Timber frame construction has traditionally proven a popular choice for people interested in sustainable building for a variety of reasons, not least because of its ability to reduce environmental impacts compared with traditional concrete-based construction: less embodied energy, a lighter carbon footprint and, in its prefabricated forms, arguably less waste on site. In Britain, timber frame manufacturing has doubled since the turn of the century, with industry turnover up 10% from 2007. Experts predict that the method will continue to grow in popularity in England and Wales, catching up on the 75% market share it currently enjoys in Scotland. Ensuring breath-ability is crucial in a timber frame construction. Most build-ups become more breathable, i.e. more vapour open, towards the outside of the construction. So, an airtightness and vapour control layer toward the inside and a more open breather membrane towards the outside of the build up, allows vapour and any moisture absorbed during the building phase to diffuse out of the construction.
Bio-based Renewable Materials Materials are renewable, Locally sourced, durable, and carbon sequestering.
Bio-based Renewable Materials Materials are renewable, Locally sourced, durable, and carbon sequestering.
Passive Environmental Systems Architectural design optimizes passive systems to reduce the units operational energy demands for energy, heating, and cooling
Passive Environmental Systems Architectural design optimizes passive systems to reduce the units operational energy demands for energy, heating, and cooling
Prefabrication and Shipping Prefabricated wall panels can be set in place by hand, creating a readily assembled, high performance building envelope
Prefabrication and Shipping Prefabricated wall panels can be set in place by hand, creating a readily assembled, high performance building envelope
Windows Prefabricated wall panels can be set in place by hand, creating a readily assembled, high performance building envelope
Windows
Prefabricated wall panels can be set in place by hand, creating a readily assembled, high performance building envelope
One of the biggest selling points of timber frame construction amid growing environmental awareness and the demand for sustainable https://passivehouseplus.ie/magazine/guides/the-ph-guide-to-structural-timber methods of building is that it is low-carbon – as long as the forests from which the timber comes are well-managed and replanted. Timber frame can help to reduce the embodied energy of construction, for a couple of reasons: timber products tend to be less energy intensive to manufacture than steel or concrete, and the material itself acts as a carbon sink.
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Growing trees soak up CO2, meaning that timber products can lock in place emissions for the lifetime of the building. It is estimated that during photosynthesis, 0.9 tonnes of CO2 is stored in every cubic metre of wood. When the building is demolished, the timbers can often be very easily recycled when they go out of use – though this will depend on the specifics of the build spec.
