Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame (IP3/15) was written by Mark Waghorn, Ed Suttie and Andrew Sutton and published by BRE on 13 January 2015.
Although timber frame has been a popular method for delivering housing in much of Europe and the US throughout the last century, this has historically not been the case in the UK. Cultural attitudes have resulted in a preference for masonry construction for its perceived permanence, and media coverage of timber-frame construction problems in the 1980s further affected people’s perceptions of this method. However, the cost benefits and convenience of construction with timber have meant it is increasingly favoured as a construction method in the 21st century.
Building with timber frame is one of the most sustainable methods of delivering new housing. If it is correctly managed, timber can be a renewable resource with lower embodied energy than masonry or concrete.
This 12-page information paper describes common approaches to timber framing in the UK and how these are evolving to meet the increasing demand for high performance, low energy housing. Case studies are also provided illustrating three approaches to low energy timber-frame residential construction.
The contents of the information paper are:
- Introduction.
- Description of the most common timber frame methods today.
- Adapting today’s methods for low energy standards.
- Issues relating to sourcing and processing timber.
- Conclusions.
- References and notes, and further reading.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A guide to the use of urban timber FB 50.
- Balloon framing.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Embodied energy.
- Sustainable materials.
- Sustainable timber.
- Timber frame.
- Timber framed buildings and fire.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.