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Q&As
Can I still build a traditional timber frame home?
Hi
My structural engineer is telling me that I cannot build a traditional timber frame anymore since Grenfell. He tells me that I have to have an outer block wall, then a cavity before a timber frame structure inside. My plan was to have cedar cladding on the timber frame and installation.
Now the cladding has to be nailed to the blocks! This seems totally bonkers to me. I’m completely in conflict with all the timber frame house and timber frame kit stuff I found on the web. Does anyone know whether he is right or wrong? Many thanks
One Answer
Hi Jeremy,
You can still absolutely use a traditional timber frame construction no problem, but there are a few things to consider as with any build system.
These days you can’t really stick build your timber frame onsite, as this will not satisfy the criteria from the lenders and warranty providers, and you must always check with them first.
I would advise using a member of the Structural Timber Association (STA) to supply your timber frame, who will be STA Assure-approved, meaning that they are audited every 12 months by a third party. This should more than satisfy the mortgage and warranty lenders, delivering a quality product that is produced in a factory environment.
Regarding the cladding, you can fix it directly to the timber frame directly via counter battens. You do need to check with your warranty and lenders, as some only like a certain percentage of cladding. Again, your STA supplier can advise on this.
The great advantage of using a STA Member is, as part of their membership and STA Assure criteria, they will check the Offsite Fire Assessment and supply the right solution, which has to be done by all building systems these days.
Please advise your structural engineer to look at the documents library on the STA’s website, where he will find all the technical information he needs.
Best of luck with your project.
Simon Orrells (Director of Frame Technologies)