Benefits of a timber frame kit house in the United Kingdom

Timber has been a widely used construction material across the world for hundreds of years, and has continued to grow in popularity when it comes to building beautiful homes that stand the test of time.

With a collective drive for sustainability, timber has become a more mainstream construction method here in the UK - now being the fastest growing method of construction for domestic housing. Not only does it offer an array of benefits for those who are building the property, it also has plenty of advantages for those eventually purchasing it and making it their home.

Whether you’re a builder or a developer, or someone looking to self build your own home, we’ve shared our insights into why timber frame could be the best choice for constructing the perfect home...

1. Quick and cost effective to build

Off-site manufacturing in a controlled factory setting means that a lot of the hard work can be done before the build stage is underway, allowing for a quicker build time with minimal delays. This will also mean you can budget far more accurately, with factory fabrications allowing for costs to be fixed and timescales to be more exact so further stages of the build process aren’t held up.

The fact that timber is much more lightweight compared to other materials also allows for a very speedy construction process on-site, with cheaper transportation costs and none of the downtime that comes with ‘wet’ construction - a timber structure can be assembled and ready for external finishes within days, no drying out time required.

2. A green alternative to construction

As many of us now look to incorporate more environmentally friendly practices wherever we can, timber has become an appealing choice for homebuilders in recent years, as it’s both renewable and sustainable.

Since timber frames are incredibly long lasting, the rate of usage is lower than the amount of time it takes to grow and source. This means that timber can always be in ample supply without overproduction and excessive tree felling.

Another environmental benefit of timber is that it’s a non-toxic material, so it doesn’t slowly release any chemicals into the building, but instead stores carbon dioxide which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas, allowing for a safer, more eco-friendly option to building a home.

3. Excellent versatility

Another key benefit of using timber frame construction is that it affords endless possibilities, whether you’re looking to self build your own unique home or bringing a new residential development to life.

Since a timber frame weighs less than alternative materials, it can be used on brownfield sites or areas with difficult land conditions, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to the location. Timber can also be cladded in any external material which is easier to complement local regulations and planning requirements, and it can be partially manufactured off-site, allowing you to either buy the parts individually or a pre-made kit for straightforward assembly.

Not only is timber frame incredibly versatile throughout the build process, it also offers plenty of options in terms of the style you want to evoke in the finished home. Timber frame lends itself well to a huge variety of designs and features, from traditional to modern, open-plan spaces or exposed beams for adding a sense of character and bringing the beauty of natural wood into your interior aesthetics.

4. Energy efficiency and insulation

Homes that are eco-friendly are rapidly becoming more desirable, not only for buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, but also for those searching for a home that is more economical.

The natural properties of timber make it an excellent insulator and a very energy efficient option for building a home. Wood contains small air pockets which limit the ability to conduct heat, reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling the home.

Timber’s lightweight structure also means it offers more space for adding insulation than a brick building, allowing you to build a home that is highly energy efficient - particularly when used in windows, doors and floors. With a better insulated home, less energy is required to heat and cool each room which means less fossil fuel is consumed and energy costs are reduced.

5. A more durable solution

The life cycle of a timber frame far outperforms alternative solutions such as steel or concrete, making it an appealing option for developers or those looking to self build a home that will stand the test of time.

Wood buildings can last for centuries as a result of its natural properties. For instance, timber’s ability to absorb and release moisture make it very long lasting, and its resistance to a number of corrosive chemicals makes it highly durable and reduces the cost of maintenance and repairs in the future.

In addition to its highly durable properties within the internal structure, timber also weathers well in a range of different climates, so when used as a form of cladding it can withstand adverse weather and maintain a presentable exterior for years to come.