Timber frame

The term 'timber frame' typically describes a system of panelised structural walls and floors constructed from small section timber studs, clad with board products, in which the timber frame transmits vertical and horizontal loads to the foundations. It is generally not used to refer to timber post and beam structures or to timber engineered structural frames.

Timber frames can be the most suitable choice if the structural shell is required quickly, if the ground conditions are particularly poor, or if the design does not include very large structural spans. For more information, see Advantages and disadvantages of timber frame buildings

There are a number of ways developing timber frame structures:

• A commonly-used method for constructing timber frames is the platform frame, in which each storey is formed by floor-to-ceiling timber panels and a floor deck which then becomes the platform for constructing the next storey.
• The engineered stud method with the installation of insulation between the load-bearing timber studs.
• The twin stud method involves two timber frame stud walls, positioned parallel to one another, (sometimes with only one carrying the vertical load), with an insulated cavity separating them.
• Structural insulated panels (SIPs) take the form of an insulating core sandwiched between two structural facings. In the UK, the mainstream suppliers typically use the same structural facing – oriented strand board (OSB). For more information see Structural insulated panels.
• Cross-laminated timber (CLT) building systems. See Cross-laminated timber for more information.

Fire resistance can be enhanced by internal linings, such as plasterboard, and cavity barriers which prevent fire from entering the cavity. For more information, see Timber framed buildings and fire.

Timber elements can also be oversized to aid fire resistance. For more information, see Sacrificial timber.

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