If you are considering different forms of construction for your new home then timber frame construction should definitely be considered alongside traditional methods of brick and block construction.
Build Speed and Programme Certainty
A timber frame can be completed and made weather tight within days, rather than weeks. This is due to the structural panels being pre-manufactured off site to precise dimensions, which allows for poor weather to have less of an impact than it would with a traditional masonry build. This allows for a much more definable build program.
Thermal Performance
The timber frame walls of a timber frame house are generally deeper than a standard cavity brick wall allowing for deeper insulation. It is easy to achieve U-values of 0.15 W/m²K or better in a timber frame house. This is to meet current building regulations and often to exceed them using normal materials and simple details.
Design Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of Timber Framing is the ease with which internal walls can be moved during the design process and even after completion of the build. The non load bearing partitions can be easily moved to accommodate any change in use.
Structural Performance in UK Conditions
Timber framed buildings perform well in wet weather as long as they are correctly detailed to allow the building to dry out. Information regarding the regulatory framework for self-build buildings can be found within the GOV.UK self-build planning and construction guidance.
Cost Predictability
This is because the frame has been priced and manufactured before the start of the build, thus avoiding the usual exposure to fluctuations in the cost of materials and labour that can occur on a masonry build mid-project.
Timber Frame Construction is covered in more detail at https://merlintimberframe.co.uk.
Both methods can produce a great home but for us it is timber frame for the speed, efficiency and efficiency that it brings to the build process.