers the underfloor heating on the ground floor. Upstairs, no heating is needed.

33. Traditional-Look Timber Frame Self Build

This charming new build features oak, render, brick slip cladding and handmade clay roof tiles that harmonise with the cutting-edge and swif construction speed timber frame system, provided by Scandia-Hus.

The structural skeleton has been insulated with an Actis quilt lining inside to reduce cold bridging and create an airtight vapour barrier.

34. Stylish Timber & Brick Mix Home

Potton provided the structural components for this striking home in Cambridgeshire. Horizontally-laid timber cladding, bricks and expansive swathes of modern-looking glazing comprise the exterior materials palette, imbuing the new building with a contemporary agricultural twist.

Notable design flourishes include strategically positioned large feature windows, which have been placed on the front and rear elevations of the house to perfectly capture the pleasant garden outlook.

35. Timber & Oak Frame Prefabricated Self Build

This house is the result of a successful collaboration between Fleming Homes and Carpenter Oak. Keen to create a house that was economical to run, the owner approached Fleming Homes to design the bespoke timber frame, which incorporates factory-fitted insulation to deliver excellent energy efficiency.

The two structural systems work in tandem, with the timber frame ensuring the all-important thermal performance and the oak frame delivering the structural integrity and a host of interesting design features. For instance, the oak skeleton accommodates a level change between the kitchen and garden room, achieved via a drop in roof height that’s supported by a straight sling brace frame with passing principle rafters designed to form an attractive cross.

36. Unique Passivhaus with Striking Glazed Features

Built according to Passivhaus principles, this modern family home is the creation of Millar + Howard Workshop. Featuring a variety of angular forms, including a cantilevered gable structure positioned atop a frameless corner window, the house was designed to take in the panoramic rural views.

Larch cladding, some of which has been burnt to create a striking effect, works hand in hand with the more traditional stone-covered portions of the dwelling.

37. Split Level Timber Frame Self Build

Frame Technologies designed, manufactured and assembled the timber building components for this striking new build in Yorkshire.

Using a lightweight timber setup has allowed the load of the superstructure to be spread evenly across the footings, which saved them £10,000 on their project’s groundworks. The super insulated Tech-Vantage E system also achieves a high level of airtightness – an important consideration for the homeowners, who were keen to build to the incredibly efficient Passivhaus standards.

38. Timeless & Tasteful Self Build Home

Hanse Haus’s thermally efficient closed panel arrangement was chosen as the structural system for this new self build property.

Brick slip borders around the fenestration and base plinth add a traditional design flourish, infusing the house with a timeless aesthetic. The arched shape of the windows works in harmony with the decorative cross bar features to establish an authentic look, demonstrating how timber frame offers good scope for both traditional and contemporary style properties.

39. Ultra-Modern Timber Frame

Situated within the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty, it was essential for this new house to blend sympathetically with its rural surroundings and the vernacular architectural style.

The closed panel timber frame system was manufactured at the Baufritz factory in Germany before being transported to the UK.

Stone cladding has been used on the two gable ends and on section panels on the southern elevation, giving the property the authentic appearance of a traditional long barn structure. At the same time, vertical timber boards, powder-coated windows and a natural slate roof inject a crisp, contemporary edge.

40. Timber Frame House that Combines Old & New

Coming in at a build cost of £280,000, this timber frame dwelling was developed by Fleming Homes. While the front of the house is more traditional in appearance, featuring a characterful plinth of Welsh brown and blue-grey stone, the property’s rear has a much more contemporary look.

At the back, the use of a clean white render complements the crisp grey weatherboarding and larger spans of glazing. The homeowners chose timber frame largely because of the swift construction speed it offers.

This article was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated with new content in August 2024. Words by Sander Tel, Rebecca Foster & Emily Brooks.